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

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Mpanga / Kipengere Game Reserve; A Biodiversity Survey Amounts of both pole and timber cutting were low in the forest-grassland mosaic when compared to the miombo woodlands, being 6% and 1% of the total pole and timber count and an average of 13.3 and 0.6 per hectare, respectively. This rate is not high and is sustainable for the time being. However, pitsawing is a concern in the south west corner of the reserve, near Matenga village, where one site was in use. The forest patches in the grassland-forest mosaic are all small and thus, vulnerable to human activities, which threaten the whole forest ecosystem. Evidence of hunting for (small) antelope and Scrub hares (Lepus saxatillus), was found across grasslands of the forest-grassland mosaic. Traps set to catch hares were evident on many rocky hill-tops. Frontier Tanzania Environmental Research Report 99 21
Mpanga / Kipengere Game Reserve; A Biodiversity Survey 6. CONCLUSION The findings of this biodiversity survey of the Mpanga/Kipengere Game Reserve are extremely interesting and reveal the area to be of great importance for a variety of both habitats and species. The records of many range-restricted or globally threatened birds species, for example the Kipengere seedeater (Serinus melanochorus), the Churring cisticola (Cisticola njombe) and the Blue swallow (Hirundo atrocaerulea), demonstrate the importance of the montane grasslands. The records of forest-dependent species such as the Black and White colobus (Colobus angolensis sharpei) for example highlight the significance of the montane forest patches. The records of game such as the Greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and the extent of suitable habitat demonstrate not only the importance of the miombo woodlands but also of the areas recently appointed status as Game Reserve. The numerous records of endemic and restricted range species and those records representing extensions of previously reported distributional or altitudinal range demonstrate the lack of previous biological investigations in the area and thus its importance in terms of scientific discovery. This is in particular true of the herpetofauna. These records also indicate the reserve’s importance in terms of long-term conservation interests and the high esteem under which it should be held. This can be seen as especially true as, in terms of biodiversity and ‘intactness’, it can easily be compared to the neighbouring Kitulo Plateau. This area is soon to receive the highest form of recognition under the government through its gazettement as a National Park and is already recognised as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International. A variety of human activities do however currently threaten both habitats and species and the long-term future of the reserve. These include the grazing of domestic animals, the production of charcoal and timber, the hunting of wild animals and the harvesting and subsequent illegal trade of orchid tubers. Increased protection through carefully designed management plans should aim to reduce the impact of all such forms of human resource-use within the reserve. The area holds great potential for tourism, such as trekking and bird / primate watching. Sensitively implemented tourist activities could bring in much needed revenue to both the reserve and inhabitants of nearby villages and towns. It is vital however that all work aimed at protecting and managing the reserve should involve discussion with and the involvement of local communities at all stages. In all decisions, their future should be considered alongside that of the reserve. Finally, work aimed at conserving the Mpanga/Kipengere Game Reserve for biodiversity will also protect the water sources that feed various wetland eco-systems, irrigate agricultural areas and supply countless human populations with water far beyond the reserve borders. Frontier Tanzania Environmental Research Report 99 22
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Mpanga/Kipengere Game Reserve - Frontier-publications.co.uk

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