Frontier Tanzania Environmental Research REPORT 110 ...

Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserve
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4.6 CONCLUSIONS
Kazimzumbwi FR clearly contains a highly heterogeneous and diverse assemblage of plant
communities, including many forest dependent species, species endemic to both the Pugu Hills
and the Swahilian Regional Centre of Endemism sensu lato , and species not previously recorded
within Coastal Forests. Through information based on regeneration and the presence of pioneer
species within the reserve, the forest overall is considered to be in a stable, climax state. Based on
qualitative observational data alone, exotic and introduced species present within the reserve are
not currently considered to pose a threat to the native vegetation. Certain species are however
threatened by various human activites that have the potential to indirectly affect plant diversity
and vegetation communities in general.
Certain species found within Coastal Forests are considered ‘anthropogenic endemics’ (sensu
Gentry 1996); those with distributions that are an artefact of the loss of former habitat through
human disturbance and destruction (Clarke, Vollesen & Mwasumbi 2000). The island-like nature
of Coastal Forests is cause for concern for the long-term viability of its rare species (Clarke,
Vollesen & Mwasumbi 2000). Considering these facts along with that of the botanical richness
and diversity within Kazimzumbwi FR, management plans are clearly required to safeguard the
reserve’s future. Closer investigation of forest products is urgently needed in order to identify
from where they are taken and therefore where conservation measures should be directed. In
order to ensure sustainable utilisation of forest resources, intensive joint patrolling involving
villagers and environmental education within surrounding villages should also be encouraged.
Lastly, further research and intensive collection focusing on herbs and lianes is needed in order to
produce a comprehensive checklist of Kazimzumbwi FR flora.
Frontier-TanzaniaCoastal Forest Research Programme