Influences of Human Activities on the Vegetation Cover of the Protected Area Complex in the North Cameroon Region

Abstract

The diversification and intensification of human activities in and around protected areas is leading to the destruction of natural ecosystems, the disruption of natural modes of dispersion and migration of wildlife species, and the disappearance of biodiversity. The aim of this study is to identify, describe and analyze the various influences of human activities on the plant cover of the protected area complex in North Cameroon. The methodological approach adopted is based on an integrated approach combining field data (floristic surveys and surveys of degraded areas), socio-economic surveys and spatial analyses. The inventory of 264 plots showed that the plant cover of the study area is organised into three plant groupings: closed formations, intermediate formations and open formations. The floristic richness of each varies according to ecological factors and exposure to human disturbance. Agriculture and livestock farming are still the major disturbances. In the space of 23 years, the agricultural area has increased more than fivefold, from 98,826.43 hectares in 2000 to 507,038.61 hectares in 2023, an increase from 2.77% to 14.22%. Apart from natural fodder (herbaceous plants), certain ligneous plants such as Afzelia africana , Stereospermum kunthianum , Khaya senegalensis , Pterocarpus erinaceus , Danielia oliveri , Acacia sieberiana and Ficus sycomorus are much in demand as livestock feed, which is accelerating the decline in plant cover. Finally, analysis of the biodiversity index shows the loss of biodiversity integrity over time.