Cameroon

Cameroon's biodiversity significance stems from its position at the intersection of West and Central African biogeographic zones, encompassing the Congo Basin rainforests, Guinean forest-savanna mosaic, and Cameroon Volcanic Line ecosystems. The country hosts portions of the Cross-Sanaga-Bioko coastal forests, recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot. Mount Cameroon, an active volcano, supports unique montane ecosystems with high endemism rates. According to IUCN Red List 2025 data, all 24 assessed species in Cameroon are classified as threatened, representing a critical conservation challenge. The taxonomic focus on plants (24 species) and insects (2 species) reflects assessment priorities rather than actual diversity patterns. Key threats include deforestation driven by commercial logging in the Congo Basin forests, agricultural expansion particularly in the forest-savanna transition zones, and infrastructure development along the Cameroon Volcanic Line. Mining activities in the eastern regions pose additional pressure on forest ecosystems, while urban expansion around Douala and Yaoundé fragments coastal forest habitats. Climate change affects montane species on Mount Cameroon and the Cameroon Highlands. The trajectory appears concerning given the 100% threat classification rate, though this may reflect selective assessment of already-vulnerable species rather than comprehensive biodiversity status. Enhanced protected area management and community-based conservation initiatives show promise for stabilizing key ecosystems.