Frontier Tanzania Environmental Research REPORT 110 ...

Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserve
71
the presence of species in different forests also allows the distribution and ranges of individual
species to be assessed. The distribution of Beamys hindei has for example recently been found to
be greater than once thought, although it is very patchy but for reasons as yet unknown (Burgess
et al. 2000). Mertensophryne also presents an interesting case of biogeography which is indicative
of the distinctiveness of East African lowland amphibian fauna (Poynton 2000). Both of these
species were recorded in Kazimzumbwi FR, Beamys hindei for the first time.
6.6.2 SPECIES RICHNESS AND DIVERSITY
For those taxa for which information is available, the species richness and diversity of
Kazimzumbwi FR compares very favourably with that of other Coastal Forests. The recorded
mammal diversity was for example shown to be above average for Coasta l Forests (even without
species identifications for shrews and rodents) and the number of restricted range mammals is
comparable to that recorded throughout the Pugu Hills. This high diversity was to be expected, as
the Pugu Hills have been ranked third amongst all Coastal Forests in terms of their mammal
diversity (Burgess et al. 2000).
6.6.3 FOREST DEPENDENCY
Sixty species (27%) from all taxa recorded in Kazimzumbwi FR are directly dependent upon
closed canopy, primary forest. Forest dependency is highest within the butterflies and
amphibians. The mosaic of habitats present in Kazimzumbwi FR supports a great variety of
species, including many ecological generalists, however it is the forest dependent species that are
most at threat from habitat alteration. Forest dependent species rely on areas which are currently
threatened by activites such as pole cutting, charcoal production and pitsawing (see Chapter 5)
and it is these habitats that should thus receive top conservation priority.
6.6.4 ENDEMISM
Thirty species recorded in Kazimzumbwi FR (13 %) have ranges restricted to Coastal Forest
and/or Eastern Arc Mountains and/or other East African forests. The highest degree of endemism
is recorded within the amphibia. The endemic status of Agama montana has been altered by the
record of this species within Kazimzumbwi FR, as it has previously only been recorded in certain
Eastern Arc Mountains. The link between endemism and forest dependence has been
demonstrated within all taxa recorded in Kazimzumbwi FR, as has the link between these factors
and species of conservation concern.
6.6.5 SPECIES OF CONSERVATION CONCERN
Seven species recorded are of IUCN conservation concern, many of which are mammals. This
reflects, in part, the relatively more complete investigation of this taxa when compared to others.
Many Tanzanian reptiles have for example been deemed of conservation concern based on the
criteria of IUCN by Professor K. Howell (UDSM), although none are officially recognised as
such (see Frontier Tanzania 2001). Six of the seven species of conservation concern recorded in
Kazimzumbwi FR are considered Threatened (Vulnerable or Endangered) by IUCN whilst the
other two are considered of Lower Risk.
Overall, the fauna recorded in Kazimzumbwi FR demonstrates high species richness, moderate
forest dependency and a high level of endemism. A number of species are also internationally
recognised as being under threat. Species are distributed throughout the mosaic of habitats found
within the reserve, although the restricted range species tend to be confined to areas of forest and
thus this habitat is considered the highest priority for conservation. It is also this habitat that is
most at threat from human activites that may alter both vegetation type and structure.
Frontier-TanzaniaCoastal Forest Research Programme