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II 1 WM ‘ II"*v.v.r 111'1JIIIFIL1I‘Z- n F . "11110111 IIIII'*I|.«I,’II'IIIL_I III "I IIIIIII IIIII‘; .I’III (III; IIIII’ ~11 111“”: will This is to certify that the thesis entitled AN ECOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE ST. FLORIS NATIONAL PARK, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC presented by Kenneth B. Barber has been accepted towards fulfillment of the requirements for MASTER OF SCIENCEdegreein Fisheries and Wildlife 0-7639 v35 lZfl-3N\ t v “w” 5133 OVERDUE FINES: 25¢ per day per item RETURNING LIBRARY MATERIALS: ——________- Place in book return to remove charge from circulation records AN ECOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE ST. FLORIS NATIONAL PARK, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC BY Kenneth B. Barber A THESIS Submitted to Michigan State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE Department of Fisheries and Wildlife 1980 ABSTRACT AN ECOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE ST. FLORIS NATIONAL PARK, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC BY Kenneth B. Barber A base-line ecological survey was conducted in the St. Floris National Park, located in the northeast corner of the Central African Republic, in 1977 and 1978. There is a single wet season extending from late May to October and the park is located between the 1100-1200 mm long-range isohyettes. The vegetation bore greatest resemblance to the Sudan savanna zone although northern Guinea plaints were found in southernmost areas. Seven vegetation types were differentiated and described in relation to a parent soil/vegetation catena. Large mammal population surveys were conducted, and population estimates, based on these censuses and general observation, were presented. The status, behavior, and herd size and age structure of 22 mammalian species were discussed. Partial species-lists of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and plants were included. Recommendations were given for management and future development of the park. To those rare far-sighted individuals who have set as their highest personal priority the preservation of significant natural communities in the Central African Republic-—the essence of the nation's heritage and its most perishable resource. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Without the assistance of many persons in the CAR and the United States, it would have been impossible to conduct the research reported herein. In the CAR, I wish to thank the Eaux et Foréts personnel assign- ed to the Vakaga and Bamingui-Bangoran Prefectures for their help during all aspects of the study. The Office de la Recherche Scientifique et Technique Outre-Mer (ORSTOM) rendered invaluable assistance by allowing me access to their laboratory and scientific library in Bangui. Mr. Michel Cabaille was of great help due to his previous experience in St. Floris and knowledge of the history of the region. Dr. Clive Spinage, Michael Loevinsohn, and Joseph N'Douté of the FAO project CAF/72/010 aided in planning research and they generously allowed me to serve as an observer during the 1978 aerial census of St. Floris and its environs. I am deeply indebted to Mr. and Mrs. Jean-Luc Temporal, Willy Donati and the personnel of Ex-Safarafric for the pleasant stay while working out of the Gounda camp. Mr. Donati assisted in keeping the project vehicle in running order throughout the project. Due to his extensive knowledge of the Manovo-Gounda Reserve (now part of the St. Floris-Manovo-Gounda National Park), Mr. Temporal proved instrumental in providing information concerning animal distribution and movements, effects of poaching, and tourism possibilities for the region. In addition, he donated his artis- tic expertise in the form of the vegetation catena drawing. Mr. Michel Mazade, Professor of Botany at the Jean-Bedel Bokassa University in Ban- gui, donated his valuable time towards the identification of many of the t i plants collected in St. Floris. Special thanks are due to the personnel of the PAC St. Floris project for their assistance in all facets of the ecological survey. I cite in particular: Jean-Paul Thomassey, Project Director; Ernest Betibangui, Project Co-director and Ingenieur Technique Forestiére, Specialiste en Faune Sauvage; Remi LeFrangois, Chef de Chantier; and Luis Gonikai, Specialiste en Faune Sauvage for their in- valuable assistance throughout the project. Special thanks are also due to the American Embassy and Peace Corps staff in the CAR, notably Ambassador Anthony C. E. Quainton, DCM William Swing, Peace Corps Director Karen A. Woodbury, and Associate Directors .Joe D. Kimmins and James B. Seyler. I also wish to express my apprecia- tion to the Smithsonian/Peace Corps Environmental Program, and in par- ticular to Dr. James A. Sherburne, for their material and technical assistance. I am deeply indepted to Ambassador Robinson McIlvaine and the African Wildlife Leadership Foundation for the research grant that made the study possible. My most sincere appreciation is given to Peter F. Galbreath and Stuart A. Buchanan who worked with me during the 1977 and 1978 field seasons respectively. Their understanding, hard work, and professional attitude were instrumental toward the completion of the field work. Finally I wish to thank the members of my Graduate committee, my major advisor Dr. George A. Petrides and also Drs. Stephen N. Stephenson and Rollin H. Baker for their help in preparing the text. Moreover, Dr. Petrides was very instrumental in obtaining the research grant and lend- ing support to the program when the need was greatest. iv LIST OF TABLES . . . LIST OF FIGURES INTRODUCTION . . . . MANDATE . . . . TABLE OF CONTENTS LOCATION AND ACCESS . . . . . . . HISTORY . . . . LEGAL STATUS AND THE ENVIRONMENT . . CLIMATE . . . . Rainfall . . Temperature Humidity . . Winds . . . TOPOGRAPHY . . . HYDROLOGY . . . GEOLOGY . . . Mm“... ADMINISTRATION . Page viii mi 10 10 10 12 l7 17 21 21 25 25 TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) VEGETATION . . . . . . . . . . . Methods . . . . . . . . . . Description of the vegetation SUCCESSION . . . . . . . . . . . FIRE O O O O O O O O O O O O O 0 THE FAUNA . . . . . . . . . . . . . MAMMALS . . . . . . . . . . . . Methods . . . . . . . . . . Results . . . . . . . . . . Discussion . . . . . . . . . Notes on individual species BIRDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . REPTILES . . . . . . . . . . . . AMPHIBIANS . . . . . . . . . . . FISHES . . . . . . . . . . . . . MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . OBJECTIVES . . . . . . . . . . . LEGAL STATUS AND BOUNDARIES . . PROTECTION . . . . . . . . . . . STAFF, TRANSPORT AND EQUIPMENT . HABITAT MANAGEMENT, FIRE POLICY vi Page 27 27 29 51 52 54 54 55 65 76 82 107 108 109 110 111 111 115 117 123 125 TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) TOURISM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . generalities O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O FaCilities O I O O C O C I O O O O I I O 0 Improvement of game viewing . . . . . . . . WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT IN SURROUNDING AREAS . . . FURTHER STUDIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CONCLUSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX A. List of mammals identified in the St. Floris National Park . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX B. List of birds identified in the St. Floris National Park . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX C. List of reptiles identified in the St. Floris National Park.. . . . . . . . . APPENDIX D. List of fish identified in the St. Floris National Park . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX B. List of plants identified in the St. Floris National Park . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX F. Indigenous names of plants identified in the St. Floris National Park . . . APPENDIX G. Vegetation map of the St. Floris ' Page 127 127 130 131 132 133 137 140 142 145 151 153 163 National Park. . . . . . . . . . back pocket LITERATURE CITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii 166 Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table TEflale LIST OF TABLES Relative density and species and relative average height of density of shrubs Tenminalia Zaxiflora wooded savanna. Relative density and species and relative average height of density of shrubs Cbmbretum scrub vegetation type. Relative density and species and relative Cbmbretum glutinosum Relative density and species and relative average height of density of shrubs tree savanna. average height of density of shrubs impeded-drainage tree savanna. tree in the tree in the tree in the tree in the Frequency of occurrence of grass species in the impeded-drainage tree savanna. Frequency of occurrence of plains grasses in the Gounda-Bahr Kameur and Gordil-Ninion sub-types. Mean sighting distances, strip widths and sampling percentages of four visibility classes of ungulates for woodland and plains areas. Line transects surveyed February-May 1977, St. Floris National Park, Central African Republic. Mean disappearing distances of eight ungulate species in 3 visibility classes and composite weighted disappearing distances expressed in meters. Figures are based on 13 road-strip counts conducted March-June 1978 along the Gounda-Dongolo track in the St. Floris National Park, Central African Republic. Ungulate and elephant densities, population estimates, and biomass within a study area comprising 853 square kilometers of the St. Floris National Park, Central African Republic viii Page 34 37 42 44 45 48 59 63 66 Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. LIST OF TABLES (continued) Totals of 3 series of dry-season road-strip counts on 14 tracks in 1977 and 1978 in the St. Floris National Park, Central African Republic. Total number of large mammals, presented as total individuals and groups, sighted on three series of road-strip counts in the St. Floris National Park, Central African Republic. Average density and population estimates of 11 ungulate species comparing road-strip counts and line transects in the southern woodland sector of the St. Floris National Park, Central African Republic. Dry-season population estimates of large mammals in the St. Floris National Park, Central African Republic. Calculation of ungulate and elephant biomass for the St. Floris National Park, Central African Republic. Comparison of ungulate and elephant biomass figures for West and Central African national parks and reserves. Comparison of adult sex ratios in four West and Central African national parks and reserves stated as males/100 females. Age class composition of reedbucks calculated from road-strip counts in the St. Floris National Park, Central African Republic. Values are expressed as subadults and young per 100 adults and as percentages. Age class composition of hartebeest calculated from road-strip counts in the St. Floris National Park, Central African Republic. Values are expressed as subadults and young per 100 adults and as percentages. ix Page 68 72 73 75 77 81 83 91 96 LIST OF TABLES (continued) Page Table 19. Age class composition of topi calculated from road-strip counts in the St. Floris National Park, Central African Republic. Values are expressed as subadults and young per 100 adults and as percentages. 98 Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure LIST OF FIGURES Generalized map of Central Africa showing cities and landmarks important to the past history of the region. Modern African nations contiguous to the Central African Republic are also shown. Average monthly rainfall for the Central African towns of N'Délé and Birao computed from data gathered from 1967 to 1976 by the Agence Centrafricaine pour la Securite de la Navigation Aerienne (ACESNA). Total annual rainfall for the Central African towns of N'Délé (28 years) and Birao (26 years) compiled by ACESNA). Average monthly temperatures for the Central African towns of Birao and N'Délé compiled by ACESNA during the period 1968 to 1977. Mean maximum and minimum monthly relative humidity for Birao and N'Délé computed from data collected between 1967 and 1976 by ACESNA. Incoming direction of winds by month for the Central African towns of N'Délé and Birao. The figure is based on data collected from 1970 to 1976 by ACESNA. Map of the St. Floris National Park, Central African Republic showing the major watercourses and the extent of seasonal flooding. Pictorial presentation of the St. Floris catena. Map of the St. Floris National Park showing the 1977 study area. xi Page 11 14 16 18 20 23 30 57 Figure 10. Figure 11. LIST OF FIGURES (continued) Map of the St. Floris National Park showing tracks used in road-strip counts. Map of the Manovo-Gounda-St. Floris National Park showing adjacent areas important to the wildlife management of the region. xii Page 62 135 INTRODUCTION I. 1 MANDATE A wildlife research project of the St. Floris National Park was initiated in February 1977 following a letter of request No. 579 MPTTECP/CAB from the Central African Prime Minister to the American Peace Corps Director. Jointly financed by the African Wildlife Leader- ship Foundation (AWLF) and the U. S. Peace Corps, this study was design- ed to coincide with an on-going FAC (Fonds d'Aide et Cooperation) de- velopment project also in St. Floris. The job description stipulated by the above letter requested biologists to undertake large mammal studies especially aimed at assessment of populations, distribution patterns, and herd structures, in addition to the completion of a vegeta- tion map of the park. During the course of the project, it became ap- parent that additional studies could be conducted,and the decision was made to effectuate a general ecological survey of St. Floris. In addition to the project funds donated by AWLF ($6,000), support in the form of research materials was also provided by three other sour- ces. The Smithsonian/Peace Corps Environmental Program provided binoc- ulars, a range finder, identification manuals, mist nets, and small mammal traps. Aerial photos, binoculars, compasses, and a telescope were generously donated by FAC. In 1978, in order to study small rodents and bats, a large quantity of mist nets and snap traps were received from the Carnegie Museum of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I. 2 LOCATION AND ACCESS The St. Floris National Park has a surface area of 2,643 square kilometers (Loevinsohn et_al: 1978) and is situated approximately be- tween latitudes 9° 13' N and 9° 48' N and longitudes 20° 54' E and 21° 41' E. The park boundaries are formed in the north by the Bahr Kameur river from the Djoulou to its confluence with the Gounda. The western boundary is formed by the Gounda river south to the Goro river and along the Goro to its intersection with the N'Délé-N'Diffa foot path. The southern boundary follows this foot path in a general northeastern direction between the Goro and Vakaga rivers. In the east, the boundary is formed by the Vakaga river north to its confluence with the Ouandjia river and a line from this point due north intersecting the Gordil-Mélé road on the western edge of the Eaux et Foréts camp one kilometer west of Gordil. The border follows this road to a point 1.5 kilometers south of Mélé, thence on a line due west three kilometers, and then due north 2.3 kilometers to its intersection with the Mélé-Haraze road to the Djoulou river and along this seasonal waterway to the Bahr Kameur. In March 1979, following the completion of this study, the park was in- corporated into a larger national park composed of the Manovo-Gounda Reserve (Ex-Safarafric), hunting sector 11, and St. Floris. This park has been provisionally named the St. Floris—Manovo-Gounda National Park. St. Floris is reached by travelling 850 kilometers by road using the itinerary: Bangui—Sibut-M'Brés-N'Délé-Koumbala-Gounda-Gordil. Al- though the park is accessible by other roads, this is the most practical and direct route. However, due to wet season flooding, St. Floris is only accessible by road from December to June. Two airstrips serve the park: the first at the Gounda camp and another located six kilometers east of Gordil. I. 3 HISTORY The recent human history of the St. Floris region is predominately influenced by its position on the Islamic frontier. During the second half of the 19th and beginning of the 20th Centuries, slave raiders from Chad, Sudan, and N'Délé (CAR) depopulated the northeastern part of the present day Central African Republic. The effects of this activity are still apparent as the region supports one<1fthe sparsest human popula- tion densities in Africa. From what information is available, members of the Goula tribe arrived in the park area in the middle 1800's after a long sporadic migration beginning in the 17th or 18th Century from the area of the Blue Nile near the Ethiopian frontier. The small group of Goula men settled with a closely related people, the Kara, who had previously undertaken a similar migration and set up villages near Jebel Marra southwest of present day El Fasher, Sudan. There, the Goulas inter- married with Kara women before moving to Lake Mamoun in the early 1800's. Later after some altercations with the Helmat Arabs at Mamoun, part of the Mamoun Goulas moved south to set up villages along the Ouandjia river probably not far from present day Gordil (Boucher 1934). Addition- al villages were later constructed at Mélé, Ninion, and Matoumara (near Gata). The area in or near the present day park was well suited for the Goulas due to the abundance of fish and the fact that the region was uninhabited on their arrival: a comfortable situation of short duration. The tranquility did not last long for the Goula, Banda, Kreich, Rounga, Youlou, or Kara who lived within a 200 kilometer radius of the present day park. Beginning in the second half of the 19th Century, Arab slave raiders moved south during the dry season to gather slaves and other articles of trade. Slave raiding activity peaked during the period 1890-1911 when Rabih and Mohammad Al-Senusi staged numerous raiding missions in the park area, capturing slaves and plundering villages (Boucher 1934). Mortality at the hands of these and other lesser known slave raiders was staggering both during raiding operations and the transport of captives for sale or incorporation into the cap- turing army (Cordell 1977). By 1905, the region approached complete depopulation as the indigenous peoples either fled or were captured or killed. Many, especially the Goulas who were the most harassed tribe in the area, sought protection in N'Délé and Abaché, seats of the respec- tive sultanates of Dar al-Kuti and Wadai (Figure 1). There, often meet- ing with tribal members previously captured, the new arrivals were either incorporated into the societies of the two capitals or were sold into slavery. The Goulas returned to reinhabit their former villages in the park area and Lake Mamoun after the defeat of the two sultanates at the hands of the French: Dal al-Kuti in 1911 and Wadai in 1916. Six ad- ditional villages were established between the Gounda-Goro confluence and Gata (Cornet 1916). The next two decades were characterized by a period of general peace and relocation. In the period following the defeat of Dar al-Kuti, the French military, in order to facilitate defense, relocated Goula villages situated inside the present park boundaries to areas along established routes. Although relocation was often unpopular with village Figure 1. Generalized map of Central Africa showing cities and landmarks important to the past history of the region. Modern African nations contiguous to the Central African Republic are also shown. mdew . ANN Né 0 00200 UHAmDmmm Z d: 60 40 20 e o o o a) >‘ o 4.; '0 e o c .o H L: >. c r4 6: a. +4 > o m o c Q. m D o o o o o o "3 Cu 2! Gt 2 '1 1': d U) 0 Z 0 Month Figure 2. Average monthly rainfall for the Central African towns of N'Délé and Birao computed from data gathered from 1967 to 1976 by the Agence Centrafricaine pour la Securite de la Navigation Aerienne (ACESNA). 12 compiled from data recorded between 1967 and 1976 show Birao with six months of less than 25 mm of rain and N'Délé with five. The rainy months of May to September are influenced by a southwest- erly wind which brings humid air up from the Gulf of Guinea. The little rain that falls during the remaining months comes with dry northeastern winds from the Sahara. Annual rainfall totals were plotted from N'Délé (1949-1976) and Birao (1951-1976) plus linear regression lines (Figure 3). The regression lines show marked declines in rainfall over this long period: 15.8 per cent for N'Délé and 24.6 per cent for Birao. II. 1. 