Etude anthracologique et élucidation de l’origine de perturbations des forêts de la réserve forestière de Yoko et ses environs (Province de la Tshopo, RD Congo)

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The Marantaceae family constitutes a bio-indicator of natural forest perturbation. The present study was undertaken with the aim of elucidating the origin of these inhabited herb kinds in the mature Yoko forest stack. The pedoanthracological approach was used to search for the under soil Marantaceae perturbation indicators, to determin their age by the 14C dating and lastly, evaluate the perturbations, incidences on the vegetation of the current forest of the region. Four soil pit excavation established in the Marantacea forests permitted to identify two indocators: the Charcoals and pieces of the ceramic. The analysis of these indicators coupled to the story of the region of the last centuries: (i) the fossil charcoals result either from the burn intinerant agriculture or from the household fire; (ii) the pottery comes from the kitchen ustensils that the human kind used for his survival needs. The Charcoals from de pits which have 14C dating indicate the ancient fire dated 1125 ± 30 years BP and the contemponary fire of 350 ± 30 to 145 ± 30 years BP. These perturbations have got an impact on the actual floristic riches. For some identified taxa like Gilbertiodendron dewevrei (De Wild.) J. Léonard, Monodora sp, Tetraberlinia bifoliata J. Léonard, Pouteria sp, Homalium longistylum Mast, Turraeanthus africanus Welw ex C.DC.) Pellegr), their fossil charcoals were not found in the actual Marantaceae forests.