Biodiversity and human activities in the Udzungwa Mountain forests, Tanzania. 1. Ethnobotanical survey in the Uzungwa Scarp Forest Reserve

Abstract

An ethnobotanical survey was conducted between March and September 1997 in the northwestern and southern parts of the Uzungwa Scarp Forest Reserve using strip transects. Altogether 489 plant species from 107 families were recorded, most of them trees (37 %) and shrubs (27 %). Others were lianas, herbs, ferns and parasites. Endemic plants restricted to the Udzungwa Mountains and Eastern Arc endemic plants not restricted to the Udzungwas were present. It was established that local communities around the forest highly depend on the natural forests for forest products. Most human uses were for traditional medicine, fuelwood and building materials. Quality hardwoods Khaya anthotheca, Afzelia quanzensis, Milicia excelsa and Ocotea usambarensis were noted. To reduce the pressure on the natural forest, agroforestry is recommended in the area to meet some of the people's needs for forest products, thereby contributing to the conservation of biodiversity. It is also important to do more intensive surveys in the area and to document the valuable indigenous knowledge of useful plants. .

Journal of East African Natural History Vol. 87 (1&2) 1998: pp. 291-318