2 Temperature The Birao station exhibits the greater temperature variation with the higher maximums and lower minimums as compared to the more even- temperature differential at N'Délé. The hottest month (mean maximum temperature) is March in N'Délé (37.1°C) and April in Birao (39.3° C) while coolest temperatures (mean minimum) are recorded for both stations in December: 17.7° and 11.9° C respectively. Yearly mean temperatures are slightly higher in N'Délé (26.8° C) as compared to Birao (26.6° C): the latter station having the higher monthly means from April to October. The diurnal range is highest in December at both stations (22.4° C in Birao and 16.8° C in N'Délé) and lowest at Birao in August (10.6° C) and July and August in N'Délé (8.6° C). Graphs plotted from these monthly averages (Figure 4) show two cold periods for the Birao region: one in July-August caused by the rains and another in December-Jaunary under the influence of the Saharan winds. N'Délé shows only one such dip in its monthly averages caused by maritime 13 Figure 3. Total annual rainfall for the Central African towns of N'Délé (28 years) and Birao (26 years) compiled by ACESNA . c> ° «1 q: . ,4 0I ‘9' «:r I ""' m i + . + >4 as >4 } In 0 Q' o I Inlocn c>ox . mmm mmm OMN ’Q'N ‘0) l‘ 9H m em —I I I o I I W .m a: II II n ”I: II II ll 2 >IHI>< In :«mx «3 c> c: c: c: c> c: c> c: c> c: c: c> c: c: c: c: c: c> c: c: c> c: c: c> c: c: c> c: c> as a: r~ \D In -e «I 6: e4 c> a. a: r~ \o In _, ,4 p4 F4 F4 F4 p4 p4 F4 F4 (mm) uotnentdroazd tenuuv 9L6I S£6T VLGI €L6I Z£6I IL6I OLGI 696T 8961 £96I 996T $961 7961 €96I Z96I I96I 096T 6S6I 896T LS6I 996I SSGI VS6T €S6I ZSGI I§6I 096T 676T Year 15 Figure 4. Average monthly temperatures for the Central African towns of Birao and N'Délé compiled by ACESNA during the period 1968 to 1977. Temperature (°C) 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 I r"' V fi' V 16 Mean maximum Mean mimumum Month _ Birao b y a a b N Dele--___-__ b p n. A A l A ' 41“ A A 4 I n e o I 0 Q) >3 0 U o e I c .n u u >. c .4 u) o. u > u (U Q) (U 0- N :3 :5 D Q) U 0 Q) "7 FT-I 2 <5 2 "7 "J < U3 0 Z O 17 air in July and August. However, the Saharan winds in December-January do cause a drop in mean minimum temperatures. II. 1. 3 Humidity The minimum and maximum relative humidity readings for Birao and N'Délé show the effect of the two prevailing winds over the course of the year (Figure 5). Humidity is highest in July and August at both stations under the influence of humid maritime air currents. The month of lowest relative humidity is February when the Sahara sends dry air southward into the CAR. Minimum monthly means are lower in Birao in all months reflecting its more northern latitude. Yet its mean maximum humidity readings slightly surpass those of N'Délé from August to Feb- ruary. II. 1. 4 Winds Prevailing winds in the St. Floris area vary seasonly but are ex- tremely light (Figure 6). From November through March, the winds come out of the Sahara reaching Birao from the east-northeast. By the time these winds arrive at N'Délé, they are rather dispersed. Gradually, they change direction from northeast in November to southeast in March. These winds bring dry air from the Sahara tending to be cool during the period November to January gradually turning into a warmer, dust laden "harmattan" wind when force is strongest in February-March. No monthly average velocity at either N'Délé or Birao exceeded 2.5 meters/second during the period 1970 to 1976. The rainy season from May to October is influenced by maritime air currents from the southwest. These humid air currents have the opposite Effect of the saharan winds, giving a more constant breeze in N'Délé and 100 90 3‘ 80 -H 'o -H 570- .c 3 .H 60 JJ m r-i g 50 E o 40 o S m 30 20 10 t Figure 5. 18 Mean minimum . p L. F e e e c Q) o . e e e a ,o w u >. I: 3? ca '3. u > u (U Q) (U 94 (U :3 '3 D (D 0 O Q) '3 Eu 2 “I 22 '1 '1 it 0') 0 Z G Month Mean maximum and minimum monthly relative humidity for Birao and N'Délé computed from data collected between 1967 and 1976 by ACESNA. 19 Figure 6. Incoming direction of winds by month for the Central African towns of N'Délé and Birao. The figure is based on data collected from 1970 to 1976 by ACESNA. 20 .eea I.>oz .cmh .umzl.ooo \ m.o o.H m.H golllaollllloalott! ompwm .\\\ ease Ioem\ev woman pawz .32 mm AGE 3m mash .w:H:H m.o o.H Aoom\fiv woman teas m.H 32 Illlllloolcosllgeco 21 being slightly more scattered and less forceful when reaching Birao. The winds marking the change of seasons are generally variable both in N'Délé and Birao although there is a certain dissimilarity between stations due to the different lengths of seasons. II. 2 TOPOGRAPHY The absence of relief is a conspicuous feature of the St. Floris region. Situated at about 400 meters above sea level, the difference between lowest and highest points in the park is less than 50 meters. In the north, the land slopes gently to the west and the lowest elevation (400 meters) is situated at the Gounda-Bahr Kameur confluence. In addition, there is a general inclination from south to north. The highest point is near the Goro river on the southern boundary. Erosion is localized and is only evident on the woodland-plains edge where relief is greatest. Drainage on the uplands is principally by seepage and/or evaporation as slopes are often insufficient for run- off. Large expanses on the plains are characterized by impeded drainage with numerous hog-wallow depressions (gilgai microrelief) characteristic of lightly or intermittently inundated areas. II. 3 HYDROLOGY St. Floris is located near the eastern perimeter of the Chari bassin. Unfortunately,there are no available hydrological data collected in or near the park and specifics await further studies. The park is part of the southern tributary system of the Aouk which has two branches: the Bahr Kameur and Gounda rivers. The former drains the northern plains area in St. Floris as an intricate network of drain- age canals and rivers most of which flow only seasonally (Figure 7). Figure 7. 22 Map of the St. Floris National Park, Central African Republic showing the major watercourses and the extent of seasonal flooding. iw‘ \\ 23 oamom .ri 9:00on acmmomluoz I IIIIII . mommflndw O .. @920 man>HH Hmcommmm -l 8'80'..' 0.00000... 0 wn uoflmz mmflumocflpom e o e e e e o o o o o oo- un III I: o I Q ’ 't-‘ " 0 00 «6%? mad: ’I ’9 5’ \ I .‘O’IIIOW II. I ‘ '|" o 0‘ .. WA. 1’ \w . 00 I . . +5!) . I ‘u I 0% ‘l"‘ B . ' llllllll \|\ -lllllll \‘ - I} I llll'llll Iv" ii. 1"!“ .3986 0 ”.HH h III a. IIIIIIIIII ....Iuc c I I”... II II (I e e Ileefiemsul .I.. 2 III: 000 o I ‘6 0 ll. .. -I IlnelIIomrsl .I II .. IIIII.\..I.. IehIU Nut- 00 IIIIHMI IIIOoII.‘ lllh\o$0.§ll" .. ..HIIO.WH1M..~I I llllll mama 0 turned... In: I ..lo..LeI. O. \ we. ... x thumb IIII owe. . e AA. '5'- \ Au Cw“ Vie. ‘N 5‘. .F, 5u: u f. l). 24 The most notable of these are the Ouandjia, Vakaga and Bahr Oulou rivers, all with sources in the Bongo mountains located southeast of the park. Flood waters covering vast expanses on the plains come, for the most part, from run-off carried by the Ouandjia and Vakaga rivers. Lowest water levels occur in March, April, and early May when these waterways occasionally dry up, leaving many stagnant pools. The network of drain- age canals between the Vakaga-Ouandjia confluence and the Bahr Kameur is extremely complex and apparently there has been a recent change in course. The Bahr Kameur is defined as commencing either at the Djoulou or the Yalédélo, i.e. the most important point of entry from the Ouandjia-Vakaga, although the principal waterway during low water conditions is the Ninion- Dongolo circuit. The Roubo, Yalédélo, and Djoulou flow, perhaps with similar capacity, when the water level is higher in the Ouandjia and Vakaga. Water entering the park from the Vakaga and Ouandjia only arrives at the Bahr Kameur during the wettest months. This effluence comes from two large basins, one north of Dongolo and the other southeast of Mélé. These collect much of the initial flow at the beginning of the rainy season and present an extensive area for evaporation. Only when these basins overflow is water carried to the Bahr Kameur. The southern sector of St. Floris is drained by the Gounda and its tributary,the Goro. Plains areas, characterized by seasonal inundations, are found in a narrow band along these two rivers and to a lesser extent along the Youkouya, a seasonal stream draining the center of the southern Sector. The Gounda was the only river observed to flow continuously during the driest period of the year. Flow in the Ouandjia, Vakaga, Bahr Kameur, aJ‘Si Goro was interrupted (within the confines of the park) in late April 25 and early May in 1977 and all but the Goro stopped during the same period in 1978. This is probably a recent phenomenon resulting from the general decrease in annual rainfall. II. 4 GEOLOGY The geologic history of the St. Floris region is described by Delafosse (1960). During the Precambrian, marly and arenaceous sediments were deposited throughout the region. After metamorphism and some fold- ing of these sediments, the region underwent a long period of erosion that formed a peneplain. During the Cretaceous, a covering of sandstone was deposited upon the peneplain. This formation is still visible on the plateau southwmet. Floris. Tectonic movements during the Tertary pro- duced numerous faults. These caused the collapse of the Chadian basin and began a new cycle of erosion characterized by the fluvio-lacustrine deposition of Quaternary sediments. Two types of the Nee-Chadian alluvial coverings of the Precambrian and Cretaceous basement are present in St. Floris. The Matoumara dep- ression, involving most of the northern plains region, and the river valleys of the major watercourses are of recent formation. Alluvium is deposited there on a continuous seasonal cycle. In contrast, the southern sector and upland sites of the north are characterized by older. formations,a1though similar in origin. II. 5 SOILS The soils of the northeastern corner of the CAR are poorly studied b¢-—‘C=ause of their inherent poor agricultural quality and logistical dif- ficulties posed to investigators. A rudimentary soil description is giVen by Quanton (1962) , who analysed the gross horizon structure of «n ((5 - t .n. Iv. ILA - e ##- v-.- «. ‘1. ‘ e 1. ‘h “I 4" "L I“ p‘, '1 lb 26 several test holes and described the pedological generalities of the region. Boulvert (1976) completed a soil map of the St. Floris quadran- gle (l/200,000 scale) from aerial photos but type descriptions lack detailed field observations and data. Soils in St. Floris vary along a physiographic gradient with the most evolved and less hydromorphic soils occurring on upper elevations. Woodland soils are essentially Luvisols (FAQ/UNESCO 1973). Three sub- divisions of this generalized soil unit can be distinguished. Most important are Ferric Luvisols which are widespread and uniform over much of the park. They are enriched in clay and hydroxides of iron and exhibit the lowest base saturation in upper horizons of any major soil type. An ironstone (indurated) layer does not occur throughout but if present, is found at depths of two meters or more. On slightly lower elevations, a dark red soil is found having an ironstone layer at less than one meter from the surface (Plinthic Luvisols). Gleyic Luvisols are encountered further downslope, although limited in extent. Low-lying soils exhibit great diversity based on the mode of drainage, degree of flooding, and deposition of alluvial material. All of these soils have hydromorphic properties within 50 centimeters of the surface. Eutric Fluvisols are found where alluvium is deposited on a seasonal cycle and where the extent of flooding is greatest. These soils exhibit no diagnostic horizons, a high clay content, and heavy iron mottling deeper than five centimeters from the surface. Eutric Gleysols, similar to the preceding soil unit, occur over much of the lightly flooded areas where the soil surface is flat. These occupy vast plains areas and are probably the most widespread of the low-lying soil units. Localized areas of Vertisols, characterized by extensive dry season cracking and 27 the presence of hog-wallow depressions (gilgai microrelief), are found where drainage is impeded. Stone-sized calcium carbonate concretions are readily visible on the surface along the upraised perimeter of the hog-wallows. II. 6 VEGETATION II. 6. 1 Methods Most species identifications (Appendix B) were undertaken in 1978. This inventory was incomplete, however, especially lacking wet season herbs and less common grasses and sedges. It was hoped that specimens could be prepared on herbarium sheets for use by future botanists. Due to serious constraints of time and materials, however, the project was unable to add specimens to the Eaux et Foréts herbarium at the Bureau Technique de Bois in Bangui. A study to assess the frequency of occurrence of grasses was con- ducted in January 1978 on the plains and in the impeded-drainage tree savanna. Though not the ideal season, most grass species were neverthe- less identifiable. Transects were selected randomly for the Gounda plains and the impeded-drainage tree savanna. The northern plains region is vast and highly variable and a rapid survey of sufficient coverage to yield acceptable results was infeasible. It was decided, therefore, to sample the area Gordi1-Tenabo-Ninion-Vakaga ford, where four transects were selected commencing on the edge of the plains and extending perpen- dicular to a river. Unfortunately, only one of the four original tran- sects was surveyed due to extensive burning on plains areas at the time of the study. Three additional transects were subjectively selected in areas considered representative of major plains vegetative sub-types. 28 The method utilized on all areas entailed dropping a metal rectangle 50 centimeters long by 20 centimeters wide (1/10 meter square) to the ground every 50 paces along the transect line. Species of grasses were recorded as present when a base or tuft appeared inside the rectangle. In June 1978, the trees and shrubs of four vegetation types were studied. The relative density of trees,two or more meters in height, was assessed using the Point-Centered Quarter method (Cottam and Curtis 1956). Randomly-selected transects consisted of 25 points, 50 meters apart. No further transects were undertaken when the slope of the species-area curve leveled off. Shrubs, one-half to two meters in height, were counted on circular plots formed by revolving a five meter length of rope around every third point along the transect line. A vegetation map of St. Floris (Appendix G) was drawn using aerial photos taken in December 1955 by the Institute Geographique Nationale (IGN) in Paris, France. The 1/200,000 scale topographic maps of the Haraze and St. Floris quadrangles, also produced by IGN, were also consulted. Information concerning location and extent of vegetation types was noted while walking transects and during general observation from the air and on the ground. An attempt was made (Appendix F) to record the Goula and Banda names of plants indigenous to St. Floris. This list was compiled in hope of aiding future park biologists. Plant names offered by various individuals of these tribes tended to differ, however, and should be viewed with some caution. Other listings of indigenous plant names are given in Gillet (1964) [Goula] and Buchanan and Schacht (1979) [Banda]. a I! I.“' v 29 II. 6. 2. Description of the vegetation Some disagreement prevails concerning the vegetation zone within which St. Floris is situatied. Aubréville (1950) placed the park in the Sudano-guinean zone; Sillans (1959) and Cabaille (1960) assign a Sudan designation; and Corfield and Hamilton (1970) locate it in the Sudano- sahelian zone. The vegetation in the northern sector contains species that are typical of the Sudan savanna. In the south, several species characteristic of the northern Guinean zone (Keay 1959) are encoun- tered. It is probably acceptable to include St. Floris in the Sudan zone due to its general resemblance with this type. The vegetation of St. Floris is organized in a zonal or mosaic manner. The effect of topography on water movement and hence on soil development seems evident as the dominant factor causing the orderly arrangement of soil and accompanying vegetation types. This relationship has been extensively studied by ecologists in the medium rainfall zone of Africa. Within a catena, there are three general aggregates of soil- vegetation units that are commonly referred to as complexes. Seven vegetation types are described within these complexes, denoted as eluvial, colluvial and illuvial by Morrison 3E.§l, (1948). The soil-vegetation catena (Figure 8) is depicted in composite form in order to illustrate the general physiographic relationship between types. This necessitated generalization, especially on the illuvial complex, and any attempt to reconstruct the pictorial presentation in the field should bear this in mind. Plant species tended to vary from north to south due to differences in rainfall, soils, and topography, hence a catena is presented separately for the northern region (north of the Youkouya) and the Gounda-Goro area in the south. ‘..-.| If. \t'l ' r I velo- .5 Us. 5 '(fi 'J cuous more deg; ElUVial t indiSEHOU humidity) Sillilar t: 31 Eluvial complex This complex is found on upper-level, well-drained sites where soils are characterized by erosion of surface particles and a downward movement of dissolved and suspended materials into soil horizons. These soils are coarse and exhibit low fertility due to extensive leaching. Soil depth is variable due to the variable presence of an ironstone layer which is formed most commonly on the eluvial-colluvial edge as a result of lateral downhill movement of iron in the water table. This layer is a principal feature of the Cbmbretum scrub type and insufficient soil depth often inhibits woody vegetation, creating open "ironstone meadows." In the other two types (Isoberlinia doka wooded savanna and Tenminalia laxifiora wooded savanna) in this complex, an ironstone layer may or may not be present. If present, it is usually situated at greater than one meter below the surface. The vegetation on the eluvial complex, where soil depth permits, is a mixed savanna woodland rich in species. Though highly variable in detail, it is similar in fundamental character. Termitaria are a con- spicuous part of this complex, although they are generally older and more degraded than termite mounds on colluvial or illuvial complexes. Eluvial termitaria support a thick vegetative cover of plant species indigenous to the dry forest. There, edaphic conditions (soil depth and humidity) coupled with protection from fire produce a flora strikingly similar to that found in the dry forest community. 