Ecological diversity, structure and aboveground biomass of Guiera senegalensis J.F.Gmel. stands in Central Africa: A case study from Cameroon

The objective of this work is to evaluate the ecological diversity, structure and aboveground biomass of Guiera senegalensis G.F.Gmel stands in Cameroon. A total of 80 floristic surveys of 50 m x 50 m were carried out. The dendrometric parameters recorded are: height and total diameter (dbh ≥ 5 cm) of all woody species. Aboveground biomass was calculated using an allometric equation. The results showed a total of 529 individuals distributed in 17 families, 24 genera and 24 species and 339 individuals distributed in 14 families, 17 genera and 18 species inventoried respectively in the North and Far North regions. The most dominant families are Arecaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Combretaceae, Mimosaceae, and Rhamnaceae. The Guiera senegalensis stands are more diversified in the North region than those in the far North. The basal area (9.82 ± 0.42 m²/ha) and aboveground biomass (22.82 ± 0.98 t/ha) are higher in the Far North. Sorensen's Similarity coefficient attests to the similarity of the species in the two regions (61.90 %). The height structure presented a “bell” shape and the diameter structure showed an “L” shape. This information constitutes in order to elaborate management plans in view of a lasting management.