Terry C.H. Sunderland, Michael B. Balinga and Mercy A. Dione 279
The majority of rattan species in Africa, particularly those of commercial
value, occur in closed tropical forest and are gap colonisers. Any significant
increase in forest disturbance, such as through selective logging activities,
encourages the regeneration of rattans. With large areas under timber
concession in the Rio Muni region it is unlikely that any of the three commercial
species, in the regional context, can be considered at risk of depletion.
However, because of the current exploitation level and its impact on the
regeneration of the species concerned (see below), there is considerable
evidence of increasing local scarcity, particularly within the forest areas around
Bata. Without exception, the rattan harvested in the Rio Muni region comes
from the wild. There are currently no prospects for the development of
cultivated sources of cane.THE PRODUCTION–TO–CONSUMPTION SYSTEMRaw material production area
The main areas of rattan exploitation to supply the markets of Bata with raw
cane are listed in Table 2. Essentially the forested area throughout the mainland
supplies this thriving market and bundles of cane are often transported large
distances (up to 165 km). The area comprises an intricate mosaic of logged
forest and agricultural fallow, as well as the large protected area of Mont Alen
National Park, which is also a major source of rattan cane.(Laccosperma secundiflorum)16EGRattan.p65 279 22/12/2004, 11:05