32 ISoberZinia doka wooded savanna It is present only in the southern part of the park in the vicinity of the Goro river. Generally situated on redistributed iron soils, it occupies the highest physiographic position in the catena. The soils in this community are the most evolved, albeit degraded, in the park and if an ironstone layer exists, it is situated at least one meter under the surface. A well-developed canopy is dominated by 15 to 20 meter high legum- inous species, notably Isoberlinia doka and to a lesser extent Burkea africana and Prosopis afFicana. The generally sparse understory includes Piliostigma thonningii, Cbmbretum ghasalense, C. hypopilinum, Lannea schimperi, BrideZia cheroneura, Hymenocardia acido, Ximenia americana, and Grewia moZZis plus scattered Lonchocarpus Zamifiorus, Terminalia laxiflora, and Indigofera sp.. The herbaceous layer consists of the grasses Andropogon gayanus, Hyparrhenia spp., Ctenium newtonii, Loudetia arundinacea, Pennisetum pedicellatum, and Beckeropis uniseta and the sedges Muriscus alternifolius and Gyperus sp.. At the beginning of the wet season, the herbs Asparagus fiagellaris, Uriginea altissimo, Cbmmelina schweinfurthii, and Koempferia aethiopica are in flower. Termitaria, generally of ochre color like the surface horizon, are normally small, well-spaced, and moderately degraded. They support a sparse vegetation due to shading from the upperstory. Trees common to these mounds include Anogeissus Zeiocarpus, Ficus sp., Leptoderris brachyptera, Lonchocarpus laxifiorus, Diospyros mespilifbrmes, and Tamarindus indica. The woody segment of the understory is dominated by Clausena anisata, Feretia‘apodonthera, Boscia senegaZensis, Chpparis tomentosa, and Ziziphus spp.. 33 Ybrminalia Zaxiflora wooded savanna In its various diverse forms, this type occupies the greatest surface area of any vegetative community in St. Floris. The soils, extensively leached ferric luvisols, exhibit a general uniformity throughout. The texture of the surface horizon varies from sandy-loam to loamy-sand. The Terminalia Zaxifiora wooded savanna features the greatest species diversity in the park. The canopy, underlying shrubs, and herbal layers all are well developed. Variation between sites, often forming a mosiac, is generally due to soil depth and the incidence of fire. Relative densities of woody vegetation and average height of tree species were measured along random transects bordering the Gounda-Dongalo track (Table 1). The dominant tree universally present throughout this type is Ybrminalia Zaxifiora which occurs in pure stands or is co-dominant with one or more of the following species: Crossopteryx febrifuga, Butyro- spermum paradoxum, Afrormosia Zaxiflora, Cbmbretum gZutinosum, Burkea africana, or Prosopis africana. In the north, Terminalia avicennioides replaces T. Zamiflora as the dominant species. Parinari curateZZibeia, Afselia africana, DanieZZia oZiveri, Khaya senegaZensis, Sclerocarya birrea, and Lonchocarpus laxiflorus are occasionally observed in the canopx,though never forming pure stands or achieving co-dominant status. The extent of the understory appears to be inversely proportional to the shading offered by canopy trees. In the more-open areas, too, grasses may fuel hot fires which have detrimental effects on the growth of small trees and shrubs. Common shrub species include Piliostigma thonningii, Detarium microcarpum, Ximenia americana, Gardenia erubescens, 34 Table 1. Relative density and average height of tree species and rela- tive density of shrubs in the Terminalia Zaxiflora wooded savanna . Trees1 Shrubs2 Species Rel. den. (Z) Height (m) Rel. den.g(7) Ibrminalia Zariflora 38.0 6.5 26.9 Piliostigma thonningii 11.3 3.2 3.7 Detarium microcarpum 9.0 3.9 11.7 Grossopteryx febrifuga 7.7 7.3 4.0 Cbmbretum gZutinosum 3.7 6.3 0.9 Butyrospermum paradoxum 3.3 5.6 3.7 Ximenia americana 3.0 2.4 - Afrormosia Zaxiflora 3L0 12.9 0.3 Anogeissus Zeiocarpus 2.6 4.7 0.3 Burkea africana 1.6 11.4 0.6 Gardenia erubescens 1.6 2.4 2.9 Xeromphis niZotica 1.3 2.8 0.6 Tamarindus indica 1.3 7.4 0.3 Hymenocardia acida 1.3 2.8 - Gombretum sp. 1.0 6.2 0.9 Gombretum hypopiZinum 1.0 4.1 4.6 Hexalobus monopetalus 1.0 4.3 0.6 Ibrminalia avicennioides 1.0 2.7 0.3 Khaya senegalensis 1.0 28.3 - Ziziphus sp. 1.0 2.8 - Cbmbretum moZZe 0.7 2.8 - Cbmbretum ghasalense 0.7 8.5 - Prosopis africana 0.7 4.0 0.9 Lonchocarpus laxiflorus 0.7 5.5 0.3 Strychnos spinosa 0.3 3.0 2.9 Maytenus senegaZensis 0.3 2.3 2.6 Grewia moZZis - - 10.6 Fadogia Zedenmannii - - 8.9 Purinari curateZZifoZia - - 2.0 Feretia apodanthera - - 1.4 Cissus cornifolia - - 1.1 Ziziphus mucronata - - 0.9 Fadogia pobeguinii - - 0.9 Unkonwn (Rubiaceae) - - 0.9 Other species (5) 1.6 (7) 4.6 Totals/Mean 99.7 i = 5.8 100.1 Total numbers 300 349 Absolute mean density (stems/ha) 23.1 185.0 Trees consist of woody vegetation two or more meters in height. 2 one-half and two meters in height. Shrubs are classified as woody and perennial herbs and vines between 35 xeromphis niZotica, Combretum hypopiZinum, Hymenocardia acida, Strychnos spinosa, Grewia moZZis, Maytenus senegalensis, and Bridelia scleroneura along with saplings of many of the major tree species. Grasses common to this type include Hyparrhenia barteri, H. filipendula, H. coriacea, Andropogon gayanus, A. schirensis, Gymbopogon giganteus, Ctenium newtonii, Loudetia annua, L. simplex, Beckeropis uniseta, Pennisetum pediceZZatum, Eragrostis sp., and EZionurus argenteus (flowering after burning). Asparagus fiageZZaris, Urginea altissima, Kaempferia aethiopica, Cissus caesia, C. cornifoZia, Indigofera sp., Fadogia Zedermanii, and F. pobeguinii are common where afforded sufficient pro- tection from hot fires. Cochlospermum tinctorium, flowering after burn- ing, is locally abundant in its vegetative form after the first rains. The grasses, several species of forbs and vines resume growth after the first rains. Termitaria, often larger than those in the preceding vegetation type, form islands of dense cover. No termite activity was observed and degradation of mounds varied from moderate to heavy. Tree species, in- digenous to these sites are often of considerable size and include Anogeissus Zeiocarpus, Diospyros mespiliformes, Tamarindus indica, Khaya senegalensis, Hexalobus monopetaZus, and Leptoderris brachyptera. Larger termitaria support an almost inpenetrable understory of shrubs: Ferentia apodanthera, Boscia senegalensis, Erythroxylum emarginatum, Ziziphus mucronata, and capparis tomentosa; vines: Cissus quadrangularis, AmpeZocissus miltistriata, Hippocratea africana,.MeZothria deZtoidea, and M3 maderaspatana; and herbs: Haemanthus multiflorus and Costus sp.. 36 Cbmbretum scrub over ironstone This type, generally situated on the outer edge of the eluvial com- plex, is characterized by shallow soils overlying an indurated ironstone layer, a light brown to dark red surface horizon often containing pebble- sized iron-stone concretions, and short scrub vegetation. "Ironstone meadows," formed where soil depth is insufficient to support woody species, are interspersed with thick vegetation on slightly deeper sites. Wet-season waterholes are frequently formed in depressions occurring on these open areas. This type appears to have many diverse forms, though a general homogeneity is apparent when termitaria are purposely overlooked. In some areas, especially between Ninion and Dongolo, the ironstone layer extends onto the plains and plant species characteristic to the illuvial complex are sometimes encountered. Also in the area of Ninion, ironstone islands, completely surrounded by plains, containing the Combretum scrub type are present. The vegetation on one of these areas immediately south of Ninion was randomly sampled (Table 2). The mean tree height (3.5 meters) was the shortest among the four types sampled. In the north, Combretum nigricans var. eZZiotii is the most abundant species, often forming considerable thickets along edges of ironstone meadows. Although present in the south, this species is sub-dominant to C. ghasalense. Other common species include Stereospermum kunthianum, C. hypopilinum, Hymenocardia acida, Acacia poZyacantha subsp. campylacantha, Detarium microcarpum, Dischrostachys glomerata, and Maytenus senegalensis. Few specific shrub species are present and 72.2 per cent of those sampled were saplings or stunted individuals belonging to the four most 37 Table 2. Relative density and average height of tree species and rela- density of shrubs in the Cbmbretum scrub vegetation type. Trees 1 Species Rel. den. (Z) Height (m) Shrubszy_ Rel. den. (Z) Cbmbretum nigricans var. eZZiottii 43.1 Cbmbretum ghasalense 15.6 Stereospermum kunthianum 12.5 Combretum hypopilinum 10.6 Anogeissus Zeiocarpus 8.8 Lonchocarpus Zaxif‘lorus 2.5 Grossopteryx febrifuga 2.5 Leptoderris brachyptera 1.3 Ferentia apodanthera 0.6 Mitragyna inenmis 0.6 AmpeZocissus multistriata - Grewia moZZis - Cissus sp. - Other species (3) 1.9 Totals/Mean 100.0 Total numbers 160 Absolute mean density (stems/ha) 20.9 NNWMUJO‘NNUJW I—nbuqmuwmmo 3.5 5 1.8 3.7 10.2 6.5 0.9 Two or more meters in height. 2 Between one-half and two meters in height. 38 abundant tree species. Among the other 27.8 per cent, only Grewia moZZis is not characteristic to termitaria. On shallow sites, the herb layer is dominated by the grasses Loudetia annua, Sporobolus festivus, S. infirmus, and Microchloa indica. Hyparrhenia filipendula, H. coriacea, Andropogon schirensis, and Ctenium newtonii are found on deeper sites. Eragrostis sp., OPyza barthii, sacciolepis ciZiocincta, and Echinochloa obtusiflora occupy humid sites in depressions. Sedges common to ironstone meadows include BquostyZis oritrephes, B. coleotricha, and several species of Gyperus. Immediately following the onset of the rains, flowers of Grinum sp., Chlorophytum bequaerta, and Costus sp. give these openings a showy appearance. Due to differences in soil depth and level of degradation, termi- taria exhibit a wide variation in physiognomy and plant species composition. Larger mounds, generally on deeper soils, resemble those on Tenminalia Zamiflora woodland sites while small termitaria, often highly degraded, support a heterogeneous flora. In addition to species listed in the previous vegetation type, plants indigenous to termite mounds in the Cbmbretum scrub type include Cassia sieberiana, Rhus sp., Cbmmiphora pedunculata, Securidaca Zongepedunculata, Grewia viZZosa, G. flavescens, Cissus crotalarioides, C. palmatifida, C. rufescens, and PauZZina pinnata. Colluvial complex The colluvial complex is a sorting ground for eroded material com- ing from the physiographically higher eluvial complex. In addition, soils are generally deeper, richer, and finer textured than those in the eluvial complex. In St. Floris, the colluvial complex is often reduced to a strip several meters wide or may, in some cases, be absent. 39 The dry forest is the only extensive vegetation type which occurs on this complex. Where altered by fire, colluvial vegetation shows considerable variability. These variants often bear little physiognomic resemblance to the classic type though they are rarely of sufficient area or homogeneity to be classified as a separate vegetation type. Dry forest This community occurs along plains edges and in small islands on upland sites in areas where fire is absent and favorable soil conditions exist. Plants indigenous to the dry forest are fire-intolerant and degradation from burning progressively eliminates the most susceptible species. In its most unmodified state, the compact upperstory is dom- inated by Anogeissus Zeiocarpus, Khaya senegalensis, Tamarindus indica, Pterocarpus Zucens, Cassia sieberiana, and Diospgros mespilifbrmes all normally attaining considerable size. The woody segment of the under- story is well developed with Erythroxylum emarginatum, Feretia apodanthera, TecZea oubanguiensis, Clausena anisata, Boscia senegalensis, AZZophyZZus africanus, Hevaobus monopetalus, Cbmbretum Zecardii, Ziziphus spp., Acacia ataxacantha, and capparis tomentosa. The herb layer, poorly developed due to excessive shading, is composed of shade-loving forbs and vines. Grasses are conspicuously absent. Termite mounds are not a general feature and when present, species common to the unmodified community are found. The most common fire-modified form consists of a thick pure stand of Anogeissus Zeiocarpus sometimes accompanied by Lonchocarpus Zariflorus, or Prosopis africana in the upperstory and the shrubs Teclea oubanguiensis, Feretia apodanthera, Erythroxylum emarginatum. In this degraded form, the remaining tree and shrub species cited for the classic (h In] 1n '1’! [f (D 40 community are often present though confined to termitaria. The grasses Pennisetum pedicellatum and Beckeropsis uniseta are present where the canopy is sparse allowing some light to penetrate to the herb layer. Illuvial complex The illuvial complex consists of periodically flooded alluvial soils situated at the lowest physiographic position in the catena. The recurrent deposition of fine-particulate matter results from seasonal flooding of major rivers. The extent of flooding depends on yearly rain- fall, distance from rivers, and microrelief. Drainage on this complex varies from fair (once flood waters withdraw) to non-existant. Two dif- ferent soil classes are found. Impeded soils (Vertisols), generally containing the higher clay content, are readily recognized by the pres- ence of hog-wallow depressions. Drainage is generally poor and these areas drain by means of evaporation. Drained Gleysols, which occupy the majority of this complex, lack hog-wallows and drainage takes place over an imperceptible slope. Plants best adapted to the humid conditions of this complex are perennial grasses. Woody vegetation is usually confined to raised sites such as termitaria though several species of trees survive seasonal or intermittent flooding. In addition, grass fires, extremely hot due to the abundance of fuel, also tend to inhibit all but the most fire-tol- erant plants. The illuvial complex displays three vegetation types: two sparse tree savanna types and the plains. Although similar in ap- pearance, the tree savanna types were separated because of differences in plant species and soil characteristics. Termitaria are present on all three types, although on the plains they form only on specific areas. Generally of recent formation, these 41 mounds often support little vegetative cover during or immediately fol- lowing termite activity. Cbmbretum gZutinosum tree savanna This community occupys a small area in the southern sector of the park. Soils, flooded only intermittently,exhibit fair to poor drainage, a flat soil surface, and a general absence of hog-wallow depressions. The hard and compact surface horizon is of a light brown or gray color. No calcium carbonate concretions were observed. Of the several species of trees that do not exist on termitaria Cbmbretum glutinosum is the most abundant. Other species include Piliostigma thonningii, Nauclea Zatifolia, Mitragyna inenmis, and Gardinea ternifolia. Trees and shrubs were sampled along the Gounda- Dongolo track (Table 3). There are no common shrub species in this type. A tall perennial grass cover is a major feature of the Cbmbretum glutinosum tree savanna dominated by Hyparrhenia rufa, H. barteri, Andropogon gayanus, A. schirensis, Ctenium newtonii, and Loudetia simplex. Vetiveria nigritana, Echinochloa obtusiflora, and Oryza barthii dominate on humid sites in small basins and hog-wallows. The abundant termitaria exhibit a wide range of sizes depending on age and the level of degradation. Like eluvial and colluvial mounds, species characteristic of the dry forest are most prevalent. Common trees not endemic to the dry forest include Ficus pZatyphyZZa and F. sp.. Impeded drainage tree savanna This vegetation type, especially prevalent in the northern sector, is found adjacent to the plains where the topography is flattest and flooding is most extensive. Like the combretum glutinosum tree savanna, 42 Table 3. Relative density and average height of tree species and rela- tive density of shrubs in the Cbmbretum glutinosum tree savanna. Trees1 Shrubs2 Species Rel. den. Height (m) Rel. den. (Z) Cbmbretum glutinosum 71.5 8.3 100.0 Anogeissus Zeiocarpus 5.5 10.7 - Mitragyna inermis 5.5 4.8 - Piliostigma thonningii 4.5 4.7 - Nachea ZatifoZia 2.5 5.7 - Tamarindus indica 2.0 4.5 - Diospyros mespiliformes 2.0 12.3 - Grossopteryx febrifuga 1.0 9.5 - Ibrminalia Zaxiflora 1.0 14.0 - Xeromphis nilotica 1.0 2.7 - Other species (7) 3.5 - Totals/Mean 100.0 E = 7.6 100.0 Total numbers 200 26 Absolute mean density (stems/ha) 3.6 21.0 Two or more meters in height. 2 Between one-half and two meters in height. At an.» \I d 43 this type exhibits a sparse wooded cover dominated by several tree species capable of surviving the harsh fire and flooding conditions. Drainage is conspicuously impeded and many hog-wallow depressions are found throughout. Woody vegetation was sampled in the southeastern corner of the park near the Vakaga ford. Six tree species not endemic to termitaria domi- nated 95 per cent of the sample (Table 4). TerminaZia macroptera and Pseudocedrela kotschyi often 10 to 15 meters in height, are found in pure or mixed stands on higher physiographical areas giving the appearance of a well-spaced orchard-like savanna. Plains invader species Piliostigma reticulata, Combretum gZutinosum, Mitragyna inermis, and Acacia seyeZ are found most commonly on low-lying areas near the edge of the plains though they sometimes occur in conjunction with the two aforementioned species. Scattered A. sieberiana, Gardinea ternifolia, and Cbmbretum hypopiZinum are found throughout. In the south, the two Acacia species are replaced by Detarium microcarpum, Nachea ZatifoZia, and Lophira Zanceolata. Large DanieZZia oliveri occasionally occur on upper edges of this type where drainage is better. The tall and dense herbal layer was sampled in the same area as the woody vegetation (Table 5). Hyparrhenia spp. (mostly H. rufa) dominate along with Andropogon gayanus, Loudetia simplex, Eragrostis gangetica, and Setaria paZZidefusca. Other less abundant species include Brachiaria jubata, Sporobolus sangenius, Cloris piZosa, Panicum anabaptism, and Schoendfeldia gracilis. Hog-wallow depressions are the preferred habitat of Oryza barthii, 0. Zongistiminata, Echinochloa obtusionra, and E. pyramidalis. During the early rainy season, the flowers of monocotyle- denous forbs give the open areas a showy appearance. Pancratium A! 44 Table 4. Relative density and average height of tree species and rela- tive density of shrubs in the impeded-drainage tree savanna type. Trees1 Shrubs2 Species Rel. den. (Z) Height (m) Rel. den. (Z) Ibrminalia macroptera 26.4 5.6 6.8 Piliostigma reticulata 24.1 4.5 2.7 Cbmbretum glutinosum 17.9 7.4 1.4 Mitragyna inermis 12.3 5.4 - Pseudocedrela kotschyi 5.2 3.9 48.6 Acacia seyeZ 3.3 2.5 4.0 Balanites aegyptiaca 2.4 7.3 - Anogeissus Zeiocarpus 1.9 14.9 - Gardenia ternifolia 1.9 2.9 2.7 Tamarindus indica 1.4 8.1 - Cbmbretum hypopiZinum 1.4 4.1 - Acacia sieberiana 0.9 5.2 2.7 capparis tomentosa - - 20.3 Securidaca Zongepedunculata - - 5.4 Maerua obZongifoZia - - 4.0 Other species (2) 0.9 (l) 1.4 Totals/Mean 100 .o i = 5 . 6 100.0 Total numbers 212 74 Absolute mean density (stems/ha) 4.7 55 Two or more meters in height 2 Between one-half and two meters in height. 45 Table 5. Frequency of occurrence of grass species in the impeded- drainage tree savanna type. Species Frequency of occurrence Hyparrhenia (mostly H. rufa) 39. Andropogon gayanus 1 . Loudetia simplex Eragrostis gangetica Setaria pallidefusca Echinochloa obtusiflora Oryza longistiminata Brachiaria jubata Vetiveria nigritana Rottboellia exaltata Sporobolus sangenius Chloris pilosa Other species MHHI-Imwmmmmmb bebl—‘U'IOOQU'IUlkoO A w v Total 100.0 46 trianthum, opening at night after the first heavy rain, is frequently floriferous on open areas with white ground-level flowers. Grinium distichum, Anthericum sp., and Albuca sp. flower at the beginning of the rainy season and are often present in considerable numbers. Termitaria are a conspicuous feature in this type showing a great variability in size, physiognomy, and floral content. Large mounds, generally moderately degraded, resemble eluvial and colluvial termitaria. Those of recent formation support a characteristic vegetative cover. Plant speciation differs along a north-south gradient. Common trees found throughout, often 15 or more meters in height, include Acacia sieberiana, Diospyros mespiliformes, Tamarindus indica, Anogeissus leiocarpus, Kigelia africana, Cassia sieberiana, Crataeva religiosa, Ficus ingens, and Khaya senegalensis. In the north, Ficus gnaphalocarpa, F. dekdekena, Balanites aegyptica, Vitex doniana, V. madiensis, and Lannea schimperi are also present sometimes achieving local dominance. Numerous species are present in the woody understory. Plants endemic to this strata vary greatly between sites. Species, many of which are characteristic to this type, include Ziziphus abyssinica, Z. mucronata, Z. spina-christi, Antidesma venosum, Combretum lecardii, Nauclea latifolia, Hoslundia opposita, Feretia apodanthera, Boscia senegalensis, Grewia villosa, Acacia ataxacantha, Capparis tomentosa, Maerua oblongifolia, and Securidaca longepedunculata. The extent of the herbal layer depends upon shading. Where exten- sive, this strata is restricted to several species of forbs Sansevieria liberica, Haemanthus multiflorus, and Costus sp. all flowering after the rains. A thick cover of the grass Rottboellia exaltata is present where shading from woody vegetation is minimal. 