Assessment of African Blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon) Population Structure in Kilwa District, Tanzania
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Date
2021-10-30
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tanzania Journal of Science
Abstract
Overharvesting and limited conservation efforts have posed a serious threat to future availability of
Dalbergia melanoxylon in Tanzania in recent years. The study was conducted between 2018 and
2020 covering Mitarure Forest Reserve (MFR) and 2 surrounding community forests of Ngea and
Nambawala in Kilwa District. The purpose of the study was to assess the existing population status
of the species in Tanzania. A total of 36 circular plots in Mitarure and 15 plots in each community
forest were laid down. Data were recorded for the number of stems per plot, and then converted on
per hectare basis where the basal area and densities per hectare were calculated. Data was
disaggregated into 5 Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) generated distribution classes ranging from
DBH 0 to more than 45 cm. The results revealed that, there was a contrast between the Mitarure
Forest Reserve and community forests in terms of individual number of trees per unit area, basal
area and densities. The numbers of stems per hectare for the species were found to be 16, 10 and 8
stems/ha in Mitarure, Ngea and Nambawala forest, respectively. Dalbergia melanoxylon in
Mitarure forest was normally distributed. The respective basal area was over 80 m2
per ha in
Nambawala against over 60 in MFR and Ngea. The results suggest success of the communities in
conserving the species after previous overharvest. Authorities should frequently visit forests to
increase the population of the species and reduce unauthorised harvesting.
Description
Overharvesting and limited conservation efforts have posed a serious threat to future availability of Dalbergia melanoxylon in Tanzania in recent years
Keywords
Dalbegia melanoxylon, Population structure, Mitarure forest reserve, Ngea and Nambawala community forests.
Citation
https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/tjs.v47i4.10