nr Natural Resources 2158-7086 2158-706X Scientific Research Publishing 10.4236/nr.2026.175010 nr-152124 Article Earth Environmental Sciences State of Prunus africana Regeneration within the Cloud Forest of Mt Cameroon 0009-0001-8182-4380 Neba Godlove Ambe 1 Kifon Remyeh Gracious 1 Djbrilla Mana 1 Anyinkeng Neculina 1 Chuyong George Bindeh 1 Betti Jean Lagerde 2 Department of Plant Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon Higher Institute of Agriculture, Wood, Water and Environment, University of Bertoua, Bertoua, Cameroon

The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.

 26 05 2026 05 2026 17 05 173 189 13 05 2026 26 05 2026 29 05 2026 © 2026 by the authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc. 2026 This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ ). https://doi.org/10.4236/nr.2026.175010

Mount Cameroon (4100 m) is a vital biodiversity hotspot featuring Prunusafricana, an Afromontane forest species, with bark extracts that treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. While Cameroon is a major exporter of prunus bark, unsustainable harvesting, exacerbated by illegal exploitation, has caused significant population declines, resulting in strict CITES regulations and temporary European Union import bans to force better management practices. However, little is known about the natural regeneration of the species on Mt Cameroon after the 2011/2012 bark exploitation under CITES regulation. The current study was designed to evaluate the natural regeneration of P.africana within the cloud forest of Mt Cameroon from the seedling stage. Two 1 ha permanent forest plots, setup between 1800 and 2100 m asl and divided into sixteen 25 × 25 m subplots made for easy assessment. Adult and juvenile census of P.africana trees in the plots (DBH ≥ 10 cm) was done, heights estimated across all subplots, while seedlings and saplings were censored using 5 × 25 m units over the entire plot. Collar diameter was measured for seedlings and small saplings, while the dbh of bigger saplings was measured. Plot one recorded 49 P.africana (5 adults, 8 juveniles and 36 seedlings + saplings), while plot two counted 124 individuals (19 adults, 61 juveniles and 44 seedlings + saplings) for corresponding regeneration indices of 0.47 and 0.69. While all subplots in plot 2 had at least 1 prunus plant (range 1 - 20), only 12 out of 16 subplots had a prunus plant (range 0 - 7) in plot 1. The basal areas and stand volumes were 0.78 m2, 2.7 m3 and 5.7 m2, 14.3 m3 for plots 1 and two respectively. These results emphasize the need for rigorous implementation of sustainable exploitation of Prunusafricana on Mt Cameroon and a possible review of the fallow period.

 <i>Prunus</i> <i>africana</i> Cloud Forest Regeneration Mount Cameroon 1. Introduction

Mount Cameroon (4100 m asl), the only active volcano in West Africa, is a crucial Pleistocene refuge that played a significant role in preserving biodiversity during the arid, cold glacial periods of the Pleistocene epoch, consequently a biodiversity hotspot and a centre of endemism [1]-[4]. The region boasts 49 strictly endemic and 50 near-endemic plant species. It features diverse habitats including lowland evergreen rainforest, submontane forest, montane forest and grasslands. Among the submontane and montane plant diversity is Prunusafricana [5]-[7].

Prunusafricana (Hook.f.) Kalman, also known as the African cherry or Pygeum, is an evergreen canopy tree (30 - 40 m tall), native to the montane regions of sub-Saharan Africa and stretching from West Africa (Nigeria) through Central and East Africa to South Africa, including the islands of Madagascar, Bioko, São-Tomé, and Grand Comore [8]-[10]. It is a light demanding secondary-forest or open forest species [11]. Significant populations are found in Cameroon, Madagascar, and various highland regions of Kenya and Uganda [12][13].

It is globally renowned for its medicinal bark (“canda stick”), which is primarily used to manage Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia BPH, reducing inflammation and improving urine flow [14][15]. In traditional medicine, bark decoctions treat stomach pain, kidney disease, gonorrhoea, chest infections, respiratory diseases and fever. Anti-bacterial activity against Staphylococcusaureus, anti-inflammation, anti-malaria and wound healing effects of bark and leaf decoctions have been demonstrated [16]-[18]. Away from medicine, the hard, deep red wood of prunus is a source of timber and tools [19]. Ecologically, it plays a role in soil improvement, carbon sequestration and apiculture [20][21].

The demand for Prunusafricana is high and growing globally, driven primarily by the pharmaceutical industry for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in the USA and Europe, particularly France, Italy, Germany and Belgium. In the late 1990s, the international market for P.africana bark extract was estimated to be worth approximately US$220 million annually [20]. The high demand for Prunusafricana bark has caused severe ecological, social, and economic consequences [8][22][23].

Ecologically, the massive demand has led to unsustainable, “irrational” harvesting, including cutting down entire trees or completely stripping bark, causing the species to become very scarce in many natural habitats [24]. Also, destructive harvesting techniques have led to increased mortality rates for P.africana that are 50 to 100 times higher than natural, hindering tree recovery and making natural regeneration difficult [25]-[27]. As a result, the species has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and in CITES APPENDIX II, necessitating trade regulation [28][29]. The socioeconomic consequences of trade regulation include conflicts, illegal trade, exploitation of local harvesters by economic operators, economic vulnerability and market regulation [30].

Cameroon has one of the world’s largest reservoirs of this species, naturally found in six of Cameroon’s ten regions, with the most significant populations concentrated in the mountainous highlands [31][32]. Cameroon is also the world’s largest exporter of Prunusafricana bark, holding 38% - 48% of the global market [33]. South West Region is home to the largest single population in Cameroon, primarily on the slopes of Mount Cameroon. The North West and Adamaoua Regions also host significant populations in the Kilum-Ijim, Tchabal Mbabo and Tchabal Gang Daba mountain ranges respectively [34].

Prunusafricana exploitation on Mt. Cameroon is a major, yet threatened, economic activity for local communities supplying bark for global prostate medicine [35][36]. Decades of unsustainable harvesting necessitated strict CITES regulations and a temporary EU export ban in 2007, shifting focus toward sustainable management, community-based harvesting, and domestication to reduce pressure on wild stocks [35][37]. The EU ban on Cameroon-produced Prunus in 2007 was lifted only after improved, inventory-backed, sustainable management systems were implemented. While illegal, small-scale, or localized exploitation may have continued, the last official, large-scale sustainably managed harvests were initiated around 2010/2011 by organizations like the Mount Cameroon Prunus Management Organisation (MOCAP).

Since then, there has been no other official bark extraction in the Mt Cameroon. This is not because of lack of market but most likely due to the insecurity that came with armed crises that rocked the North West and South West Regions since 2016. This lack of activity within the Prunus sector for about 15 years has brought frustration and desperation to actors in the sector such as farmers, community forest managers and the community-based organisation MOCAP. On the other hand, long periods of inactivity like this can also be an opportunity for ecosystem recovery.

Studies on Prunusafricana in Cameroon and elsewhere have heavily focused on inventorying, monitoring, and managing the species due to its high value in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and its status as a threatened species. Using the “Adaptive Clusters Sampling (ACS)” method, [38] assessed 1.11% of the 22, 881.085 ha total prunus range of Mt. Cameroon for Stocks of Prunusafricana stems in the forest between 2010 and 2011. This study recorded a total stem count of 79 660 Prunus tree, with 51.52% of harvestable dbh (≥30 cm). According to the same authors, prunus densities were 1.5 times higher in the National Park than in the forest around it, with mean densities of 3.43 stems/ha. This was before the last managed commercial bark exploitation. [39], in an evaluation of Prunus abundance along elevational gradients on Mt. Cameroon enumerated 177 trees within 450,000 m2 for an average density of 3.9 stems/ha and maximum of 6.2 stems/ha, which they said varied with altitude and that over 70% of these trees were healthy.