47 Flooded plains The plains occur on extensive areas in St. Floris where seasonal flooding is extensive. Soils are among the least evolved in the catena due to the continuous seasonal deposit of alluvium and the lack of horizon development. The most heavily flooded areas on the plains are intersected by numerous drainage canals. These canals,along with several large depressions and ox—bow lakes, remain flooded throughout much of, if not the entire, dry season. Vertisols, with hog-wallow depressions, occur on upper physiographical areas where flooding is light or intermit- tent. Site variation on the plains is considerable,differing in mode of drainage and the extent of flooding. The flora is arranged in a zonal manner. Perennial grasses, sedges, and annual forbs are best adapted to the conditions of flooding and harsh annual fires. Trees and shrubs are confined to termitaria,locally abundant on impeded hog-wallowed soils on higher, less humid, sites. Three plains regions, varying topoedaphically and in floristic composition, were differentiated during the survey. Gounda-Bahr Kameur sub-type This vegetative community is found on the flooded plains forming a narrow ribbon along the river valleys of the Gounda, Bahr Kameur, Vakaga and Goro. Relief is greatest and drainage most complete of any plains area except in the numerous ox-bow lakes that are found through- out. Vegetative zonation, based on degree and duration of flooding, is a visible feature in these areas. The frequency of occurrence of grasses in this sub-type were surveyed along the Gounda river near the tourist camp (Table 6) . 48 Table 6. Frequency of occurrence of plains grasses in the Gounda-Bahr Kameur and Gordil-Ninion sub-types. Gounda-Bahr Species Kameur sub-type Gordil-Ninion sub-type1 1 2 3 4 Total Jardinea congolensis Panicum anabaptism Paspalum orbiculare Vetiveria nigritana Eragrostis gangetica Hyparrhenia spp. Loudetia simplex Setaria anceps Andropogon gayanus Sporobolus sp. Brachiaria jubata Digitaria sp. Echinochloa stagnina Unknown species Echinochloa pyramidalis Vbssia cuspidata Panicum sp. Loudetia togolensis Sporobolus pyramidalis Setaria pallidefusca Totals 32.0 15.0 14.4 H OOOOHMNlexll-d \l\l\l\leO\Dl-‘CDOJ 100.1 100.1 99.9 I H I OOOUJO‘OONNOOOUII-‘NOUJQNO 15.2 54.5 12.1 12.1 I» O 0...... I bbquooomooophmqmmmb 100.0 100.2 1 Results are given for each transect. Only transect 1 was randomly selected. Transects l and 2 were situated along the road from Gordil to the Vakaga ford, and 3 and 4 were located in the general area of Ninion. 49 The sandy river banks support a sparse vegetative cover consisting of the sedges Fimbristylis cioniana, cyperus imbricatus, C. digitatus, subsp. auricomis var. bruntii, C. sp.; forbs Jussiaea errecta, J. sp., Polygonum lanigerum var. africum, P. libatum, Stachytarpheta angustifolia; and grasses Phragmites karka, Digitaria debilis, and Panicum fluvicola. Vbssia cuspidata and Echinochloa stagnina form floating mats in conjunc- tion with Jussiaea repens var. diffusa. An occasional woody thicket of Irvingia smithii, Syzygium guineense, combined with scattered Morelia senegalensis and Trichilia retusa form around the perimeter of ox-bow lakes and other low-lying areas along waterways. In the shade of this often dense cover, the sedge Mariscus luridus forms a sparse, but visible, herbal layer. Vegetative cover endemic to ox-bow lakes depends upon the duration of the aquatic environment. Where water remains year-around, Nymphaea lotus, Vossia cuspidata, and Echinochloa stagnina are present. Depressions dry for two or three months support a thick cover of Stachytarpheta angustifolia at the bottom with Jardinea congolensis, Paspalum orbiculare, and Cyperus digitatus subsp. aruicomis var. bruntii found on less humid sites around the perimeter. On lightly flooded areas, Setaria anceps, Vetiveria nigritana, Sporobolus sp., Eragrostis gangetica, and Panicum anabaptism form a mixed herbaceous cover. Near the woodland edge, species common to the impeded-drainage tree savanna are found: Hyparrhenia spp. (especially H. rufa), Andropogon gayanus, Brachiaria jubata, and Loudetia simplex. Gordil-Ninion sub-typ§_ This area is characterized by imperceptible slopes and vast inun- dated plains interspersed by drainage canals on heavily flooded areas. 50 On lightly-flooded terrain there are many localized areas of impeded drainage. Termitaria, often active without a vegetative cover, are found most commonly on the embankment formed along the extension of the Ouandjia/Vakaga rivers. On this embankment, tree species Acacia sieberiana, A. seyel, and Mitragyna inermis are interspersed with numer- ous termitaria supporting species found in the northern portion of the impeded-drainage tree savanna type. On flooded areas of long duration, extensive floating mats of Vbssia cuspidata and Echinochloa stagnina are found along with Polygonum senegalensis and P. libatum. On lightly-inundated areas, Echinochloa pyramidalis occurs singly or in conjunction with Paspalum orbiculare, Oryza longistiminata, and 0. barthii. Sesbania dalzieli forms conspic- uous two to three meter high stands in flooded areas used heavily by un- gulates. Small thickets of Mimosa pigra are locally common on moderately- flooded areas. Vetiveria nigritana, Setaria anceps, Hyparrhenia rufa, Loudetia simplex, Eragrostis gangetica, Panicum anabaptism, and Digitaria sp. occupy the lightly-inundated zone. Vetiveria nigritana, Oryza Zongistiminata, and Cyperus exaltatus are common species in hog-wallow depressions on upper physiographic sites. Pancratium trianthum and Crinum distichum, flowering at the beginning of the rainy season, are often abundant near the woodland edge. Dongolo-Mada ngangou sub-type This sub-type is physiognomically similar to the preceding except that water courses are reduced to shallow canals flowing into and out of a vast stagnant marsh. This area is flooded for eight months of the year. Most of the vegetation is aquatic including Neptunia oleracea, Jussiaea repens var. diffusa, Polygonum libatum, P. senegalensis, 51 Vossia cuspidata, and Cryaa longistiminata. Lightly or intermittently flooded areas support the grasses Brachiaria jubata, Setaria aurea, Hyparrhenia rufa, H. sp., Panicum anabaptism and sedges Bulbostylus oritrephes, Cyperus exaltatus, and C. spacelatus. Sedges found in stream beds include Cyperus digitatus subsp. auricomis var. bruntii, C. sp., and Scirpus sp. A. Large termitaria are locally abundant on specialized areas and their dense vegetative cover is often a conspic- uous feature of the landscape. These mounds often support sizable trees including Khaya senegalensis, Lannea schrimperi, Kigelia africana, Anogeissus leiocarpus, Ficus gnaphalocarpa, F. sp., and Tamarindus indica. The understory on large moderately degraded mounds is similar to other illuvial termitaria. Another basin is found between Tenabo and Mélé which appears to bear a phytognomic likeness to this sub-type. II. 8 SUCCESSION The three most important factors influencing the vegetation in the St. Floris area are fire, flooding, and soil depth. Burning has a tre- mendous effect on the vegetation by selectively inhibiting fire-intoler- and species. A community can be held in "fire climaxf'which is signifi- cantly different, both physiognomically and in species composition, from its protected counterpart. On the eluvial and colluvial complexes, where soil depth is sufficient, the dry forest represents the natural climax community. Continued burning destroys characteristic tree species causing an evolution to a mixed savanna woodland. In contrast to deeper sites, shallow soils have a different climax form which may or may not be altered by burning. 52 The decrease in the depth of wet-season flooding has allowed the invasion of trees and shrubs on plains areas. Fire-tolerant invader species Combretum glutinosum, Mitragyna inermis, Piliostigma reticulata, Acacia seyel, and A. sieberiana sometimes form even-age stands. If drier conditions continue, these species are followed by Terminalia macroptera and Pseudocedrela kotschyi which become, in turn, the dominant woody species. As drainage is enhanced, this evolution can continue toward the formation of the Terminalia laxiflora savanna woodland or the dry forest under similar conditions in the absence of fire. A parallel evolution is apparent in the formation of termitaria. The majority of active mounds are found on the illuvial complex, often occurring on raised sites on the plains. In contrast, most degraded termitaria exist on drier sites. In this manner, mounds act as a sub- strate for trees and shrubs. This represents the primary source of woody invasion on the plains. It is impossible to accurately reconstruct the vegetative changes the park has undergone during the last several centuries. Plains areas were probably more extensive when wetter conditions prevailed in the past. II. 9 FIRE St. floris has no specific burning policy. The majority of fires are set haphazardly, most often at the beginning of the dry season as soon as the grasses dry. The extent of annual burning relates to the degree of human activity by fishermen, honey gatherers, and cattle herders. A high percentage of the park is burned annually, especially the northern plains sector. During periods of management, an early burn policy was favored by park personnel. 53 The general burning situation on surrounding areas is similar to that in St. Floris. Cattle herders, arriving from Sudan and Chad, burn pastures several weeks ahead of their herds to ensure an adequate food supply during their seasonal movements. THE FAUNA St. Floris has, since its inception, been noted as one of the rich- est wildlife areas in the CAR. Yet, no adequate studies have been carried out to provide a basis for the implementation of an intel- ligent wildlife management program. A major goal of this study was to furnish species lists of vertebrates, determine the status of important species, and outline significant trends and problem areas demanding attention. III. 11 NEUMEALS Due to the importance of large mammals in the economic value and tourist appeal of St. Floris, special efforts were made for their study. A species list of mammals identified in St. Floris was prepared (Appendix A). This was based on the actual observation of 59 species with an ad- ditional 3 based on tracks or presence on adjacent areas. An important objective was an inventory of ungulates, elephant, large carnivores, and primates indigenous to St. Floris. These data were intended to compute baseline population estimates of large mammals. Population estimates of ungulates and elephant were to be used to compare the standing crop of St. Floris to that computed for other West and Central African national parks and reserves. A means was needed to monitor future population changes of large mammals in the park. This "index" required the establishment of a system of roadways and the standardization of a methodology for periodic counting. 54 55 Specific objectives were 1) to cover an area of the park sufficient to detect population changes and 2) for this methodology to be repeatable ' by park personnel or wildlife specialists. No previous ground inventories of large mammals had been conducted in the northern sector of the CAR. A comparative appraisal of the vari- ous methods utilized during the course of this study (line transects, road-strip counts, and an aerial census) would, therefore, assist in the selection of optimal methodology for future large mammal inventories. III. 1. 1 Methods In 1977, a walking census using line transects was established to compute population estimates of ungulates and collect data on herd struc- ture, population age and sex composition, habitat selection, and behavioral data. A study area comprising about 30 per cent of the park (853 ka) was located in the vicinity of roadways (Figure 9). Within this area, 39 line transects were selected at random. A transect consisted of two parallel lines one kilometer apart beginning on a road. Transect length (distance along the first leg) was set at a maximum of five kilometers except in the center of the study area. There, the transects ran north and south between the Vakaga ford to Dongolo road and the Gordil-Ninion route (based on routes 5/6 and 9/11 in Figure 10). Observations were recorded only on the parallel lines and not along the one kilometer sepa- rating the first and second leg. Transects were walked between 0800 and 1300 hours by a team of two men. The first used a compass to proceed on a heading, generally in a cardinal direction, while the second was respon- sible for recording data and counting paces with a hand counter. Both members served as observers. All large mammals were recorded on field sheets by species, location (number of paces along the line), vegetation 56 Figure 9. Map of the St. Floris National Park showing the 1977 study area. 57 3.8 gal. in mono >tsum fl t. . . QEMU moocflg o \o cocoow mxomufl. l I I I I I III mum>fim Ill \ >HMVCSOQ MHMQ ...... ..... . .......... ‘ 58 type, herd size, relative age, and sex where possible. On plains areas, where visibility was often in excess of a kilometer in any direction, the census area consisted of a 400 meter strip (200 meters either side of the transect line). A herd was counted if more than half of its members were within the strip. Animals crossing the strip in front of the observers were not counted until they were within 500 meters of the census team. Perpendicular distances between the transect line and the animal (or center of a herd) were recorded in the woodland. A total of 341.5 kilo- meters of line transects was logged by two teams of observers over a three-month period from February 22 to May 26, 1977. Strip widths were determined separately for the woodland and the plains. In the woodland, categories of ungulates with similar herd sizes and visibility distances were recognized (Table 7). The estimator 4y (4 times the mean sighting distance) proposed by Hemingway (1975) was used to compute strip widths as it appears to best represent the true sampling area of ungulates in Miombo woodland (Rogers 1975). In 1977, grass burning on plains areas was extensive and visibility was excellent along all transects surveyed. The census area equaled the strip width multiplied by the total length of plains transects. The study area contained the greatest number and diverstiy of un- gulates in the park. This was due primarily to its proximity to villages housing game guards and to a well-developed network of roads that dis- couraged poaching. The census was intended only to reflect densities on the study area and not over the entire park area. The study area can be viewed, however, as a region of more-natural large mammal density to which condition the entire park might possibly be restored. 59 Table 7. Mean sighting distances, strip widths and sampling percentages of four visibility classes of ungulates for woodland and plains areas. Line transects surveyed February-May 1977, St. Floris National Park, Central African Republic. Mean sighting distance Strip widtha Samplingb Species (meters) (meters) percentage WOODLAND Grimm's duiker 31.1 124 5.0 Oribi and reedbuck 42.9 172 6.9 Wart hog 43.6 174 7.0 rob, topi, hartebeest, 53.5 214 8.6 waterbuck, and roan Mean 41.5 166 6.7 PLAINS All species -— 400 16.0 a See text. 2 Given as the percentage of total woodland (550 km ) or total plains (303 km ) area in the study area. 60 During both years of the study, road-strip counts were conducted along most park roads (Figure 10). Counts were made between 0700 and 1200 hours by an observer perched on top of a Toyota land-cruiser travel- ling at 30 kilometers per hour. A series of counts entailed one count on each of the 14 tracks. On plains areas, large mammals (kob-size and larger) and ostrich were counted within a strip 500 meters on either side of the road. In open areas, smaller mammals (Grimm's duiker, wart hog, oribi, reedbuck, and primates) were counted up to 200 meters from the road. Data were collected on both plains and woodland areas by species, herd size, age and sex structure, vegetation type, and distance in kilo- meters along the track. In 1977,a single series was completed while two series of counts were conducted in 1978. In an attempt to assess the feasibility of using road-strip data to compute ungulate population densities, 13 counts (Table 10) were under- taken between February and June 1978 along the wooded portions of the Gounda-Dongolo track (route 14 in Figure 10). A range finder was used to determine the perpendicular distance at first sighting and the distance at which the animal or herd first disappeared from sight. Often it was necessary to scare the animal to record the disappearing distance. The visibility class (sparse, moderate, and dense) of each observation was also recorded. These classes were based subjectively on vegetation den- sity. Visibility classes were noted every 0.3 kilometer on either side of the track. Using disappearing distances, a composite strip width for large ungulates was calculated by pooling the data for roan, hartebeest, topi, waterbuck, and giraffe. The weighted disappearing distances (Table 8) were calculated using the formula WDD = dipi' where di was the average disappearing distance in each of i visibility classes and p was 61 Figure 10. Map of the St. Floris National Park showing tracks used in road-strip counts. 62 oamom mommHHfi> mxomua mwo>flm xuoocson xumm OOCIOCII... HMUHOO O .ESJ @860 an .2. o opczow a 63 Table 8. Mean disappearing distances of 8 ungulate species in 3 vis- ibility classes and composite weighted disappearing distances expressed in meters. Figures are based on 13 road-strip counts conducted March-June 1978 along the Gounda-Dongolo track in the St. Floris National Park, Central African Republic. a Weightedb Visibility class disappearing Species l 2 3 distances Grimm's duiker 73.1 61.7 41.2 62.0 Oribi 114.6 92.8 60.6 94.6 Wart hog 131.0 87.9 81.0 102.2 Hartebeest 180.0 119.1 80.0 - Topi 185.5 162.5 - -— Waterbuck - 125.0 97.7 -— Roan 170.9 112.5 75.0 —— Giraffe 186.7 100.0 85.0 ~— Large ungulatesc 179.2 120.9 88.8 136.0 a Arranged in increasing order of vegetation density: 1) sparse, b 2) moderate, and 3) dense. Calculated by multiplying the mean disappearing distance in each c class by the fraction of that class along track. Due to limited data and apparent similarities in disappearing distances, strip widths for large ungulates were computed by pooling data for hartebeest, topi, waterbuck, roan, and giraffe. 64 the percentage of that class along the track. The 13 counts on the Gounda-Dongolo track were treated separately in computing confidence limits. Twenty-five walking census transects located in the southern wooded sector of St. Floris were analyzed to compare ungulate densities with these road counts. An aerial census planned for March-April 1978 was canceled due to a lack of aviation fuel in the CAR. This inventory was intended to pro- vide population estimates of larger ungulates and elephant. In addition to specific surveys, sightings of infrequently-encoun- tered animals, unusual concentrations, and interesting behavior were recorded on field sheets. As no enumeration method conducted in the park to date could realis- tically yield population estimates of large mammals for the entire park area, subjective estimates were employed. The means of estimating and levels of subjectivity differed between species. The Grimm's duiker population was estimated by multiplying the woodland density computed from line transects to the approximate area of woodland (1800 kmz) in the park. A similar approach was followed for oribi. Because they also occur on the plains, the total density (plains and woodland) from line transects was multiplied by the surface area of the park. Study area population estimates from line transects (Table 9) of wart hog, reedbuck, waterbuck, kob, roan, hartebeest, and topi were subjectively augmented by the number of animals felt to occur outside the study area. For the most part, these estimates were determined from general observation from the air and on the ground. The hippopotamus population was estimated from total counts of concentration areas. Black and white photographs of the major hippo pools were taken from the air on January 3, 1978 and 65 later analyzed from print enlargements. Similar counts were periodically conducted during both years on the ground using multiple observers. Pop- ulations of other animals were estimated from general observation. The presence of tracks of the larger species (rhinoceros, giraffe, elephant, and buffalo) were also used in the formation of estimates. III. 1. 2 Results The total length of line transects was greater in the woodland (64.5%) than on the plains (35.5%). The surface area of both types was computed by multiplying these percentages by the total surface area of the study zone calculated from a topographic map. In the woodland, strip widths of ungulates increased with animal size (Table 7) and the sampling per- centage varied among the four ungulate size classes. The plains were sampled more intensively (16.0%) than the woodland (R = 6.7%). Population estimates and 95 per cent confidence limits of nine un- gulate species were computed from line transect data (Table 9). The hippopotamus population was estimated using total counts of major con- centration areas. Sightings of buffalo, giraffe, giant eland, and bush- buck were insufficient for the computation of density. No elephant were counted on line transects. Subjective estimates of these five species are included to calculate the ungulate and elephant biomass of the study area (3,532 kg/kmz). The accuracy of the biomass figure depends on the accuracy of both the population estimates and unit weights used for each species. No study has been conducted in the St. Floris area to calculate mean weights for large mammalian species. The literature shows a tremendous variability in unit weights in Africa and. a variation of up to 100 per cent is not uncommon (Coe et a1. 