Africadiv: a forest monitoring plot network in central Africa since 2010

Africadiv is a network of 1-ha forest monitoring plots spread across the moist forests of Cameroon and Gabon. In each plot, the diameter at breast height (DBH) of all trees with DBH ≥ 10 cm have been measured. All trees were identified in the field by expert botanists. Herbarium samples are conserved at the Herbarium of the Université Libre de Bruxelles (BRLU, Belgium) and the determination of the samples is frequently updated by ULB's botanists. Leaves samples were frequently collected along with herbarium samples for genetic analyses. Additional information on tree structure were collected on a subset of trees across the DBH gradient to study local tree allometry (total tree height, trunk height, crown diameter). Four soil samples per plots were collected and basic soil analyses are available. In order to facilitate the use of field plots in remote-sensing studies, a GPS point as well as laser measurements (distance, vertical & horizontal angles) were recorded every 20 m on the contour of the plot. These data are routinely collected and used by AMAP research unit (IRD) and partners (LaboSyst, Yaoundé 1 University) in the frame of their research activities on tropical forest stand structure, biomass, and remote-sensing inference of tropical forest properties. . New plots are frequently added to the network. Scientific collaboration are welcomed, please get in touch with a Point of contact.