Tree growth and mortality of 42 timber species in central Africa

Tree growth and mortality are two central processes in mixed structurally complex moist tropical forests, yet accurate estimates of the variables needed to model them remain sparse scattered. It is thus still difficult predict forest evolution at a local scale build reliable management plans. To help fill this gap, for 1–7 years we annually monitored 21,180 trees belonging 42 species exploited timber production Central Africa. We made new species-specific diameter increments rates, investigated how tree varied with size logging history. compared our results legal values increments, minimum cutting diameters used plans Cameroon. Diameter increment was found vary most studied. The relationships between were mostly humpback-shaped. close or lower than reference generally grew faster average. also that could slow 1–2 after exploitation then spurred least 5 years. response nevertheless species-specific. This study provides rates make more projections draw up sustainable