1976). Differences in age-class composition would 66 Table 9. Ungulate and elephant densities, population estimates, and biomass within a study area comprising 853 square kilometers of the St. Floris National Park, Central African Republic. Density/km2 Populationa Weightb Biomassc Species plains woodland total estimate (kg) (kg) Elephante -— -— - 50 1500 75,000 Wart hog 1.59 0.94 1.17 999 t 630 60 59,880 Hippopotamus - - - 1100 1000 1,100,000 Giraffee -— - -— 35 700 24,500 Buffaloe -— —— - 700 510 357,000 Bushbucke -— -— - 150 40 6,000 Giant elande -— -— -— 100 365 36,500 Grimm's uikerd0.04 1.82 1.18 1018 a 388 10 10,130 Reedbuck 2.35 0.26 1.07 912 t 399 40 36,440 Watgrbuckd 3.20 0.04 1.17 996 t 285 175 174,125 Kob d 32.27 0.04 11.48 9737 t 4814 70 685,510 Roan 0.33 0.32 0.32 275 t 355 250 68,750 Hart eestd 3.19 1.12 1.86 1583 t 1194 165 161.030 Topi d 1.96 0.06 0.74 629 t 482 165 103,620 Oribi 0.47 1.53 1.15 983 t 459 15 14,760 Total 49.1 6.1 20.1 3,012,635 Biomass = 3,012,635/853 + 3,532 kg/km2 95 per cent confidence limits were computed using the method of Jolly (1969). b Weights from Child (1974) and Coe gg_ai, (1976). Biomass was computed by multiplying the population estimate by the unit weight. Population estimates and 95 per cent confidence limits were based on line transects. Population estimates were subjectively estimated from road-strip counts and general observation. f The population estimate was based on total counts. 67 result in a certain amount of variation between areas. Unit weight var- iation could also be rationalized if well-planned studies aimed at ac- curate determinations were conducted. To a great degree, however, these figures represent little more than educated guesses in West and Central Africa. Weights used in this survey are those of Child (1974) and Coe _e_1; _a_1;. (1976) . Results of each series of road-strip counts are presented (Table 10). Rob were the most abundant ungulates counted on all three series (Table 11). Topi, hartebeest, wart hog, and waterbuck were similar in relative abundance between series. An assessment of trend cannot be made over this two-year period. The data collected on road-strip counts are inappropriate for the computation of average ungulate densities because these counts were made in prime areas of high density of large mammals. Therefore, if these results were projected to the entire park area, they would tend to over- estimate ungulate populations. Stratification was not possible due to a lack of roadways in the north, along the Bahr Kameur, where mammal den- sities are lowest. This is not to say that road-strip counts cannot be utilized to calculate population estimates for the entire park area, but special care must be given to insure an unbiased methodology. Although several similar road~strip counts were undertaken by Stangenec in 1968-1969 and Spinage in 1976 (both reported in Spinage 1976) along some of the same routes, those counts were too limited to compare with the present data. The data from this survey are presented only as a possible basis for future counts. Average density and population estimates of 11 ungulate species were computed from road—strip counts on the Gounda-Dongolo track (Table 12). 68 .mofloomm oumaflum How poucsoo 0H03 mmoouu >Hco .mxoouu mo cowuoooH Mow OH ousmwm mom M o o o H o o o o o o H o o o H mm o o meH me\mo\m m o o N o o o o o o H o o o 6 mm mm oH an maon\e m.e e o o o m o o o o o o o o o o m oH o o Hmm sstH\e m o o o o o o o o o m o o H mm H 66 on o ms\mH\e o o o m o o o o o o m N o m on o HHH moH o msmexe m.~H m o H o o o o o o o o o o 0 HH m ea 6 e o asmexm o o o H o o o H o o o o m o H so 6 o NeH ms\oH\m o o H o H o m o o o o H o o mm on 6 6H eoH mster o.o~ m o H o e o o H o H o o o o m AH mm H mOH meH ssxmmxe o o o H o o H o o o o o o o o an 6 6H me ms\m~\m o o o H o o o o o o o m o 0 HA oH o eH He os\eH\m o.m H o o H H o o o o o o o e o 6 6m «H o om we ss\a~\e 0 d I 8 n... H 8 0 D. 0. a O 8 H M M I H ucsoo 2:: 6x098. assessmeanmunaanamm 898.2998 1 e 1 o u . w” m u e u a. I. ma 3 a t. 2 . I. s e o I. m 1 I. 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T... a .ofiansmom coofiumm Monacoo .xuom Hocofluoz mwuon .um may cw mhmH pco hhmH cw mxoouu ca :0 mucooo mwuumIooou commomImup mo mofluom n no mamuoe .oH manna 69 o o o o m m o o o o o H o mm e co m m seH ms\oH\m o o o H H o o o o o o o o am H be m m as ms\mo\m o.mH m o H o m o o o o o o o m o mH m 60H HoH so Hoe ss\HH\e o o o o o o o o o o o o o 6H 6 HH mm H eHm ms\e~\m o o o o o o o o o o o o 6 cm H H o H mo ms\m0\m o.m a an o o o o o o o o o o o o o a oH Hm me HoH os\H6\e o o o m o o o o o m o m o o o o m m o ma\m0\m o o o o o o o o o o m m o H OH H H m o maxm0\m H.HH o o o o H o o o o o o o o o o o o m a o ssto\v o o o o o o o o o o H o o HH m m OHM m o ms\mo\m o H o m o o o o o o o o o o H 6 mm mm o ma\oH\e o.om m m o o o o o o m o o m e o HH N 0 av m o se\mH\m ucaoo AERV Rocky 0 d Tu 8 n1 H 8 9 3 9 H O 8 H M M Tu H X anaemmauanmmranuamr 898.29... I 8 H4 0 u _ W... m u E u I. W H... a I. 1. T. S 8 O I. .4 I. I. v. I m. m. m m. u m m s. e a. m. m w. m. e O S u N. T. X. 5 3 a W. .4 D. p. H. s m a n u 2 a O P I. P .A u N. X. 5 a a P 1 .A z 8 T. T. b .lmoaeeozooo oH pooe O O O H Ln O H O O l‘ O 6 HH O OR\OO\m l‘ Q' 0 O O H O O H r-l O O V O H 70 o o o o o o o o m o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o «)0 g o m‘v N O O O O O O O O O O O 0 co 0 ,..4 H V qorxaso uooqeg “OFT xonqqsng GJJEITO U908 IQIIO OIPJJHS xonqpaau Boq 119M HGHQISQPM Aexuom seaea puete duets Aexuom snxeauel xexrnp s,mmrxs 3113286 paauoxg-pau O OH H Os\~O\m m.HH NH mH HH O ss\MH\e be we OOH Oa\mo\m OH on mm Oe\~Oxm O.mH HH OHH OHH mm se\HO\e O O em Os\sH\m H m sOH OR\OH\m m.s OH O O ORH es\HO\e e O OOR Oaonxm O O 666 Oa\mO\m O.O O O O Rom 66\HO\O % W W undoo HERO xooue .m. u a. we once oocoumflo m. a 8 S q .Iuoaeeoeooo OH oHooe Table 10 (continued). qorxqso Aaxuom seaed Aexuom snteauea uooqea “CIT BIIBZBD penu01g-pau xonqqsng xexrnp s,mmrxs puete querg 9339110 ueou IQTIO OIPJJHS xonqpeau 504 3198 xonqxaaem 160i aseeqeaxea qox Date of count Distance (km) Track O O 0 4/05/77 71 5/04/78 5/10/78 15.3 13 50 12 5/30/77 15 18 20 16 26 2/03/78 3/05/78 4/10/78 19 12 O 0 24 0 100 3 4/12/78 4/18/78 0 31 0 35 10 13 5/06/78 0 38.0 14 21 16 19 17 14 16 2 5/16/78 6/06/78 16 O 0 O 0 O O 11 6/08/78 6/10/78 6/14/78 6/17/78 10 11 14 38 6/19/78 72 Table 11. Total number of large mammals, presented as total individuals and groups, sighted on three series of road-strip counts in the St. Floris National Park, Central African Republic. 1978b 1977“ 1 2 Species Individuals Groups Individuals Groups Individuals Groups Kob 2316 202 1471 118 1934 120 Hartebeest 403 59 351 56 153 45 Topi 353 50 227 31 502 40 Waterbuck 290 52 282 60 269 56 Wart hog 215 62 145 54 98 50 Reedbuck 54 25 91 40 71 33 Buffalo 116 3 34 2 5 l Oribi 22 12 33 15 34 17 Roan 9 2 15 8 23 7 Giraffe 3 2 12 2 4 2 Giant eland l l 5 l 0 0 Grimm's duiker 2 l 4 4 5 5 Bushbuck 1 1 2 2 8 6 Red-fronted 0 0 0 0 2 1 gazelle Lion 0 0 5 3 5 2 Baboonc 19 11 7 Tantalus monkeyc 2 4 1 Patas monkeyc 3 1 0 Total 3785 496 2677 412 3113 393 a The 1977 series consisted of one count on each of 14 tracks during the dry season (see Figure 10). b Means of the first five 1978 counts on the Gounda-Dongolo track (route 14 in Table 10) were added to the first series. Means of the last eight counts were added to the second 1978 series. All values c for individuals and groups were rounded to the nearest whole number. Only troops were counted for primates. 73 Table 12. Average density and population estimates of 11 ungulate species comparing road-strip counts and line transects in the southern woodland sector of the St. Floris National Park, Central African Republic. 1977 line transects 1978 road-strips Average Population est. Average Population est. Species density 3 95% CLa . density t 95% CLa wart hog 0.709 1180 t 777 0.604 1006 t 435 Giraffe 0.025 41b 0.119 198 t 171 Buffalo 1.590 2647 i 4431 0.744 1239 Bushbuck 0.085 142 0.033 54 Giant eland 0.025 41 0.193 322 t 619 Grimm's duiker 1.750 2915 t 454 0.702 1169 t 404 Waterbuck 0.025 41 0.171 285 t 364 Roan 0.348 579 t 759 0.350 582 t 279 Hartebeest 1.217 2026 t 1867 1.440 2403 i 1196 Topi 0.000 -— 0.298 496 t 368 Oribi 1.476 2458 t 988 2.230 3721 t 776 Average densiEy multiplied by the surface area of the southern wooded b area (1665 km ). Confidence limits could not be calculated because of limited obser- vations. 74 A comparison was made between these data and 25 of the line transects surveyed in the 1977 walking census. In both cases, average densities were expanded to yield population estimates for the southern wooded sector of the park. Population estimates were comparable between both censuses for wart hog, roan, and hartebeest. Oribi and Grimm's duiker showed a wider variation though relative abundance values were similar. The elevated density for oribi on road counts can possibly be attributed to the high percentage of this species observed in the Cambretum glutinosum tree savanna type which is found along 20 per cent of the track. This vegetation type was not encountered on walking transects. The probability that Grimm's duiker flee more readily when approached by persons on foot than by the passing of a vehicle and the high percentage of open country along the Gounda-Dongolo track also may explain the lower density of this species on road counts. The strip width for Grimm's duiker was identical (124 meters) in both surveys. Strip widths were greater for oribi, wart hog, and large ungulates on road counts. It is not known, however, whether this reflects real visibility differences between areas or the effect of using different methods for computing strip widths. Relative abundance values of giraffe, bushbuck, buffalo, giant eland, and water- buck were similar. Subjective dry-season population estimates of ungulates, carnivores, elephant, and primates are presented (Table 13). Each estimate was expressed as an interval. The wide range of the intervals reflects the effects of seasonal movements and the imprecision inherent in subjective estimates. Kob- were estimated to be the most abundant large mammals in the park. Nine other ungulates have mean population estimates between 1000 and 3250. The most common primate was the baboon. No population estimates Table 13. Dry-season population estimates of large mammals in the St. 75 Floris National Park, Central African Republic. Species Population estimated Baboon 1500 - 4000 Patas monkey 200 - 400 Tantalus monkey 250 - 500 Colobus monkey 20 - 50 Hunting dog 0 - 40 Cheetahb 0 - 5 Lion 50 - 100 Leopard 10 - 40 Elephant 50 - 400 Black rhinocerosb 0 - 5 Wart hog 800 - 1800 Hippopotamus 1200 - 1300 Giraffe 75 - 150 Buffalo 500 - 1500 Bushbuck 200 - 400 Giant eland 100 - 300 Grimm's duiker 2000 - 4000 Red-flanked duiker 5 - 50 Reedbuck 700 - 1500 Waterbuck 700 - 1500 Rob 6000 - 10000 Roan 350 - 800 Hartebeest 1500 - 3000 Topi 1500 - 3000 Oribi b 2500 - 4000 Red-fronted gazelle 0 - 10 Population estimates were subjectively determined using results of line.transects, road-strip counts, total counts, and aerial and b ground observation. Zeros are given as the lower limit in rare species that are not known to occur in the park throughout the dry season. 76 are included for the smaller nocturnal species (small carnivores and lesser galago) due to a lack of observations and data. The ungulate and elephant biomass of St. Floris (Table 14) was computed from the means of the population estimates. Hippopotami (30.5%) and kob (13.7%) accounted for a total of 44.1 per cent of the total (1551 kg/kmz). No other ungulate species contributed greater than 10 per cent to this figure. III. 1. 3 Discussion On line transects, the most probable sources of error included the inability to see animals within the strip and difficulties in estimating sighting distances. In the woodland, the accuracy of distance measurements could be improved by recording the actual sighting distance in lieu of the perpendicular distance. The use of a rangefinder would also improve the accuracy of these measurements. The excellent visibility on plains areas following burning allows for an increase in the strip width. For large mammals (kob-size and larger) the width of the strip should be in- creased to 600 meters (300 meters on either side of the line). This augmentation should significantly increase the sampling area without detracting from the precision of the inventory. The strip width for smaller mammals should remain at 400 meters. Animal movements during the three-months census period could also have biased the results. Although most species appeared to be sedentary during this period, local movements caused by the influx of cattle frequently occurred. Some form of stratification is needed in future line transect inven- tories. Total average density for the nine ungulate species (Table 9) was 45.4 animals/km2 on the plains and 6.1 animals/km2 in the woodland. The 77 Table 14. Calculation of ungulate and elephant biomass for the St. Floris National Park, Central African Republic. Species Population estimated Weight (kg)b Biomass (kg) Elephant 225 1,500 37,500 Wart hog 1,300 60 78,000 Hippopotamus 1,250 1,000 1,250,000 Giraffe 112 700 78,400 Buffalo 1,000 510 510,000 Bushbuck 300 40 12,000 Giant eland 200 365 73,000 Grimm's duiker 3,000 10 30,000 Reedbuck 1,100 40 44,000 Waterbuck 1,100 175 192,500 Kob 8,000 70 560,000 Roan 575 250 143,750 Hartebeest 2,250 165 371,250 Topi 2,250 165 371,250 Oribi 3,250 15 48,750 Total 4,100,400 Biomass = 4,100,400/2,643 = 1551 kg/km2 a See Table 13. Weights from Child (1974) and Coe et a1. (1976). 78 sampling percentage on the plains was 2.4 times greater than that in the woodland (Table 7). The variance of animals censused per unit area was 463 times greater on the plains than in the woodland. Stratification based on the ratio of the variances (Cochran 1963) seems unrealistic in this case and another method should be used. Buchanan and Schacht (1979) repeated the road-strip counts in St. Floris in 1979. They reduced the strip width on the plains, however, to 400 meters (200 meters on either side of the road) for large ungulates. Moreover, the strip width for smaller ungulates, primates, and carnivores was reduced to 200 meters and counts were conducted in May instead of the normal March-April period. Buchanan and Schacht used the same method- ology as this study in the woodland. While total animals counted were reduced by more than 50 per cent, there appeared to be an acceptable number of observation of most species. The determination of whether an animal was within the strip would also be simplified using this modified methodology. If additional tracks were added to the census, the reduced strip-width would prove useful in reducing the time spent counting ani- mals while increasing the geographical coverage. Future road-strip counts should, therefore, follow the methodology of the 1979 counts. The most time-consuming activity during road-strip counts is the collection of herd structure data. These are not essential for population index purposes. In general, counts along the tracks specified in this survey noting species and herd size would be sufficient. The road-strip counts on the Gounda-Dongolo track provided acceptable estimates of the relative abundance of 10 species of ungulates. This con- clusion is based on comparisons with the data of the 1977 walking census (Table 12). Ideally, a comparison of this nature should be based on concurrent surveys to minimize seasonal and yearly variations in animal 79 numbers. Although both surveys were conducted during the same general season, it is impossible to assess the reliability of the estimators in light of the confounding variable presented by yearly differences in av- erage ungulate density. Nevertheless, assuming that ungulate densities were similar between years, the results indicate that road-strip counts yielded estimates of average ungulate density that were acceptable from a management point of view. The methodology could be improved if addiv tionalroads were added to the survey and replications were increased. The disappearing distance method for determining strip-width should be utilized. An aerial census was conducted in St. Floris in January 1978 by FAO project CAF/72/010 (reported in Loevinsohn g; a1. 1978). Population estimates and average densities of six ungulate species and elephant were computed. Estimates of the populations of kob, waterbuck, and topi were significantly below those presented in this study (Table 13). The popu— lation estimates of hartebeest, giraffe, and roan were roughly comparable, although in all cases those derived from aerial counts were situated on the low end of the interval in Table 13. The estimate for elephant was dramatically higher. No giant eland or buffalo were recorded during the census. Comparing these results with those of this study suggest that this aerial census poorly estimated ungulate populations in St. Floris. Future aerial inventories should utilize a high-wing aircraft with a slow- er flight speed and attain a greater sampling proportion. Due to the dramatic increase in the surface area of St. Floris since the study, the analysis of large mammal populations has become greatly complicated. Much of the new area is devoid of roadways. An aerial census is presently the method of preference for a survey of the entire park area. With the construction of roads in much of the new area, a 80 system of tranks could be periodically counted. Aerial census and road- strip data should be sufficient from a management point of view. A biomass standing crop comparison of ungulates and elephant in West and Central African national parks and reserves was tabulated. In this comparison, weights were standardized and biomass figures were re- claculated for several areas. St. Floris is only intermediate when compared to the other areas (Table 15). This is primarily due to the extremely low numbers of ungulates in the north and northwest and to the low densities of larger species, such as elephant and buffalo, throughout the park. The ungulate and elephant biomass of the 1977 study area (Table 9), however, was greater than that of any other West African park or reserve (Table 15). This area supported the greatest standing crop of ungulates in St. Floris. The difference in biomass between this area and that of the entire park seemed to be influenced more by the extent of protection than by habitat differences. The greater biomass in the study area indicates the likely potential for the park as a whole, if protection measures were strengthened. It must be remembered in connection with biomass comparisons, of course, that while differences in the sizes of ungulates tend to be equated in this procedure, the greater metabolic rates of the smaller species could cause differences between standing crop biomasses even beyond those caused by habitat variations. Although biomass has been a popular measure in Africa and elsewhere, a more precise measure of the total biological impact of an animal population on the environment is its expenditure of metabolic energy (Lamprey 1964). This method or the measurement of energy exchange, assesses more directly the animal impact by employing energetic measures rather than summing ungulate body weights. 81 Table 15. Comparison of ungulate and elephant biomass figures for West and Central African national parks and reserves. Biomas Locality (kg/km )a St. Floris National Park, CAR (1977 study area)b 3,532 Bouba Ndjida National Park, Cameroonc 2,548 Arly National Park, Upper Voltad 2,386 Waza National Park, Cameroone 1,785 P8 National Park, Upper Voltaf 1,562 St. Floris National Park, CAR (total park area)9 1,551 Deux balé National Park, Upper Voltah 1,130 Borgu Game Reserve, Nigeriai 710 Comoé National Park, Ivory Coastj 290 a Calculated using unit weights from Table 9. b This study, see Table 9. 