Objective

This study aims to characterize the vegetation of Mount Péko National Park in terms of plant composition and the presence of species with special status as well as the value of the park for conservation.

Methodology and results

Vegetation sampling was conducted in three areas of Mount Péko National Park (PNMP) in Côte d'Ivoire. Fifteen 400 m2 plots have been set up. The flora is rich in 384 species belonging to 88 families. The most species-rich families are Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, Malvaceae, and Moraceae. Among the species recorded, 74 are endemic, rare and threatened with extinction nationally, regionally or internationally. The study showed that four of the main values for the conservation of biodiversity are achieved by the park forest.

Conclusion and application

This study highlights the importance of maintaining Mount Péko National Park, a mountainous, fragile and endangered protected area. Also, the presence of numerous species with special status justifies the inclusion of the park in the “Guinean Forests of West Africa Hotspot” of global importance for their biodiversity. The various characteristics of the park revealed by this study are knowledge necessary for management plans.