Data collecting on Mbam River.

In Cameroon now, there is a serious issue of Podostemaceae conservation. In fact, proposed and ongoing projects of dam construction on the Sanaga River stand as a serious threat to their survival, as dams modify or destroy their habitat (Quiroz et al., 1997). Podostemaceae are submerged phanerogams. They are the most threatened freshwater plant family in Central Africa (Ghogue, 2011). The reason is that they live exclusively on rocks in waterfalls and rapids. Yet, with 10 genera and 37 species (now 39), Cameroon is the Eldorado for this family (Ghogue et al., 2010).

Generally, the in situ conservation of Podostemaceae is technically difficult and expensive in the process of dam construction. So, their possible translocation is the best alternative. However, they are very sensitive to the physico-chemical variations of the water (Ghogue et al., 2010). When transplanted, they will have more chance to regenerate if the physico-chemical characteristics of the recipient River are similar or close to that of the source River. These are the reasons why we have decided to use our experience in Podostemaceae research; to develop some basis for Assisted Colonization of Podostemaceae in the country.

Methods:

Recipient sites geographical localization using the numerical version of the Cameroon 1.200000 topographical maps where the water system is clearly visible and Google free satellite images.

Mapping of recipient sites:

Sampling meaning the collection of witness and experimental samples of water and algae from dams’ and newly selected sites.

Chemical and biological analysis of water samples:

Training of staff members of the dams’ conservation units to Podostemaceae identification, their translocation techniques and monitoring.

Report and publications:

We shall produce a report of our work and draft a scientific publication.

Budget and personnel:

This project, budgeted at £4928 is a one year project involving staff members of Green Connexion (All the participating members), the National Herbarium of Cameroon (Myself Ghogue Jean-Paul), University of Buea (Ms Noumssi Bernadette), University of Dschang (Pr. NGUETSOP Victor François and Fonkou Théophile), and the Geospatial Technology Group (Lawrence Nsoyuni Ayenika).

Conclusion:

Finally, the project fits into the Cameroonian regulation and legislative framework for biodiversity conservation and will contribute to the identification of suitable recipient sites for Podostemaceae potential translocation.