Mpanga/Kipengere Game Reserve - Frontier-publications.co.uk

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Mpanga / Kipengere Game Reserve; A Biodiversity Survey The results of the ornithological survey in the forest-grassland mosaic were extremely interesting, revealing the presence of one globally threatened species; the Blue swallow (Hirundo atrocaerulea), five rangerestricted species; the Churring cisticola (Cisticola njombe), the Kipengere seedeater (Serinus melanochrous), the Yellow-browed seedeater (S. whytii), the Uhehe fiscal (Lanius marwitzi) and the Mountain Marsh widowbird (Euplectes psammocromius), and one biome-restricted species; the Scarlettufted sunbird (Nectarina johnstoni). All of these species were recorded across the open grasslands of the forest-grassland mosaic, where it is also predicted that a number of migratory species may visit and Denham’s bustard (Neotis denhami) may reside. The neighbouring Kitulo Plateau Proposed National Park and Important Bird Area (Birdlife International) is considered one of the few remaining viable sites for the latter species and it is thought that the Mpanga/Kipengere Game Reserve could offer a much-needed extension of the site for this highly threatened species. An unconfirmed identification of Mrs Moreau’s warbler (Bathmocercus winifredae) was made within some patches of forest and it is hoped that this may be verified in the near future as the species is globally threatened. The great ornithological wealth and diversity of the reserve is considered justification enough in itself for the protection and conservation of the whole area. Over sixty percent of the reptile species recorded within the forest-grassland mosaic were of particular interest for a variety of reasons, including that the record in the reserve represents an extension of the previously reported altitudinal range at which the species is normally found, such as the Angulate and Angolan Dwarf geckos (Lygodactylus angularis and Lygodactylus angolensis respectively). The Tuberclenosed chameleon (Chamaeleo tempeli) is endemic to Tanzania , the Goetze’s chameleon (Chamaeleo goetzi goetzi) is a Tanzanian endemic subspecies and the Ukinga Mountain skink (Mabuya brauni) is of restricted range. The Speckle-lipped skink (Mabuya maculilabris) represents a range extension with no previous records in the Southern Highlands. Despite a low overall amphibian diversity, two species represent range extensions with previous records from the border of Malawi and Zambia. These are Nyika dwarf toad (Bufo nyikae) and Fuelleborn’s stream frog (Strongylopus fullebornii). Unsurprisingly, a relatively low recorded butterfly diversity reflected the cold weather conditions experienced across the forest-grassland mosaic. Two species were range restricted to Southern Tanzania, Harpendyreus juno and Neocoenyra heckmanni heckmanni. One species was the first recording in the Southern highlands, Papilio demodocus demodocus. 5.3 Human resource-use A wide variety of forms of human resource-use were recorded throughout the Mpanga/Kipengere Game Reserve. Some were specific to a particular habitat whilst others were widespread in both miombo woodlands and the forest-grassland mosaic. • Mid-altitude miombo woodland One major use of, and thus threat to, the miombo woodland would appear to be from the production of charcoal. Numerous tracks allow a high degree of access to the relatively flat terrain on which the woodland is found, encouraging the cutting of poles and timbers and their burning in piles for the commercial production of charcoal. Species targeted are thought to include Brachystegia spiciformis and Combretum schumannii. Pterocarpus angolensis and Afzelia quanzensis are targeted for the production of timber and evidence was found of both old and current pitsaws within the reserve. Again, the network of tracks allows easy removal and transport of the timber. Employees of the Mpanga/Kipengere Game Reserve Project had to deal with illegal charcoal production and timber harvesting during the fieldwork for the current study. Five percent of both poles and timbers were found to be cut, however many more were observed casually, thus, it is predicted that this number would increase if more of the area were to be systemmatically surveyed. Most areas that showed evidence of cutting were easy access from paths and tracks, for example near to Kimani waterfalls and the surrounding area. Frontier Tanzania Environmental Research Report 99 19
