The Extent of Forest Recovery from the Previous Disturbances in the Magombera Nature Forest Reserve, Tanzania

Abstract

There is an increased interest in understanding the rate of forest recovery from previous disturbances. This information is helpful for the formulation of better conservation strategies for the respective forest reserves. This study aimed to assess the extent of forest recovery from the previous disturbances in the Magombera Nature Forest Reserve (MNFR) located in Kilombero District, Morogoro region, Tanzania. Specifically, the study assessed the current status of; i) woody species diversity and regeneration, ii) soil quality (Texture, pH, Bulk Density and Soil Organic Carbon), and iii) vegetation cover in comparison with the previous cover before it was upgraded to nature forest reserve in 2019. Vegetation data were collected from 46 concentric sample plots of 0.071ha established systematically across the forest area of 2,623 ha; soil samples were collected from 24 plots systematically with an interval of one plot to a depth of 0 – 30 cm. Vegetation cover analysis spans from year 2016 to 2022.  The results indicated that a total of 352 plant species (trees = 170, herbs = 63, grasses = 43, shrubs =42, climbers =15, sedges = 14 and lianas =5) which belong to 109 plant families were identified. The diversity status of trees and herbs was higher compared to other life forms (H’ values range from 3.12 to 4.09). Average soil characteristics were bulk density =1.59, soil texture = Sandy Clay Loam, soil pH =4.58 and soil organic carbon=0.95 indicating soil has a good quality supporting the growth of a variety of plant species. There was a significant improvement in vegetation cover with a gain of 11% in close forest area from the year 2019 after being upgraded to a nature reserve. Generally, these results show that MNFR has recovered from the previous disturbances and the quality of the forests has increased. Efforts to continue protecting the forest against any further disturbances to uphold the current healthier status of the forest are recommended.