Botanical Survey of Tchabal Mbabo, Adamawa Province Cameroon For: Transboundary Collaboration for Ecosystem Conservation: the Mountain Forests of Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria and Tchabal Mbabo, Cameroon; project number RAF/G43/A/1G/31. Report compiled by Hazel Chapman Nigerian Montane Forest Project University of Canterbury 2004 Report layout by Matt Walters University of Canterbury, NZ 2004 Table of Contents Sketch map Executive summary Terms of reference Personnel Itinerary Methods Literature review Vegetation units and preliminary inventory for key plant species 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 10 Overgrazed Sporolobus africanus grassland Hyparrhenia grassland Water seepages/bogs Montane escarpment forest Submontane forest Hyparrhenia savanna > 1500 Hyparrhenia savanna < 1500 Woody savanna/ transition forest Savanna Lowland Savanna Montane gallery forests Submontane gallery forests Lowland gallery forests Afromomum swamp forest Montane forest – grassland ecotone Cultivated flood plains with Pennisetum purpureum 11 11 11 13 13 13 15 15 15 17 17 19 19 19 21 21 Comparisons with previous surveys Priority localities for biodiversity conservation Threats to biodiversity Recommendations for conservation and management References Appendix 1 Appendix 2 Appendix 3 Appendix 4 23 25 28 29 30 31 32 32 33 Figure 1 Sketch map of Tchabal Mbabo showing the locations referred to in the text. DODEO NDONGAWA FUNGOI DADAWAL YANGARE MAYO KELELE WOGOMDOU SAMBO LABO TCHABAL MBABO CAMEROON Elevations > 2400 m > 2000 m > 1600 m > 1200 m 20 km DRAWN WALTERS 2004 AFTER THOMAS 1996 2 Executive Summary Vegetation units Sixteen vegetation units were identified during the survey, and twelve of these were of sufficient area to include on the preliminary vegetation map: 1. Overgrazed Sporolobus africanus grassland 2. Montane Hyparrhenia grassland* 3. Water seepages/bogs* 4. Montane escarpment forest 5. Submontane forest 6. Hyparrhenia savanna > 1500 7. Hyparrhenia savanna < 1500 8. Woody savanna/ transition forest 9. Savanna 10. Lowland savanna 11. Montane gallery forest 12. Submontane gallery forest 13. Lowland gallery forest 14. Afromomum swamp forest* 15. Montane forest – grassland ecotone 16. Cultivated flood plains with Pennisetum purpureum* * Present but not mapped. Globally significant botanical diversity The montane and submontane forests of Tchabal Mbabo and Gashaka Gumti National Park (GGNP) are globally important because they are satellite populations of many Afromontane endemics, and are of a rare dry type. This survey identified ten IUCN globally threatened montane plant species on Tchabal Mbabo, and there are undoubtedly more. Locally these forests are crucial for maintaining a year round water supply for local communities and are the headwaters of several major rivers. They are also habitat for wildlife. Together the montane forests of Tchabal Mbabo and GGNP provide a good representation of West African montane vegetation to 2400 m in elevation. Moreover the natural transition of savanna through submontane to montane forest is rarely found in West Africa. Despite being geographically close and geologically similar, the upland forests of Tchabal Mbabo and GGNP are subtly different in their floristic composition, presumably reflecting historical differences. This is evident in the fact that Gashaka Gumti forests are home to chimpanzee and other frugiverous primates which are absent on Tchabal Mbabo. The savanna and gallery forest below +/- 1500 m are not especially significant for their species composit ion, but becom e so in the context of a whole mountain ecosystem. Threats Threats to the vegetation of Tchabal Mbabo come from the local Fulbe in terms of overgrazing by cattle, burning and wood collection. Contractors from Bamenda are organizing the unsustainable harvest of Prunus africana. Recommendations Recommendations for conservation and management support the idea of creating a National Park incorporating the whole of Tchabal Mbabo with different management zones: 1) total protection (escarpment forests, and some areas of the plateau with representative types of stream fringing forest). 2) rural development on the plateau with the introduction of alternative grazing and wood sources. Eucalyptus species have proved very effective on neighboring Mambilla Plateau in Nigeria, but fast growing native species such as Croton macrostachyus and Hallea stipulosa could be trialed. 3) rural development on the Dodeo plain with a wide buffer zone between it and the bottom of the escarpment. 3 Terms of Reference Objectives To produce an inventory of the actual vegetation in the Tchabal Mbabo area, taking into account differentiation according to habitat. The focus of the survey was on the key species (abundance, spatial distribution and value) that support the global importance of conservation of Tchabal Mbabo. Special attention was paid to the state of the montane forests and the transition towards wooded savannahs and the spatial distribution of these habitats, in order to support the creation of a transboundary conservation area. Activities 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. A review of the results of previous vegetation surveys and studies at Gashaka GumtiTchabal Mbabo. A survey of some poorly known sites within the defined project area of Tchabal Mbabo. The development of a preliminary inventory for key plant species and the characterization of vegetation units of the draft vegetation map in close collaboration with Gideon Shu. The identification of priority localities for biodiversity conservation (zones of high/medium/low biodiversity interest) from a botanical point of view. Information on threats to biodiversity at these and other sites. A series of recommendations based on biodiversity factors for conservation and management. Outputs 1. The floristic characterization of main units distinguished on the draft vegetation map (developed on the basis of Landsat ETM + imagery by the GIS consultant). 2. A report on the globally significant botanical biodiversity of the project area. Personnel Dr Hazel Chapman, Botanist, University of Canterbury, New Zealand Mr Markson Markus, Botanical Assistant, Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Gashaka, Nigeria. Mr Gideon Shu, GIS specialist, Douala, Cameroon. Markson Markus and Gideon Shu consulting the GPS in savanna below Fungoi. 