Issue

Vol. 7 No. 2 (2018)

Date Log

Submitted
Nov 8, 2020
Accepted
Nov 8, 2020
Published
Dec 19, 2018

Floristic Similarity and Diversity Gradients in the Eastern Arc and Coastal Forests of Tanzania

https://doi.org/10.56279/jhss.v7i2.27
david kachori

Journal of Humanities & Social Science (JHSS), Vol. 7 No. 2 (2018)

Abstract

The Eastern Arc and Coastal forests of Tanzania are biodiversity hotspots, centres of endemism, and highest priority ecosystems for biodiversity conservation worldwide. But, their floristic similarity and species diversity gradients over geographical distances and longitudinal locations, respectively, are poorly understood. Thus, this study investigates the relationship between floristic similarity and geographical distances, as well as species diversity and longitudinal locations among the forests. A total of 37 inventories from the Eastern Arc and Coastal forests of Tanzania were selected based on inventories with minimum diameter at breast height (DBH) ? 10cm), and identification of trees done at species level. The floristic similarity was determined using the Sørensen’s similarity coefficient. The Pearson correlation test was used to study differences between floristic similarities and geographical distances, as well as species diversity and longitudinal location. The findings revealed three clusters of forests assembled due to their geographical proximity. The correlation between geographical distances and floristic similarities revealed a significant negative association (n = 528, R2 = 0.1821, p < 0.001), while species diversity and longitudinal location of forests had a significant positive correlation (n = 37, R2 = 0.5401, P < 0.05). The results suggest that high environmental heterogeneity across the forests should be well thought-out in their management plans to uphold their values.

