Botanical Research Growing in Central Africa

Central Africa is home to the largest expanse of rain forest in Africa. In particular, the highlands between the Sanaga River in Cameroon and the Cross River in Nigeria boast some of the most biologically diverse forests in terms of plant life for the whole continent.

San Diego Zoo Conservation Research has been studying botanical aspects of the region since 2000, and now an active volunteer program works in conjunction with the National Herbarium of Cameroon and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, in the collection, preservation, and identification of plant specimens.

In 2004, San Diego Zoo Conservation Research assisted in the publication of A Conservation Checklist of the Plants of Kupe, Mwanenguba and the Bakossi Mountains, Cameroon, a tome documenting the occurrence of 2,412 botanical species in an area a little more than 2,000 square kilometers (800 square miles). Collections are currently underway to produce a similar Conservation Checklist for the Ebo Forest region, which currently promises to rival the number of new species and endemic species found elsewhere in this floristically diverse region. Many species new to science have already been identified and published with assistance from San Diego Zoo Conservation Research. There is no doubt that much remains to be discovered in the region and by working with both national and international partners San Diego Zoo Conservation Research can assist in bringing these botanical treasures to light.