4 Itinerary January 2004 W 07 Arrived in Sambolabo from Banyo. T 08 Drove from Sambolabo to Mayo Kelele and on to the Prunus camp. Trekked on to the Yangaré camp (2025 m elevation). Spent the afternoon studying the stream fringing forest fragments and collecting specimens. F 09 Descended into and studied the Prunus forest on the escarpment edge, due north of Yangaré camp at 2166 m; N 07.24061; E 012.14579. Descended approximately 400 m into the forest. Collected specimens and studied the species composition. Could not go further as our guide was unhappy with the terrain. S 10 From the Yangaré camp walked East along the escarpment edge to where we could descend a steep bluff which allowed us to study ungrazed grassland and forest edge communities. Descended from 2223 m – 2117 m; N 07o14’46.0”; E 012o 09’00.4”. Collected and took photographs. Returned to camp via a seepage area where we collected. S 11 Trekked from Yangaré camp to Tchabal Mbabo village where we were reunited with Gideon Shu and the other members of the biodiversity survey team. Collected en route. Camped by a swamp forest fragment, full of Afromomum sp: at 1710 m; N 07o 15’16.2”; E 012o 15’19.1”. Met with the Ardo of Tchabal Mbabo and received a warm welcome. M 12 Walked to Ndongawa camp in a transition between grassland and forest: 1924 m; N 07o18’ 59.9”; E 012o12’47.8”. Spent the afternoon drying and identifying specimens. T 13 Stayed at Ndongawa studying and collecting in a nearby gallery forest. Entered at 1923 m; N 07o 18’57.8”; E 012o12’48.0”. Here we used a local guide, Abubakkar, from the nearby Fulbe camp. W 14 Spent the morning studying another nearby gallery forest at +/- 1810 m; N 07o 18’53.4”; E 012o12’38.4” and the surrounding little grazed Hyparrhenia savanna. This was followed by a long walk down to a camp site at the confluence of the Mayo Ledi and Mayo Barka at 718 m; N07o22’21.2”; E012o 07’01.0”. During this walk we passed interesting gallery forest that warrants further study. T 15 Examined the gallery forest and savanna at +/- 700 m and then trekked on to Dodeo village and our camp site by the Mayo Deo at 637 m. Approximately 6 hours walking. S 17 Trekked from the Mayo Selbe camp to Fungoi: 2059 m; N 07o15’08.3”; E 012o03’35.3”. As this was a 9 hour walk we could only observe the vegetation types we passed through, but they were woody savanna with gallery forest, montane forest fragments and overgrazed Sporobolus grassland. The gallery forest between 1200 m – 1500 m needs study. S 18 Spent the morning drying and identifying specimens. In the afternoon studied the forest fragments round Fungoi and walked over to the escarpment edge to look into the forest far below. M 19 Changed all the botanical specimens and wrote up notes in the morning. Trekked to Mayo Kelele in the afternoon, collecting at a water seepage spot en route. T 20 Trekked down to Sambolabo where we met up with Dennis Anyi and took bikes out to Banyo. 5 Methods Study area The botanical survey was undertaken by trekking round Tchabal Mbabo from Mayo Kelelé via Yangaré, Tchabal Mbabo village, Dodeo and Fungoi (Fig. 1), studying the vegetation types and collecting botanical specimens as we went. Particular emphasis was placed on the montane ecosystem because this is the most botanically rare and interesting vegetation type on Tchabal Mbabo. Ground-truthing Throughout the study we conferred with Gideon Shu in order to ground-proof (interpret and corroborate) his GIS land cover map. GPS Wherever conditions allowed a global positioning system was used to locate the position (to within 20 meters) of studied vegetation sites and specimens collected. Forest canopy prevented accurate use of the GPS. Botanical collections Eighty five botanical specimens of both fertile and sterile material that we were unable to identify in the field were collected for identification at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. The specimens were pressed on site, and the paper changed each evening. Photographs Three hundred photographic slides were taken of Tchabal Mbabo during the study. These are available on request. Nomenclature Plant species nomenclature follows that of Lebrun and Stork (1991-1997). 6 Literature Review A review of the results of previous vegetation surveys of Gashaka Gumti-Tchabal Mbabo Gashaka Gumti The Nigerian side of the project boundary area is almost all within Gashaka Gumti National Park and includes the Gotel Mountains (Cabbal Waddi and Gangirwal) and undulating uplands running between Gangirwal to Cabbal Delam and Filinga (Fig 1). The area is altitudinally, geologically and scenically very reminiscent of neighboring Tchabal Mbabo, which is located approximately 40 km NNE (Fig 1). The first published account of the Gotel Mountains was by Tuley and Jackson (1971), who visited the area in the dry season of 1969. Their collections were mainly herbaceous and included two new species to science, an Eriocaulon (sp. nr. pulchellum) and a Bidens sp. Fifty nine of their collections, mostly herbs, were new to Nigeria. The following year a botanical expedition from Ife University visited the area, again concentrating on the herbaceous flora (Hall, 1970). The first forest study of the Gotel Mountains was by J.D. Chapman between 1974 and 1975 (Chapman and Chapman, 2001). His account is based on detailed analysis of profile strips and the collection of over 3000 herbarium specimens. It describes forest structure, species composition and physiognomy from sub-montane (1400 m) to montane (2000 m), and describes the montane grassland. Chapman describes five forest types in detail, named after their dominant species: 1. Albizia gummifera – Nuxia congesta forest at 1830 m in elevation 2. Pouteria altissima forest at 1830 m in elevation 3. Prunus africana - Syzygium guineense subsp. bamendae- Podocarpus latifolius forest at 2090 m in elevation 4. Syzygium guineense subsp. bamendae stream source forest at 2130 m in elevation 5. Montane forest and outliers above 2290 m At this altitude the forest edge communities typically comprised Hypericum species with some Agarista salicifolia, Adenocarpus mannii and Gnidia glauca. The montane grassland was rich in fire-sensitive grasses and herbs, several of which IUCN recognise as being globally threatened. Leinde Fadalie forest at 1700 m is more species rich than the above, including the canopy trees Entandrophragma angolense, Pterygota mildbraedii, Anthonotha noldeae and Cordia millenii. Twenty four IUCN Red Data List species were recorded from the Nigerian side of the boundary (Chapman and Chapman, 2001), and there are likely several more, as over three hundred of the more unusual specimens sent to Kew have yet to be identified. A later expedition to the area was made by Dowsett- Lemaire (1989). Her description is based on a few days’ observations and on the (then) unpublished accounts by J. D. Chapman. They are especially valuable in setting the forests in a phytogeographical context, and emphasize the high proportion of Afromontane endemics or near endemics but the paucity of local endemics in the Nigerian montane forests. 7 In 2002 a team from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, visited the whole of the boundary area between Njerwai and Filinga, collecting botanical specimens as they went (Chapman et al. 2004). This was the first botanical exploration of the northern part of the Gotel Mountains and beyond, and highlighted the need for further, more detailed botanical work. This expedition discovered a new species of shrub belonging to the genus Metarungia, Family Acanthaceae, in Leinde Fadalie forest. Tchabal Mbabo The vegetation of Tchabal Mbabo was first mapped by Letouzey (1985) as part of a national inventory and vegetation map. The map was based primarily on aerial photos and comparison with other parts of the Adamaoua region. In 1996 Duncan and Jane Thomas carried out a botanical survey of part of Tchabal Mbabo to ground-truth Letuzey’s map and classify the vegetation types for conservation purposes. In this context they found it necessary to make large alterations to Letouzey’s work (Thomas and Thomas, 1996). The Thomas team spent eight days in the Sambolabo / Mayo Kelele / Fungoi area and a further two days in the Hossere Bong Bong / Mayo Baleo (north