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Addis Ababa University Libraries Electronic Thesis and Dissertations: AAU-ETD! >
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http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/44
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| Title: | Conservation of Brachylaena huillensis O.Hoffm (Asteraceae) in Dindili Forest Reserve, Morogoro, Tanzania |
| Authors: | Joseph, Perfect |
| Date Added: | 31-Aug-2007 |
| Abstract: | A flagship species is a species chosen to represent an environmental cause, such as an
ecosystem in need of conservation, it is chosen for its vulnerability, attractiveness or
distinctiveness in order to best engender support and acknowledgement from the public at
large. Brachylaena huillensis O.Hoffm (Asteraceae) is a threatened economically
important tree species commonly found in dry coastal forests of Tanzania and a potential
flagship species in conservation of its habitat. The study was done around Dindili forest
reserve, Fulwe village, Morogoro, to assess B. huillensis standing and harvested wood
stocks, coppice regeneration, use, management and its flagship species potential in
conserving its habitat. Data were collected using forest inventory, focus group discussion
and quantitative ethnobotany (use values, direct matrix ranking, preference ranking and
structured interview). The standing wood stock of B. huillensis, was found to be
substantial as revealed by relatively high tree density (15 stems per/ ha), basal area
(0.73m2/ha), volume (5.63m3/ha) and IVI (13.87). B. huillensis was found to be highly
harvested as indicated by over one-third of previously standing wood stock already
harvested. The observed preferential harvesting of female B. huillensis tree presents a
serious ecological threat to its future successful reproduction. B. huillensis density
distribution by dbh classes showed abnormal trend, which signify poor recruitment and
regeneration. The results of coppice regeneration found B. huillensis to be a very poor
resprouter. However, its regeneration from seed is promising in the forest reserve. The
species (B. huillensis) was found to be known by 84% of respondents and used by 78% of
them for different purposes. The species is intensively utilized for poles and posts as
mentioned by 76% of respondents, its poles were claimed to be durable and extremely
resistant to termites. Results of preference ranking showed that it is the most preferred
species for building poles and the most sold tree species; it was also positioned second in
carving use category. B. huillensis was found to be a useful multipurpose tree species as
it was ranked second and fourth in direct matrix ranking and use values respectively. The
ongoing Joint Forest Management (JFM) of the forest reserve does not show positive
results, mainly due to lack of important socio-economic considerations during its
inception. Frequent fires threaten the perpetuity of the studied coastal forest. Based on
the developed criteria, B. huillensis was found to be an excellent flagship species in
conservation of its habitat. Among others, the study recommends research on B.huillensis
sex-ratio, restoration of its normal regeneration trend in the forest reserve and review of
JFM. |
| Description: | Thesis submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, Addis Ababa University, in
partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in
Dryland Biodiversity |
| URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/44 |
| Appears in: | Thesis - Biology
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