Keywords

biodiversity cluster analysis conservation longitude similarity
kachori, david. (2018). Floristic Similarity and Diversity Gradients in the Eastern Arc and Coastal Forests of Tanzania. Journal of Humanities &Amp; Social Science (JHSS), 7(2). https://doi.org/10.56279/jhss.v7i2.27
Download Citation
Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS)
BibTeX
References
  1. Ahrends, A. 2005. Patterns of Degradation in Lowland Coastal Forests in Coastal Region Tanzania. MSc. thesis, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University of Greifswald, Germany.
  2. Barrantes, G. & L. Sandoval. 2009. Conceptual and Statistical Problems Associated with the Use of Diversity Indices in Ecology. International Journal of Tropical Biology, 57(3): 451–460.
  3. Beharrell, N.K., S.M. Hall & S.A. Ntemi. 2002. Vegetation in Nilo Forest Reserve: A Biodiversity Survey. pp. 12-74. East Usambara Conservation Area Management Programme, Technical Paper 53. Frontier Tanzania; Forestry and Beekeeping Divison and Metsahallitus Consulting, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Vantaa, Finland.
  4. Bohlman, A.S., W.F. Laurance, S.G. Laurancce, H.E.M. Nascimento., P.M. Fearnsie & A. Andrade. 2008. Importance of Soils, Topography and Geographic Distance in Structuring Central Amazonian Tree Communities. Journal of Vegetation Science, 19: 863–874.
  5. Bracebridge C. & A.N. Sallu. 2004. Results of Flora. A Biodiversity Survey in Mahenge Scarp Forest Reserve: pp. 12–13. Frontier Tanzania Environmental Research Report 107. Society for Environmental Exploration UK, University of Dar es Salaam, Forestry and Beekeeping Division, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. ISSN 1479–1161.
  6. Burgess, N.D. & G.P. Clarke. 2000. The Coastal Forests of Eastern Africa. IUCN: Cambridge and Gland.
  7. Burgess, N.D., T.M. Butynski, N.J. Cordeiro, N.H. Doggart, J. Fjeldsa, K.M. Howell, F.B. Kilahama, S.P. Loader, J.C. Lovett, B. Mbilinyi, M. Menegon, D.C. Moyer, E. Nashanda, A. Perkin, F. Rovero, W.T. Stanley & S.N. Stuart. 2007. The Biological Importance of the Eastern African Mountains of Tanzania and Kenya. Biological Conservation, 134: 209–231
  8. Condit, R., N. Pitman, E.G. Leigh, Jr, J. Chave, J. Terborgh, R.B. Foster, V. Percy Nunez, S. Aguilar, R. Valencia, G. Villa, H.C. Muller-Landau, E. Losos & S.P. Hubbell. 2002. Beta-Diversity in Tropical Forest Trees. Science, 295: 666–669.
  9. Condit, R., P.S. Ashton, P. Baker, S.Bunyavejchewin, S. Gunatilleke, N. Gunatilleke, S.P. Hubbell, R.B. Foster, A. Itoh, J.V. LaFrankie, H.S. Lee, E. Losos, N. Manokaran, R. Sukumar & T. Yamakura. 2000. Spatial Patterns in the Distribution of Tropical Tree Species. Science, 288: 1414–1418.
  10. Coronado, E.N.H., T.R. Baker, O.L. Phillips, N.C.A. Pitman, R.T. Pennington, R.V. Martinez, A. Monteagudo, H. Mogollon, N.D. Cardozo, M. Rios, R. Garcia-Villacorta, E. Valderrama, M. Ahuite, I. Huamantupa, D.A. Neil, W.F. Laurance, H.E.M. Nascimento, S.S. de Almeida, T.J. Killeen, L. Arroyo, P. Nunez & L.F. Alvarado. 2009. Integrating Regional and Continental Scale Comparisons of Tree Composition in Amazonian Terra Firme Forests. Biogeosciences Discuss, 6: 1421–1451
  11. Cunneyworth, P. & L. Stubblefield. 1996. Mlungui Proposed Forest Reserve: A Biodiversity Survey. East Usambara Catchment Forest Project Technical Paper No. 32. Forestry and Beekeeping Division & Finnish Forest and Park Service & Society for Environmental Exploration, Dar es Salaam, Vantaa & London.
  12. Oliveira, A.A. & D. Daly. 1999. Geographic Distribution of Tree Species in the Region of Manaus, Brazil: Implications for Regional Diversity and Conservation. Biodiversity and Conservation, 8: 1245–1259.
  13. Doggart, N., M.S. Dilger, P. Cunneyworth & E. Fanning. 1999. Vegetation in Kwamgumi Forest Reserve: A Biodiversity Survey. In East Usambara Conservation Area Management Programme Technical Paper No. 40. Frontier Tanzania: Forestry and Beekeeping Division and Metsähallitus Consulting, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Vantaa, Finland.