extension of Tachabal Mbabo) areas. They collected 198 botanical specimens during this trip, mainly from montane forest vegetation. Based on the results of this field survey Thomas and Thomas revised Letouzey’s (1985) map and simplified it to identify two elevational zones: a higher zone of montane / submontane forest, scrub and grassland at or above 1700 m, and a lower zone of Sudanian wooded savanna with gallery forests (Table 1). They found that elevation was the most important correlate with vegetation. The Thomas and Thomas (1996) report highlights the fact that the main botanical interest of Tchabal Mbabo is in the presence of well developed montane forest, a vegetation type rare in western Africa, and in the natural transition from montane forest to savanna/gallery forest, an ecological transition that is seldom seen in western Africa. They suggest that Tchabal Mbabo may be the best example of this transition in the area. Further botanical work on the Tchabal Mbabo area was published in 2000 as part of a larger remit from WWF identifying vegetation zones over Tchabal Mbabo, Tchabal Gandaba and Vallée du Mbéré to contribute towards the creation of a conservation area in the highland ecoregion (Grégoire 2000). It does not add botanical information relevant to this survey. 8 Table 1 (From Thomas and Thomas 1996) Reclassification of the vegetation of the Tchabal Mbabo area. The main units of classification fall into two groups -- montane above 1700 m and savanna below 1700 m, which is probably best described as a mid-Sudanian savanna with Guineo-Congolian galleries. Veg. belt by elevation Mapped vegetation type(s) Included vegetation types Montane belt (above 1700) Montane prairie Montane galleries Saxicolous Cultivation Montane forest/scrub Grassy ridge tops Saxicolous Submontane savanna (1200-1700) Savanna +/- wooded Gallery forest Cultivation High savanna (800-1200) Savanna woodland Gallery forest Cultivation/fallow Mid-elev. savanna (500-800) Savanna woodland Gallery forest Other riparian Fallows Cultivation 9 Vegetation units and preliminary inventory for key plant species The results of our 2004 survey are in general agreement with Thomas and Thomas (1996) as to the distribution of vegetation types and in stressing the high scientific / conservation value of the montane and sub montane forest elements. We agree that elevation plays a major role in determining plant species composition, but also emphasise the role of fire and cattle grazing. Combining all factors we have recognized twelve vegetation units of sufficient area to include on the vegetation map (Tables 2 and 3). Table 3 highlights the similarities in interpretation between Thomas and Thomas (1996) and this report, but also illustrates differences in detail; for example while Thomas and Thomas (1996) talk about a montane belt above 1700 m, within this belt we distinguish montane gallery forest above 2000 m. Thomas and Thomas (1996) define the lower altitude of ‘montane prairie’ as 1700 m elevation, while in this report it’s equivalent ‘Overgrazed Sporolobus africanus grassland’ is mapped with a lower limit of 1500 m. Discrepancies such as these are explained by the fact that the two surveys did not always overlap in locations visited. Our later survey therefore compliments and adds to the very astute observations of Thomas and Thomas (1996). Table 2 Vegetation units and (mapping units) of the Tchabal Mbabo area based on a combination of Landsat ETM (Gideon Shu 2004) and ground truthing. Vegetation Units and (Mapping Units) Altitude (m) A. Grassland 1 2 3 (A1) Overgrazed Sporolobus africanus grassland Montane Hyparrhenia grassland* Water seepages / bogs* > 1500 > 1700 > 1500 B. Montane / submontane Forest 4 5 (B1) Montane escarpment forest (B2) Submontane forest > 1700 1700 – 1500 C. Savanna 6 7 8 9 10 (C1) (C2) (C3) (C4) (C5) Hyparrhenia savanna Hyparrhenia savanna Woody savanna/ transition forest Savanna Lowland savanna > 1500 1500 – 700 1500 – 1000 1000-700 < 700 D. Gallery Forest 11 12 13 14 (D1) Montane gallery forest (D2) Submontane gallery forest (D3) Lowland gallery forest Afromomum swamp forest* > 1800 1800 – 1500 < 1500 > 2000 E. Ecotone 15 (E1) Montane forest – grassland ecotone >1700 F. River flats 16 C ult ivated flood plains with Pennisetum purpureum* < 700 Within several of these basic vegetation units are variations depending on local biotic and /or abiotic conditions. *Vegetation units 2, 3, 14 and 16 occur on too small a scale to include on the vegetation map. 10 Vegetation unit 1 Overgrazed Sporobolus africanus grassland (Plate 1 ) Overgrazed and frequently burned Sporobolus africanus grassland is the most common vegetation type on the rolling hills of Tchabal Mbabo plateau above +/- 1500 m. Others grasses include the introduced Kikuyu grass, Pennisetum clandestinum which is most successful round cattle camps, Hyparrhenia rufa and Melinis minutiflora. Shrubby Solanum indicum is widespread, and often associated with cattle camps, as is the thorny Solanum aculeastrum. Sparsely scattered small trees include Croton macrostachyus, Syzygium guineense subsp. guineense, Bridelia speciosa, Trema orientalis, Ficus species and Sesbania macrantha. Many herbs survive in the grassland, most of them widespread and common, for example Coreopsis sp., Echinops longifolia, Geranium arabicum, Kalanchoe crenata, Veronica abyssinica, and Wahlenbergia sp. The Threatened Helichrysum cameroonense was locally common in the grassland near to the Yangaré camp site. Between Yangaré and Tchabal Mbabo village at +/- 2300 m elevation was a thick stand of the fire sensitive shrubs Erica manneii and Adenocarpus mannii. The only Eucalyptus seen was close to Tchabal Mbabo village wh er e th er e are some individual tr ees and some small plots. Botanically interesting habitats within the Sporobolus grassland include seepage areas; wherever there is any protection from grazing these semi waterlogged habitats support herbs and sedges, and are worth further investigation. Vegetation unit 2 (Plate 2) Montane Hyparrhenia grassland o o Under steep bluffs at 2117 m elevation; N07 14’46.3”; E12 .09’00.4”, on the northern edge of the escarpment are areas of Hyparrhenia rufa, with Hyparrhenia sp., Melinis minutiflora, Ludetia simplex and Andropogon sp. Herbs included an Aloe sp., Blaeria spicata, Euphorbia sp, and Wahlenbergia krebsii, and bushes Protea madiensis. The influence of past fires was evident, creating a mosaic of grass species. It was clear that given time and protection from fire Gnidia woodland would establish here. Vegetation unit 3 (Plates 2 and 3) Water seepages / bogs Most water seepage / bog areas have been destroyed by cattle trampling and subsequent drying out. One we came across was on some bluffs north of Yangaré at 2275 m elevation; N07o14’26.8”; E012o08’57.5”, and another at a similar altitude on the path between Fungoi and Mayo Kelele. Plants collected included several species of grasses, Carex species and small herbs such as a creeping Hypericum sp. and a small Dissotis sp. This vegetation unit needs further exploration. 