Forest regeneration in the Tana River Primate National Reserve, Kenya

Abstract

This paper examines forest regeneration in the Tana River Primate National Reserve, using data on the size-class abundances and site conditions of major canopy tree species. Forests vary from those dominated by Pachystela msolo to mixed forests of greater species richness with Sorindeia madagascariensis and Diospyros mespiliformis or with Garcinia livingstonei and Mimusops obtusifolia. The low occurrence of saplings and narrow range of soil conditions supporting mature individuals project a relative decline for P. msolo in the study area. Size-class association between six major canopy trees show a successional tendency toward greater species diversity but a decline in the regeneration of primate resources. Significant differences in the environmental conditions of Ficus sycomorus, P. msolo and S. madagascariensis document possible casual changes in the physical environment. The effects of riverine changes on the regeneration of primate habitat and its persistence potentially jeopardises long-term conservation in this small reserve.

Journal of East African Natural History Vol. 84 (2) 1995: pp. 77-96