0 Calculated from means of population estimates given in van Lavieren and Bosch (1976), Table 11, page 27. d Green (1977), calculated from author's population estimates on page 68. e Esser and van Lavieren (1979), Table 4, page 14. f. Heisterburg (1975), calculated from author's population estimates in text. 9 This study, see Table 14. @ Sihvonen (1977), Table 14, page 37. E Child (1974), Table 9, page 22. J Geerling and Bokdam (1973), calculated from population estimates appearing in the text. 82 Although this is the method of choice, its computation would be difficult to express accurately with the data available. III. 1. 4 Notes on individual species Much of the information presented in this section was based on gen- eral observation during the two-year study period. Herd sturcture results were included where sufficient data were collected and comparisons of herd structure and age and sex ratios were made with similar studies in other West and Central African parks and reserves. In addition, adult sex ratios of several ungulate species were compared to other national parks (Table 16). The 1977 age and sex results were compiled using both the road-strip and walking census data, while the 1978 results were based solely on road counts. Herd sizes were computed by pooling data from both years. The existence of previous reports allowed for a discussion of trends and future prospects of several important species. Aardvark Although no actual observation of this species was recorded inside the park during the study, their excavations were often encountered in areas of deep soils in the woodland and along the edge of the plains. This nocturnal animal is probably not uncommon in areas where soil depth is sufficient for burrowing and their principal food sources, termites and ants, are plentiful. Elephant There is a long history of elephant exploitation in St. Floris. Félix (1949) reported finding a map with the park area marked "Arab elephant hunting grounds," dating to the period of heavy depredations 83 Table 16. Comparison of adult sex ratios in four West and Central African national parks and reserves stated as males/ 100 females. St. Florisa Bouba Ndjidab P80 Borgud CAR Cameroon Upper Volta Nigeria Species n M/100 F n M/lOO F n M/lOO F n M/100 F Wart hog (225) 92 (15) 114 Reedbuck (205) 103 (185) 67 (83) 48 Waterbuck (387) 42 (116) 46 (99) 9 (106) 60 Hartebeest (548) 57 (134) 46 (313) 74 Oribi (184) 70 (395) 82 (104) 108 (223) 103 This study. 94‘) 0‘9 Bosch (1976). Heisterburg (1975). Child (1974). 84 during the late 19th and early 20th centuries which supported a flourish- ing ivory and slave trade in the region. More recently, elephant numbers have fluctuated depending on the amount of protection they have been af- forded, with frequent sightings during the years of protection and vir- tually no elephants seen during gaps in surveillance. The incursions of Chadian and Sudanese horsemen with the cattle herds tend to drive the elephants south of the park, though this does not always provide sanctuary: as the frequently-encountered elephant remains bear witness. From the 1977 walking census data, an estimated 200+ elephants were poached in the park during the period 1972 to 1977. This was based on the assumption that elephant skulls decompose in five years. During two field seasons in the park, elephants were observed on 19 occasions, singly and in groups of up to 200. Numbers tended to fluctu- ate due to seasonal movements. Very few elephants inhabited the park during the height of the dry season. With the onset of the rains in May, elephants move north and as many as 500 may be intermittently present during the rainy season (Thal 1972). These seasonal movements need to be studied in greater detail and an effort made to determine to what degree migrations are influenced by seasonal habitat preferences as op- posed to human harassment. The elephants that remain in the park during the dry season are occasionally observed coming onto the plains at dusk to water. Always extremely wary, they spend the daylight hours in the woodland. Besides poachers, lions are responsible for killing young elephants and several kills were found in the park and along the western bank of the Gounda. Elephants feed on a great variety of plants and are often destructive in areas where they congregate. These mammals were observed to feed on 85 the leaves and stems of the grasses Phragmites karka and Jardinea congolensis, and branches and leaves of Mimosa pigra, Acacia seyel, A. sieberiana, Hymenocardia acida, Terminalia laxiflora, and Combretum hypopilinum. Bark was stripped from Pseudocedrela kotschyi, Butyrospermum paradbxum, and Prosopis africana. A more complete description of elephant food habits in the St. Floris area is presented in Buchanan and Schacht (1979). The park should support more elephants than are now present and if a serious effort were made to control poaching, the population should begin to increase in a few years. Black rhinoceros No rhinoceros were seen in the park during this studm.although their tracks were observed on three occasions in 1977 and once in 1978. All were noted in the southern part of the park in the vicinity of the Gounda and Goro rivers. Buchanan and Schacht (1979) report seeing tracks on two occasionsixil979 near Mare Arak. It is probable that one or more rhinos exist in the park, but there may be too few to reproduce successfully. Wart hog 2.7 XI ll Herd size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 No. of obsv. 76 43 51 28 16 6 3 2 2 2 Wart hogs are common throughout the park wherever water is available. The dry months of March and April find these animals concentrated along the plains edges in the vicinitywxfpermanent water. For watering and mud wallowing, they prefer shallow muddy basins to the predominantly sandy river banks. 86 Wart hogs feed on the roots of perennial grasses and are especially fond of the grasses Vetiveria nigritana, Oryza longistiminata, and Ehchinochloa obtusiflora, various sedges, and the tubers of other mono- cxotyledonous herbs. Their diggings are often extensive and damage park rt>ads in areas of impeded drainage where their preferred foods abound. The birth period is between December and March. Family groups con- sist of one or more females, subadults, and young. Males are normally solitary or in small all-male groups. Age data were recorded for 450 aanimals: 53 per cent adults and 47 per cent combined subadult and young. The ratio of young per female having young varied between the two years of the study: 2.0 young per female in 1977 and 1.6 young per female in 1978. One wart hog carcass, killed by a lion, was observed in 1978. iippgpotamus This species has been of special interest since the park was created for its protection after the hippopotamus population had drastically (haclined at the beginning of the 20th century. During the last 40 years, Trippos have increased in number in the Tenabo-Gata area although this is Probably due as much to immigration from the northern areas of the park as; from reproductive buildup. They are more concentrated than formerly aludmore than half of the estimated 1200 to 1300 hippos (Table 14) in the Efiirk can be found in one pool near Tenabo during the dry season. Other concentration areas with up to 200 individuals are located at Gata, Dongolo-Mada ngangou, and several points between the Vakaga ford and Gata. Numbers in these concentration areas varied from year to year as well £353 during the course of the dry season. Movements from one concentration all?€3a.to another were noted during both seasons ofthe study. The reasons 15:31? these displacements were not always apparent although they appears to 87 be related to changing water levels, the ability to find adequate forage, and the amount of harassment they received from poachers and fishermen. For the first time in several years, a small group of hippos remained at Dongolo during the 1978 dry season. Spinage (1976) reported the death of approximately 30 hippos at Gata in March of 1976 and attributed it to a lack of food rather than to disease or poaching. In 1977, about 25 hippos were observed at Tenabo between the end of March and the beginning of May. Deaths were less numerous in 1978. This period corresponds with the height of the dry season when forage was scarcest and hippos were most concentrated. Hippos graze primarily on plains areas during the height of the dry season as there is no green forage elsewhere. Following the rains, however, hippos feed in woodland areas when grass regrowth becomes available. The most striking areas of overgrazing were situated on the plains immediately ad- jacent to pools where hippos concentrated. The animals were rarely, if ever, found in large numbers except on extensive plains areas in the northeastern part of the CAR. Unless hippos are allowed, through increased protection, to move back into the rivers bordering the park, it is doubtful that the population can increase further. The small area near Gordil, where hippos are in highest concentration, is at or near carrying capacity. Giraffe Giraffes are observed fairly frequently but cannot be categorized as common. They are generally found singly or in small groups of up to five“ A herd of 10-12 was seen on several occasions between Tenabo and Mélé in May-June 1978, however, and a sighting of 25-30 was recorded three kilometers east of Dongolo on June 12, 1978. It is possible that 88 giraffes gatheranzthe end of the dry season in preparation for a seasonal migration to the north. These animals are extremely shy and are generally seen at a great distance. This wariness is attributable to poaching pressure from Arab horsemen. Giraffes are prized for their tail hair in adjacent Islamic societies. This is often woven into a necklace for use as a bride-price. Moreover, the meat is often smoked and the hide has various uses but especially in making beds and sandals. It is believed that these animals react to heavy poaching in much the same manner as elephants by retreating to the south during the dry season, only to return north at the time of the departure of cattle herds and the accompanying poachers. Giraffes were seen more often in 1978 than during the previous two years which possibly reflects the increased protection the park received then. Over- all, this species and the elephant are considered to have suffered the most from poaching in recent years. The preferred habitat of giraffes is the open impeded-drainage tree savanna. These long-necked browsers were observed feeding on Terminalia macroptera, Cambretum glutinosum, Acacia sieberiana, A. seyel, and Piliostigma reticulata. A few years of adequate protection could do much to enhance the population status of this beautiful animal. But a few more years without protection could see its disappearance from the CAR. Buffalo 28.5 Herd size 1 3 5 8 9 26 28 38 50 100 150 i No. of obsv. l 2 1 1 l l 1 1 2 l 1 Buffaloes are found throughout the park in groups ranging from one to 250. Herds were seen on several occasions in the same general locations 89 suggesting that they may be rather sedentary in the St. Floris area during the dry season. There were some indications of buffalo movements during the rainy season, but the extent and orientation are unknown. Buffaloes have been observed to feed on a variety of grasses and woody vegetation including Hyparrhenia spp., Vetiveria nigritana, Vbssia cuspidata, Echinochloa pyramidalis, Paspalum orbiculare, Crataeva religiosa, and Antidesma venosum. This species seeks water in the morning or evening and generally stays in the shade of the woodland during the day. There have been at least two recorded die-offs of buffalo during the past 25 years. The most recent was in 1969-1970 when an estimated 5 to 10 per cent of the buffalo population in the north was destroyed. There also was a more serious epidemic in 1956 (Thal 1972). Thal attributes the latter to rinderpest and Malbrant (1952) cites this disease as responsible for periodic die-offs during the first half of the 20th century. It is believed that by preventing cattle from coming into the immediate area of the park, rinderpest could be controlled thereby reducing the risk to buffalo, wart hog, and giant eland, the most susceptible species; Buffaloes are difficult to census effectively because they mostly occur in large widely-dispersed herds. Comparing this survey to the 1970 aerial census (Loevinsohn 1978) indicates that buffaloes are less numerous than before, although no specific factor has been uncovered to explain the decrease. Some evidence of poaching was noted in camps of cattle herders (Betibangui personal communication). Bushbuck Bushbucks are found along rivers bordered by wooded savanna. They were frequently observed along portions of the Vakaga, Gounda, and Goro rivers and at Dongolo. These handsome antelope are wary by nature and are 90 often seen standing atop a termite mound where they rest during the day. Bushbucks are found singly or sometimes in groups up to five. The young are generally concealed and a specific calving period was not noted. Giant eland Elands were observed infrequently during the study. Sightings in the Gata-Tenabo area in 1976, 1977, and 1978 indicated that a group of 40-50 inhabited the Matoumara woods during the height of the dry season. Other observations revealed that an even greater number frequented the wooded southern sector. One group of 25-30 was seen there on three oc- casions in April and a group of 40 in January 1978. A herd of 65-70 was sighted near the eastern boundary of St. Floris in 1977. These huge antelopes are extremely wary and always keep to wooded areas. Naturally gregarious, elands form large herds usually composed of a bull, females, subadults and young. Males not part of a large herd are generally seen singly or in small groups. Malbrant (1952) reports that elands make short seasonal migrations in response to water needs. Malbrant (1952) suggests that elands are very susceptible to poachers on horseback due to their slow speed and ease in tracking. They are also reported to be very sensitive to rinderpest (Thal 1972). Red-flanked duiker This species was not observed in the park during this study but Buchanan and Schacht (1979) report seeingcnuanear Dongolo in 1979. St. Floris represents the northern limit for this species in the CAR and they will probably never be numerous. 91 Grimm's duiker 1.1 XI ll Herd size 1 2 No. of obsv. 73 13 This tiny antelope was common in the wooded savanna where it is occasionally seen darting out from thick cover. Grimm's duikers were espe- cially fond of the dense vegetation associated with termite mounds. Essen- tially nocturnal, they remain hidden during the day and allow a person to approach quite closely before fleeing. The young of this species were almost never seen. Reedbuck Reedbucks were commonly found on the plains during the dry season in association with unburned patches of tall perennial grasses, but were rarely seen elsewhere. The plains surrounding Ninion were especially attractive to this species. 2.3 redbucks per linear kilometer were counted there on May 3, 1978. Counts were made on tracks 7 and 8 in Figure 10. This species is well adapted to hiding in the tall grass due to their pro- tective coloration and relatively small size. Age class composition of reedbucks was computed (Table 17). Table 17. Age class composition of reedbucks calculated from road-strip counts in the St. Floris National Park, Central African Re- public. Values are expressed as subadults and young per 100 adults and as percentages. Year Totals Adults (%) Subadults (%) Young (%) 1977 51 100 (59) 47 (27) 23 (14) 1978 151 100 (59) 53 (31) 17 (10) 92 The adult ratio of males to females was markedly higher in St. Floris than in Bouba Ndjida and P8 National Parks (Table 16) but the cause is not apparent. Waterbuck Herd size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11—15 16-20 21+ 2 = 5.2 No. of obsv. 60 33 17 15 10 ll 6 10 5 5 13 8 5 This species was most commonly found near permanent water during the dry season and was especially common at Dongolo, in the vicinity of Gata, and along the Gounda and Goro rivers. Waterbucks were rather sedentary especially during the dry season. Adult males defended territories While subadult non-territorial males formed small groups. Groups of up to 25 wenemost often composed of adult and subadult females and young. Young were observed from December to June. Waterbucks are essentially grazers. The ecological separation be- tween this species and kob is difficult to define as they appear to have much the same preferences for perennial grass species especially during the driest months. They are more frequently encountered in wooded areas than kob, however, and have been seen as far as ten kilometers from per- manent water after the first rains of the wet season. In the study area, dry season average densities computed from line transects varied consider- ably between woodland (0.04 animals/kmz) and plains (3.2 animals/kmz) (Table 9). This species is not commonly harassed by poachers. It is generally the least timid of the ungulates in the park. 93 figflg Herd size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11-20 21—30 31-50 50+ No. of obsv. 278 47 20 22 16 20 l6 17 10 8 59 32 29 38 The kob is the most numerous ungulate in St. Floris. It is truly at home on the large expanses of low-lying plains which border the extension of the Vakaga/Ounadjia rivers along the Ninion-Dongolo branch. Herds of several hundred were observed on the plains at Ninion and in the area between Ninion and Tenabo. They often attained a density of 100 per square kilometer at the height of the dry season. Average density on the plains segment of the study area was calculated as 32.27 per square kilo- meter (Table 9). The species also was common along the Gounda river. Kob were always found near permanent water, generally on plains areas, during the dry season. Those grass species grazed most heavily by kob during the dry season were Echinochloa pyramidalis, E. stagnina, Vbssia cuspidata, Paspalum orbiculare, Hyparrhenia spp., and Jardinea congolensis. Kob along the Gounda and Goro rivers appeared to move into the woodland to graze on perennial grasses that began to sprout at the onset of the first rains. Large herds generally consist of adult and subadult females with young or groups of subadult or adult males. Most adult males, however, occupy a small area of ground which they defend against intrusions by other males. Territorial males appear to be quite sedentary on a defended area during the dry season. Territories are probably relocated on higher ground during the rainy season as dry season sites become flooded. Two territorial grounds, evidently clusters of individual territories, were located at Ninion and at a point along the extension of the Ouandjia/ Vakaga two kilometers northwest of the Vakaga ford. There were numerous 94 scattered single territories in suitable hatitat along watercourses. The territorial grounds appeared to be located in areas of maximum den- sity. Neonates were observed throughout the study period indicating a year- around calving period. The adult sex ratio was computed as 50 males per 100 females (n = 695). Rob were preyed upon most heavily by lions. Lion prides were observed on numerous occasions near kob concentrations. Poachers also took kob. Kob skins were found in several camps of transient cattle-herders and fishermen. Roan antelopg Herd size 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 26 x = 3.0 No. of obsv. 26 6 3 4 2 l 2 1 1 1 Roan are fairly common in St. Floris. They are more timid than most other ungulate species and are, therefore, generally seen at a distance. Roan antelopes divide their time between the wooded savanna and the plains where they can occasionally be observed going to and from water. In the study area, dry season average densities computed from line transects were similar for the plains (0.33 animals/kmz) and the woodland (0.32 animals/ kmz) (Table 9). Herds consist of single adult males, small groups of sub- adult and/or adult males, or larger groups of females, subadults, and young which are often accompanied by a dominant male. The largest herds occur in the northern sector where groups of 20 to 30 are not rare. Roan were difficult to sex and age due to their timidity, rarely standing still long enough for adequate observation. Moreover, the sample was biased by the over-representation of small groups, and for this reason no analysis of herd structure was conducted. 