1 11 2 Plate 1 Vegetation unit 1. Heavily grazed Sporolobus africanus between Fungoi and Mayo Kekele. Cattle, sheep and horses are common grazers. Plate 2 Vegetation units 2 and 3. Steep bluffs covered with Hyparrhenia rufa tussocks at 2000 m elevation, with a water seepage area between them. The steepness of the terrain provides natural protection from grazing and fire. Plate 3 Vegetation unit 3. The water seepage area on the main path between Fungoi and Mayo Kelele. Several species of Carex, grasses and her bs wer e collected and are awaiting identification. 3 12 Vegetation unit 4 Montane escarpment forest (Plate 4) Above +/- 1700 m montane escarpment forest is confined to the steep slopes of the north / north west escarpment edge where there is protection from fire and grazing. As with the montane gallery the escarpment forest is relatively species poor. Where we worked, on the north facing escarpment edge north of Yangaré between +/- 2166 – 1800 m elevation N07 o 24’06.1”; E12o .08’57.9” it was dominated by Prunus africana reaching only 8 to12 m in height. They were gnarly and very black, and typically festooned with mosses. Other canopy trees included Schefflera abyssinica, Nuxia congesta and Syzygium guineense subsp. bamendae. Other tree species included Allophylus bullatus, Campylospermum flavum, Garcinia smeathmannii and Pittosporum viridiflorum. Rubiacious shrubs dominated the understory, including Pavetta sp and Ixora sp. and dense stands of Psychotria pedunculatis. This forest type is reminiscent of the ‘Prunus africana - Syzygium guineense subsp. bamendaePodocarpus latifolius’ forest at a similar altitude on Gangirwal in GGNP (Chapman and Chapman 2001) although missing is P. latifolius. A similar forest type has also been recorded from the Ijim forests of Northwest Province (Tame and Asonganyi 1995). Vegetation unit 5 Submontane escarpment forest Continuous with montane, and often adjacent to gallery forest, between approximately 1700 m and 1500 m elevation is submontane forest which is often dominated by Symphonia globulifera. Associated species include Ficus species and Phoenex reclinata. This forest type needs further botanical investigation. Vegetation unit 6 Hyparrhenia savanna above 1500 m (Plate 5) Spurs of Hyparrhenia savanna descend steeply down ridges from bluffs below the escarpment edge (see vegetation map). Their inaccessibility and steepness protects them from regular burning and cattle grazing. Vegetation cover varies from almost entirely tussock grasses such as Hyparrhenia species, Melinis minutiflora and Elusine indica to an open grassland savanna. Tree species include small Croton macrostachyus, Cussonia barteri, Dombeya ledermanni, Faurea speciosa, Lophira lanceolata, Maesa lanceolata, Ochna afzelii, Phoenix reclinata and Syzygium guineense var. macrocarpum. Harungana madagascariensis and Protea madiensis are common shrubs (Appendix 2). We discovered an Aloe sp. at N 07o 14’46.3”; E 012o09’00.4” which is interesting as they have not been recorded from GGNP or the Kilum Ijim grasslands (Plate 6). This vegetation type was described by Letouzey (1985) as degraded submontane forest, but Thomas and Thomas (1996) call it a type of high altitude savanna, which it clearly is. It is especially interesting botanically because it is rare in West Africa, and it’s equivalent in Gashaka Gumti has largely been burnt and grazed out. It is not described in Tame and Asonganyi (1995) for the Ijim Ridge. 13 4 Plate 4 Vegetation unit 4. Montane escarpment forest north of Yangaré. Prunus africana was the dominant tree with Pittosporum viridiflorum, Schefflera abyssinica and Syzygium guineense subsp. bamendae present. The white flowered Dombeya ledermannii is common around the forest edge. Plate 5 Vegetation unit 6. Hyparrhenia savanna above 1500 elevation. Dombeya ledermannii, Faurea speciosa and Psorospermum aurantiacum were scattered among the grasses. Plate 6. Aloe sp. growing below a steep bluff at 2000 m elevation in grassland dominated by Hyparrhenia rufa. 5 6 14 Vegetation unit 7 (Plate 7) Hyparrhenia savanna below 1500 m This is very similar to woody savanna below 1500 m (see below) but is confined to ridges and hill tops. The main difference is the sparse distribution of trees because of the shallow soil. This vegetation type is relatively common but covers little area (See Vegetation Map (Shu 2004)). It is well represented in West Africa and not especially interesting botanically. Vegetation unit 8 Woody savanna / transition forest (Plate 8) Woody savanna dissected by gallery forest is the main vegetation type between +/- 1500 and +/- 1000 m elevation. On the west side of Tchabal Mbabo it is dominated by Daniellia oliveri and Lophira lanceolata, with Anogeissus leiocarpa, Faurea speciosa, Gardenia sp. and Entada africana common. Vegetation unit 9 Savanna Between 700 m - 1000 m elevation such as the Mayo Deo (Plate 9) and the Mayo Ledi (Plate 10) valleys, Uapaca cf togoensis and Isoberlinia doka are the dominant trees. Other common species include Afzelia africana, Crossopteryx febrifuga, Erythrophleum suaveolens, Ochna afzelii, Piliostigma thonningii, and Terminalia sp. More species associated with woody savanna are presented in Appendix 3. 15 7 Plate 7 Vegetation unit 7. Hyparrhenia dominated grassland confined to ridges running from the escarpment edge down towards the Mayo Yim . Plate 8 Vegetation unit 8. Woody savanna/ transition forest below Ndongawa. Common tree species include Albizia gummifera, Croton macrostachyus, Dombeya ledermannii, Faurea speciosa, Phoenix reclinata, Psorospermum aurantiacum and Syzygium guineense subsp.macrocarpa. 8 16 Vegetation unit 10 Lowland savanna Lowland savanna (below 700 m) often differs from savanna at higher altitude by the dominance of Isoberlinia doka. Monotes kerstingii is characteristically abundant. Vegetation unit 11 Montane gallery forest (Plates 9 and 10) Above +/- 1800 m montane gallery forest borders most drainage areas, sometimes only a few meters wide. At this altitude the forest is species poor, and generally only 8-12 m high. Species composition varies according to site, and three examples are presented below (Table 3). Table 3 Vegetation types within the vegetation unit 11: Montane gallery forests 2i) Ilex mitis dominated 2ii) Syzygium guineense sub sp. cf bamendae dominated 2iii) Albizia gummifera – Nuxia congesta- Prunus africana dominated 2i Ilex mitis stream fringing forest (Yangaré area, +/- 2000 m in elevation) This forest type is usually confined to a strip only a few meters wide on either side of streams which dissect the Sporobolus grassland. The fragments are typically infiltrated by cattle, and suffer from burning. Ilex mitis is abundant, and other woody species include Agarista salicifolia, Allophylus bullatus, Bersama abyssinica, Prunus africana, Bridelia speciosa, Clausena anisata, Cyathea dregei, Eugenia gilgii, Ixora foliosa, Maesa lanceolata, Pittosporum mannii and Xymalos monospora. The grassland / forest ecotone is very narrow and sometimes absent, but typically includes the shrubs Hypericum lanceolatum and H. roeperanum, and the tall herbs Dissotis perkinsiae, Pycnostachys meyeri, Geniosporum rotundifolium and Brillantaisia owariensis. Bracken fern Pteridium aquilinum is common. For a more detailed species list see Appendix 2. Noticeable for its absence compared with similar forests on Gangirwal is Cyathea manniana. 