Data from: Impact of forest degradation and invasive species on Mimusops andongensis in Lama Forest Reserve in Benin

Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) harvesting can threaten target species, especially those with limited distribution and density. Simultaneously, exploited species also face threats from other sources such as habitat fragmentation, fire and invasive species. We assessed the impact of human disturbances and invasive alien species on the population of a key multipurpose NTFP species, Mimusops andongensis, in Lama Forest reserve (Benin). Densities of adult trees and regenerative stems decreased from non degraded sites to degraded sites. The proportional contribution of M. andongensis to total tree density decreased with increasing human pressure and disturbance. There was a significant negative relationship between the cover of the invasive alien Chromolaena odorata and the number of M. andongensis recruits, whereas the number of recruits was positively related to the number of mature trees. Diameter size class distributions showed dominance of small diameter individuals in non degraded and moderately degraded sites while in degraded sites, the structure showed a negative exponential trend with the density of small diameter individuals being lower than 2 trees/ha. Also, individuals with dbh> 20 cm were rare in degraded sites. The density of mature trees and seedlings was low in degraded sites and this may undermine the long-term viability of M. andongensis, despite current levels of protection against NTFP harvesting and other anthropogenic pressures. More management emphasis should be given to facilitating recruitment subsidies and limitation of C. odorata.