95 Roan are characteristically grazers over much of their range and it appeared dun:they obtain much of their food from herbaceous species in St. Floris. Observations suggest that food habits vary on a seasonal basis and a diversity of browse and herb forage is consumed. Roan were especially fond of perennial grass regrowth in the woodland after fires. Although little evidence was uncovered concerning the extent of poaching on roan, it appears that their numbers have declined in recent years (Cabaille personal communication). Hartebeest Herd size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11-15 16-20 21+ i = 5.3 No. of obsv. 80 24 22 20 15 15 14 11 6 3 ll 16 5 Hartebeest were found throughout the park utilizing all vegetation types except the dry forest. During the driest months, this species was most commonly observed along the Gounda and Goro rivers and in the environs of Gata and Mada ngangou. In the northern sector, herds of hartebeest frequently associated with topi. During the height of the dry season, hartebeest feed on plains grass- es and often seek shade on the woodland edge or on termite mounds during the hottest hours. A comparison of average densities between plains and woodland in the study area (Table 9) shows that hartebeest were approxi- mately three times more dense on the plains during the driest months. With the first rains of the wet season, this species moved into the wood- land to graze on the new flush of perennial grasses. Along the Gounda, hartebeest were conspicuously absent on the plains after the first rains but reappeared there two to three weeks later. A typical herd of this species consists of an adult male with females. subadults and young. Male herds were also observed, composed of adults and 96 subadults not part of a family group. In areas of preferred habitat or during migration, hartebeest sometimes formed herds exceeding 500 individ- uals of mixed ages and sexes. The age composition of hartebeest was computed for both years of the study (Table 18). Table 18. Age class composition of hartebeest calculated from road- strip counts in the St. Floris National Park, Central African Republic. Values are expressed as subadults and young per 100 adults and as percentages. Year Totals Adults (%) Subadults (%) Young (%) 1977 358 100 (62) 27 (17) 34 (21) 1978 565 100 (60) 28 (17) 38 (23) Bosch (1976) reports that male hartebeest (a different sub-species) actively defends territories in the Bouba Ndjida National Park in Cam- eroon. This phenomenon was not observed in St. Floris. At best, it must be an ephemeral practice since seasonal migrations occurring yearly represent considerable displacements to the north or east (Malbrant 1952). A peak calving period seemed to occur in November and December, though several neonates were noted periodically through June. The approximately 8 month gestation period (Dekeyser 1955) would indicate a peak of mating activity during the period March to May. This corresponded with the height of the dry season when hartebeest were most concentrated. No such peak calving period was noted in the Borgu Game Reserve in Nigeria (Child 1974) although, here again, there is a different sub-species in this reserve. 97 An unknown portion of the total hartebeest population in St. Floris is thought to migrate north with topi into the Aouk-Aoukalé Reserve and east to Goz Sassoulko and Birao. This movement follows the retreat north of cattle herds at the onset of the rainy season (Malbrant 1952 and Felix 1953). Topi Herd size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11-15 16-20 21+ i = 8.0 No. of obsv. 62 22 17 8 12 5 4 4 3 6 5 18 Topi are common on the northern plains during the dry season and they were often observed there in considerable numbers. The greatest concentrations were observed near Mélé, Mada ngangou, and between Dongolo and Ninion where herds in excess of 350 were noted. To a lesser degree, these ungulates were found at Gata, Tenabo, near the Vakaga ford, and in the more open areas of the southern sector although rarely, if ever, seen along the Gounda or Goro rivers. Herd structure is similar to that of hartebeest although topi are generally found in larger groups. This species freely associates with hartebeest and age and sex patterns in large concentrations become dif- ficult to assess. Age class composition of topi computed from road-strip counts in 1977 and 1978 15; presented (Table 19). The calving period varied between years. Birth of young was concentrated during a two or three week period occurring between February and April. Back calculating an 8 month gestation period (Dekeyser 1955) indicates a breeding season during the period June to August. This corresponds with the height of the rainy season when few topi are present in St. Floris. Topi are a true plains ungulate and are exclusively grazers, utili- zing many perennial grass species found in open areas including Hyparrhenia 98 spp., Vetiveria nigritana, and Echinochloa pyramidalis. Félix (1953) reported a seasonal movement of topi in response to the rains. It appears that as the plains become flooded producing a thick growth of tall grass, this species moves north to drier habitat where grasses are probably in an earlier stage of development. It is unknown what per- centage of the population left the park for the northeastern migration, although some topi probably spend all or part of the wet season in the southern sector. Table 19. Age class composition of topi calculated from road-strip counts in the St. Floris National Park, Central African Republic.’ Values are expressed as subadults and young per 100 adults and as percentages. Year Totals Adults (%) Subadults (%) Young (%) 1977 313 100 (71) 21 (15) 20 (14) 1978 631 100 (63) 3O (19) 27 (17) Oribi Herd size 1 2 3 4 5 i = 1.9 No. of obsv. 44 50 29 6 2 This antelope was most commonly observed in the more-open portions of the woodland. It was found singly, in pairs, or in small groups of up to five. A total of 269 individuals were aged and sexed giving an age ratio ozmz mo aumwcnom 135 XXxxxxxxxxx XX xx «w “ w i s yssxs * x A34 H 4x h xxxxx a» ya .4 n x: 1’ # x; i ‘ n n ...a y tWS .ww w>umwwm we \N I &0 pc:ow:o>o:wz i HH wouowm f mcaucsm e f . 0 0 .m av R. . ax, aw Aw AEHflw MW ho 9.355 must/CE 0 MW . + mW NH uouomm up cause: . <.U.H.m.<.m ‘. xumm Hmcoflumz . 9 meuoflm .um 1 e26 ‘ a N k +¥+ A «(Q/$04» if . s! 9‘ +: 1, my Hm uouomm mafiuczm m>uomwm rw wamxso¢lxso< ¢® . 2? 60. ? 936$ .. sbedo nu“\ :.: csosmz wxmq 0H Houomm ocflucsz 136 has been accomplished to counteract the illegal exploitation of national parks and reserves. Research, in itself, can not and will not directly reverse this trend. However, put into its proper perspective, scientific research does play an integral role in the development and management of national parks. Initiatives based on the findings of well-implemented research projects have a greater possibility of successfully fulfilling the desired goals. Not only is such knowledge necessary for planning purposes, but also it is generally required in some form by funding and supervisory agencies. Research is an especially crucial requirement where considerable sums of money are involved. This work is intended to provide much of the basic ecological infor- mation for the management and development of St. Floris. While an assess- ment of several of the important physical and biotic factors are included herein, the ecology of St. Floris remains poorly understood. It is un- necessary, however, to postpone development and management initiatives, especially at this critical stage, until a more complete understanding of the park's ecology is attained. There are, however, two important studies that should be undertaken because of their far-reaching implica- tions to the park's ecosystem. The first entails the mapping of the distribution patterns of the important large mammals in the St. Floris region in order to protect, to the extent possible, the seasonal ranges of these species. The use of an aircraft and some form of animal marking or radio telemetry will probably prove necessary. In addition to the great expense involved in a project of this nature, the complex technology will necessitate the use of a foreign ecologist to direct the research. The second study consists of an analysis of the livestock problem in the northeast. An assessment of present range conditions, the 137 number of cattle and sheep that enter or exit the country, inspection and immunization of the herds, and the economic benefits of livestock husbandry to the CAR should be included in this analysis. A Central African in the Direction of Husbandry with the assistance of an inter- national range manager could conduct this study. The total cost of this project would probably not be excessive. While the two above studies have important and far-reaching impli- cations to the future of St. Floris, several other studies of lower priority should be conducted: 1) Road-strip counts should be continued in order to monitor population changes in response to protection measures. 2) The vigor and trend of perennial grasses throughout the park should be examined with special emphasis given to those on areas adjacent to high hippopotamus concentrations. 3) A system for long-term evaluation of the vegetation should be set up. This could be done by establishing permanent transects or quadrats located in areas representative of the major vegetation types. 4) A study aimed at assessing the influence of fire on the vegeta- tion of St. Floris should be conducted. This study should evaluate the effects of fire in as many vegetation communities as possible. 5) The species lists of plants and animals should be completed. 6) Climatological data should be gathered on a regular basis at one or more sites in the park. IV. 9 CONCLUSION The protection and development of the Manovo-Gounda-St. Floris National Park is justified based on its unique nature and the positive potential 138 for the development of tourism. The park is situated in a region of Africa that has exhibited a precipitous decline in faunal diversity and abundance, and many species now face imminent local extermination. The wildlife in Manovo-Gounda-St. Floris is, however, both rich and diverse and animal and plant species indigenous to the Guinea or Sudan savanna zones are well-represented. Given adequate protection in the future, these populations should continue to thrive. The tourism poten- tial is further enhanced by the park's relative large size; the open aspect of the vegetation which facilitates game viewing; and the presence of two picturesque waterfalls, numerous unique rock formations, and several yet undated cave paintings. Moreover, this park has an established infrastructure of guard houses, roads, airstrips and tourist camps that exceeds any other public natural area in the nation. For these reasons, the park has significant potential and importance to merit a serious and concerted effort to concerve and develop. The Central African government should, therefore, award this park top priority in the northern sector of the CAR. It is obvious that the development and protection of Manovo-Gounda- St. Floris faces some rather monumental problems. In addition to specific difficulties unique to the park, such as logistics, a poorly developed infrastructure, and large size, the problem is further coumpounded by the country's poor economic state and the lack of a public realization of the merits of protecting natural ecosystems. If present trends con- tinue, not only will several species of large mammals become exterminated, but also wildlife numbers will decline dramatically in the CAR in the near future. The magnitude of the loss may not be immediately realized, but the destruction of the natuve fauna as a result of a policy of benign 139 neglect has been shown to have important future economic and social repercussions. One must view the merits of protecting natural ecosystems with a long term perspective as the value of these areas generally in- creases as development proceeds. Today's measures will be appreciated most by future generations of Central Africans who will be able to take advantage of the economic, cultural, and recreational values inherent to national parks. The possibility of success in this endeavor remains in spite of numerous difficulties, and the foresight and generosity of the French government in financially supporting the development and protection of national parks and reserves is both significant and commendable. More- over, there is a realization of the importance of national parks in the Ministry of Eaux et Foréts, and given the necessary funds and organization, an efficacious program of protection and development could eventially be successful. It will take, however, the most diligent and coordinated efforts of all those agencies, both public and private, and personnel involved in ordertx>realize the goal of maintaining and developing one of the most significant national parks in Central Africa. APPENDICES APPENDIX A List of mammals identified in the St. CHIROPTERA .Micropteropus pusiZZus (Peters, 1867) Nycteris huspidc (Schreber, 1775) Lavia frons (E. Geoffroy, 1810) Hipposideros cammersoni (de Tarragon) gigas (Wagner, 1845) Eptesicus sp. PRIMATES Papio anubis J. B. Fischer, 1829 Cercopithccus patas (Schreber, 1774) C. tantalus Ogliby, 1841 CbZobus guereza Rfipell, 1835 Galago sencgalensis E. Geoffroy, 1796 PHOLIDOTA Mbnis gigatea Illiger, 1815 LAGOMORPHA Poelagus sp. or Lepus sp. RODENTIA Thryonomys Swinderianus (Temminck, 1827) Hystrix cristata Linnaeus, 1758 Arvicanthis niZoticus (Demarest, 1822) Dasymps sp. Lcmniscomys sp. Praomys dcltoni (Thomas, 1892) Praamys sp. Heliosciurus gambianus (Ogilby, 1822) Xerus erythrcps E. Geoffroy, 1803 Thtera robusta (Cretzschmar, 1826) CARNIVORA Lycaon pictus (Temminck, 1820) Genie adustus Sundevall, 1846 C. aureus Linnaeus, 1758 MeZZivora capensis (Schreber, 1776) Vivcra civetta (Schreber, 1778) Floris National Park. 1 Dwarf epauletted fruit-bat Hairy slit-faced bat Yellow-winged bat Commerson's leaf-nosed bat Serotine bat Olive or doguera baboon Patas monkey Tantalus monkey Colobus monkey Lesser galago Giant ground pangolin Hare Cane rat Crested porcupine Nile rat Shaggy rat Spotted grass mouse "Dalton's mouse" Multimammate rat Gambian sun squirrel Geoffrey's ground squirrel Fringe-tailed gerbil Hunting dog Side-striped jackal Asiatic jackal Ratel African civet Nomenclature follows Meester and Setzer (1971) 140 141 Genetta sp. Genet Herpcstes ichneumon (Linnaeus, 1758) Egyptian mongoose H. sanguincus (Rfippell, 1835) Slender mongoose Ichneumia albicaudc (G. Cuvier, 1829) White-tailed mongoose ,Mungos mungo (Gmelin, 1788) Banded mongoose Crocuta crocuta Erxleben, 1777) Spotted hyaena Acinonyx jubatus (Schreber, 1776) Cheetah Panthera Zeo (Linnaeus, 1758) Lion P. pardus (Linnaeus, 1758) Leopard FeZis Zibyca Forster, 1780 Wild cat F. serval Schreber, 1776 Serval TUBULIDENTATA Orycteropus afcr3 (Pallas, 1766) Aardvark PROBOSCIDAE Loxodbnta africana (Blumenback, 1797) African elephant PERISSODACTYLA Diccros bicornis3 (Linnaeus, 1758) Black rhinoceros ARTIODACTYLA Phacochocrus acthiopicus (Pallas, 1766) Wart hog Hippopotamus amphibius Linnaeus, 1758) Hippopotamus Giraffe camelopardclis (Linnaeus, 1758) Giraffe Syncerus caffcr (Sparrman, 1779) African buffalo Tragelaphus scriptus Pallas, 1766 Bushbuck Thurotragus dérbianus (Gray, 1847) Giant eland Céphalopus rufilatus Gray, 1846 Red-flanked duiker Sylvicapra grimmia (Linnaeus, 1758) Grimm's duiker Redunca redunca (Pallas, 1777) Bohor reedbuck KObus ellipsiprymnus (Ogilby, 1833) Waterbuck K. kob (Erxleben, 1777) Rob Hippotragus equinus (Demarest, 1804) Roan antelope AZceZaphus buselaphus (Pallas, 1766) Hartebeest Damaliscus Zunatus (Burchell, 1823) Korrigum, Topi Ourebia ourebi (Zimmerman, 1783) Oribi GazeZZa rufifrons Gray, 1846 Red-fronted gazelle 2 Species was not seen inside park but was observed on an adjacent area. Presence based on tracks. 142 APPENDIX List of birds identified in the St. Floris National Park. STRUTHIANIDAE Struthio camelus Linnaeus PHALACROCORACIDAE Phalacrocoras africanus (Gmelin) Anhinga rufh (Lacépéde & Daudin) PELICANIDAE PeZecanus onocrotalus Linnaeus P. rufcscens Gmelin ARDEIDAE Ardca cinera Linnaeus A. melanocephala Vogous & Children A. goliath Cretzschmar Pyrrherodia purpurea (Linnaeus) Chsmerodius albus (Linnaeus) Egretta garzetta (Linnaeus) Bubuleus ibis (Linnaeus) Ardcola raZZoides (Scopoli) Nycticorax nycticorax (Linnaeus) Ixobrychus minutus (Linnaeus) Ardeirallus sturmii (Wagler) SCOPIDAE Scopus umbretta Gmelin CICONIIDAE Ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus) Disoura episcopus (Boddaert) Sphenorynchus abdimii (Lichtenstein) Anostomus ZameZZigerus Temminck Ephippiorhynchus sencgalcnsis (Shaw) Leptoptilus crumenifcrus (Lesson) Ibis ibis (Linnaeus) Ostrich Long-tailed cormorant Darter White pelican Pink-backed pelican Grey heron Black-headed heron Goliath heron Purple heron Great white egret Little egret Cattle egret Squacco heron Night heron Little bittern Dwarf bittern Hammerkop White stork WOolly-necked stork Abdims stork Open-bill Saddle-bill stork Marabou Wood ibis Nomenclature follows Mackworth-Praed and Grant (1970, 1973). 143 PLATALEIDAE Threskiornis aethiopicus (Latham) Hagedhshia hagedcsh (Latham) PZegodis chcincZZus (Linnaeus) PZataZea aZba Scopoli ANATIDAE Anas crecca Linnaeus Dendrocygna viduata (Linnaeus) Nettapus avritus (Boddaert) Sarkidiornis melanotos (Pennant) AZopochen aegyptiacus (Linnaeus) Plectropterus gambensis (Linnaeus) SAGITTARIIDAE Sagittarius serpentarius (Miller) FALCONIDAE Gyps rupeZZii (Brehm) Pseudbgyps africanus (Salvadori) Tbrgcs tracheliotus (Forster) Trigonoceps occipitalis (Burchell) Necrosyrtes monachus (Temminck) Fulco biarmicus Temminck Milvus migrans (Boddaert) EZanus caeruleus (Desfontaines) Hieraaetus spilogaster (Bonaparte) Polemaetus beZZicousus (Daudin) Lophoeatus occipitalis (Daudin) Circaetus cinereus Vieillot C. pectoralis Smith C. cinerascens Muller Butastur rufipennis (Sundevall) Ibrathopius ecaudctus (Daudin) cumcuma vocifcr (Daudin) Buteo auguraZis Salvadori Micronisus gabar (Daudin) McZierax metabatcs Heuglin Circus pygargus (Linnaeus) C. macrourus (Gmelin) C. aeruginosus (Linnaeus) PpZyboroides radiatus (Scopoli) PHASIANIDAE Francolinus cZappcrtoni Children PtiZopachus petrosus (Gmelin) Numidc meleagris (Linnaeus) Sacred ibis Hadada Glossy ibis African spoonbill Teal White-faced tree duck Pigmy goose Knob-billed goose Egyptian goose Spur-winged goose Secretary bird Rfippel's griffon White-backed vulture Lappet-faced vulture White-headed vulture Hooded vulture Lanner falcon Black kite Black-shouldered kite African hawk-eagle Martial eagle Long-crested hawk-eagle Brown barrier-eagle Black-chested barrier-eagle Banded barrier-eagle Grasshopper buzzard Bateleur Fish eagle Red-necked buzzard Gabar goshawk Dark chanting goskawk Montagu's harrier Pale harrier Marsh barrier Harrier-hawk Clapperton's francolin Stone-partridge Guinea-fowl 144 RALLIDAE Limnocorax flavirostra (Swainson) BALEARICIDAE Balearica pavonian (Linnaeus) OTIDIDAE Neotis denhami (Children) Lissotis meZanogastcr (Rfippell) BURHINIDAE Burhinus senegalensis (Swainson) B. capensis (Lichtenstein) B. venmiculata (Cabanis) JACANIDAE Actophilornis africanus (Gmelin) CHARADRIIDAE Charadrius dubius Scopoli HopZopterus spinosus (Linnaeus) Hiphidiopterus albiceps (Gould) Afribyx sencgaZZus (Linnaeus) Himantopus himantopus (Linnaeus) ROSTRATULIDAE Rostratula benghalensis (Linnaeus) SCHOLOPACIDAE Tringa hypoZeucos Linnaeus T. nebularia (Gunnerus) GLAREOLIDAE Cursorius temminckii Swainson GZareoZa prantincola (Linnaeus) PLUVIANIDAE PZuvianus aegyptius (Linnaeus) Black crake Crowned crane Denham's bustard Black-bellied bustard Senegal thicknee Spotted thicknee Water thicknee Lily trotter Little ringed plover Spur-winged plover White-headed plover Wattled plover Black-winged stilt Painted snipe Common sandpiper Greenshank Temminck's courser Pratincole Egyptian plover 145 LARIDAE Chlidbnias Zeucoptera (Temminck) Rhynchops fiavirostris Vieillot PTEROCLIDIDAE Pterocles exustus Temminck & Langier Eremialector guadricinctus (Temminck) COLUMBIDAE Cblumba guinea Linnaeus Streptopelia semitorquata (Rfippell) S. vinacea (Gmelin) Oena capensis (Linnaeus) Turtur abyssinicus (Sharpe) Tcron waaZia (Meyer) CUCULIDAE Cuculus canorus Linnaeus Clamator glandarius (Linnaeus) C. jacobinus (Boddaert) Chrysococcyx caprius (Boddaert) Céntropus senegalensis (Linnaeus) MUSOPHAGIDAE Muscphaga vioZacea Isert Crinifer piscator (Boddaert) PSITTACIDAE Poicephalus meyeri (Cretzschmar) PsittacuZa krameri (Scopoli) Agapornis puZZaria (Linnaeus) CORACIIDAE Cbracias abyssinica Hermann Eurystomus glaucurus (Muller) ALCEDINIDAE Cenyle rudis (Linnaeus) Megaccryle maxima (Pallas) Cbrythornis cristata (Pallas) ISpidina picta (Boddaert) Halcyon maZimbicus (Shaw) H. Zeuvovephalus (Mfiller) H. cheZicuti (Stanley) White-winged black tern African skimmer Chestnut-bellied sandgrouse Four-banded