A study of flora, ecological and phytogeographic spectra was conducted in the Bélo area of the Conkouati-Douli National Park in Mayombe. To carry out this study a collection of field data was made in 2016, the collected samples were determined and deposited to the national herbarium (IEC). The data analysis identified 575 species and infraspecific taxa divided into 131 families and 353 genera. The families of Rubiaceae, Annonaceae and Fabaceae are the most diverse. The analysis of ecological spectra made it possible to note the predominance of phanerophytes, sarcochores and mesophylls. The analysis of the phytogeographic distribution of the listed species has made it possible to note that our study area fits well into the center of Guinean-Congolese endemism. Two new species for congolense flora were collected: Eurypetalum tessmannii Harms and Podococcus acaulis Hua.
This study presents the feeding phenology of chimpanzees in the forests of the Conkouati-Douli National Park (CDNP) as part of a larger assessment of its suitability for chimpanzee reintroduction. All phenological monitoring and follow-up were conducted using the methods outlined by Diouf & Zaafouri (2003). Observation yielded five species that were found to be used by chimpanzees. Some of these species were also found to be used by chimpanzees for nesting. A strong link between rainfall and phenology was found in the area. Most fruiting was observed during periods of slower rainfall, while flowering occurred in the rainy season. This study assessed more than 300 trees, including those of the species Staudtia kamerunensis var. gabonensis, Trichoscypha acuminata, Uapaca guineensis, Vitex grandifolia and Xylopia aethiopica, all of which are regularly found in the diet of chimpanzees in the CDNP. The patterns of fruiting and availability were also compared to those at other tropical forests, particularly those that also support chimpanzees. These results, though focused on only five species of trees, can constitute a database to guide further research in the CDNP, as well as in other tropical African forests, in order to properly assess chimpanzee food security and sustainability in the wild.