TFCG’s work in the South Nguru Mountains

The discovery by TFCG and others between 2004 - 2006 of 16 new endemic reptile and amphibian species in the South Nguru Mountains highlights the extraordinary diversity of the mountains. Working closely with government and other civil society organizations, TFCG are leading the implementation of a landscape plan for conservation and community development in the area.

The South Nguru Mountains

Creating a vision for an extraordinary landscape

Since 2004 the Tanzania Forest Conservation Group have been supporting the conservation of the South Nguru Mountains. During that time, scientists working with TFCG have revealed at least 16 new vertebrate species endemic to these mountains. TFCG’s work has also highlighted the plight of these forests including widespread illegal logging, hunting and forest clearance. By bringing stakeholders together and with support from the Government of Denmark and the European Union, TFCG helped local communities, government and private sector to develop a vision and strategy for the landscape and to begin to put that strategy into place.

The South Nguru Landscape

The project area covers 34000 ha of Eastern Arc montane, submontane and lowland forest. Communities living immediately adjacent to the forests are predominantly small holder farmers growing bananas, yams, cardamom, cocoa and some maize. Approximately 46,000 people live within 5 km of the forest. In the lowlands there is the largest sugar plantation in Tanzania which has also drawn people into the area.

Biological Importance

The South Ngurus have 16 strictly endemic vertebrate species and 23 Eastern Arc endemic vertebrates. There are at least 53 Eastern Arc endemic species of plant in the South Nguru Mountains including an endemic African violet.

TFCG's Conservation Activities

TFCG’s aim for the area has been to improve the livelihood security of poor, natural resource dependent households and for the biodiversity and environmental services of national and international importance to be conserved. Innovative approaches have been developed and implemented for a landscape approach to the sustainable management and conservation of biodiversity-rich forests, emphasizing the role of civil society in promoting more equitable sharing of benefits between the rural poor and wealthier interest groups at national and international level.

Working in partnership

TFCG’s work in the South Nguru Mountains has been achieved through a close partnership with CARE International in Tanzania, the Forest and Beekeeping Division and local Government.