Elsewhere in Cameroon, inventories carried out on wild Prunus by [40] recorded 1552 trees on 330 hectares of forests, with about 10% dead and 3.84 trees/ha generally with an average of 0.5 trees/ha of harvestable size. Another study by [41] in the Tchabal Mbabo montane forest, Adamawa region, counted (358) stems of P.africana on a surface area of 57.5 ha, which gave a density of 6.23 stems/ha.

All the above studies focused on trees of 10 cm dbh and above, leaving a gap in knowledge of the species at sizes below 10 cm. Therefore, little is known about the natural population structure of this species and potential regeneration in the wild, understandably so because the Afromontane habitat is naturally difficult to access and further compounded by huge resources (time and money) needed for field studies down to seedling stage.

This study was thus designed to assess the regeneration of P.africana within the cloud forest of the Etinde community forest of Mt Cameroon, in permanent plots that will in the future also provide information on the dynamics of the species in this prunus block.

 2. Materials and Methods 2.1. Site Description

The study was carried out in the Etinde community forest on mount Cameroon, covering about 48.6 km2, a buffer zone around the Mount Cameroon National Park. Mount Cameroon is found in the South West Region of Cameroon along the Gulf of Guinea between latitude 3˚57' to 4˚28'N and longitude 8˚58' to 92˚4'E and is the only active volcano along this line [42]. The altitude ranges from sea level to 4100 m above sea level with its main peak situated at 4˚13'N and 9˚10'E, the highest point in West and Central Africa [1][43].

The area has two distinct seasons, the wet season (mid-March to October), with the wettest months being July to September and dry seasons from November to mid-March [34]. Precipitation is abundant, ranging from above 10000 mm/year on the west coast to a little above 2000 mm/year on the leeward side of the mountain. Rainfall decreases with altitude with the lower flanks of the montane being warm and very wet while the peak is dry, windy and freezing cold [44]. Humidity is generally high, usually above 85% all year round. Temperature varies from an average of 25.5˚C to 35˚C depending on location and season of the year, naturally decreasing by about 1˚C per 100 m altitude [39][45][46].

The young volcanic soils of Mount Cameroon support a unique relatively unbroken sequence of natural vegetation from lowland evergreen forest almost at sea level, sub montane forest, montane forest, montane grassland to sub-alpine prairies near its summit [44]. It is known for its exceptional plant diversity and high number of endemic species with over 2300 species of plants in more than 800 genera and 210 families, with 49 strictly endemic and 50 near endemic plant species found in the area. The exceptional plant species diversity of Mount Cameroon is a result of the wide range of physical and climatic factors [47]. This vegetation plays host to many endemics, rare and threatened wildlife species such and birds, reptiles, primates, forest elephants etc. [48]. The diversity of plant and animal species have earned the region an internationally recognized status as a biodiversity “hot spot” in Cameroon.

This work was carried out on two 1 hectare plots located in the montane forest zone at an altitude of about 2100 m and 1800 m above sea level for plot 1 and plot 2 respectively. This altitude bracket is listed as the zone of abundance of P.africana on Mt Cameroon [39][49]. Within this area of high prunus density, accessibility and safety guided the specific location of plots, given that this part of the mountain is steep and riddled with dangerous gullies.

The forest here is often covered with very low to ground level clouds, hence the name cloud forest. A key characteristic of cloud forests is that the trees are always heavily covered with abundant lichens, mosses and lianas. Plot 1 was located very close to the grassland (50 m) while plot 2 was located deep within the forest.

2.2. Methods

Two 100 m × 100 m (10,000 m2) plots were demarcated at an average altitude of 2026 m and 1858 m above sea level for plot 1 and 2 respectively, using a 100 m linear tape. The tape was accompanied by a line tied to poles at the four ends of the plot ensuring possibility of tracing back to starting point. To confirm the plot layout as a square, the internal angles were measured, and adjusted to have a right-angles (90˚), thereby ensuring the plots geometric configuration conforms to a square shape. Coordinates of the four corners of the plots were registered with the help of a GPS.

The plots were each divided in to quadrants of 25 m × 25 m, resulting to 16 sub plots each labelled 1A - 1D, 2A - 2D, 3A - 3D and 4A - 4D for line 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively, delimited with plastic corner post, with ribbons tied on them. The altitude differences between plot 1 and 2 was 168 m. Subplots 1A - 1D of plot 1 was on the average 80 m from the forest edge (grassland) while 4A - 4D were deep in to the forest. The field design was in accordance with that of [50].

All trees in each plot with DBH ≥ 10 cm were tagged, measured using a diameter tape. Due to the high density of mosses and lichens on the barks of trees in the cloud forest, P.africa trees were identified using leaf morphology and confirmed with a bark slash. These permanent plots were designed for long term dynamic studies for plant species of Mt Cameroon.

Adult and juvenile census of all P.africana trees in the plot with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 10 cm was done across all subplots and the trees tags noted. DBH of all tagged trees was measured using a diameter tape at breast height (1.3 m) from the ground. Lianas were shifted and mosses removed around the point of measurement before measuring the diameter. For DBH measurement on slope, the point of measurement was on the uphill side of the tree and for leaning trees, they were measured along the lower side of the tree parallel to the stem axis. For trees with malformation or bombs at 1.3 m from the ground, diameter was measured above 1.3 m. For trees that developed multiple stems before breast height, all the stems with DBH ≥ 10 cm were tagged separately, measured and recorded, while indicating that all the stems belonged to the same tree. Signs of debarking and recovery were noted by physical observation. Number of dead P.africana trees were also noted alongside the possible causes of death.

Smaller P.africana stems and seedlings were censured by dividing each subplot into strips of 5 × 25 m for greater efficiency in the search. Two field workers then moved up and down each strip searching for seedling and saplings of the species of interest until a subplot was completed before moving to the next. Each encountered seedling or sampling was measured for height using a linear tape and collar diameter using an electronic vernier calliper and diameter tape for bigger saplings. This procedure continued until all 16 subplots (comprising 60 stripes) were completed for each plot. Seedlings were considered to be less than 1 cm diameter and less than 5 m tall. Prunus plants that were not seedlings and less than 10 cm DBH were considered saplings and the measured for DBH and height. Juveniles were those ≥ 10 cm DBH but also <20 cm. Adults were the P.africana plants with DBH ≥ 20 cm, while those with DBH ≥ 30 cm were considered harvestable.

 2.3. Data Analysis

The collected data was entered into Microsoft excel, and summarized using tables, charts and summary statistics.

D = N A

where D is tree density (treeha−1), N is total number of tree population for each plot and A is the size of the study area in hectare [51].

Frequency = count of Species of interest number of plots sampled

BasalAreaEstimation

For the estimation of tree Basal Area (m2), Diameter at breast height (D) in meter recorded for each tree was used. The following formula was used to estimate Basal Area [52].

Basal Area = Π D 2 4

Stand volume was estimated using the formular

Basal Area × height ( H ) = Π D 2 4 H Dominance = Total basal area of species total area sampled

Regeneration index was assessed using the regeneration index formula proposed by [23].

Regeneration index = ( Number of seedlings + saplings + juveniles ) − Nunber of adults Total number of the species encounter 3. Results

In plot 1, a total of 49 Prunusafricana plants were censured, composed of 7 seedlings, 29 saplings, 8 juveniles and 5 adults. Three of the five adults were within the harvestable dbh limit of ≥30 cm (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Percentage of adults, juveniles, seedlings and saplings of P.africana in plot 1 within the cloud forest of Mount Cameroon.