Mpanga / Kipengere Game Reserve; A Biodiversity Survey A variety of evidences pointed to the activities of poachers within miombo woodlands of the reserve. Along with direct effects on the animal populations targeted (mainly antelope), threats from such activities include fire damage to the woodland habitat. Grasses are burnt in order to stimulate fresh re-growth which it is hoped will encourage herbivores and grazers into the area to feed. Fires burn uncontrolled however and although some fire disturbance is of no negative impact to the habitat, repeated and sustained burning can only do harm. If more herbivores were to eventually start to enter the reserve via the wildlife corridor, this may result in future competition with cattle and goats for the new flush of grasses. The fires may also aid poachers as it flushes out animals from the burning area and allows easy hunting for target species. Grazing by domestic cows and goats was found within areas to the north of the reserve, whilst settlement and cultivated land was found particularly along the Little Ruaha river valley. The village of Mpanga is also of course within the reserve boundaries, although efforts are underway on the part of the Mpanga/Kipengere Game Reserve Project to relocate the whole village. Whilst the cultivation was of limited range and distribution and considered to be of minimal threat to the conservation of the reserve as a whole, the grazing was more widespread and it is suggested that actions be taken to move the grazers elsewhere. • Afro-montane forest-grassland mosaic One of the major uses of, and thus threats to, areas of forest-grassland mosaic would appear to be from the grazing of cattle and in particular goats. Grazing will have its own pressures on grassland species itself, however the situation is made worse by the deliberate burning of areas to stimulate re-growth. Thirty percent of the transects surveyed showed signs of fire-damage. Although the natural grassland is fireclimax, repeated and unmanaged burning may pose a serious threat. The grazing pressure was considered far greater than in the northern woodland areas of the reserve. In terms of management, further study would be required to understand and assess the extent of impact that grazing has on the grassland ecosystem, particularly if this practice has continued for many years and the ecosystem has, to some extent, adapted to it. Zoning may be appropriate with controlled grazing areas, zero grazing areas and open grazing areas. As this is the major threat from human activities within the forest-grassland mosaic, it needs careful consideration within any management strategy. Certain areas were found to be under pressure from cultivation, however these were restricted to areas close to the reserve borders in the south-west of the reserve, near to the villages of Matenga and Ikuwo. Small (c. 1 hectare) plantations of Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.) and Black Wattle (Acacis meansee) were also found in this area. Despite its biodiversity value being minimal, the current borders include a heavily populated and cultivated area within this region of the reserve. It is strongly suggested that during ‘ground-truthing’ for the reserve borders, this area be made to lie outside of the reserve, thus saving the need to relocate many people and destroy many crops for minimal biodiversity gain. Of minimal concern is the cultivation of pareto (Pyrethrum sp.) flowers and simson vegetables particularly towards the south-eastern corner of the reserve. The threat of spread of these species from generally small and well-tended plots near to the reserve borders is not considered serious. The spread of an exotic bamboo (Bambusa simensis) grown in villages for the production of pombe could possibly pose a greater threat to native vegetation, however this is still not considered a serious problem. A serious threat to many species of orchid found within grasslands of the forest-grassland mosaic is the illegal harvesting and subsequent trade of orchid tubers. Tubers are dug up by local villagers or those from further afield, primarily for sale in Zambian markets as the culinary delicacy Chikanda or Kinaka. Despite all orchids receiving CITES II classification, the practice of tuber harvesting has been recognised in the neighbouring Kitulo Plateau Proposed National Park and may well be widespread throughout the Southern Highlands (Davenport & Ndangalasi 2001). It is suggested that if the trade is to be controlled in any way, an in-depth survey should be conducted into the harvesting and sale of tubers, considering potential alternatives for local income-generating activities. It was ascertained from local villagers that they are able to earn Tsh 4,000 for a 10 litre bucket of tubers. Frontier Tanzania Environmental Research Report 99 20
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