2ii Syzygium guineense subsp. bamendae dominated forest (Yangaré to Tchabal Mbabo village, and in the Fungoi area; 2000 -2300 m in elevat ion). Species typically associated with Syzygium guineense subsp. bamendae forest include Nuxia congesta, Bridelia speciosa, Clausena anisata, Cyathea dregei and Ilex mitis. The Threatened Salix ledermanii is sometimes present. Edge species are the same as for Ilex mitis dominated forest, and include Hypericum lanceolatum, Dissotis perkinsiae, Pycnostachys meyeri, Geniosporum rotundifolium and Brillantaisia owariensis. These fringing forests are used as a source of firewood, and also suffer from cattle trampling and burning. This vegetation type most resembles the ‘Syzygium guineense subsp. bamendae stream source forest’ at 2130 m elevation on Gangirwal, GGMP (Chapman and Chapman 2001). 2iii Albizia gummifera – Nuxia congesta- Prunus africana dominated forest (Fungoi area at +/- 2000 m elevation) Around Fungoi the stream fringing forest was relatively undisturbed, although cattle and fire are still an issue. Typical abundant species include Albizia gummifera, Allophylus bullatus, Nuxia congesta and Prunus africana. Also common are Bersama abyssinica, Bridelia speciosa, Clausena anisata, Cyathea dregei, Eugenia gilgii, Ilex mitis, Ixora foliosa, Maesa lanceolata, Phoenix reclinata, and Xymalos monospora. Olea capensis and Pittosporum viridiflorum were also recorded (Appendix 2). This forest type closely resembles the ‘Albizia gummifera – Nuxia congesta forest at 1830 m in elevat io n on C habbal Wad di, GGNP (C hapm an and Chap man 200 1). 17 9 Plate 9 Vegetation unit 11. Ilex mitis dominated gallery forest. The purple flowered herb Dissotis perkinsiae is extremely common along the forest edge. Plate 10 Vegetation unit 11. Depleted montane gallery forest with Syzygium guineense subsp. bamendae, Ilix mitis and Croton macrostachyus. Plate 11. Syzygium guineense subsp.macrocarpa was flowering abundantly in 2004. 10 11 18 Vegetation unit 12 Submontane gallery forest (Plates 12, 13 and 14) Submontane gallery forest (between +/- 1500 -1800 m) are more species rich, with taller trees (emergents reach 30 m in height) than the montane galleries.. A gallery we studied in detail was dominated by Pouteria cf altissima and Pterygota cf mildbraedii (Ndongawa: +/- 1923 m; N07o18’57.8”; E012o12’48.0). Facing WNW this gallery forest is confined within a deep, steep valley of approximately 200 m wide at the top, but spilling into a more extensive forest below. Canopy trees were Pterygota cf mildbraedii (in full fruit), Pouteria cf altissima (in flower) and Ficus spp., all reaching +/- 30 m in height. Associated common trees included Albizia gummifera, Bersama abyssinica, Croton macrostachyus, strangling Ficus spps. and Schefflera abysinica. Millettia conraui, and Nuxia congesta. Cola sp., Phoenix reclinata, Prunus africana and Rauvolfia vomitoria were also present. At the top end of the forest the undergrowth was thick with Palisota cf hirsuta and Acanthus species, including A. montanus. Piper capense and Boehmeria platyphylla were both in flower and Leea guineensis in fruit. Lower down in the forest the understory became much less dense, and saplings of Cola sp., A. gummifera, and Milletia conraui were obvious. In a nearby gallery (1824 m; N07o 18’59.8”; E012o 12’35.9) additional species included Ficus exasperata, Rothmannia urcelliformis (in flower) and Solanecio mannii. What looked like Newtonia buchananii and Khaya cf grandifoliola were noted. Another type of submontane gallery (on the path between Ndongawa and Mayo Ledi - Mayo Barka camp at +/- 1721 m -1500 m; N07o18’57.0”; E012o 12’09.8, and between the Mayo Selbe and Fungoi camp N07o18’35.1”; E011o59’48.0 at a similar altitude) was dominated by the palm Phoenix reclinata and Symphonia globulifera. This vegetation type is absent from GGNP; although some Phoenix reclinata is found in the forest on Gangirwal, it is nothing like as common as on Tchabal Mbabo, nor are the individuals as large. Vegetation unit 13 Lowland gallery forest (Plate 15) Gallery forest fringes the rivers and streams between 1500 – 700 m elevation, except near villages such as Dodeo where it is replaced by tall grasses. By the Mayo Ledi at 718 m (N 07o 22’21.2”; E 012o 07’01.0) typical gallery species included Berlinia grandiflora, Khaya senegalensis, Parkia biglobosa and Syzygium guinense subsp. guineense. Representative smaller trees and shrubs included Coffea sp., Diospyros mespiliformis, Ochna afzelii, Polysphaeria arbuscula, Rapanea melanophloeos and Salix ledermanii (Plate 17). Interesting herbs such as a semi-aquatic Polygala sp. were noted by the riverside. While the gallery forest is mainly comprised of common species and is well represented as a vegetation type in West Africa, it is extremely important as a habitat for wildlife. Similar savanna and gallery forest is widespread at a similar altitude in GGNP, especially in the northern sector (Dunn 1999). Vegetation unit 14 Afromomum-Hallea stipulosa-Allophylus swamp forest above 2000 m. Probably once common, we found only one remnant of Hallea stipulosa swamp forest close to Tchabal Mbabo village at 1710 m elevation; N 07o 15’16.2”; E 012o15’19.1”. The few surviving individuals were approximately 15 m tall, growing with Allophylus africanus and Ficus sp. Afromomum cf angustifolium formed a dense understory, and the whole area was waterlogged. H. stipulosa is much coveted for it’s timber, which explains its rarity. Noticeable for their absence as compared with similar forest types on Mabilla Plateau (Nigeria) were the tree species Polyscias fulva and Anthocleista vogelii, both uncommon anywhere on Tchabal Mbabo. 19 12 13 Plates 12 and 13. Vegetation unit 12. Submontane gallery forest at 1800 m elevation near to Ndongawa. Phoenix reclinata is common here. 15 Plate 14. Seed and half a fruit pod of the emergent tree Pterygota cf mildbraedii at 1800 m elevation. Plate 15 Vegetation unit 13. Lowland gallery forest along a tributary of the Mayo Deo at 700 m elevation. 14 20 Vegetation unit 15 Montane forest-grassland ecotone (Plates 16, 17 and 18) The forest-grassland ecotone is dominated by the fire resistant tree Gnidia glauca, and is common below steep, inaccessible bluffs round the escarpment edge where there is some protection from fire and grazing. The ecotone we studied was on the north edge of the escarpment, north of Yangaré above 2000 m elevation at N07o 14’46.3”; E012o 09’00.4. Associated woody species include the Ericaceous shrubs Erica mannii and Agarista salicifolia, the fire resistant Hypericum lanceolatum and H. roeperianum, Maesa lanceolata and Psorospermum aurantiacum and P. densipunctatum. The understory is dense with ferns and herbs, especially Pteridium aquilinum and various Labiatae such as Pycnostachys meyeri, Satureja and Scutellaria species and Geniosporum rotundifolium. The IUCN threatened Peucedanum angustisectum was common. Observations suggest this vegetation type is transient and dependent upon protection from fire. When burnt grassland is re-established. It is botanically interesting and quite different to the forest edge community in Gashaka Gumti where Gnidia glauca is present but never abundant. It is similar to the forest / grassland ecotone of the Ijim forests of Northwest Province (Tame and Asonganyi 1995) and the upper montane forest : grassland edge on Mt Oku Cheek et al. 2000). Vegetation unit 16 (Plate 19) Cultivated flood plains with Pennisetum purpureum Tall grassland interspersed with cultivation and fallow is common along flood plains of streams and rivers such as the Mayo Deo and its tributaries. Pennisetum purpureum is often dominant with Sacharrum spontaneum and Urelytrum giganteum. 