Human-Induced Bushfires Threat to Biodiversity in the Noun Valley, Cameroon

Authors: Ngum EN and Tume SJP*

DOI: 10.23880/jenr-16000398

Volume 8, Issue 4

Abstract

The study examines the relationship between bushfires and their impact on the flora, fauna, and soil of the Noun Valley. This was done using remotely sensed data from MODIS Fire and Global Water Pack datasets and field observations to arrive at the desired results. During the height of the dry season, various plant species in the wetland forests, grasslands, and cultivated fields, such as eucalyptus, palm trees, coffee, and cocoa, are highly susceptible to fire damage. Refugial forests, shrubs, and pasture lands on the valley's hillsides are particularly at risk, often due to fires sparked by cattle grazers moving towards the wetlands at the start of the dry season. The valley's significant agricultural potential has increased the incidence of humaninduced fires in the riparian villages. As the vegetation experiences stress, the safety of many animal and bird species is compromised as their habitats and food sources are gradually destroyed. The valley's diverse ecosystems respond differently to bushfires in terms of recovery, impacting the survival of habitats and potentially leading to the migration of species to safer areas. Mitigation strategies are essential to reduce the impact of bushfires, and it is crucial to promote behavioural changes,community awareness, and policy adjustments. Accurately predicting the effects and specific risks of similar incidents remains a challenge.

Keywords: Ecosystems; Environmental Risks; Fauna, Flora; Vulnerability

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