This study assessed density and local uses of wild tree species in Milawilila forest reserve, Morogoro rural district. A total of six transects were set in the forest for assessing density and diversity of trees. In each transect, three plots of 20 m x 20 m were established and all trees with Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) ≥ 10 cm were identified, counted and DBH recorded in each plot. A semi structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on the use of tree species by the locals. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for Social Science software. A total of 172 trees/ha belonging to 20 species and 15 families were recorded in the forest. Among the families, Fabaceae was the richest family with 3 species, followed by Annonaceae and Cluciaceae with 2 species each. The most abundant species were Xylopia parviflora , Ehretia amoena and Diospyros squarrosa , which contributed 46% of the total tree density in the forest while the remaining 17 species contributed 54%. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index and basal area of the forest was 2.62 and 13.0 m2/ha, respectively. The forest exhibited good regeneration pattern. The proportion of tree species used for medicines was 76%, constructions 60%, fuelwood 56%, crafts 52%, and food/fodder 28%. The three species with high citation index were Albizia glaberrima (3.58), Annona senegalensis (3.38) and Scorodophleous fischeri (3.16). Since, majority of the observed species were less dense, the study suggests planting of the wild tree species should be prioritized to guarantee sustainability of the forest reserve and viable supply of forest products and services to the community. Keywords : Aboriginal uses; IVI, Milawilila forest; tree density; wild tree species;

Density and Aboriginal Uses of Wild Tree Species in Milawilila Forest Reserve in Morogoro Region, Tanzania

Plants natural regeneration is a means to forest recovery after disturbances in a particular ecosystem. Forest recovery in any particular ecosystem depends on the growth stages of tree species. This study assessed the tree species regeneration potential in the disturbed Image Forest Reserve. An assessment was carried out in 170 sample plots of 20 m x 40 m each that were established in the three different land cover types, namely forest (67 plots), woodland (65 plots), and wooded grassland (38 plots). A total of 153 tree species distributed among 59 families and 122 genera were identified. Each of the three land cover types recorded a higher number of saplings than poles and seedlings. The low number of individuals for seedlings was caused by human disturbances that killed them. The human disturbances included wildfires, livestock grazing, and felling trees during logging for timber. The number of poles decreased because several saplings failed to survive due to anthropogenic activities. ANOVA statistical test results revealed a significant difference in trees growth stages (p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference in H' (p > 0.05) in the tree growth stages within the land cover types. Image Forest Reserve accommodates relatively high plant species diversity Therefore, the conservation of Image Forest Reserve will sustain the regenerating tree species and enhance the forest health and sustainability.

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Assessment of Natural Regeneration Potential of Tree Species in Image Forest Reserve, Tanzania

Tree species diversity and their potential uses were assessed in Kizee Village Forest Reserve, Muheza District. Household survey, focus group discussions, key informant interview and tree diversity surveys were used during data collection. Data were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively using the Statistical Package for Social Science. Tree species diversity was computed using Shannon-Wiener diversity index. A total of 32 tree species from 20 families with different uses were identified. The most dominant tree species identified was Albizzia antihelmintica which contributed 19.83% of all tree species. The forest is a potential source for timber, charcoal, firewood, fodder, medicinal plants/trees and poles. Small diameter class trees (≤ 15cm) contributed 63.1% of all standing trees. The forest had stem density of 434 stems Ha-1 and Shannon-Winner Diversity Index of 2.2717 which were biologically within the normal tree diversity status. Majority (70%) of the respondents were aware of types of tree species available in the forest. The index obtained showed a relative achievement of forest policy of improved forest quality and stable forest community. However, more attention is needed to make sure that the forest is not degraded.

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Nancy Eliad Pima

Papers

Tree Species Diversity and Their Potential Uses in Kizee Village Forest Reserve, Tanzania