16 21 18 17 Plate 16 Vegetation unit 15. Gnidia glauca woodland between escarpment forest and Hyparrhenia savanna at 1900 m. No cattle ever graze here and fire is infrequent. Plate 17 Vegetation unit 15. Erica mannii forms a dense thicket along the forest edge at 1900 m elevation, close to the Gnidia glauca woodland above. Plate 18 Vegetation unit 15. Peucedanum angustisectum reaches 1 m tall under Gnidia glauca in the forest-grassland ecotone. Plate 19 Vegetation unit 16. Pennisetum purpureum is often dominant with Sacharrum spontaneum and Urelytrum giganteum. Here growing along the flood plain of the Mayo Deo at 650 m elevation. 19 22 Comparisons with previous surveys Comparisons in terms of mapping and vegetation units between Thomas and Thomas (1996) and this survey are presented in Table 4 and discussed on page 8. Here we compare surveys in terms of species composition. The 2004 survey is the most detailed botanical survey ever of Tchabal Mbabo, adding considerably to the findings of Thomas and Thomas (1996). While the 1996 report identified most of the broad vegetation types and common species, our survey distinguished several forest types within the montane and submontane altitudinal zones (Table 3), and added to the more uncommon and rare species. For example the threatened herbs Lobelia columnaris (Plate 21) and Peucedanum angustisectum (Table 5) are relatively common on the northern edge of the escarpment. We also discovered a species of Aloe which has yet to be identified (Plate 6), and has not been recorded from other Cameroon mountains or the neighboring Gotel mountains in Nigeria. The threatened tree species Khaya grandifoliola and Pouteria altissima need confirmation, but are likely on Tchabal Mbabo. Pterygota mildbraedii, rare in West Africa, appears to be present. Several additions were made to the montane / submontane tree species list including Anthocleista vogelii (Loganiaceae), Chrysophyllum albidum (Sapotaceae), Olea capensis (Oleaceae), and Polyscias fulva (Araliaceae). We undoubtedly have many more additions which are awaiting identification. The important timber tree, Hallea stipulosa was noted for the first time on Tchabal Mbabo during this survey. 23 Table 4 Comparison between the recognized vegetation units in the Thomas and Thomas (1996) report and this 2004 survey. Zones Thomas and Thomas Chapman and Shu (1996) (2004) Mapped Vegetation Units Montane Included Vegetation Types Mapped Vegetation Units > 1700 Montane prairie Included Vegetation Types > 1700 Montane galleries Montane escarpment forest Prunus africana dominated forest Saxicolous Afromomum swamp forest Cultivation Grassy ridge tops Montane forest/scrub Saxicolous Montane gallery forests Ilex mitis dominated forest (above 2000 m) Syzygium guineense sub sp. cf bamendae dominated forest Albizi Albizia gummifera – Nuxia congesta- Prunus africana dominated forest Montane forest – grassland ecotone Montane Hyparrhenia grassland > 1500 m Not recognised Overgrazed Sporolobus Water seepages / bogs africanus grassland Cultivation Hyparrhenia savanna Submontane 1700-1200 m 2000 – 1500 m Savanna +/- wooded Gallery forest Cultivation Submontane escarpment forest Submontane gallery forest Mid-elevation savanna 1200-800 m 1500-700 m Savanna woodland Hyparrhenia savanna Woody savanna/ transition forest Lowland gallery forests Lowelevation savanna 800-500 m Savanna woodland <700 Gallery forest Lowland Savanna Other riparian Fallows Cultivation 24 Lowland gallery forests Cultivated flood plains with Pennisetum purpureum Priority localities for biodiversity conservation (zones of high/medium/low biodiversity interest) from a botanical point of view. Z on es of h i gh b i od i ve r si ty i n ter e st o n Tch ab al Mb ab o i n cl u d e: 1. Montane forests (vegetation units 4 and 11) The montane forests of Tchabal Mbabo belong to the Afromontane archipelago-like regional centre of endemism (White 1983). They are arguably the most significant forest type in West Africa (Sayer et al. 1992; White 1978), with a high proportion of species (near-) endemic to the Afromontane region, and a floristic affinity with East African montane floras (Morton 1972). The Tchabal Mbabo forests are of an especially rare, dry type (Thomas and Thomas 1996). Before comments can be made as to narrow endemic plant species, further botanical work is necessary. Table 5 lists the IUCN globally threatened plant species recorded in these forests. The escarpment forests on Tchabal Mbabo represent unspoilt examples of West African montane / submontane and transition forest. While they are not rich in terms of species numbers, the ecosystem is rich in biodiversity value. Forest composition is subtly different to the Gotel Mountains of GGNP, and so these forests complement their Nigerian equivalent. For example, the extensive stands of Prunus africana occurring on the north facing escarpment of Tchabal Mbabo are not duplicated in GGNP. Tchabal Mbabo forests are less species rich than the Gashaka ones, especially at altitudes around 1600- 1800 m, but have a more developed forest ecotone. The stream side fringing forests which dissect the Sporobolus grassland are much more extensive than those in Gashaka Gumti. This ecosystem is probably very similar to what Mambilla Plateau (outside GGNP) would have looked like 40-50 years ago. As well as being botanically interesting (Appendix 1) the plateau fringing forests are essential for maintaining year round water supply and are habitat for many birds and other animals and insects. It is imperative that they be offered strict protection. 2. Montane Hyparrhenia grassland (vegetation unit 2) Montane grassland free from cattle grazing is rare in West Africa. It has almost become extinct within GGNP, Nigeria (Chapman et al. 2003) and is absent from the Ijim montane area of Cameroon (Tame and Asonganyi 1995). With further study many more trampling sensitive herbs may be discovered. 3. Montane forest - grassland ecotone (vegetation unit 15) The Gnidia glauca dominated forest-grassland ecotone is very species rich; it is habitat for light demanding, trampling sensitive plants such as the IUCN Threatened Peucedanum angustisectum, which here reaches 1 m in height, and many species of fern. Tame and Asonganyi (1995) emphasise the important role played by the ecotone in protecting the forest from fire. 4. Water seepages / bogs (vegetation unit 3) Permanently wet water seepage areas are relatively uncommon on Tchabal Mbabo but are species rich and therefore of high biodiversity int erest . They need more study. 5. Submontane escarpment and gallery forests (vegetation units 5 and 12) and Hyparrhenia savanna >1500 m (vegetation unit 6) The submontane forests of Tchabal Mbabo also belong to the Afromontane archipelago-like regional centre of endeminism (White 1983). Both the escarpment and gallery forests are valuable as part of a continuum from lowland to montane ecosystems, and as a reservoir of rare species such as the IUCN Threatened Dombeya cf ledermannii. 