Savannas Highlands of Cameroon: Floristic Composition, Functional Traits and Conservation Status

Background: The savannas flora has been widely neglected in science and conservation policy throughout the world, so that this biodiversity component remains largely unknown.

Aims: The objective of this study was to assess floristic diversity, ecological characteristics and conservation status of the savannas of the mounts Bamboutos (Western Cameroon).

Study Design: The savannas studied were located in the Eastern slope of the mounts Bamboutos, in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. The natural savannas ecosystems had a significant biodiversity, a level of disturbance by local people like overgrazing, bush fires, collection of fuelwoods, etc.

Place and Duration of Study: The field work was conducted in the Eastern slope of the mounts Bamboutos (5°30ʼ - 5°45ʼ N and 10°03ʼ - 10°15ʼ E) between May and November 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Methodology: Plant species identified were characterized by floristic diversity and life traits (habit, life form, leaf size, type of diaspore, dispersal syndromes and phytogeographical affinities).

Results: The flora consisted of 231 taxa belonging to 154 genera and 70 families. Poaceae (39 species), Asteraceae (37 species) and Fabaceae (20 species) were the dominant families. The most frequent life forms were phanerophytes (41.12%) followed by chamaephytes (21.64%) and therophytes (20.34%). Leaf size classes of plants consisted of mesophylls (30.73%), nanophylls (25.54%) and microphylls (25.10%). Anemochory (45.88%) was dominated dispersal mode followed by zoochory (30.73%). Investigation of the geographical distribution of plant species indicated that 27.27 % belonged to the afrotropical zone and 18.61% pantropical species. Four species were endemic and four subendemic to Cameroon dorsal. 17 species were threatened according to IUCN red list.

Conclusion: Protection and conservation of natural resources of savannas is crucial for sustainable utilization of accessible natural flora so, it is strongly suggested to overgrazing and agricultural activities.