  14. Doody, K.Z., A. Ntemi, R. Killenga & N.K. Beharrell. 2001a. Vegetation in Mpanga Village Forest Reserve: A Biodiversity Survey. In East Usambara Conservation Area Management Programme Technical Paper No. 51. Frontier Tanzania: Forestry and Beekeeping Division and Metsähallitus Consulting, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Vantaa, Finland.
  15. Doody, K.Z., K.M. Howell & E. Fanning. 2001b. Amani Nature Reserve: A Biodiversity Survey. East Usambara Conservation Area Management Programme Technical Paper No. 52. Frontier Tanzania; Forestry and Beekeeping Division and Metsähallitus Consulting, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Vantaa, Finland.
  16. Furch, B. & H. Klinge. 1989. Chemical Relationships between Vegetation, Soil and Water in Contrasting Inundation Areas of Amazonia. In J. Proctor (ed.). Mineral Nutrients in Tropical Forest and Savanna Ecosystems. Oxford: Blackwell Scientific Publications, pp. 189–204.
  17. Gentry, A. 1988. Changes in Plant Community Diversity and Floristic Composition on Environmental and Geographical Gradients. Annals of Missouri Botanical Garden, 75(1): 1–34.
  18. Gilbert, B. & M.J. Lechowicz. 2004. Neutrality, Niches, and Dispersal in a Temperate Forest Understory. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 101: 7651–7656.
  19. Hall, S.M., S.A. Ntemi, S. Oliver, J. Smith & A. Murphy. 2002. Vegetation in Mlinga Forest Reserve: A Biodiversity Survey. In: East Usambara Conservation Area Management Programme, Technical Paper 56. Frontier Tanzania; Forestry and Beekeeping Division, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Indufor / Metsähallitus Group, Vantaa, Finland.
  20. Hubbell, S.P., J.A. Ahumada., R. Condit & R.B. Foster. 2001. Local Neighborhood Effects on Long-Term Survival of Individual Trees in a Neotropical Forest. Ecological Research, 16: 859–875.
  21. International Council of Bird Preservation (ICBP). 1992. Putting Biodiversity on the Map: Priority Areas for Global Conservation. International Council for Bird Preservation, Cambridge.
  22. Jenkins, R.K. & K. Roettcher. 2001. Forest Composition and Structure. In: Nambiga Forest Reserve Biodiversity and Resource Use Survey. Frontier Tanzania Savanna Research Programme. The Society for Environmental Exploration, UK and the University of Dar es Salaam.
  23. Junk, W.J., P.B. Bayley & R.E. Sparks. 1989. The Flood Pulse Concept in River-Floodplain Systems. Proceedings of the International Large River Symposium, Ottawa. In D. Dodge (ed). Canadian Special Publications of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 106: 110–127.
  24. Kacholi, D.S., A.M. Whitbread & M. Worbes. 2015. Diversity, Abundance, and Structure of Tree Communities in the Uluguru Forests in the Morogoro Region, Tanzania. Journal of Forestry Research, 26(3): 557–569.
  25. Leigh, E.G. 1999. Tropical Forest Ecology: A View from the Barro Colorado Island. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  26. Lovett, J.C. 1985. Moist Forests of Tanzania. Swara, 8(5): 8–9.
  27. Malimbwi, R.E., D.T.K. Shemweta., E. Zahabu., S.P. Kingazi., J.Z. Katani., & D.A. Silayo. 2005. Forest Inventory for Mvomero District, Morogoro-Tanzania. FORCONSULT. Unpublished Report.
  28. Marshall, A.R. 2008. Assessing and Restoring Biodiversity in Tanzania’s Forests. The Case of Magombera. Proceedings of the 6th TAWIRI Scientific conference, December 2007.
  29. Mittermeier, R.A., N. Myers, J.B. Thompsen, G.A.B. da Fonesca & S. Olivieri. 1998. Global Biodiversity Hotspots and Major Tropical Wilderness Areas. Conservation Biology, 12: 516–520.
  30. Mittermeier, R.A., P. Robles Gil, M. Hoffman, J. Pilgrim, T. Brooks, C.G. Mittermeier, J. Lamoreux & G.A.B. da Fonseca. 2004. Hotspots Revisited. CEMEX, Mexico City.
  31. Mori, S.A. 1991. The Guyana Lowland Floristic Province. Compte-rendu de la Societe de Biogeographie, 67: 67–75.
  32. Myers, N., R.A. Mittermeier, C.G. Mittermeier, G.A.B. da Fonseca & J. Kent. 2000. Biodiversity Hotspots for Conservation Priorities. Nature, 403: 853–858.
  33. Newmark, W.D. 2002. Conserving Biodiversity in East African Forests. A Study of the Eastern Arc Mountains. New York: Springer.
  34. Phillips O.L., P.N. Vargas, A.L. Monteagudo, A.P. Cruz, M.E.C. Zans, W.G. Sanchez, M. Yli-Halla & S. Rose. 2003. Habitat Association among Amazonian Tree Species: A Landscape-Scale Approach. Journal of Ecology, 91: 757–775.
