TFCG, Proposed Rubeho Forest Conservation Project


	Site Details
	Location: Rubeho Mountains, Mpwawa District, Dodoma Region and Kilosa District, Morogoro Region Area: 62,680 ha of montane forest and woodland. Biodiversity: Nine vertebrate species endemic to the Eastern Arc and six vertebrate species with ranges that include the Eastern Arc, the Coastal Forests and/or the Southern Highlands; two strictly endemic species. Status: Threatened by logging and agricultural encroachment.

	Rubeho Mountains.
	Rubeho forest destruction.
	Iringa Akalat, Rubeho Mountains.
	Bushbaby, Rubeho Mountains.

Proposed Rubeho Forest Conservation Project

Participatory Forest Management

Summary

The Rubehos are one of the least known mountain ranges within the Eastern Arc. Recent surveys by TFCG and the University of Copenhagen have recorded at least eight Eastern Arc endemic species not previously known from the area and several unidentified birds have been discovered which may be new to science.

Introduction

The project area covers 62,680 ha of montane forest and woodland. One of the forests, Mang’alisa, is being rapidly cleared and TFCG are urgently seeking funds to halt the destruction of this forest.

The primary economic activity of the majority of people living in the vicinity of the Rubeho Mountains is cultivation of potatoes, cabbages and beans. In some communities missions have promoted irrigation initiatives for rice, sugar and vegetable cultivation. Transport costs for agricultural produce is high due to poor roads and long distances.

Biological Importance

There are 9 vertebrate species endemic to the Eastern Arc and 6 vertebrate species with ranges that include the Eastern Arc, the Coastal Forests and / or the Southern Highlands. There are at least two species strictly endemic to the Rubeho Mountains. The area is an important bird area and Mang’alisa has a population of the threatened Usambara Eagle Owl.

TFCG's Conservation Activities

The most intense pressure on these forest is in Mang’alisa Forest Reserve where the forest is being rapidly cleared for agricultural land. In Mafwemiro and Mang’alisa there has also been significant harvesting of timber especially the Podocarpus trees.

TFCG conducted a survey of the biodiversity of the three main forest reserves during 2001. The survey recorded several species not previously known from the area and highlighted that the biodiversity significance of the area has been underetimated. Subsequently the University of Copenhagen have returned to the area and have recorded a number of undescribed species.

TFCG aims to conserve the biodiversity and water catchment values of the forests of the Rubeho Mountains through sustainable management and enhancement of the livelihood security of the forest adjacent communities. The three main objectives are: 1) To establish a system of sustainable forest management at selected sites in the Rubeho Mountains; 2) To improve awareness regarding the values of the Rubeho forests among a broad range of local and national stakeholders; and 3) To improve the livelihood sustainability of the communities surrounding the forests of the Rubehos.

TFCG urgently needs funds to conserve the forests of the Rubeho Mountains.

References

None cited.

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