sandgrouse Speckled pidgeon Red-eyed dove Vinaceous dove Namaqua dove Black-billed blue-spotted wood dove Bruce's green pidgeon Cuckoo Great spotted cuckoo Black and white cuckoo Didric cuckoo Senegal coucal Violet turaco Grey plantain-eater Brown parrot Rose-ringed parakeet Red-headed lovebird Abyssinian roller Broad-billed roller Pied kingfisher Giant kingfisher Malachite kingfisher Pigmy kingfisher Blue-brested kingfisher Grey-headed kingfisher Striped kingfisher 146 MEROPIDAE Merops superciZiosus Linaeus pericus Pallas M. orientaZis Latham .M. nubicus Gmelin Melittophagus pusiZZus (Muller) M; buZocki (Vieillot) BombyZonax breweri (Cassin) BUCEROTIDAE Tbckus nasutus (Linnaeus) T. erythrorhynchus (Temminck) Bucorvis abyssinicus (Boddaert) UPUPIDAE Upupa crops Linnaeus PHOENICULIDAE Phoeniculus purpureus (Muller) ScopteZus aterrimus (Stephens) STRIGIDAE fyto aZba (Scopoli) Otus scops (Linnaeus) 0. Zeucotis (Temminck) GZaucidium perZatum (Vieillot) Bubo africanus (Temminck) CAPRIMULGIDAE Macrodipteryx Zongipennis (Shaw) Semeiophorus vexiZZarius Gould Scotornis cZimacurus (Vieillot) TROGONIDAE ApaZodcrma narina (Stephens) CAPITONIDAE Lybius roZZeti (Defilippi) L. Zeucocephalus (Defilippi) L. vieiZZoti (Leach) INDICATORIDAE Indicator indicator (Sparrman) Blue—cheeked bee eater Little green bee eater Carmine bee eater Little bee eater Red-throated bee eater Black-headed bee eater Grey hornbill Red-billed hornbill Abyssinian ground hornbill Hoopoe Green wood-hoopoe Black wood-hoopoe Barn owl Scops owl White-faced scops owl Pearl-spotted owlet Spotted eagle-owl Standard-winged nightjar Pennant-winged nightjar Long-tailed nightjar Narina's trogon Black-breasted barbet White-headed barbet Vieillot's barbet Black-throated honey guide 147 PICIDAE campethera punctuligcra (Wagler) Mesopicos goertac (Mfiller) ALAUDIDAE Mirafra cantiZZans Blyth Pinarocorys erythropygia (Strickland) MONTICILLIDAE Budythes sp. MbntaciZZa caspica Gmelin ML aZba Linnaeus Anthus novaescelandiae Gmelin TIMALIIDAE Turdoidcs pledéja (Cretzschmar) PYCNONOTIDAE Pycnonotus tricolor (Hartlaub) MUSCICAPIDAE AZseonax aquaticus (Heuglin) McZaenornis cdoZioidcs (Swainson) Batis orientalis (Heuglin) PZatysteira cyanea (Mfiller) Tbhitrea viridis (Mfiller) TURDIDAE Ocnathe hcuglini (Finsch & Hartlaub) Cossypha heugZini Hartlaub C. cyanocamptcr (Bonaparte) C. niveicapiZZa (Lafresnaye) Phoenicurus phoenicurus (Linnaeus) SYLVIIDAE Sylvietta brachyura Lafresnaye Camaroptera brevicaudata (Cretzschmar) Prinia subfZava (Gmelin) HIRUNDINIDAE Hirundo aethiopica Blandord H. smithii Leach Riparia paZudicoZa (Vieillot) Fine-spotted woodpecker Grey woodpecker Singing bush lark Red-tailed bush lark Yellow wagtail Grey wagtail White wagtail Richard's pipit Brown babbler Dark-capped bulbul Swamp flycatcher Black flycatcher Grey-headed puff-backed flycatcher Wattle-eye Paradise flycatcher Heuglin's red-breasted wheatear White-browed robin-chat Blue-shouldered robin-chat Snowy-crowned robin-chat Redstart Crombec Grey-backed cameroptera Tawny-flanked prinia Ethiopian swallow Wire-tailed swallow African sand martin 148 CAMPEPHAGIDAE campcphaga phoenicea (Latham) Coracina pectoralis (Jardine & Selby) DIDRURIDAE Dicrurus adsimiZis (Bechstein) PRIONOPIDAE Prionops cristata Rfippell LANIIDAE NiZaus afar (Latham) Lanius elegans Swainson L. nubicus Lichtenstein L. senator Linnaeus Laniarius erythrogaster (Cretzschmar) Dryoscopus gambensis (Lichtenstein) Chlorophoneus bocagci (Reichenow) PARIDAE Parus Zeucomelas Rfippell ORIOLIDAE OrioZus auratus Vieillot CORVIDAE Corvus aZbus Muller STURNIDAE Lamprocolius purpureus (Muller) Lamprotornis caudatus (Muller) Buphagus africanus Linnaeus ZOSTEROPIDAE Zosterops scnegalcnsis Bonaparte NECTARINIIDAE Nectarinia pchheZZa (Linnaeus) Hedydflpna pZatura (Vieillot) ChaZcomitra senegalensis (Linnaeus) Anthreptes Zonguemarei (Lesson) Red-shouldered cuckoo- shrike White-breasted cuckoo- shrike Drongo Curly-crested helmet shrike Northern brubru Grey shrike Masked shrike Woodchat shrike Black-headed gonolek Puff-back Grey bush-shrike Black tit African golden oriole Pied crow Purple glossy starling Long-tailed glossy starling Yellow-billed oxpecker Yellow-white eye Beautiful sunbird Pygmy sunbird Scarlet-chested sunbird Violet-backed sunbird 149 PLOCEIDAE Plocepasser superciZious (Cretzschmar) Chestnut-crowned sparrow weaver Petronia xanthosterna (Bonaparte) Yellow-spotted petronia P. dentata (Sundevall) Bush petronia Placeus cucuZZatus (Mfiller) Black-headed village weaver P. vithZinus (Lichtenstein) Vitelline masked weaver Sitagra Zuteola (Lichtenstein) Little weaver QueZea quelea (Linnaeus) Red-billed quelea Eaplectes hordcacea (Linnaeus) Black-winged red—bishop E. afra (Gmelin) Yellow-crowned bishop Lonchura cucuZZata (Swainson) Bronze mannikin PytiZia phoenicoptera Swainson Red-winged pytilia P. mclba (Linnaeus) Green-winged pytilia Lagonosticta senegaZa (Linnaeus) Red-billed fire-finch L. Zarvata (Rfippell) Black-faced fire-finch EStriZda caerulescens (Vieillot) Red-tailed lavender waxbill E. troglodytes (Lichtenstein) Black-rumped waxbill E. paZudicoZa Heuglin Fawn-brested waxbill Uraeginthus bengaZus (Linnaeus) Red-cheeked cordon bleu Hypochera funerea (de Tarragon) wiZsoni Hartert Dusty indigo-bird Vidua macroura (Pallas) Pin-tailed whydah Stcganura orientalis (Heuglin) Broad-tailed paradise whydah FRINGILLIDAE Serinus Zeucopygius (Sundevall) White-rumped seed-eater EMBERIZIDAE Emberiza cia Linnaeus Rock bunting 150 APPENDIX C List of reptiles identified in the St. Floris National Park. CHILONIAl Testudo sulcata Gmelin African spurred tortoise Trionyx triunguis Forskal Nile soft-shelled turtle CROCODILIAl Crocodylus niZoticus Laurenti Nile crocodile SQUAMATA2 Waranus niZoticus (Linnaeus) Nile monitor lizard Agama agama (Linnaeus) Red-headed agama Python sebae (Gmelin) African python Psammophis sp. Grass snake Naja nigricollis Reinhardt Spitting cobra Pseudohajc nigra Gfinther Hoodless cobra Dandroaspis viridis (Hallowell) Green mamba Bitis arictans (Meerem) . Puff adder l Nomenclature follows Villiers (1958). Nomenclature follows Villiers (1963) and Cansdale (1955). 151 APPENDIX D List of fish identified in the St. Floris National Park. OSTEOGLOSSIDAE Heterotis niZoticus (Cuvier, 1829) MORMYRIDAE Hypcropisus sp. Mbrmyrus sp. GYMNARCHIDAE Gymnarchus niZoticus Cuvier, 1829 TETRAODONTOIDEA Tctraodon fahaka Linnaeus strigosus (Bennett, 1834) CHARACIDAE Alestes macroZepidotus (Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1869) Hydroycyon fbrskali Cuvier, 1819 H. sp. CITHARINIDAE Citharinus citharus Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1909 Distichodus brevipinnis Gfinther, 1864 CYPRINIDAE Labeo Zercensis Blache & Miton 1960 L. sp. BAGRIDAE Auchenoglanis biscutatus Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1827 Bagrus bayad Forskal bayad (Forskal, 1775) Clarotes Zaticeps (Rfipp, 1829) C. macrocephalus Daget, 1954 CLARIIDAE Clarias Zazera Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1840 l Nomenclature follows Blache (1964). 152 MOCHOCIDAE Synodontis gambicnsus Gfinther Zatifrons n. spp. MALAPTERURIDAE Malapterurus clectricus (Gmelin, 1789) SERRANIDAE Lates niZoticus (Linnaeus, 1762) CICHLIDAE TiZapia gaZiZaca (Artedi, 1757) T. nilotica (Linnaeus, 1757) ORHICEPHALIDAE Ophicephalus obscurus Gfinther, 1861 POLYPTERIDAE Polyptcrus cndZicheri Heckel endZicheri Heckel, 1849 LEPIDOSICENIDAE Protopterus annectens (Owen, 1839) Vascular plants identified in the St. Floris National Park. 153 APPENDIX E 1 The column vegetation type gives the general habitat of the species: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) + T Open savanna woodland Dry forest Laterite shields (shallow soil over indurated ironstone) Flooded plains Lowland savanna of impeded drainage Aquatic (at least 6 months of the year) Abundance Presence Indicates that the plant is indigenous to termitaria Vegetation type 1 2 #3 4 5 6 Notes AGAVACEAE Sanscvieria AMARYLLIDACEAE Grinum distichum Herb. - -+ C. sp. MONOCOTYLEDONS Ziberica Ger. & Labr. -/T T Haemanthus multiflorus Martyn T -+ T T 2 H. sp. Pancratium trianthum Herb. - + COMMELINACEAE Cbmchina schwcinfurthii C. B. Cl. - FZoscopa sp. CYPERACEAE BquostyZis B. oritrephes (Ridley) C. B. C1. - 8. sp. Gyperus digitatus Roxb. subsp. auricamus + - (Spreng. 4527 3314 coZeotricha (A. Rich) C.B.C1. - ) Kfik var. bruntii Hooper The nomenclature follows Hutchinson and Dalziel (1954, 1958, 1963, 2 Collection 1968, and 1972) unless otherwise noted. numbers at Eaux et Foréts herbarium in Bangui. 154 Vegetation type 1 2 3 l4 5 6 Notes . exaltatus Retz + ' . imbricatus Retz - . spaceZatus Rottb. - . tenuispica Stand. 3263 Fimbristylis cioniana Savi - Mariscus aZternibeius Vahl + M. Zuridus C. B. C1. + Scirpus brachyceras Hochst. ex A. Rich. - S. sp. A - QQQQ GRAMINAE Acroccros amplectens Stapf 3270 Andropogon gayanus Kunth. - + A. schirensis Hochst. ex A. Rich. - - Beckeropsis uniscta (Nees) K. Schum. + Brachiaria jubata (Fig. & De Not.) Stapf - + Chloris piZosa Schumach. - - Ctenium newtonii Hack. + - cymbopogon giganteus Chiov. + Digitaria ciZiaris (Retz) Koel - D. debiZis (Desf.) Willd. ' Echinochloa obtusionra Stapf - E. pyramidalis Hitchc. & Chase + E. stagnina (Retz) R. Beauv. + EZionurus argenteus Nees + Eragrostis gangetica C. E. Hubbard + - E. sp. - - Hyparrhenia barteri (Hack.) Stapf + - H. coriacea (Mazade) - - H. filipendula (Hochst.) Stapf - + H. rufa (Nees) Stapf + + H. sp. - Jardinea congoZensis (Hack) Franch. + Loudetia annua (Stapf) C. E. Hubbard + L. arundinacca (Sochst. ex A. Rich.) Steud. - - L. simplex (Nees) C. E. Hubbard - + L. togolensis (Pilger) C. E. Hubbard - Microchloa indica (Linn.) P. Beauv. - - Oryza barthii A. Chev. 0. Zongistiminata A. Chev. & Roehr Panicum anabaptism Steud. P. fluviicola Steud. P. phragmitoides Stapf - - P. walense Mez 3340 Paspalum orbicuZare Forst. + Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin. + + Phragmites karka (Retz.) Trin. ex Steud. - - RottberZia evatata Linn. T T Sacciolepis ciZiocincta (Pilger) Stapf - S. micrococca Mez 3337 I++I I l. Mazade personal communication. 155 Vegetation type Notes Schocnefeldia graciZis Kunth Sctaria anceps Stapf ex Massey S. aurea Hochst. ex A. Br. 8. barbata (Lam.) Kunth S. paZZidcfusca (Schumach.) Stapf & C. E. Hubbard Sbrghastrum bipennatum (Hack.) Pilger Sorghum sp. Sporobolus festivus Hochst. ex A. Rich. S. infirmis Mez S. pectincZZus Mez S. pyramidalis P. Beauv. S. sangenius Rendle Tristachya superba (De Not.) Aschers. & Schweinf. Vétiveria nigritana (Benth.) Stapf Vbssia cuspidata (Roxb.) Griff LILIACEAE AZbuca sp. (nigritana?) Anthericum sp. (Zimosum?) Asparagus fiachZaris (Kunth) Bak. Chlorophytum bequaertii De Wild. C. gaZZabatensc Schweinf. ex Bak. Urginea altissima (Linn.) Bak. PALMAE Borassus aethiopum Mart. ZINGIBERACEAE Costus sp. Kacmpferia acthiopica (Schweinf.) Solms-Laub. DICOTYLEDONS ACANTHACEA Hygrophila abyssinica (Hochst. ex Nees) T. Anders H. senegalensis (Nees) T. Anders Lepidagathis sp. AMARANTHACEAE Amaranthus hybridus Linn. subsp. cruentus (Linn.) Thell. Centrostachys aquatica (R. Br.) Wall. +/T 3521 3312 3359 3253 156 Vegetation type ( Notes AMPELIDACEAE Ampelocissus multistriata (Bak.) Planch. Cissus caesia Afzel. cornifblia (Bak.) Planch. crotaZarioides Planch. palmatifida (Bak.) Planch. quadrangularis Linn. rufescens Guill. & Perr. waterlotii A. Chev. 999999 ANACARDIACEAE Heeria pulcherrima (Schweinf.) O. Ktze. Lannca kerstingii Engl. & K. Krause L. schimperi (Hochst. es A. Rich.) Engl. Rhus sp. (nataZensis?) ScZerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst. ANNONACEAE Annona senegalensis Pers. Hevaobus monopetalus (A. Rich.) Engl. & Diels APOCYNACEAE Chrissa eduZis Vahl Strophanthus sp. BIGNONIACEAE KigeZia africana (Lam.) Benth. Stereospermum kunthianum Cham. BORAGINACEAE Heliotropium indicum Linn. H. sp. BURSERACEAE BosweZZia papyrifera (Delile) A. Rich. Cbmmiphora pedunculata (Kotschy & Peyr.) Engl. CAESALPINIACEAE Afeelia africana Sm. Burkea africana Hook. Cbssia sieberiana DC. 0-3 + -/T -/T +/T No nbr. 2545 2407 157 Vegetation type Notes DanieZZia oZivcri (Rolfe) Hutch. & Dalz. Detarium microcarpum Guill. & Perr. IsoberZinia doka Craib & Stapf Piliostigma rcticuZata (DC.) Hochst. P. thonningii (Schum.) Milne-Redhead swartzia madagascariensis Desv. Tamarindus indica Linn. CAPPARIDACEAE Boscia saZicibeia Oliv. B. senegachsis (Pers.) Lam. ex Poir. Cadaba farinosa Forsk. capparis corymbosa Lam. C. tomentosa Lam. Courbonia virgata Brongn. Crataeva religiosa Forsk. Maerua oblongifblia (Forsk.) A. Rich. CARYOPHYLLACEAE Polycarpaea eriantha Hochst. ex A. Rich. CELASTRACEAE Hippocratea africana (Willd.) Loes. ex Engl. Mbytenus scnegalensis (Lam.) Exell COCHLOSPERMACEAE Cochlospcrmum tinctorium A. Rich. COMBRETACEAE Anogeissus Zeiocarpus (DC.) Guill. & Perr. Cbmbretum acuZeatum Vent. ghasaZense Engl. & Diels glutinosum Perr. ex DC. hypopilinum Diels Zecardii Engl. & Diels moZZe R. Br. ex G. Don 999999 eZZiotii (Engl. & Diels) Aubrév. Guiera senegaZensis J. F. Gmel. Terminalia aviccnnioidcs Guill. & Perr. T. Zaxiflora Engl. T. macroptera Guill. & Perr. nigricans Lepr. ex Guill. & Perr. var. 3511 3477 2535 4227 3360 158 Vegetation type Notes COMPOSITAE Laggera oloptera (DC.) C. D. Adams Vernonia kotschyana Sch. Bip. CONVOLVULACEAE Ipomoea heZZebarda Schweinf. ex Hiem. I. sp. Merremia pterygocaulos (Steud. ex Choisy) Hallier CUCURBITACEAE Melothria deltoidea Benth. M; madcraspatana (Linn.) Cogn. EBENACEAE Diospyros mespiZifbrmis Hochst. ex A. DC. ERYTHROXYLACEAE Erythroxylum cmarginatum Thonn. EUPHORBIACEAE Antidesma venosum Tul. Brichia cheroneura Mull. Arg. Euphorbia hirta Linn. Hymenocardia acida Tul. FLACOURTIACEAE Oncoba spinosa Forsk. HYDROPHYLLACEAE Hydrolea floribunda Kotschy & Perr. IRVINGIACEAE Irvingia smithii Hook. LABIATAE Haumaniastrum Zilacinum (Oliv.) J. K. Morton HosZundia opposita Vahl Hyptis spicigcra Lam. Solenostemon Zatibeius 3523 3361 3519 3252 3251 3248 3245 3323 159 Vegetation type Notes LOGANIACEAE Strychnos innocua Del. S. spinosa Lam. LORANTHACEAE Tapinanthus gZobifcrus (A. Rich.) Van Tiegh LYTHRACEAE Ammannia auriculata Willd. Nesaea sp. (icosandra?) MALVACEAE AbuZiZon sp. Hibiscus asper Hook. MELIACEAE Khaya scnegachsis (Desv.) A. Juss. Pseudocedrela kotschyi (Schweinf.) Harms TrichiZia retusa Oliv. MIMOSACEAE Acacia ataxacantha DC. A. pennata (Linn.) Willd. A. polyacantha Willd. subsp. campylacantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Brenan A. seyeZ Del. A. sieberiana DC. AZbizia coriaria Wels. ex Oliv. Amblygonocarpus adongensis (Welw. ex Oliv.) Exell & Torre Dichrostachys gZomerata (Porsk.) Chiov. Entada africana Guill. & Perr. Mimosa pigra Linn. Neptunia oZeracea Lour. Parkia clappertoniana Keay Prosopis africana (Guill. & Perr.) Taub. MORACEAE Ficus dckdekena (Miq.) A. Rich. gnaphaZocarpa (Miq.) Steud. ex A. Rich. ingens (Miq.) Miq. pZatyphyZZa Del. sp. were Flt-3h] Parasite 3514 3343 3522 3697 3842 160 Vegetation type Notes MYRTACEAE syzygium guinecnse (Willd.) DC. NYMPHAEACEAE Nymphaea lotus Linn. N. sp. OCHNACEAE Lophira ZanceoZata Van Tiegh ex Keay OLANACEAE Ximenia amcricana Linn. ONAGRACEAE Jussiaea erecta Linn. J. repens Linn. var. diffusa (Forsk.) Brenan J. sp. OPILIACEAE OpiZia celtidifblia (Guill. & Perr.) Endl. ex Walp. PAPILIONACEAE Afrormosia Zaxionra (Benth ex Bak.) Harms Andira inermis (Wright) DC. CrotaZaria spectabilis Roth. Dalbergia melanoxylon Guill. & Perr. Erythrina sigmoidca Hua Indigofera capitata Kotschy Leptodcrris brachyptera (Benth.) Dunn Lonchocarpus Zaxiflorus Guill. & Perr. Pterocarpus Zucens Lept. ex Guill. & Perr. Sesbania daZzieZi Phill. & Hutch. POLYGALACEAE Securidaca Zongepcdunculata Fres POLYGONACEAE Polygonum Zanigerum R. Br. var. africanum Meisn. P. Zibatum Meisn. P. sencgalensis Meisn. +/T 3326 3310 3815 161 Vegetation type Notes PROTEACEAE Protea eZZiottii C. H. Wright RHAMNACEAE Ziziphus abyssinica Hochst. ex A. Rich. Z. mucronata Willd. Z. spina-christi (Linn.) Desf. ROSACEAE Farinari curateZZibeia Planch. ex Benth. RUBIACEAE Borrcria stachydea (DC.) Hutch. & Dalz. Crossopteryx febrifuga (Afzel. ex G. Don) Benth. Fadbgia chcrmannii K. Krause F. pobcguinii Pobeguin Feretia apodanthera Del. Gardenia aquaZZa Stapf & Hutch. G. erubescens Stapf & Hutch. G. ternifblia Schum. & Thonn. Mitragyna inermis (Willd.) O. Ktz. Mocmia senegalcnsis A. Rich. ex DC. Nachea Zatifblia Sm. OchnZandia herbacea (Linn.) Roxb. Xeromphis niZotica (Stapf) Keay RUTACEAE CZausena anisata (Willd.) Hook. ex Benth. chZea oubanguiensis1 Aubr. and Pellegr. SAPINDACEAE AZZophyZZus africanus P. Beauv. Cardiospermum haZicacabum Linn. PauZZinia pinnata. Linn. SAPOTACEAE Butryospermum paradoxum (G. Don) Hepper SCROPHULARIACEAE Limnophila barteri Skan L. indica (Linn.) Druce 1. Species defined in Aubréville (1950). tit-3F] +/T 3303 4308 3332 3346 3316 162 Vegetation type Notes SIMAROUBACEAE Hannoa undulata (Guill. & Perr.) Planch STERCULIACEAE Dombeya quingucseta (De1.) Exell Do Sp. StercuZia setigcra Del. TILIACEAE Corchorus fascicularis Lam. Grewia flarescens Juss. G. moZZis Juss. C. viZZosa Wil1d. UMBELLIFERAE Steganotaenia araZiacea Hochst. VERBENACEAE CZerodcndrum capitatum (Willd.) Schum. & Thonn. Stachytarpheta angustifblia (Mi11.) Vahl. Vitex dbniana Sweet V. madiensis Oliv. V. simplicifblia Oliv. ZYGOPHYLLACEAE Balanites aegyptiaca (Linn.) Del. 2788 4526 3837 4319 3353 4306 163 APPENDIX F Indigenous names of plants identified in the St. Floris National Park. Species Goula Banda Acacia ataxacantha Tara Issi, sisi A. polyacantha subsp. campylacantha N'Gara - A. sieberiana Chonokachi Issi, lissi Afsclia africana N'Galé Ongbo, bongbo Afrormosia Zarionra Jolo Bagunda AZZophyZus africanus Vikala Koutémongo Amblygonocarpus andongcnsis Malo - AmpeZocissus multistriata - Bandavru Andropogon gayanus Woulu - Anogeissus Zeiocarpus Wardo Essé Annona senegalcnsis Mvo - Antidesma venosum Vikala - Asparagus flageZZaris Chonochman Gorozo Balanites acgyptiaca N'Gura N'Gura Borassus aethiopum - Kozo Boscia senegalcnsis Kodonguru Chataracha Brichia soZeroncura Deeni Indiri Butyrospermum paradbxum N'Guee Baloa, baloa Burkca africana Malo Zinegue Cadaba farinosa Massakala - Capparis tomentosa Morugu Abradola Carissa eduZis Kosili Alissi Cassia siebcriana Walu Titao Cissus caesia - Inyi CZausena anisata Véleduku Jaka Cochlospermum tinctorium Baguma Bagum Cbmbretum acchatum Kodomulla - C. ghasaZense Dorokache Bovro (a) C. glutinosum Dorrautara Kebikpwa C. hypopiZinum Lemphe Kavra C2 moZZe Disaeka Bovro (9) C. nigricans var. eZZiotii N'Diché - Cbmmiphora pedunculata Mabili - Crataeva cmigiosa Uorroto M'Bakako Crossopteryx febrifuga Gurbu Strebi, éké Cymbopogon giganteus Kidamgara Kadjabongo DaZbergia melanoxylon Verré - DanicZZia oZiveri Bété Birlo Dentarium microcarpum N'Gutu Tokoro Dichrostachys glomerata Verré - Diospyros mespiZifbrmcs Ngiti Boijo Echinochloa pyramidalis Ievé - E. stagnina Iya - Erythrina sigmoidea N'Gora kandé Linké 164 Species Goula Banda Erythroxylum emarginata Kachikuling Banduku Feretia apodanthera Endregnié Katchia Ficus dekdekena Sirikolo - F. gnaphalocarpa Moa Eliango, ongo F. pZatyphyZZa Chobo Koto F. sp. Chiri Ekiri Gardenia erubescens N'Gura kédé Macha G. ternifblia N'Gura dakalime Adjara Crewia moZZis G. viZZosa Guiera senegalensis Hexalobus monopetalus Hippocratca richardiana Hymenocardia acida IMpcrata cylindrica Irvingia smithii Isoberlinia doka Jardinea congoZensis Khaya scncgalcnsis KigeZia africana Lannea kerstingii L. schimpcri Lonchocarpus Zaxiflorus Lophira Zanceolata Loudetia simplex Maerua obZongifoZia Maytenus scnegalensis Mimosa pigra Mitragyna inermis Mbcmia scnegachsis Nauclca Zatifblia Nymphaea lotus CpiZia celtidifblia Oryza sp. Parkia clappertoniana Paspalum orbicuZare Piliostigma reticulata P. thonnongii Polygonum Zanigerum var. africanum Prosopis africana Protca cZZiotti Pseudocedrela kotschyi Pterocarpus Zucens HottberZia exaltata Sclerocarya birrea kwfifimlmwmflmmwa Sesbania daZzicZi Setaria anceps StercuZia setigera Stereosperuum kunthianum Strychnos innocua S. spinosa Mohomula Burtutu Vamu Moa Derri Kakara Duku Chila Dondio Toua Mulo Dondjo Lia M'Dana Mwallu Kehe Drako Jilili _ Boto Ierri Dregnié Chila Meli Medé Titi Iya Matu N'Guelman Mongo Bongo Gindikoro Iéché koré Murru N'Dana Uboa Libi Mokorro Chawé Dissamanga Daka Velenunu Doyo Djumala Eviré, evera Chichricha Enguilocriri Kongo Ebé Ibi Kaba Andjia Gonéda, gonda Awolongo Kidi Bakaka Sérékada Kaya Péré Leka Crabandé Oro Ondo Mbo Kombé Engé gengé Engé, gengé Bangueré Kundu uga Kandjia Trana Latsa, latia Boshokolo Kundu Bando Bum,g%mm Kéréla kurulu 165 Species Goula Banda syzygium guinecnse Meezi Alego Tamarindus indica Massa Waza, uassa TecZea oubanguicnsis Chila Buyo Terminalia avicennioides Leckéré Dafu T. 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