摘要：In natural forests of Central Africa, several studies indicate a dramatic decrease in commercialtrees, including species of concern for conservation. Enrichment planting with these specieswill favor both the long-term recovery of their populations and biodiversity conservation inlogged forests. In this study, we analyzed the survival and growth of 23 species in plantations.Fourteen 0.2–1.1 ha mixed species plantations consisting of single-species 15 × 15 m blockswere studied for 5 years in a logging concession of southeastern Cameroon. The plantationdesign considered both species light requirements and sensitivity to damage by pests. Toidentify the best species for enrichment planting, we assessed both species performance andplantation costs. We also tested for relationships between species traits and species performance. Mean annual diameter growth increments ranged from 1.67 to 42.9 mm. No significant relationship was found between growth and survival. Herbivory by wild Bovidae wasthe main cause of mortality and should be carefully considered in rehabilitation efforts. Wefound a significant negative relationship between wood density and maximum growth rate.The other traits tested were not good predictors of species performance in plantations. Thetwo best-performing species, Triplochiton scleroxylon and Terminalia superba, could reach theminimum cutting diameter during a 30-year cutting cycle. Costs were high and mechanizedsite preparation is suggested to reduce them. Widespread adoption of such plantations willonly occur if financial incentives or national regulations for assuring regeneration areimplemented.
