Assessment of Floristic Diversity Status of the Laikom Sacred Forest in the Boyo Highlands, North West Region, Cameroon

The Laikom sacred forest, nestled in the Boyo highlands of Cameroon, is a biologically and culturally significant ecosystem. This study, conducted from February to July 2024, assessed the floristic diversity status of the 21.9 hectare forest, situated at altitudes between 1700 and 1975 meters. Using quadrats, data were collected across the sacred forest’s four compartments: Aku-a-Mufu, Aku-a-Fuchuo, Aku-a-Beighe, and Aku-a-Chong. Results revealed a rich composition of 29 plant species belonging to 15 families. Fabaceae was the most dominant family with 07 species. The species provided a range of ecological and socio-cultural services, including timber (e.g., Pterocarpus angolensis, Dalbergia sissoo), medicinal (Dracaena steudneri, Momordica dioica), spiritual significance (Ficus thonningii, Adansonia digitata), fuel wood (Delonix regia, Prunus africana), and erosion control (Desmodium uncinatum). Ecological indices indicated good species diversity (Shannon-Wiener index H = 3.1) and evenness (Simpson index D = 0.95) As deduced from Margarlef index the forest was semi-disturbed. A total of 303 individual plants were recorded, with six species classified as abundant and five as endangered, including Acer palmatum and Magnolia stellata, highlighting the need for urgent conservation. The Laikom sacred forest remains a hotspot of floristic diversity, sustaining ecological stability and traditional practices in the Kom Fondom. However, anthropogenic pressures threaten its rare and endangered species. Policy interventions should prioritize community-based conservation, integration of traditional ecological knowledge into forest management, and reinforcement of sacred forest governance systems. Sustainable use and protection of this unique forest will ensure its continued role in biodiversity conservation and cultural heritage preservation in Cameroon.