An Assessment of Nypa Palm (<i>Nypa fruticans Wurmb</i>) Stand Dynamics in the Douala-Edea National Park, Littoral Region, Cameroon

Nypa palm (<i>Nypa fruiticans Wurmb</i>) is a monotypic monocot genus belonging to the family Palmae or Arecaceae that grows in the soft muddy banks of brackish tidal portions of rivers; and forms the transition between mangrove and freshwater swamps. The purpose of this study is to investigate the distribution and stand density of Nypa palm categories in the study area. Geographic locations and elevations of the selected sample sites were obtained in the field and used as a reference material for the production of a geo-referenced sample location map from where the samples were collected. ESRI Arc GIS version 10.1 Software were used for this process. Ropes were used to establish square plots of 20 m X 20 m established on a selected stratum. Another subplot of 10 X 10 m was established inside the 20 X 20 m plot. Within the subplot of 10 X 10 m, another subplot of 5 X 5 m was established. Four 1 X 1 m plots will then be establish at the extremes of the 10 X 10 m plot. The number of Nypa palm present within the plots were counted and number of fronds per palm within the plots were also counted and recorded by the team for all 15 plots. Classification was based on frond numbers and four developmental stages. The study reveals that Nypa palm populations were found in the more brackish mangrove forest strips, situated further inland and away from the direct exposure to pure seawater. The results revealed higher amounts of seedlings individuals. It competes and poses a threat the indigenous mangrove species in the area. Hence, the spread of this palm should be checked due to its negative impact on native’s mangroves and adverse effect it poses to climate change.