Natural regeneration of first growth species with high socio-economic potential in forest ecosystems in the northern sector of the Léfini Reserve

The natural regeneration of prime timber species with high economic potential is studied in the Mpoh forest, in the northern sector of the Lfini reserve.Although a source of economic and self-subsistence for local residents, the natural regeneration of these forest ecosystems has received very little attention.The floristic inventory was carried out in three one-hectare quadrats, in which (i) the d 1.30 of ligneous plants 1 cm d 1.30 < 10 cm, d 1.30 10 cm and seedlings 30 cm in height were counted and measured; (ii) the degree of canopy openness, litter thickness and herbaceous cover.The inventory reveals 1208 individuals for 36 species and 20 families, i.e., 118 seedlings of height 30 cm; 769 individuals of 1 cm d 1,30 < 10 cm and 321 of d 1,30 10 cm.Structural parameters favor Petersianthus macrocarpus as dominant in the 1 cm d 1.30 < 10 cm and d 1.30 10 cm diameter classes, in density (89 trees.ha - ) and basal area (7.137 m.ha -1 ).In contrast, Entandrophragma sp.dominates the seedling class (h 30 cm).The bioecological indices highlight a difference in the floristic composition of the compartments.Natural regeneration, dependent on light and litter thickness, is generally good.Depending on the socio-economic value of taxa with difficult natural regeneration, intervention may be necessary.