Abstract (English)

Local ethnobotanical knowledge is critical for biodiversity conservation, particularly in
tropical forest systems facing increasing anthropogenic pressures. This study
evaluated the ethnobotanical knowledge (EK) and vulnerability of some species of
interest for the local communities living within the villages surrounding the southeast
periphery of Cameroon's Campo Ma'an National Park. Data were collected using
ethnographic methods, including semi-structured interviews with 52 households in
seven villages, focus group discussions and participatory observations targeting village
chiefs, traditional healers and farmers. People's level of EK and the socio-economic
factors influencing it were assessed using linear discriminant analysis and multinomial
logistic regression. The analysis of species vulnerability was based on the calculation
of a vulnerability index (VI).
The results showed that 74 plant species distributed among 30 botanical families are
used by local populations for their well-being. Among these species, Irvingia
gabonensis (88.46%), Alstonia boonei (82.69%), Coula edulis (55.76%), Guibourtia
tessmannii (51.92%), and Mammea africana (50%) were the most cited, notably for
their nutritional value (88%), medicinal value (83%), and cultural value (51%).
Statistical analyses revealed that ethnobotanical knowledge significantly varied with
age (p < 0.01), education level (p < 0.05), and household size (p < 0.05), with elders (>
60 years) possessing 28.3% more knowledge than the youth (<30 years). A VI
identified 9 highly vulnerable species, 42 vulnerable species and 23 non-vulnerable
species. Furthermore, 64.04% of respondents reported cutting down trees for forest
products, with 17.07% of species being entirely harvested. Conversely, 73.09% of
respondents reported in situ seedling conservation practices, while only 2.20%
participated in nursery-based restoration. Slash-and-burn agriculture remains dominant
(82.09%), but only 1.49% of farmers practice tree retention, exacerbating forest
degradation.
Our findings underline the urgent need to integrate EK systems into participatory
conservation strategies and support community-based forest restoration. This research
also highlights key species at risk and socio-economic factors driving overharvesting,
providing a scientific basis for local sustainable management and conservation

Resumen (Español)

Local ethnobotanical knowledge is critical for biodiversity conservation, particularly in
tropical forest systems facing increasing anthropogenic pressures. This study
evaluated the ethnobotanical knowledge (EK) and vulnerability of some species of
interest for the local communities living within the villages surrounding the southeast
periphery of Cameroon's Campo Ma'an National Park. Data were collected using
ethnographic methods, including semi-structured interviews with 52 households in
seven villages, focus group discussions and participatory observations targeting village
chiefs, traditional healers and farmers. People's level of EK and the socio-economic
factors influencing it were assessed using linear discriminant analysis and multinomial
logistic regression. The analysis of species vulnerability was based on the calculation
of a vulnerability index (VI).
The results showed that 74 plant species distributed among 30 botanical families are
used by local populations for their well-being. Among these species, Irvingia
gabonensis (88.46%), Alstonia boonei (82.69%), Coula edulis (55.76%), Guibourtia
tessmannii (51.92%), and Mammea africana (50%) were the most cited, notably for
their nutritional value (88%), medicinal value (83%), and cultural value (51%).
Statistical analyses revealed that ethnobotanical knowledge significantly varied with
age (p < 0.01), education level (p < 0.05), and household size (p < 0.05), with elders (>
60 years) possessing 28.3% more knowledge than the youth (<30 years). A VI
identified 9 highly vulnerable species, 42 vulnerable species and 23 non-vulnerable
species. Furthermore, 64.04% of respondents reported cutting down trees for forest
products, with 17.07% of species being entirely harvested. Conversely, 73.09% of
respondents reported in situ seedling conservation practices, while only 2.20%
participated in nursery-based restoration. Slash-and-burn agriculture remains dominant
(82.09%), but only 1.49% of farmers practice tree retention, exacerbating forest
degradation.
Our findings underline the urgent need to integrate EK systems into participatory
conservation strategies and support community-based forest restoration. This research
also highlights key species at risk and socio-economic factors driving overharvesting,
providing a scientific basis for local sustainable management and conservation