25 6. Woody savanna transition forests (vegetation unit 8) The transition between lowland and montane forest is a very rare situation in West Africa. Thomas and Thomas (1996) suggest that the Tchabal Mbabo transition forest is the best example in this area of Cameroon. A similar transition, differing in detail, occurs in GGNP. 7. Lowland gallery forests (vegetation unit 13) Species composition of the gallery forest below +/- 1500 m is similar to the equivalent ecosystem in GGNP. However its extent and its relatively good condition make for a valuable conservation area. Zon es of med iu m bi odi ver sity in terest on Tch ab al Mb abo i nc lu de: 1. Hyperrhenia savanna < 1500 m (vegetation unit 7) ; 2. Savanna (vegetation unit 9); 3. Lowland savanna (vegetation unit 10) While none of these vegetation units are rare in West Africa and do not harbour rare species, they are important in terms of the whole ecosystem function and offer valuable habitat for wildlife. 3. Afromomum swamp forest (vegetation unit 14) Although presently degraded, if allowed to regenerate this forest type would become of high biodiversity interest because it is so rare. It is not mentioned in the reports of either the Ijim mountains (Tame and Asonganyi 1995) or Mt Oku (Cheek et al. 2000), and has become extinct on Mambilla Plateau during the past twenty years (Chapman and Chapman 2001). Zones of low biodiversity interest on Tchabal Mbabo include: 1. Sporobolus grasslands (vegetation unit 1) While the degraded Sporobolus grasslands themselves are species depauparate they are dissected by valuable stream fringing forests, and harbor diverse water seepage areas (see above). 2. Lowland river valleys with cultivation and Pennisetum purpureum (vegetation unit 16) The cultivated flood plains and dense stands of tall grasses including Pennisetum purpureum are common in West Africa and are not especially species diverse. They do however provide valuable bird habitat. 26 Table 5 IUCN Red Data List species in the montane / submontane ecosystem of Tchabal Mbabo include: † Species IU CN Red Data Li st category Chassalia laikomensis Cheek ined. Dombeya cf ledermannii Engl. Eugenia gilgii Engl. and Brehm. Helichrysum cameroonense Hutch. and Dalziel. Khaya grandifoliola C. DC. Lobelia columnaris Hook. f. Millettia conraui Harms. Peucedanum angustisectum (Engl.) Norman *Pouteria altissima (A. Chev.) Baehni. Prunus africana (Hook. f.) Kalkman CR A1 CR A1c CR A1c LR/nt VU A1cd LR/nt VU A1c, B1+2c LR/nt LR/cd LR/nt * needs conformation from Kew (CR) Critically Endangered; (VU) Vulnerable (to extinction); LR Near Threatened. † A more detailed explanation of all designated categories is given in IUCN (2000), and at http://redlist.cymbiont.ca/categories_criteria.html. 20 21 Plate 20 Dombeya ledermannii, an IUCN Threatened species, is common along the forest edge between 1800- 2000 m all over Tchabal Mbabo. Plate 21 The IUCN Threatened Lobelia columnaris is confined to edges of forest patches (often along stream banks) which are protected from heavy grazing. 27 Threats to biodiversity The main threats to plant biodiversity of Tchabal Mbabo currently come from the local Fulbe people in the form of burning, cattle grazing, wood cutting, and land clearance for farming. Non resident contractors are devastating populations of Prunus africana by bark stripping, and if roads are developed into the Dodeo area potential threats from other non residents, such as tree felling, would increase. The north facing escarpment forests between Fungoi and Yangaré are naturally well protected from fire, cattle grazing and anthropogenic use by steep, relatively inaccessible bluffs. The forests on the west facing slopes are not as well protected, and the main path from Tchabal Mbabo village to Dodeo passes this way. Threats to these forests include burning (from which they are somewhat naturally protected by being confined to steep gullies) and the cutting down of trees for fence posts, construction and firewood. On the path close to the Ndongawa camp site are several stumps of trees which have been recently felled, presumably by the local Fulbe. If their population increases so will the pressure on these forests. As Thomas and Thomas (1996) suggest, opening a road into Dodeo would exacerbate such problems, as the forests would then become accessible for timber and P. africana exploitation from below. Streamside fringing forest (vegetation units 11 and 12) across the plateau and on the escarpment edge is being whittled away by annual burning, cattle trampling and cutting for firewood and poles. The latter was apparently rare in 1996 (Thomas and Thomas) but during this survey women were seen and heard cutting trees on several occasions. Land with riverine strips is sometimes cleared for farming. Particular species which are exploited include the timber tree Hallea stipulosa, and Prunus africana. The latter is commercially valuable for its medicinal purposes as the bark contains a complex of compounds used in the treatment of prostate cancer. Trees are completely stripped of bark and consequently die. This was most apparent in the Mayo Kelelé area. Our cook was from a ‘Prunus camp’, and he told us that fifteen more men were soon to arrive in the area with permits to collect bark. If not controlled, this practice will lead to the decimation of Prunus from all but the most inaccessible forests. The main threats to savanna (vegetation units 9 and 10) include burning and grazing, but because most of this vegetation type is confined to steep slopes, or is in areas where there are tsetse, it is not particularly threatened. The savanna woodland is burned annually during the mid-late dry season, and this management has been applied for a long time (Thomas and Thomas 1996). It does not pose a threat to the current vegetation which has evolved with fire. The areas covered in this survey are not overgrazed because of the presence of tsetse. 28 Recommendations for conservation and management This report agrees in principle with the four management zones proposed by Thomas and Thomas (1996). All escarpment forests should be included in zone 1, a protected area, with no allowance for the harvest of forest products. This zone should include an altitudinal range from 2000 m + to +/- 1400 m, to incorporate both montane / submontane and transition between lowland and montane forest. The plateau, overgrazed Sporobolus grassland, should be zoned for rural development (zone 2). However within this zone the streamside fringing forests need strict protection. This is challenging as the fringing forests dissect the grassland, and the Fulbe depend on them for firewood and poles. Nonetheless, if they are to continue having an important conservation value they need sufficient protection to ensure they maintain their ecological integrity. This might be achieved by designating as protected area, zone 1, some parts of the plateau areas with representative types of fringing forest and low population density (such as the Yangaré and Fungoi areas). Cattle could be excluded and burning strongly controlled. Within zone 2 pressure could also be removed from fringing forest by the introduction of more Eucalyptus (or preferable fast growing and suitable natives such as Croton machrostachys and Hallea stipulosa) woodlots. Strict patrols would be necessary to ensure that woodlots are used in place of the fringing forest for firewood and poles; on neighbouring Mambilla Plateau in Nigeria the fringing forest has been