The linear dimensions of seedlings and saplings encountered in this plot ranged from 0.13 - 0.90 cm collar diameter and height of 0.5 - 2.4 m. Sapling DHB ranged from 1.29 - 7.5 cm while their heigts ranged from 3.3 m - 7.4 m. The mean DBH of juveniles was 14.8 cm while their mean height was 16.6 m. Adult prunus trees had mean height of 35.9 m and mean DBH of 37.7 cm. Harvestable tree DBH mean was 46.4 and their mean height was 35.9 m.

The total basal area of prunus trees with DBH ≥ 10 cm was found to be 0.78 m2, with contibutions of 0.14 m2 from juveniles and 0.64 m2 from adult trees. Three harvestable prunus trees (dbh ≥ 30 cm) contributed over 69% of the total basal area (Table 1).

Table 1.Means and ranges dbh, height, basal area and stand volume of P.africana stems in plot 1 within the cloud forest of Mt Cameroon.

Variable DBH (cm) Height (m) Basal Area (m 2 ) Stand Volume (m 3 )
Mean Range Mean Range
Juvenile 14.8 11.0 - 19.5 16.6 15.0 - 27.5 0.14 0.24
Adult 37.7 22.2 - 57.0 35.9 27.7 - 33.1 0.64 2.3
Harvestable 46.4 31.7 - 57.0 35.9 28.0 - 42 0.54 2.1
Total 0.78 2.7

The distribution of P.africana on plot 1 (I ha) was such that 12 out of 16 sub plots had atleast one prunus tree at one of the selected stages of growth, with only 4 subplots void of any prunus. Five subplots had adults, three had juveniles while 11 sub plots had seedlings and saplings. Only one sub plot had all size classes and five sub plots recorded two categories (Figure 2).

The numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 represent strips (25 × 100 m), into which the 1 ha plot was divided, while A, B, C and D represent further division of these strips to give the plots of 25 × 25 m plots.

Figure 2. Distribution of adults, juveniles, saplings and seedlings of P.africana on the surface of plot 1 within the cloud forest of Mt Cameroon.

The regeneration index for plot 1 was 0.47 when seedlings and saplings were used in one group.

Three dead prunus trees were encountered in plot 1, one of which was a large tree (dbh > 82 cm) with clear signs of failed bark regeneration due to abusive exploitation and pruned branches, over 20 meters tall, that died a few years ago with little or no decomposition. The pruned branches were still on the forest floor at an advanced state of decomposition with only the hard red core remaining. Two others, medium size trees at an advanced state of decomposition were cut down as indicated on the more resistant stumps.

The search for P.africana in plot 2 recorded a total of 124 individuals, made up of 44 seedlings and saplings, 61 juveniles and 19 adults (Figure 3). Of the 19 adults encountered, 12 were of harvestable size, with DBH ≥ 30 cm.

Mean growth parameters of individuals encountered showed that, the mean height of juveniles was 16.7 m with a range of 6 to 30 m, while the dbh for the same category ranged from 10.0 - 19.8 cm with a mean of 13.6 cm. Adults measured 42.4 cm mean dbh (range 20.9 - 124.0 cm) and an average height of 24.7 m. Harvestable individuals averagely measured 26.7 m in height and 53 cm DBH.

The juveniles in this plot had a basal area of 0.92 m2/ha and a stand volume of 1.6 m3/ha, while the adults had a basal area of 4.8 m2/ha and a stand volume of 12.6 m3/ha (Table 2). The exploitable adults in this plot contributed most of the basal of adults (4.4 m2) and stand volume (11.9 m3).

Figure 3. Percentage of adults, juveniles, seedlings and saplings of P.africana in plot 2 within the cloud forest of Mount Cameroon.

Table 2.Means and ranges dbh, height, basal area and stand volume of P.africana stems in plot 2 within the cloud forest of Mt Cameroon.

Variable dbh (cm) Height (m) Basal Area (m 2 ) Stand Volume (m 3 )
Mean Range Mean Range
Juvenile 13.6 10.0 - 19.8 16.7 06.0 - 30.0 0.92 1.6
Adult 42.4 20.9 - 124.8 24.7 22.0 - 48.0 4.8 12.6
Harvestable 53.0 30.3 - 124.8 26.7 20.0 - 48 4.4 11.9
Total 5.7 14.2

In this plot, seven trees showed signs of previous bark removal, all recovering, among which was one old, very big prunus (124.8 cm dbh) with visible signs of multiple debarking around the entire stem up to some branches, at different stages of recovery.

The distribution of P.africana in plot two (Figure 4) is such that all 16 sub plots had at least one prunus plant, with a mean of a little less than 8 prunus per sub plot and a range of between 1 and 20. While sub plot 1D had only one individual, an adult, sub plot 2A had the highest number of individuals composed of two adults, 14 juveniles and 4 seedlings/samplings. While Adult prunus trees were concentrated in sub plots 1A - 1D (9 individuals) and subplot 2 A, 2B and 2C (11 individuals), sub plot 3 and 4A - D had a high concentration of juveniles (28 individuals) and seedlings/saplings (24 individuals), with only one adult at 3C. The observed distribution in which regeneration seems to occur away from the parent cluster confirms its light demanding nature.

The numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 represent strips (25 × 100 m), into which the 1 ha plot was divided, while A, B, C and D represent further division of these strips to give the plots of 25 × 25 m plots.

Figure 4. Distribution of adults, juveniles, saplings and seedlings of P.africana on the surface of a 1 ha plot 2 within the cloud forest of Mt Cameroon.

The regeneration index for this plot was calculated to be 0.69.

 4. Discussion

Regeneration studies are important for assessing a forest’s long-term health, resilience, and sustainability. Such studies provide essential data on how seedlings and saplings are establishing and growing to replace older adult populations. This is particularly critical for endangered medicinal plants subjected to high exploitation, as they provide the scientific foundation to prevent extinction while ensuring a sustainable supply of pharmaceutical raw materials like Prunusafricana [32]. The key importance of regeneration studies lies in the development of sustainable harvesting models, mitigating destructive harvesting and ex situ conservation, ensuring genetic diversity [53][54].

Natural regeneration of Prunusafricana in undisturbed forests often shows a stable population structure (reverse J-curve), with numerous seedlings present but limited recruitment into the sapling stage, often due to high seedling mortality in shaded environments. [55], studied the population structure of Prunusafricana in South Nandi Afromontane Forest, Kenya and found that the diameter size class distribution took the shape of a reverse “J” curve, indicating stable populations that naturally replace themselves, particularly in areas with good recruitment. [56] in their paper on the variation in regeneration density and population structure of Prunusafricana across human disturbance gradient in South West Mau Forest reported that the relatively undisturbed site of the forest had a stable population structure that followed a reverse-J curve.

In the current study, seedling numbers were smaller than sapling numbers in both plots and in plot 2, juveniles were way higher than seedlings and saplings put together. This scenario can’t produce the reverse J curve. Adults, as expected were smaller in numbers than all the other size classes in both plots. The cloud forest of Mt Cameroon where this work was done is very difficult terrain, on steep slopes, far from habitation, with limited human activities that impact the vegetation. Apart from poaching, prunus bark collection is the only vegetation related activity of this part of the mountain. It is therefore safe to suggest that previous unsustainable bark extraction is responsible for the distortion of the Prunusafricana population structure in this forest [57]. [8], noted the unbalanced distribution (a variation of the J) while working on the sustainability of cherry (Prunusafricana) bark harvesting in Cameroon. This study recorded dead prunus trees that were still standing or cut down while others were debranched, an indication of irresponsible, unprofessional and unsustainable bark collection in the past, resulting in reduce adult population for seed production. These results emphasize the need for rigorous implementation of sustainable bark collection to ensure normal regeneration. Apart from four very big trees encountered in plot 2 that might have been too big to be cut down by machetes during the last bark exploitation, the mean dbh of adult of P.africana was 37.7 cm and 30 cm respectively for plot 1 and 2, an indication that the few harvestable trees are recent recruits into the ≥30 cm class within the over 15 years fallow period.