  35. Pitman, N.C.A., J. Terborgh, M.R. Silman, P.V. Nu´n˜ez, D.A. Neill C.E. Cero´n, W.A. Palacios & M. Aulestia. 2001. Dominance and Distribution of Tree Species in Upper Amazonian Terra Firme forests. Ecology, 82: 2101–2117.
  36. —. 2002. A Comparison of Tree Species Diversity in Two Upper Amazonian Forests. Ecology, 83: 3210–3224.
  37. Prance, G.T. 1979. Notes on the Vegetation of Amazonia III. The Terminology of Amazonian Forest Types Subject to Inundation. Brittonia, 3, 26–38.
  38. —. 1994. The Use of Phytogeographic Data for Conservation Planning. Systematics and Conservation Evaluation. In P.L. Forey, C.J. Humphries & R.I. Vane-Wright (eds.). Systematic Association Special, Vol. 50. Oxford: Clarendon Press, pp. 145–163.
  39. Ricketts, T.H., E. Dinerstein, T. Boucher, T.M. Brooks, S.H. Butchart, M. Hoffmann, J.F. Lamoreux, J. Morrison, M. Parr & J.D. Pilgrim. 2005. Pinpointing and Preventing Imminent Extinctions. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA, 102 (51): 18497–18501.
  40. Salter, R.F., A.S. Ntemi, N.S. Svoboda, S. Staddon & C. Bracebridge, 2002a. Vegetation in Bombo East I Forest Reserve: A Biodiversity Survey. In: East Usambara Conservation Area Management Programme Technical Paper No. 57. Frontier Tanzania; Forestry and Beekeeping Division, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; and Indufor / Metsähallitus Group, Vantaa, Finland.
  41. —. 2002b. Vegetation in Bombo East II Forest Reserve: A Biodiversity Survey. In: East Usambara Conservation Area Management Programme Technical Paper No. 58. Frontier Tanzania; Forestry and Beekeeping Division, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; and Indufor / Metsähallitus Group, Vantaa, Finland
  42. Seaby, R.M. & P.A. Henderson. 2006. Community Analysis Package Version 4 (CAP IV). Pisces Conservation Ltd., Lymington, England.
  43. Silva, K.E., S.V. Martins., C.A.A.S. Ribeiro., N.T. Santos., C.P. de Azevedo, L. Matos., & I.L. do Amaral. 2011. Floristic Composition and Similarity of 15 Hectares in Central Amazon, Brazil. International Journal of Tropical Biology, 59(4): 1927–1938.
  44. Slik, J.W.F., A.D. Poulsen, P.S. Ashton, C.H. Cannon, K.A.O. Eichhorn, K. Kartawinata, I. Lanniari, H. Nagamasu, M. Nakagawa, M.G.L. van Nieustadt, J. Payne, Purwaningsih, A. Saridan, K. Sidiyasa, R. W. Verburg, C. O. Webb & P. Wilkie. 2003. A Floristic Analysis of the Lowland Dipterocarp Forests of Borneo. Journal of Biogeography, 30: 1517–1531.
  45. Stattersfield, A.J., M.J. Crosby, A.J. Long & D.C. Wege. 1998. Endemic Bird Areas of the World: Priorities for Biodiversity Conservation. BirdLife Conservation Series No 7. BirdLife International, Cambridge, UK.
  46. Temu, R.P.C. & S.M. Andrew. 2008. Endemism of Plants in the Uluguru Mountains, Morogoro, Tanzania. Forest Ecology and Management, 255(7): 2858–2869.
  47. Ter Steege, H., D. Sabatier, H. Castellanos, T. van Andel, J. Duivenvoorden, A.A. de Oliveira, R. Ek, R. Lilwah, P. Maas, & S. Mori. 2000. An Analysis of the Floristic Composition and Diversity of Amazonian Forests including those of the Guiana Shield. Journal of tropical Ecology, 16: 801–828.
  48. Terborgh, J. & E. Andresen. 1998. The Local Compositions of Amazonian Forests: Patterns at Local and Regional Scales. Journal of Tropical Ecology, 14: 645–664.
  49. Tuomisto, H. & K. Ruokolainen. 2005. Environmental Heterogeneity and the Diversity of Pteridophytes and Melastomataceae in Western Amazonia. Biol. Skr., 55: 37–56. ISSN 0366-3612. ISBN 87-7304-304-4.
  50. Tuomisto, H., K. Ruokolainen & M. Yli-Halla. 2003. Dispersal, Environment and Floristic Variation of Western Amazonian Forests. Science, 299: 241–244.
  51. White, F. 1983. The Vegetation of Africa. UNESCO, Paris.
  52. Wittmann, F., J. Schöngart, J.C. Montero, T. Motzer, W.J. Junk, M.T.F. Pieadade, H.L. Queiroz & M. Worbes. 2006. Tree Species Composition and Diversity Gradients in the White-Water Forests across the Amazon Basin. Journal of Biogeography, 33(8): 1334–1347
Read More
Author biographies is not available.
Download this PDF file
Statistic
Read Counter : 47