Natural regeneration in tropical forests along a disturbance gradient in South-East Cameroon

•Land use type influences canopy openness but not the disturbance gradient.•Land use type little impacts species composition.•Species densities and frequencies vary across vertical strata and land use type.•The seedling stratum is less similar to the tree stand than the sapling stratum.•Light-demanding species require silvicultural practices to ensure their long-term survival.