Assessment of the biological values of different land cover types in ...

monoculture and Fischer‟s turaco (Tauraco fischeri), recorded in agroforest, fallow land and mixed farming
plots.
The banded green sunbird Anthreptes rubritorques was the only bird species recorded that is endemic to the
Eastern Arc Mountains. The bird was recorded in the agroforest sites of Misalai and Shambangeda village
landscapes. Eastern Arc near-endemic bird species recorded included Andropadus masukuensis, Anthreptes
pallidigaster, Batis mixta, Poeoptera kenricki, Stactolaema olivacea and Artisornis moreaui.
In terms of rare mammal species, the vulnerable species - black and rufous sengi (Rhynchocyon petersi) - was
recorded inside the forest reserves. This species is also near-endemic to the Eastern Arc Mountains.
In conclusion, the results of the study indicate that the village landscapes in the East Usambaras support
considerable biodiversity resources. These resources are important for conservation and for supporting the
livelihoods of local people. Apart from the village forest reserves, the other land use types, such as agroforests
and fallow land, support many valuable species.
The results also suggest that many of the plant and vertebrate species endemic to the East Usambara may be
restricted to the Government Forest and Nature Reserves thereby emphasizing the importance of investing in
the conservation of the existing protected areas.
The results highlight the importance of taking a landscape approach to conservation whereby conservation
values should be recognized and enhanced across all land uses. Whilst protected areas, including village
forest reserves, will continue to harbor the vast majority of species in an area such as the East Usambaras,
areas of agroforestry can play an important role in providing habitat and corridors for some species.
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