Pericopsis elata is one of the most valuable timber species from the African tropical forest. The species provides a high quality wood having a high natural durability, mechanical strength, and dimensional stability, all this combined with its widely appreciated decorative values. Due to intense logging activities, the species’ population has significantly decreased throughout its shifting distribution range. The species is included on the CITES Appendix II. This classification aims to ensure that the international trade of the species does not threaten its survival, suggesting that harvest operations must ensure the long term persistence of the species. However, scientific information necessary for setting up management options aiming at a sustainable yield are lacking. In this project, a multi-scale approach will be used to unravel and describe the natural productivity of the species. The species distribution, population structure, trees functioning and growth performance will be assessed in the light of climate and environmental variability to provide dynamics and site-tailored management options for a sustainable wood production.

More info can be found on the RMCA website.