The number of individual P.africana encountered in this study is the highest ever recorded in Cameroon. This could be accounted for by the sampling intensity (in permanent plot) and the small size of the area in this study together with the fact that it falls within the reported altitude of P.africana abundance on Mt. Cameroon [20]. [38] reported 3.43 stems/ha, [20], 3.9 stems/ha on Mt Cameroon. Elsewhere in Cameroon, [40] counted maximum of 6.2 stems/ha in the North West Region while [41] reported a density of 6.23 stems/ha in the Tchabal Mbabo montane forest, Adamawa region. For the same size class (≥10 cm dbh) as the studies above the current research recorded 13 and 80 individuals for plots 1 and 2 respectively, with mean of 43.5 individuals/ha. While 43.5 individuals/ha may look exceedingly high compared to observations from the other Prunus blocks in Cameroon, it is not the highest ever recorded for the species. [55], working in South Nandi Afromontane Forest, Kenya recorded mean density of 51 trees/ha with dbh ≥ 10 cm.

The spatial distribution of the species within the plots was such that most of the young survived away from the adults, in line with [11], suggesting that while P.africana can regenerate naturally, it often favours light gaps, meaning mature undisturbed forests may exhibit lower regeneration rates than lightly disturbed areas.

In regeneration studies, permanent plots are essential for tracking the long-term survival and transition of young plants into mature stands [58]. Unlike one-time surveys, they allow researchers to follow the specific fate of individual seedlings and saplings over decades, providing data that is otherwise “unknowable”. The key roles of permanent plots include tracking survival and mortality, monitoring successional stages, growth and yield modelling, understanding disturbance impacts, validating remote sensing as they provide the “ground truth” needed to calibrate large-scale remote sensing models.

[41], in a study of potential and measures for sustaining Prunusafricana in Tchabal Mbabo forest (Adamaoua, Cameroon) stressed that future sustainable management must “take into account the dynamic elements” of the species, which are best captured through the ongoing monitoring provided by permanent plot systems. This is particularly important for protected area such as Mt Cameroon National Park and the community forests around it. Scientifically, permanent forest plots act as “miniature labs” to observe how regeneration patterns shift in response to changing temperatures and rainfall, help distinguish between natural “fluctuations” (seasonal noise) and actual “trends” (long-term decline or recovery) and help set scientifically sound harvesting limits by showing how fast a species can actually replace itself through recruitment. While providing baseline data at the beginning, long-term data from these plots can justify the legal protection of critical habitats [59].

In a highly heterogenous environment like Mt Cameroon, using many small permanent plots to study the regeneration of Prunusafricana offers significant advantages over a single large plot, particularly in addressing the high spatial variability and clustered distribution of this endangered, shade-tolerant species. Smaller, distributed plots enhance statistical power and improve the accuracy of regeneration data compared to a single, large one. They also better capture of spatial heterogeneity, high statistical power and precision, ability to detect fine-scale patterns, risk spreading and long-term monitoring [60]. If one area is destroyed by a tree fall or human disturbance, the entire study is not lost, as in the case of a single large plot.

5. Conclusion

The regeneration of P.africana within the cloud forest of Mt Cameroon is, on average, good as the stem count recorded was considerably higher than for all the other studies carried out in this site and elsewhere. However, the population structure didn’t yield the reverse J due to anthropogenic factors. It is thus recommended here that longer periods between commercial bark collection and strict implementation of the management guidelines will allow for recovery and sustainability of both the economic activity and the species. Also, setting up more of such plots in all the prunus blocks of Mt Cameroon, both in and out of the National Park, will help in tracking the long-term survival and transition of young plants into mature stands and also follow up the fate of harvested plants and more.

