In this work, ethnobotanic exploration was undertaken in the Western Highlands of Cameroon in 2017, specifically sacred forest of “Mbing Mekoup”, “Bamendjinda” and “Bamendjo” counties. It assesses the importance of ethnobotany role of species conservation in these forests. A total of 62 species belonging to 31 families and 57 genera were identified using 20m x 20m quadrat method. Among the identified species, 34% represents those with a socio-cultural importance, with numerous non-timber forest products being collected for multiple uses (Piper umbellatum used during the twin’s ritual ceremony, Bridelia speciosa, Prunus africana and Albizia gummifera being used for therapeutic purposes). Survey via interviews with indigenous from these counties revealed that these sacred forests have been protected by oral tradition for centuries. They also considered it as prioritized places reserved for traditional healers. In spite of this indigenous conservation effort, rapid increase of population, poverty and lack of arable farm land have ushered the way to degradation of these relic forests though very important in maintaining biological balances.

Key words: Cameroon conservation, diversity, endogenous ethnobotany, Sacred Forest, tradition western.