TITLE:
Ecological Structure of Pre-Forest Fallow Lands Following Shifting Cultivation in the Congo Basin
AUTHORS:
Louis-Junior M.M. Beni, David P. Edwards, Constantin A. Lubini, Prince L. Baraka, Wendy N. Mbombenga, Chantal Shalukoma, Honoré K. Belesi
KEYWORDS:
Secondary Forest, Fallow, Succession, Autoecology, Dispersal, Congo Basin, Shifting Cultivation, Resilience
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Forestry,
Vol.16 No.3,
June
2,
2026
ABSTRACT: This study analyzes the floristic diversity and autoecological traits of pre-forest fallows resulting from slash-and-burn shifting agriculture (AIB) in the Local Community Forest Concessions of the Mbali River (CFCL-RM), in the Congo Basin. Inventories recorded 2578 individuals, identifying 170 species, 126 genera, and 59 families. Diversity (Shannon ~4.0) and evenness (>0.96) indices reveal structured communities. The flora is predominantly Guineo-Congolian (47%) and dominated by phanerophytes (97%), particularly mesophylls (75%). The predominant dispersal trait is zoochory (sarcochores: 68%), highlighting the vital role of frugivorous fauna. The mean Pioneer Index (45%) indicates an intermediate successional stage. The analysis shows a clear successional dynamic: canopy opening promotes understory regeneration, followed by progressive canopy closure and self-thinning in older fallows. Significant differences were observed between the Nkala site (forest block, more disturbed) and Embirrima (forest-savanna mosaic). The study concludes that these fallows are dynamic and resilient ecosystems, essential for biodiversity and landscape connectivity. Their sustainable management must integrate maintaining long fallow periods and conserving key animal dispersers.