 References Suh, C.E., Ayonghe, S.N., Sparks, R.S.J., Annen, C., Fitton, J.G., Nana, R., et al. (2003) The 1999 and 2000 Eruptions of Mount Cameroon: Eruption Behaviour and Petrochemistry of Lava. Bulletin of Volcanology, 65, 267-281. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00445-002-0257-7 10.1007/s00445-002-0257-7https://doi.org/10.1007/s00445-002-0257-7 Suh, C.E. Ayonghe, S.N. Sparks, R.S.J. Annen, C. Fitton, J.G. Nana, R. 2003 The 1999 and 2000 Eruptions of Mount Cameroon: Eruption Behaviour and Petrochemistry of Lava Bulletin of Volcanology 65 10.1007/s00445-002-0257-7 Njome, M.S., Suh, C.E., Sparks, R.S.J., Ayonghe, S.N. and Fitton, J.G. (2008) The Mount Cameroon 1959 Compound Lava Flow Field: Morphology, Petrography and Geochemistry. Swiss Journal of Geosciences, 101, 85-98. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00015-007-1245-x 10.1007/s00015-007-1245-xhttps://doi.org/10.1007/s00015-007-1245-x Njome, M.S. Suh, C.E. Sparks, R.S.J. Ayonghe, S.N. Fitton, J.G. Morphology, P 2008 The Mount Cameroon 1959 Compound Lava Flow Field: Morphology, Petrography and Geochemistry Swiss Journal of Geosciences 101 10.1007/s00015-007-1245-x Cronin, D.T., Libalah, M.B., Bergl, R.A. and Hearn, G.W. (2014) Biodiversity and Conservation of Tropical Montane Ecosystems in the Gulf of Guinea, West Africa. Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research, 46, 891-904. https://doi.org/10.1657/1938-4246-46.4.891 10.1657/1938-4246-46.4.891https://doi.org/10.1657/1938-4246-46.4.891 Cronin, D.T. Libalah, M.B. Bergl, R.A. Hearn, G.W. Guinea, W Arctic, A 2014 Biodiversity and Conservation of Tropical Montane Ecosystems in the Gulf of Guinea, West Africa Arctic 46 10.1657/1938-4246-46.4.891 Ntie, S., Davis, A.R., Hils, K., Mickala, P., Thomassen, H.A., Morgan, K., et al. (2017) Evaluating the Role of Pleistocene Refugia, Rivers and Environmental Variation in the Diversification of Central African Duikers (Genera Cephalophus and Philantomba). BMC Evolutionary Biology, 17, Article No. 212. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-017-1054-4 10.1186/s12862-017-1054-428877669https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-017-1054-4 Ntie, S. Davis, A.R. Hils, K. Mickala, P. Thomassen, H.A. Morgan, K. Refugia, R 2017 Evaluating the Role of Pleistocene Refugia, Rivers and Environmental Variation in the Diversification of Central African Duikers (Genera Cephalophus and Philantomba) BMC Evolutionary Biology 17 No 10.1186/s12862-017-1054-4 28877669 Hall, J.B. (1973) Vegetational Zones on the Southern Slopes of Mount Cameroon. Vegetatio, 27, 49-69. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02389340 10.1007/bf02389340https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02389340 Hall, J.B. 1973 Vegetational Zones on the Southern Slopes of Mount Cameroon Vegetatio 27 10.1007/bf02389340 Cheek, M., Cable, S., Hepper, F.N., Ndam, N. and Watts, J. (1996) Mapping Plant Biodiversity on Mount Cameroon. In: Maesen, L.J.G., et al., Eds., The Biodiversity of African Plants, Springer, 110-120. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-0285-5_16 10.1007/978-94-009-0285-5_16https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-0285-5_16 Cheek, M. Cable, S. Hepper, F.N. Ndam, N. Watts, J. Maesen, L.J.G. Plants, S 1996 Mapping Plant Biodiversity on Mount Cameroon In: Maesen 110 10.1007/978-94-009-0285-5_16 Proctor, J., Edwards, I.D., Payton, R.W. and Nagy, L. (2007) Zonation of Forest Vegetation and Soils of Mount Cameroon, West Africa. Plant Ecology, 192, 251-269. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11258-007-9326-5 10.1007/s11258-007-9326-5https://doi.org/10.1007/s11258-007-9326-5 Proctor, J. Edwards, I.D. Payton, R.W. Nagy, L. Cameroon, W 2007 Zonation of Forest Vegetation and Soils of Mount Cameroon, West Africa Plant Ecology 192 10.1007/s11258-007-9326-5 Cunningham, A.B. and Mbenkum, F.T. (1993) Sustainability of Harvesting Prunusafricana Bark in Cameroon: A Medicinal Plant in International Trade. People and Plants Working Paper 2. UNESCO. Cunningham, A.B. Mbenkum, F.T. 1993 Sustainability of Harvesting Prunus africana Bark in Cameroon: A Medicinal Plant in International Trade Cunningham, M., Cunningham, A.B. and Schippmann, U. (1997) Trade in Prunusafricana and the Implementation of CITES. German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, 40 p. Cunningham, M. Cunningham, A.B. Schippmann, U. 1997 Trade in Prunus africana and the Implementation of CITES German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation 40 Bruijnzeel, L.A., Kappelle, M., Mulligan, M. and Scatena, F.N. (2011) Tropical Montane Cloud Forests: State of Knowledge and Sustainability Perspectives in a Changing World. In: Bruijnzeel, L.A., Scatena, F.N. and Hamilton, L.S., Eds., Tropical Montane Cloud Forests, Cambridge University Press, 691-740. https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9780511778384.074 10.1017/cbo9780511778384.074https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9780511778384.074 Bruijnzeel, L.A. Kappelle, M. Mulligan, M. Scatena, F.N. Bruijnzeel, L.A. Scatena, F.N. Hamilton, L.S. Forests, C 2011 Tropical Montane Cloud Forests: State of Knowledge and Sustainability Perspectives in a Changing World In: Bruijnzeel 691 10.1017/cbo9780511778384.074 Egbe, E.A., Forkwa, E.Y., Neba, G.A. and Enow, E.A. (2022) Evaluation of Catchment Afforestation Potentials of Seedlings of Three Native Tree Species under Different Soil Moisture Conditions. International Journal of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, 6, 67-83. Egbe, E.A. Forkwa, E.Y. Neba, G.A. Enow, E.A. 2022 Evaluation of Catchment Afforestation Potentials of Seedlings of Three Native Tree Species under Different Soil Moisture Conditions International Journal of Agriculture and Biological Sciences 6 Fashing, P.J. (2004) Mortality Trends in the African Cherry ( Prunusafricana) and the Implications for Colobus Monkeys ( Colobus guereza) in Kakamega Forest, Kenya. Biological Conservation, 120, 449-459. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2004.03.018 10.1016/j.biocon.2004.03.018https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2004.03.018 Fashing, P.J. Forest, K 2004 Mortality Trends in the African Cherry (Prunus africana) and the Implications for Colobus Monkeys (Colobus guereza) in Kakamega Forest, Kenya Biological Conservation 120 10.1016/j.biocon.2004.03.018 Amougou, A., Betti, J.L., Ewusi, N.B., Mbarga, N., Akagou, Z.H.C., Fonkoua, C., Essomba, E.R. and Nkouna, A.C. (2011) Non-Detriment Findings (NDF) for Prunusafricana (Hook.f.) Kalkman in Cameroon. ANAFOR (National Forest Development Agency). Amougou, A. Betti, J.L. Ewusi, N.B. Mbarga, N. Akagou, Z.H.C. Fonkoua, C. Essomba, E.R. Nkouna, A.C. 2011 Non-Detriment Findings (NDF) for Prunus africana (Hook Koros, H., Malombe, I., Mwendwa, K., Jeruto, P., Agevi, H. and Konje, M. (2016) Indigenous Knowledge, Uses and Conservation of Prunusafricana (Hook.f.) Kalkman in Nandi Forests. Journal of Natural Sciences Research, 6, 56-62. Koros, H. Malombe, I. Mwendwa, K. Jeruto, P. Agevi, H. Konje, M. Knowledge, U 2016 Indigenous Knowledge, Uses and Conservation of Prunus africana (Hook f.) Kalkman in Nandi Forests. Journal of Natural Sciences Research 6 Godfrey, M.G., Joseph, N., King’ori, M.A. and Silas, K. (2020) Phytochemical and Anti-Inflammatory Analysis of Prunusafricana Bark Extract. Research Journal ofPharmacognosy, 7, 31-38. Godfrey, M.G. Joseph, N. Silas, K. 2020 Phytochemical and Anti-Inflammatory Analysis of Prunus africana Bark Extract Research Journal of Pharmacognosy 7 Yablonsky, F., Nicolas, V., Riffaud, J.P. and Bellamy, F. (1997) Antiproliferative Effect of Pygeumafricanum Extract on Rat Prostatic Fibroblasts. Journal of Urology, 157, 2381-2387. