Mgambo Forest Reserve: A biodiversity survey. - Eastern Arc ...

Mgambo Forest Reserve
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4.3.2.2 Other signs of disturbance
Fire
The most common form of disturbance was fire disturbance, present within 62% of all 50 metre
sections sampled (Table 17). Deliberate fires, started to create grazing land, represent the most
significant threat to Mgambo FR. Fire incidence was most intense in the eastern side of the
reserve, although was common throughout (Figure 17). A large burnt area was in grid sections 6,
10 and 11, which had been burnt around October 2001.
Grazing
Grazing pressure on Mgambo FR was very evident throughout the survey period. A total of 23%
of all 50 metre sections sampled contained signs of grazing, and animals and herdsmen were
sighted on a number of occasions. (Figure 18).
Footpaths
There were some well-used livestock and human paths within the reserve, and so this form of
disturbance ranked third within Mgambo FR.
Pitsawing
There was evidence of three fairly recent pitsawing sites and one old site. Two of the recent sites
were close together near to the western border of transect 3, not far from Daluni village. The other
recent site was at the zoological trapsite 3, close to the path heading north towards Mgambo
village. Two piles of old cut poles were seen along transect 5 and one pile along transect 4 close to
human paths. (Table 17)
Trapping
Only two animal traps were seen (Table 17). These were set up with a brush-fence corridor
probably to catch small duiker. One trap was sprung and contained a live Banded Mongoose
(Mungos mungo) which was later released. Both traps were found close to Mgambo village along
transect 6.
Table 17 The incidence of various types of disturbance shown as percentage and rank
(calculated as presence (1) or absence (0) every 50m transect section)
Fire Grazing Paths Pitsawing Trapping Planks/Poles
Incidence Tally 170 64 17 2 2 2
Percentage (%) 62 23 6