List of plant species identified in the Northern Part of the Lope Reserve, Gabon

Abstract

Research on lowland gorillas (Gorilla g. gorilla) and chimpanzees (Pan t. troglodytes) began at the 'Station d'Etudes des Gorilles et Chimpanzes’ in the Lopé Reserve, central Gabon, in 1983 and is on-going. This paper lists 676 species of plants belonging to 91 families that occur in the 50 sq. km study area. Data on trees with diameters of 10 cm or more were collected systematically along line transects and opportunistic collections of fertile plants were made. For each plant species, the life-form, habitat preference and density (for trees recorded on transects) are listed. For plants that provide food for gorillas and chimpanzees, the part eaten is given. The plant species list is not complete but shows the flora of the SEGC study area to be diverse. The seven habitat types described range from Savanna to Closed Canopy Forest but the study area is dominated by Marantaceae Forest. Gorillas and chimpanzees at Lope have diverse diets and obtain food from plants in all of the habitat types. Some minor (in terms of area) habitats provide large amounts of food in particular seasons. Comparison of ape diets in different parts of Africa can only advance if vegetation inventories for each study site are compiled and published.