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-5347(01)64785-2 10.1016/s0022-5347(01)64785-29146675https://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-5347(01)64785-2 Yablonsky, F. Nicolas, V. Riffaud, J.P. Bellamy, F. 1997 Antiproliferative Effect of Pygeum africanum Extract on Rat Prostatic Fibroblasts Journal of Urology 5347 01 10.1016/s0022-5347(01)64785-2 9146675 Nambooze, J., Erukainure, O.L. and Chukwuma, C.I. (2022) Phytochemistry of Prunusafricana and Its Therapeutic Effect against Prostate Cancer. ComparativeClinical Pathology, 31, 875-893. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-022-03382-w 10.1007/s00580-022-03382-whttps://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-022-03382-w Nambooze, J. Erukainure, O.L. Chukwuma, C.I. 2022 Phytochemistry of Prunus africana and Its Therapeutic Effect against Prostate Cancer Comparative Clinical Pathology 31 10.1007/s00580-022-03382-w Rubegeta, E., Makolo, F., Kamatou, G., Enslin, G., Chaudhary, S., Sandasi, M., et al. (2023) The African Cherry: A Review of the Botany, Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Biological Activities of Prunusafricana (Hook.f.) Kalkman. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 305, Article ID: 116004. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2022.116004 10.1016/j.jep.2022.11600436535336https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2022.116004 Rubegeta, E. Makolo, F. Kamatou, G. Enslin, G. Chaudhary, S. Sandasi, M. Botany, T Uses, P 2023 The African Cherry: A Review of the Botany, Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Biological Activities of Prunus africana (Hook f.) Kalkman. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 305 116004 ID 10.1016/j.jep.2022.116004 36535336 Stewart, K.M. (2003) The African Cherry ( Prunusafricana): From Hoe-Handles to the International Herb Market. Economic Botany, 57, 559-569. https://doi.org/10.1663/0013-0001(2003)057[0559:tacpaf]2.0.co;2 10.1663/0013-0001(2003)057[0559:tacpaf]2.0.co;2https://doi.org/10.1663/0013-0001(2003)057[0559:tacpaf]2.0.co;2 Stewart, K.M. 2003 The African Cherry (Prunus africana): From Hoe-Handles to the International Herb Market Economic Botany 0001 2003 10.1663/0013-0001(2003)057[0559:tacpaf]2.0.co;2 Melle, E.M., Nkwatoh, A.F. and Nsadzetsen, R.A. (2016) The Ecological Distribution of Wild Prunusafricana in Mount Cameroon National Park, Cameroon. InternationalJournal of Current Research in Biosciences and Plant Biology, 3, 73-80. https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcrbp.2016.307.011 10.20546/ijcrbp.2016.307.011https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcrbp.2016.307.011 Melle, E.M. Nkwatoh, A.F. Nsadzetsen, R.A. Park, C 2016 The Ecological Distribution of Wild Prunus africana in Mount Cameroon National Park, Cameroon International Journal of Current Research in Biosciences and Plant Biology 3 10.20546/ijcrbp.2016.307.011 Komakech, R., Kang, Y., Lee, J. and Omujal, F. (2017) A Review of the Potential of Phytochemicals from Prunusafricana (Hook F.) Kalkman Stem Bark for Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy of Prostate Cancer. Evidence- Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017, Article ID: 3014019. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/3014019 10.1155/2017/301401928286531https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/3014019 Komakech, R. Kang, Y. Lee, J. Omujal, F. 2017 A Review of the Potential of Phytochemicals from Prunus africana (Hook F ) Kalkman Stem Bark for Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy of Prostate Cancer. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2017 301401 ID 10.1155/2017/3014019 28286531 Stewart, K.M. (2003) The African Cherry ( Prunusafricana): Can Lessons Be Learned from an Over-Exploited Medicinal Tree? Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 89, 3-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2003.08.002 10.1016/j.jep.2003.08.00214522426https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2003.08.002 Stewart, K.M. 2003 The African Cherry (Prunus africana): Can Lessons Be Learned from an Over-Exploited Medicinal Tree? Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 89, 3-13 10.1016/j.jep.2003.08.002 14522426 Ingram, S.L., Macey, T.A., Fossum, E.N. and Morgan, M.M. (2007) Tolerance to Repeated Morphine Administration Is Associated with Increased Potency of Opioid Agonists. Neuropsychopharmacology, 33, 2494-2504. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.npp.1301634 10.1038/sj.npp.130163418046309https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.npp.1301634 Ingram, S.L. Macey, T.A. Fossum, E.N. Morgan, M.M. 2007 Tolerance to Repeated Morphine Administration Is Associated with Increased Potency of Opioid Agonists Neuropsychopharmacology 33 10.1038/sj.npp.1301634 18046309 Abensperg-Traun, M. (2009) CITES, Sustainable Use of Wild Species and Incentive-Driven Conservation in Developing Countries, with an Emphasis on Southern Africa. Biological Conservation, 142, 948-963. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2008.12.034 10.1016/j.biocon.2008.12.034https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2008.12.034 Abensperg-Traun, M. CITES, S 2009 CITES, Sustainable Use of Wild Species and Incentive-Driven Conservation in Developing Countries, with an Emphasis on Southern Africa Biological Conservation 142 10.1016/j.biocon.2008.12.034 Popoola, L., Tangwa, G.W. and Adedire, M.O. (2002) Commercial Exploitation and Conservation of Prunusafricana in Cameroon’s Afromontane Forests. Arboricultural Journal, 26, 65-76. https://doi.org/10.1080/03071375.2002.9747319 10.1080/03071375.2002.9747319https://doi.org/10.1080/03071375.2002.9747319 Popoola, L. Tangwa, G.W. Adedire, M.O. 2002 Commercial Exploitation and Conservation of Prunus africana in Cameroon’s Afromontane Forests Arboricultural Journal 26 10.1080/03071375.2002.9747319 Ingram, V.N. and Sawir, A.T. (2007) The Value of Biodiversity, Pygeum Money Growing on Trees in the Cameroon Highlands? Nature Faune, 22, 29-36. Ingram, V.N. Sawir, A.T. Biodiversity, P 2007 The Value of Biodiversity, Pygeum Money Growing on Trees in the Cameroon Highlands? Nature Faune, 22, 29-36 van Wyk, A.S. and Prinsloo, G. (2018) Medicinal Plant Harvesting, Sustainability and Cultivation in South Africa. Biological Conservation, 227, 335-342. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2018.09.018 10.1016/j.biocon.2018.09.018https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2018.09.018 Wyk, A.S. Prinsloo, G. Harvesting, S 2018 Medicinal Plant Harvesting, Sustainability and Cultivation in South Africa Biological Conservation 227 10.1016/j.biocon.2018.09.018 CITES (2006) Review of Significant Trade in Specimens of Appendix-II Species. Species Selected Following COP11 and COP12. CITES 16 th Meeting of the Plants Committee, Lima, 3-8 July 2006. http://enb.iisd.org/vol21/enb2148e.html Committee, L 2006 Review of Significant Trade in Specimens of Appendix-II Species Species Selected Following COP11 and COP12. CITES 16th Meeting of the Plants Committee 3 Hills, R. and Cheek, M. (2021) Prunusafricana. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T33631A2837924. Hills, R. Cheek, M. 2021 Prunus africana Cunningham, A., Anoncho, V.F. and Sunderland, T. (2016) Power, Policy and the Prunusafricana Bark Trade, 1972-2015. