Priorities for biodiversity conservation in the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania - based on bird data

Abstract

An evaluation of biodiversity values of ten forest areas has been made in the Udzungwas, based on all data available on the distribution of restricted-range forest birds. The analysis shows that the evergreen forests in West Kilombero (Ndundulu and Nyumbanitu Mountains), Udzungwa Scarp north, Mwanihana and Udzungwa Scarp south contain all species of concern and have the highest conservation priority. The other forest areas: Kisinga-Rugaro, Dabaga, Kigogo, Image and Matundu are of lower importance for restricted-range birds; however, they still have high conservation value. For two areas, Nyanganje and Iyondo (forest at river Mngeta), no data were available. Mwanihana (3rd priority) is within the Udzungwa Mountains National Park. It is proposed that the 1st (West Kilombero), 2nd (Udzungwa Scarp North) and 4th (Udzungwa Scarp South) ranked sites should be conserved by supporting adjacent local communities and by giving one or more of these areas National Park status. Some management options are discussed.

Journal of East African Natural History Vol. 87 (1&2) 1998: pp. 195-204