Factors affecting vegetation dynamics in the south of the Mokolo District in the Far North of Cameroon

Abstract

Plant dynamics is a natural process that occurs in the ecosystem. This dynamic becomes abnormal in the presence of human pressure. The vegetation of the district of Mokolo (Cameroon) faces many anthropic factors that disturb its steady evolution. This work aims to evaluate the different factors that influence the vegetation dynamics in the south of the Mokolo District. All traces of anthropization were identified on all woody species in a rectangular plot (20 m x 100 m). All individuals with a height ≤1.30 m and a Dhp less than 10 cm were considered regenerating individuals. Among the main plant factors, dynamics identified, regeneration, spread type, phytogeographic type have positive impacts while logging, debarking, pruning, grubbing, trampling and burning have negative impacts. Regeneration is the main positive natural factor with the highest frequency in wooded savannas (321±95%). Timber harvesting is the main negative anthropogenic factor with a higher frequency in the home garden (85.00%) and the shrub savannas (68.66%). To reduce the negative impacts and increase the positive impacts, the government must implement reforestation projects in this ecologically fragile area.