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 178, 323-333. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2015.11.042 10.1016/j.jep.2015.11.04226631758https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2015.11.042 Cunningham, A. Anoncho, V.F. Sunderland, T. Power, P 2016 Power, Policy and the Prunus africana Bark Trade, 1972-2015 Journal of Ethnopharmacology 178 10.1016/j.jep.2015.11.042 26631758 Betti, J.L. and Ambara, J. (2011) Mass of Prunusafricana Stem Barks on the Mount Cameroon Forest. International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation, 3, 267-279. Betti, J.L. Ambara, J. 2011 Mass of Prunus africana Stem Barks on the Mount Cameroon Forest International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation 3 Betti, J.L., Fouadjo, B., Wété, E., Ngueguim, J.R., Njimbam, O.F., Tientcheu, S. and Pouepi, D.T. (2019) Monitoring the Harvesting of the Barks of Prunusafricana (Hook.f.) Kalkman (Rosaceae) in the Agroforest Systems of North-West Region of Cameroon. InternationalJournal of Applied Plant Biology and Biotechnology, 7, 164-177. Betti, J.L. Fouadjo, B. Ngueguim, J.R. Njimbam, O.F. Tientcheu, S. Pouepi, D.T. 2019 Monitoring the Harvesting of the Barks of Prunus africana (Hook f.) Kalkman (Rosaceae) in the Agroforest Systems of North-West Region of Cameroon. International Journal of Applied Plant Biology and Biotechnology 7 Cunningham, A.B. and Sunderland, T. (2023) Power, Profits and Policy: A Reality Check on CITES and the Prunusafricana Bark Trade. In: Cordonier Segger, M.-C., Wardell, D.A. and Harrington, A., Eds., CITES as a Tool for Sustainable Development, Cambridge University Press, 113-130. Cunningham, A.B. Sunderland, T. Power, P Segger, M. Wardell, D.A. Harrington, A. Development, C 2023 Power, Profits and Policy: A Reality Check on CITES and the Prunus africana Bark Trade In: Cordonier Segger 113 Ingram, V., Awono, A., Schure, J. and Ndam, N. (2009) National Prunusafricana Management Plan for Cameroon. CIFOR, 156 p. Ingram, V. Awono, A. Schure, J. Ndam, N. 2009 National Prunus africana Management Plan for Cameroon CIFOR 156 Tchouto, P. (1996) Prunus Populations on Mount Cameroon. A Strategy for the Conservation of Prunusafricanaon Mount Cameroon: Technical Papers and Workshop Proceedings, Limbe, 21-22 February 1996, 12-18. Tchouto, P. Proceedings, L 1996 Prunus Populations on Mount Cameroon A Strategy for the Conservation of Prunus africana on Mount Cameroon: Technical Papers and Workshop Proceedings 21 Ingram, V.J., Loo, J., Vinceti, B., Dawson, I., Muchugi, A., Duminil, J., Awono, A., Asaah, E., Tchoundjeu, Z. and Sunderland, T. (2015) Ensuring the Future of the Pygeum Tree ( Prunusafricana) Factsheet. LEI Wageningen UR, 8 p. Ingram, V.J. Loo, J. Vinceti, B. Dawson, I. Muchugi, A. Duminil, J. Awono, A. Asaah, E. Tchoundjeu, Z. Sunderland, T. 2015 Ensuring the Future of the Pygeum Tree (Prunus africana) Factsheet LEI Wageningen UR 8 Betti, J.L. and Ambara, J. (2013) Mass of Prunusafricana Stem Barks on Tchabal Mbabo and Tchabal Gang Daba Mountain Forests, Cameroon. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 7, 204-221. Betti, J.L. Ambara, J. Forests, C 2013 Mass of Prunus africana Stem Barks on Tchabal Mbabo and Tchabal Gang Daba Mountain Forests, Cameroon African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 7 Betti, J.L., Ngankoue, M.C., Njukouyou, N.O.F. and Wete, E. (2016) Monitoring the Implementation of Prunusafricana (Rosaceae) Management Plans in Cameroon: Respect of National Norms. African Journal of Plant Science, 10, 172-188. Betti, J.L. Ngankoue, M.C. Njukouyou, N.O.F. Wete, E. 2016 Monitoring the Implementation of Prunus africana (Rosaceae) Management Plans in Cameroon: Respect of National Norms African Journal of Plant Science 10 Ekane Maurice, M., Athanasuis Fuashi, N., Njopin Hele, T. and Akere Bell, A. (2016) The Conservation and Management Challenges of the Rainforest of Idenau in Mount Cameroon National Park, Southwest Region, Cameroon. InternationalJournal of Current Research in Biosciences and Plant Biology, 3, 45-52. https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcrbp.2016.308.007 10.20546/ijcrbp.2016.308.007https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcrbp.2016.308.007 Maurice, M. Fuashi, N. Hele, T. Bell, A. Park, S Region, C 2016 The Conservation and Management Challenges of the Rainforest of Idenau in Mount Cameroon National Park, Southwest Region, Cameroon International Journal of Current Research in Biosciences and Plant Biology 3 10.20546/ijcrbp.2016.308.007 Amougou, A., Betti, J.L., Bilong, P., Bekolo, B., Ewusi, N.B., Mbarga, N., Akagou, Z.H.C., Fonkoua, C. and Nkouna, A.C. (2010) Preliminary Report on Sustainable Harvesting of Prunusafricana (Rosaceae) in the Mounts Tchabal Gang Daba and Tchabal Mbabo Areas, Cameroon. National Forest Development Agency (ANAFOR)/CITES Scientific Authority, ITTO-CITES Project Repository. Amougou, A. Betti, J.L. Bilong, P. Bekolo, B. Ewusi, N.B. Mbarga, N. Akagou, Z.H.C. Fonkoua, C. Nkouna, A.C. Areas, C Authority, I 2010 Preliminary Report on Sustainable Harvesting of Prunus africana (Rosaceae) in the Mounts Tchabal Gang Daba and Tchabal Mbabo Areas, Cameroon National Forest Development Agency (ANAFOR)/CITES Scientific Authority Ndedy Bile, A.W., Mpouam, A.R., Betti, J.L., Aimé, L.F., Kourogue, L.R., Fouadjio, B.J., Yimga, M.F., Wete, E., Njimbam, O.F., Afiong, N.N., Billong, P.F., Ela, M., Tassiamba, S., Tientcheu, S., Bem, E. and Guedem, C. (2022) Potential and Measures for Sustaining Prunusafricana (Hook. f.) Kalkman (Rosaceae) in Tchabal Mbabo Forest (MF), Adamaoua Cameroon. African Journal of Plant Science, 16, 157-173. Bile, A.W. Mpouam, A.R. Betti, J.L. Kourogue, L.R. Fouadjio, B.J. Yimga, M.F. Wete, E. Njimbam, O.F. Afiong, N.N. Billong, P.F. Ela, M. Tassiamba, S. Tientcheu, S. Bem, E. Guedem, C. 2022 Potential and Measures for Sustaining Prunus africana (Hook f.) Kalkman (Rosaceae) in Tchabal Mbabo Forest (MF) 16 Scholl, M., Eugster, W. and Burkard, R. (2011) Understanding the Role of Fog in Forest Hydrology: Stable Isotopes as Tools for Determining Input and Partitioning of Cloud Water in Montane Forests. In: Bruijnzeel, L.A., Scatena, F.N. and Hamilton, L.S., Tropical Montane Cloud Forests, Cambridge University Press, 228-241. https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9780511778384.025 10.1017/cbo9780511778384.025https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9780511778384.025 Scholl, M. Eugster, W. Burkard, R. Bruijnzeel, L.A. Scatena, F.N. Hamilton, L.S. Forests, C 2011 Understanding the Role of Fog in Forest Hydrology: Stable Isotopes as Tools for Determining Input and Partitioning of Cloud Water in Montane Forests In: Bruijnzeel 228 10.1017/cbo9780511778384.025 Leat, P.T., White, R.V. and Kaminski, M.A. (2003) Geological Society of London Memoir: Volcanic Processes and Products. Geological Society Publishing House. Leat, P.T. White, R.V. Kaminski, M.A. 2003 Geological Society of London Memoir: Volcanic Processes and Products Emma, M. and Burgess, N. (2020) Mount Cameroon and Bioko Montane Forests. One Earth. https://www.oneearth.org/ecoregions/mount-cameroon-and-bioko-montane-forests/ Emma, M. Burgess, N. 2020 Mount Cameroon and Bioko Montane Forests Payton, R.W. (1993) Ecology, Altitudinal Zonation and Conservation of Tropical Rainforest of Mount Cameroon. Final Project Report R4600. ODA, London, Mount Cameroon Project, 70 p. Payton, R.W. Ecology, A ODA, L 1993 Ecology, Altitudinal Zonation and Conservation of Tropical Rainforest of Mount Cameroon Final