Knowledge, Local Uses, and Vulnerability of the African Ebony Tree (Diospyros crassiflora Hiern, Ebenaceae) Among Communities Around the Campo-Ma'an National Park (Southern Cameroon)
Komo Mbarga Yves, Froumsia Moksia, Aaron Manga Mongombe, Malan Djah François, Ngotta Biyon Bruno Jacques, Bakwo Fils Éric-MoïseBackground
The African ebony tree is a multipurpose tree native to the Guinea-Congolese forest. Its long-term viability and sustainability are threatened by the conversion of primary forest to agricultural land. To conserve the species, it is necessary to evaluate the local community's understanding of its usage and conservation strategies to identify the factors that could potentially influence the species' long-term viability in the study area.
Methods
Data was collected between June and August 2022. The random sampling method was used to administer structured and semi-structured interview questionnaires to 301 villages living within three to nine kilometers of the Campo-Ma'an National Park's boundaries.
Results
Several parts of the plant are used by the locals, notably the wood and bark, with a citation frequency of 49% and 20.4%, respectively. Cutting is the most important collection method, with a relative frequency of citation of 49.1%. These parts are valued in six categories of uses; timber was the most cited (UV = 38.9%), followed by traditional medicine (UV = 36.9%). Wood was the only part of the plant that generated considerable annual income for the local communities (52.537 USD). The vulnerability index showed that the ebony tree is highly vulnerable (IV = 2.5) in the study area.
Conclusion
The results obtained show strong pressure from local populations on D. crassiflora, leading to a decrease in the tree population.
Conservation Implications
Given the ongoing threat to D. crassiflora in the study area, this research will assist in valorising the species usage in traditional medicine and as a commercial wood. In addition, we have proposed conservation strategies like assisted regeneration and community-led planting projects to promote long-term plantation-based D. crassiflora production to mitigate the effects of deforestation.