Mahenge Scarp Forest Reserve - Frontier-publications.co.uk

Mahenge Scarp Forest Reserve: a biodiversity survey
5.2 Fauna
A diverse and interesting fauna was recorded within Mahenge Scarp Forest Reserve during the current
study (Table 6).
Table 6 A summary of faunal diversity and species of biological or conservation interest recorded throughout the
Mahenge Scarp Forest Reserve.
Total
Number of
species*
Species of
biol./cons.
interest **
Mammals 27 5
Birds 81 17
Reptiles 16 3
Amphibians 12 3
Butterflies 77 14
Total 213 37
* This includes all opportunistic observations together with those from systemmatic survey work
** This includes species listed as range restricted, of conservation concern (IUCN, CITES), forest-dependent or for which the record in the reserve
represents a distribution or altitudinal range extension, but does NOT include the number of forest dwelling species
Most of the forest dependent faunal species were also near endemic and of a high conservation status (e.g.
Lesser pouched rat, Mountain yellow warbler, Livingstone’s flycatcher, Bearded pygmy chameleon, Forest
gecko and the Microtoad). As with many forest patches throughout Tanzania, this reflects the habitat
destruction by increasing pressure on rural communities, thereby threatening the fauna most dependent on
these small isolated pockets of remaining quality forest. Of the eight forest reserves within Ulanga District,
Mahenge Scarp is one of those close to human villages, increasing the chances of timber and non timber
forest products being extracted at an unsustainable rate. The problem is also exacerbated by the small size
of the reserve, surrounded by cultivation. The lack of large mammals also reflects the recent changes to the
reserve due to man’s actions. Close proximity to the Selous Game Reserve would predict signs of large
mammal use within the reserve, however nothing larger than a bushbuck or bushpig was recorded within
this study.
The near endemic species found within the reserve are those belonging to the rich and diverse fauna of the
Eastern Arc mountains and Coastal forests, already reknowned for high endemism and recognised as a
global biodiversity hotspot. Further research needs to be carried out to uncover more endemic species and
unique habitats of the fauna within this southern part of the Eastern Arc mountains. Other studies have been
conducted within the Mahenge mountains (Loader, Poynton and Mariaux, unpublished), primarily targeting
herptofauna in Sali FR, which by contrast to Mahenge Scarp is remote and is still home to elephant and
other larger mammals, as well as important small fauna. Biogeographical analyses between amphibian
assemblages of the highland (>850m) Mahenge Mountains and lowland Kilombero Valley show a
significant difference in patterns of spatial turnover in species with greater turnover at higher altitude.
These results are likely to represent other small fauna too, highlighting the conservation importance of this
little known part of the Eastern Arc Mountains. It is imperative that further investigatioin is conducted
sooner rather than later.
5.3 Human resource-use
A wide variety of forms of human resource-use were recorded throughout the Mahenge Scarp Forest
Reserve. The predominant threat to this area is charcoal production, with, to a lesser extent, timber
extraction and some low levels of hunting, using snare traps, and extraction of plants for medicinal use.
Cutting for pole and timbers was seen to be minimal and non-threatening. Fire damage was seen in the
southern and northern edges of the reserve, therefore suggesting the fire either started from outside in
neighbouring shamba or that it was deliberately started by outsiders. Fire management is not practised
within this reserve.
Frontier Tanzania Environmental Research Report 107 20