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Vascular epiphytes loss in exploited trees of the semi deciduous managed forest of Ndelele, East Cameroon

ABSTRACT Forest Management Unit (FMU) is a growing phenomenon in Cameroon, impacting biodiversity negatively. This study was initiated to assess vascular epiphytes’ species loss on exploited trees to suggest conservation strategies. We hypothesized that: 1) epiphyte loss in this managed forest was significantly high and different with respect to phorophyte species; 2) epiphyte diversity loss has threatened status. Epiphyte survey was conducted on four most exploited trees in this study area. 63 exploited trees (Phorophytes) were surveyed. Shannon, Chao1 and Sorensen’s similarity indexes were used. Kruskal–wallis test was used to test the hypotheses. We recorded (70 epiphyte species, 33 genera and 12 families). Orchidaceae constituted highest epiphyte species with 43 species (61.4%). Epiphytes diversity was similar with respect to different phorophyte species (Sorensen˃50%). Shannon’s index (3.36) showed a high epiphyte diversity loss. Kruskal–wallis showed no significant difference in epiphyte loss between phorophytes but a significant difference between zones, with canopies losing the highest epiphytes. With one epiphyte species’ status almost threatened and epiphyte diversity loss (significant); strict sustainable conservation methods like: epiphyte shade-houses and relocation are solicited. More data are needed from similar and different managed forest strata for epiphyte conservation policy enactment in Cameroon.