Plant Diversity and Ecological Characteristics Along an Altitudinal Gradient in the Mount Maroua, Far North Cameroon

Background and Objective: Environmental filters and functional adjustments of species to local conditions are major determinants of plant communities in stressing habitats. This study aimed to compare floristic characteristics and functional traits in the lower and upper zone of Mount Maroua. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Mount Maroua Savannahs from July to October, 2021. The floristic data were collected on 100 m² sampling plots for the woody stratum and 25 m² plots for the herbaceous stratum, using a random stratified sampling technique. Plant species identified were characterized using floristic diversity and life traits parameters (growth habit, life forms and phytogeographical affinities). Results: A total of 60 surveys were conducted, from which we identified 132 species belonging to 99 genera and 34 families (99 herbaceous and 33 woody species) from the study site. From the lower zone, 101 species belonging to 87 genera and 28 families (76 herbaceous and 25 woody species) were identified, while 71 species belonging to 57 genera and 25 families (60 herbaceous and 11 woody species) were recorded in the upper zone. The richest families in the two zones were Fabaceae, Poaceae and Malvaceae. Trees and shrubs’ proportions decreased with an increasein altitude. The most predominant life form was Therophytes followed by Phanerophytes and Chamaephytes and their proportions decreased with an increase in altitude. The geographical distribution of plant species showed a high proportion of the Pantropical, Tropical Africa and Sudano-Sahelian species in the different zones. Conclusion: The lower zone was found to be rich and more diversified as compared with the upper zone. The vegetation pattern in the Mount Maroua could result from interactions between altitude, fire, grazing and climate.