Project Report R4600. ODA 70 Fraser, P.J., Hall, J.B. and Healey, J.R. (1998) Climate of the Mount Cameroon Region, Long and Medium-Term Rainfall, Temperature and Sunshine Data. SAFS, University of Wales, 56 p. Fraser, P.J. Hall, J.B. Healey, J.R. Region, L Rainfall, T SAFS, U 1998 Climate of the Mount Cameroon Region, Long and Medium-Term Rainfall, Temperature and Sunshine Data SAFS 56 Tchouto, M.G.P. (1995) The Vegetation of the Proposed Etinde Rainforest Reserve, Mount Cameroon and Its Conservation. M.Sc. Thesis, Rufford Foundation Project Reports, University of Edinburgh/Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh. Tchouto, M.G.P. Reserve, M Thesis, R Reports, U 1995 The Vegetation of the Proposed Etinde Rainforest Reserve, Mount Cameroon and Its Conservation M.Sc. Thesis Gonwouo, N.L., LeBreton, M., Chirio, L., Ineich, I., Tchamba, N.M., Ngassam, P., et al. (2007) Biodiversity and Conservation of the Reptiles of the Mount Cameroon Area. African Journal of Herpetology, 56, 149-161. https://doi.org/10.1080/21564574.2007.9635560 10.1080/21564574.2007.9635560https://doi.org/10.1080/21564574.2007.9635560 Gonwouo, N.L. LeBreton, M. Chirio, L. Ineich, I. Tchamba, N.M. Ngassam, P. 2007 Biodiversity and Conservation of the Reptiles of the Mount Cameroon Area African Journal of Herpetology 56 10.1080/21564574.2007.9635560 Ewusi, J., Acworth, J. and Bwong, N. (1996) Survey of Prunusafricana in the Mount Cameroon Region. Preliminary Report, Mt Cameroon Project Externally Prepared, Universiteit van Amsterdam, 39 p. Ewusi, J. Acworth, J. Bwong, N. Report, M Prepared, U 1996 Survey of Prunus africana in the Mount Cameroon Region Preliminary Report 39 Mokake, S.E., Weyi, B.K., Anyinkeng, N., Ngoh, L.M., Berkeley, O.E. and Andrew, E.E. (2023) Stand Diversity and Carbon Stock of a Tropical Forest in the Deng Deng National Park, Cameroon. Open Journal of Ecology, 13, 461-496. https://doi.org/10.4236/oje.2023.137029 10.4236/oje.2023.137029https://doi.org/10.4236/oje.2023.137029 Mokake, S.E. Weyi, B.K. Anyinkeng, N. Ngoh, L.M. Berkeley, O.E. Andrew, E.E. Park, C 2023 Stand Diversity and Carbon Stock of a Tropical Forest in the Deng Deng National Park, Cameroon Open Journal of Ecology 13 10.4236/oje.2023.137029 Gao, S., Wang, X., Wiemann, M.C., Brashaw, B.K., Ross, R.J. and Wang, L. (2020) A Critical Analysis of Methods for Rapid and Nondestructive Determination of Wood Density in Standing Trees. Annals of Forest Science, 74, Article No. 27. Gao, S. Wang, X. Wiemann, M.C. Brashaw, B.K. Ross, R.J. Wang, L. 2020 A Critical Analysis of Methods for Rapid and Nondestructive Determination of Wood Density in Standing Trees Annals of Forest Science 74 No Khan, M.N.I., Islam, M.R., Rahman, A., Azad, M.S., Mollick, A.S., Kamruzzaman, M., et al. (2020) Allometric Relationships of Stand Level Carbon Stocks to Basal Area, Tree Height and Wood Density of Nine Tree Species in Bangladesh. Global Ecology and Conservation, 22, e01025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01025 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01025https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01025 Khan, M.N.I. Islam, M.R. Rahman, A. Azad, M.S. Mollick, A.S. Kamruzzaman, M. Area, T 2020 Allometric Relationships of Stand Level Carbon Stocks to Basal Area, Tree Height and Wood Density of Nine Tree Species in Bangladesh Global Ecology and Conservation 22 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01025 He, L., He, X., Lim, L.P., de Stanchina, E., Xuan, Z., Liang, Y., et al. (2007) A microRNA Component of the P53 Tumour Suppressor Network. Nature, 447, 1130-1134. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature05939 10.1038/nature0593917554337https://doi.org/10.1038/nature05939 He, L. He, X. Lim, L.P. Stanchina, E. Xuan, Z. Liang, Y. 2007 A microRNA Component of the P53 Tumour Suppressor Network Nature 447 10.1038/nature05939 17554337 Lanker, U., Malik, A.R., Gupta, N.K. and Butola, J.S. (2010) Natural Regeneration Status of the Endangered Medicinal Plant, Taxusbaccata Hook. F. syn. T.wallichiana, in Northwest Himalaya. InternationalJournal of Biodiversity Science, Ecosystem Services & Management, 6, 20-27. https://doi.org/10.1080/21513732.2010.527302 10.1080/21513732.2010.527302https://doi.org/10.1080/21513732.2010.527302 Lanker, U. Malik, A.R. Gupta, N.K. Butola, J.S. Plant, T Science, E 2010 Natural Regeneration Status of the Endangered Medicinal Plant, Taxus baccata Hook F. syn. T. wallichiana 6 10.1080/21513732.2010.527302 Onyango, A.E., Hitimana, J., Sirmah, P.K. and Matonyei, T. (2018) Population Structure of Prunusafricana (Hook.f.) Kalkm. and Olea europaea L. in South Nandi Afromontane Forest, Kenya. Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry, 1, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajraf/2018/43541 10.9734/ajraf/2018/43541https://doi.org/10.9734/ajraf/2018/43541 Onyango, A.E. Hitimana, J. Sirmah, P.K. Matonyei, T. Forest, K 2018 Population Structure of Prunus africana (Hook f.) Kalkm. and Olea europaea L. in South Nandi Afromontane Forest 1 10.9734/ajraf/2018/43541 Rono, S.C., Gichuki, N.N. and Odera, P.A. (2018) Variation in Regeneration Density and Population Structure of Prunusafricana across Human Disturbance Gradient in South West Mau Forest. Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry, 5, 1-9. Rono, S.C. Gichuki, N.N. Odera, P.A. 2018 Variation in Regeneration Density and Population Structure of Prunus africana across Human Disturbance Gradient in South West Mau Forest Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry 5 Marie Caroline, M.S., Victor François, N., Josette, D.N., Ghislain, K.K. and Marie Louise, A. (2016) The Effects of Some Ecological and Anthropic Factors on the Survival and Bark Recovery Rate of Prunusafricana (Rosaceae) in South-West, Cameroon. InternationalJournal of Current Research in Biosciences and Plant Biology, 3, 25-31. https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcrbp.2016.308.004 10.20546/ijcrbp.2016.308.004https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcrbp.2016.308.004 Caroline, M.S. Josette, D.N. Ghislain, K.K. Louise, A. South-West, C 2016 The Effects of Some Ecological and Anthropic Factors on the Survival and Bark Recovery Rate of Prunus africana (Rosaceae) in South-West, Cameroon International Journal of Current Research in Biosciences and Plant Biology 3 10.20546/ijcrbp.2016.308.004 Bakker, J.P., Olff, H., Willems, J.H. and Zobel, M. (1996) Why Do We Need Permanent Plots in the Study of Long-Term Vegetation Dynamics? Journal of Vegetation Science, 7, 147-156. https://doi.org/10.2307/3236314 10.2307/3236314https://doi.org/10.2307/3236314 Bakker, J.P. Olff, H. Willems, J.H. Zobel, M. 1996 Why Do We Need Permanent Plots in the Study of Long-Term Vegetation Dynamics? Journal of Vegetation Science, 7, 147-156 10.2307/3236314 Chidumayo, E.N. (2004) Development of Miombo Woodland Regrowth under Anthropomorphic and Natural Regrowth Systems in Zambia. Journal of Biogeography, 31, 271-280. Chidumayo, E.N. 2004 Development of Miombo Woodland Regrowth under Anthropomorphic and Natural Regrowth Systems in Zambia Journal of Biogeography 31 Motta, R., Berretti, R., Lingua, E. and Piussi, P. (2011) Coarse Woody Debris, Forest STRUCTURE and regeneration in the Valbona Forest Reserve (Paneveggio, Italian Alps). Forest Ecology and Management, 262, 1920-1930. Motta, R. Berretti, R. Lingua, E. Piussi, P. Debris, F Paneveggio, I 2011 Coarse Woody Debris, Forest STRUCTURE and regeneration in the Valbona Forest Reserve (Paneveggio, Italian Alps) Forest Ecology and Management 262