almost totally decimated despite the introduction of Eucalyptus during the 1960’s. A system of grazing management could be implemented to prevent overgrazing of the plateau grassland and reintroduce floristic diversity. The unsustainable harvesting of Prunus africana should be halted. If licenses for bark removal are issued, quotas must be strictly monitored and adhered to. An education programme on how to remove bark in a sustainable manner (as has been introduced in other parts of Cameroon) should be implemented. Nurseries of P. africana should be created, with education on propagation and marketing. Zone 3, the Dodeo plain, is suited for rural development. However if road access is introduced it will make the escarpment forests much more vulnerable to exploitation of both plants and animals. This factor needs careful consideration, and a solution might be a buffer of zone 1 between the plain and the bottom of the escarpment. This survey did not spend sufficient time outside the proposed zones 1, 2 and 3 of Thomas and Thomas (1996) to make an informed recommendation concerning their proposed zone 4. 29 References Chapman, H M and S M Olson (2004). A report on the montane forests of Taraba State Nigeria, and an assessment of how have they changed over the past thirty years. Oryx In Press October 2004 issue. Chapman, H M et al. (2003). The Forests of Taraba State, Nigeria- A survey. Christchurch, University of Canterbury: 26. Chapman, J D and H M Chapman (2001). The forests of Taraba and Adamawa States, Nigeria. An ecological account and Plant Species Checklist. Christchurch, University of Canterbury. Cheek, M J and Onana JM et al. (2000). The Plants of Mount Oku and the Ijim Ridge, Cameroon: A Conservation Checklist. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Dunn, A (1999). Gashaka Gumti National Park- a guide book. Lagos. National Parks Service of Nigeria in collaboration with NCF and WWF. Grégoire, B (2000). Quelques aspects de la végétation d'une zone de conservation de la biodiversité en cours de création dans la région de Dodeo / Pinkou, Université de Dschang, Report for Project Savanes Soudaniennes du Nord, funded by WWF. Hall, J B (1970). Report on an expedition to Sardauna Province, North-Eastern State 20th March - 10th April, 1970. Ife University Herbarium Bulletins on Plant Ecology and Taxonomy 6: 36. Lebrun, J P and A L Stork (1991-1997). Énumération des Plantes à Fleurs D'Afrique Tropicale. Geneva, Ville de Geneve Letouzey, R. (1985). Notice de la carte phytogeographique du Cameroun au 1:500 000; Region Afromontagnarde et étage submontagnard. IRA Yaoundé, Cameroun. Toulouse, France, Institut de la Carte Internationale de la vegetation. Sayer, J A et al. (1992). The Conservation Atlas of Tropical Forests. Gland, IUCN. Tame, S and J Asonganyi (1995). Vegetation survey of the Ijim Mountain Forests, Northwest Province, Cameroon. Report for Birdlife International. Thomas, D H L and J Thomas (1996). Tchabal Mbabo Botanical Survey, Report for WWF. Tuley, P and J Jackson (1971). The vegetation of Chappal Waddi (Gangirwal) on the Cameroon Republic/Nigeria border. Nigerian Field XXXVI: 4-20. White, F (1978). The Afromontane Region. The Biogeography and Ecology of Southern Africa. Eds. M Werger and A. Van Bruggen. The Hague, Dr W Junk. White, F (1983). The Vegetation of Africa. Paris, UNESCO. 30 Appendix 1 Preliminary species inventory for the montane and submontane forests and galleries of Tchabal Mbabo: vegetation units 4, 5 and 11. Forest species (woody plants) Albizia gummifera Allophylus bullatus Anthocleista vogelii Bersama abyssinica Brachystegia eurycoma Bridelia sp. Bridelia speciosa Chassalia sp. Chrysophyllum albidum Clausena anisata Cola gigantea Croton macrostachyus Cyathea dregii Dombeya ledermannii Dracaena arborea Dracaena fragrans Eugenia gilgii Ficus exasperata Ficus spp. Ficus sur Ficus vallis-choudae Gnidia glauca Hallea stipulosa Harungana madagascariensis Ilex mitis Ixora foliosa Leea guineensis Maesa lanceolata Malacantha alnifolia Millettia conraui Neoboutonia cf velutina Nuxia congesta Ochna afzelii Olea capensis Palisota mannii Paullinia pinnata Pittosporum viridiflorum Polyscias fulva Pouteria altissima Prunus africana Psorospermum aurantiacum Psorospermum densipunctatum Psychotria peduncularis Pterygota cf mildbraedii Rauvolfia vomitoria Rothmannia urcelliformis Rytigynia umbellulata Salix ledermanii Schefflera abyssinica Symphonia globulifera Strombosia scheffleri Syzygium guineense subsp. bamendae Syzygium guineense subsp. guineense Trema orientalis Vepris sp. Xylopia sp. Xymalos monospora Forest edge species Acanthus montanus Adenocarpus mannii Agarista salicifolia Alchemilla sp. Boehmeria platyphylla Clematis sp. Cyathea dregei Dissotis perkinsiae Erica mannii Geniosporum rotundifolium Geranium arabicum Gnidia glauca Hibiscus noldeae Hypericum lanceolatum Hypericun roeperanum Hypoestes verticillaris Jasminum pauciflorum Kalanchoe crenata Lobelia columnaris Protea madiensis Pteridium aquilinum Pycnostachys meyeri Rubus cf fellatae Sebaea brachphylla Sesbania macrantha Solanecio mannii Solanum sp. Tephrosia Tephrosia vogelii 31 Appendix 2 Preliminary species inventory for the montane / submontane forest–grassland ecotone:vegetation unit 15. Adenocarpus mannii Agarista salicifolia Crassocephalum mannii Dissotis perkinsiae Erica mannii Faurea speciosa Geniosporum rotundifolium Geranium arabicum Gnidia glauca Hypericum lanceolatum Hypericum riparium Hypericun roeperanum Maesa lanceolate Nuxia congesta Pteridium aquilinum Pycnostachys meyeri Appendix 3 Preliminary species inventory for the savannas of Tchabal Mbabo: vegetation units 6,7,8,9,and 10. Acacia sp. Adansonia digitata Afzelia africana Allophylus bullatus Anona senegalensis Antidesma venosum Borassus aethiopum Bridelia ferruginea Bridelia scleroneura Burkea africana Combretum glutinosum Combretum lamprocarpum Crossopteryx febrifugum Croton macrostachyus Cussonia barteri Daniellia oliveri Entada africana Erythrina senegalensis Vitellaria paradoxa Detarium microcarpum Dichrostachys cinerea Erythrina sigmoidea Faurea speciosa Ficus spp. Flacourtia flavescens Garcinia smeathmannii Gardenia sp. Grewia mollis Harungana madagascariensis Hymenocardia acida Hyperrhenia spp. Isoberlinia doka Isoberlinia tomentosa Khaya senegalensis Lannea kerstingii Lophira lanceolata Monotes kerstingii Nauclea latifolia Ochna afzelii Parinari curatellifolia Parkia biglobosa Phoenix reclinatus Phyllanthus muellerianus Piliostigma thonningii Prosopsis africana Protea madiensis Pseudocedrela kotschii Psorospermum febrifugum Psorospermum glaberrimum Pterocarpus erinaceus Pterocarpus lucens Securidaca longipedunculata Sterculia setigera Stereospermum kunthianum Syzygium guineense subsp. guineense Syzygium guineense subsp. macrocarpa Terminalia mollis Terminalia sp. Trichilia emetica Uapaca togoensis Vitex doniana 32 Appendix 4 Preliminary species inventory for the lowland gallery forests of Tchabal Mbabo: vegetation unit 13. Albizia gummifera Anthocleista djalonensis Berlinia grandiflora Brachystegia euyrycoma Coffea sp. Daniellia oliveri Diospyros mespiliformis Khaya senegalensis Landolphia sp. Leea guineensis Ochna afzelii Paullinia pinnata Polysphaeria arbuscula Psychotria peduncularis Rapanea melanophloeos Salix ledermannii Syzygium guineense subsp. guineense Vitex doniana 33