Assessing the Effectiveness of Protected Areas on Floristic Diversity in Tropical Forests

Abstract

Abstract. Understanding major drivers of tree species distribution and tropical forest composition is imperative for biodiversity conservation. This study aimed to assessing the floristic diversity and structure of Lesio-louna forest in southern Republic of Congo and its implications for sustainable development. The measurements were made in six plots: three plots located in the Iboubikro forest and three in Blue Lake Forest (circular plots of 1,256 m 2 or 40 m of plot diameter). 85 trees of DBH ≥ 10 cm, divided into 25 species and 14 families have been recorded. Biomass data was collected using the tree-ring or floristic inventory method and data analyzed using SPSS v.18.0 statistical software. The results showed that, the Fabaceae had significant trees (17 species), with a relative diversity index of 20% followed by the Mimosaceae with 14 species and a relative diversity index of 16%. Millettia laurentii, Pentaclethra eetveldeana, Eriocoelum macrocarpum, Millettia pinnata and Sorindeia juglandifolia were listed as most important species in the area based on their relative frequency. Further study has been done to identify and determine the trees taxon for Lesio-louna tropical forest and their phytogeographical distribution. Flora of Lesio-louna protected area has a remarkable diversity and the floristic richness is very considerable in its specific composition.

Assessing the Floristic Biodiversity and Carbon Stock in a Republic of Congo’s Forest Ecosystem

“…3) The Shannon Weaver (H') floristic diversity index is an index expressed in bits between 0 -5 [26] (2). This index was obtained from the relative abundance (P i ) of each species, which is the ratio between the total number of individuals in a survey and absolute abundance [27]. Relative abundance is given by Equation 1.…”