Tropical Rain Forest of Southern Cameroon

Cameroon has the highest population density among all Central African countries (approximately 83 people/mi², or 32 people/km²); it also has one of the highest rates of forest loss. Tropical rain forests are found in the southern half of Cameroon, most of which have been logged at least once. As in other Central African countries, the majority of the forests are state properties, with less than 6% owned and managed by the local people. Pressure of converting forest to agricultural land is high, and illegal logging, both large-scaled (by timber corporations) and small-scaled (by local poachers), is widespread throughout the country.

In collaboration with the CIFOR and various CARPE partners, our past work in Cameroon focused on mapping the deforestation processes and assessing aboveground forest biomass.

©Woods Hole Research Center, 2008