Woody Plant Species Diversity And Anthropogenic Disturbances On Mahungu Green Belt Forest Reserve, Dodoma Municipality

ABSTRACT

Sustainable forest management is threatened by the ongoing human activities. A study was conducted at Mahungu Green Belt Forest Reserve (MGBFR) of Dodoma Municipality, Central Tanzania in 2015 based on the following specific objectives: (1) to identify woody plant species (2) to determine woody plant species dominance (3) to identify human activities conducted, and (4) to assess ecosystem goods and services provided by MGBFR. Systematic random sampling was used whereby 36 plots of 2,500 m2 were set in seven transects at an interval of 400 m between transects and plots. Transects and plots were laid out using a GPS and 100 m tape measure for setting plots. Woody plants were identified for their botanical nomenclature and counted for number of stems. Human activities were recorded. Shannon Wiener Diversity (H’ ) and Simpson (C) indices were adopted to assess woody plants, dominance and richness. A total of 129 woody plants were identified from 38 families including Bignoniaceae, Bombacaceae, Burseraceae, Celasteraeae, Combretaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae and Rubiaceae. 89 genera were identified including Acacia, Adansonia, Brachystegia, Burtia, Combretum, Commiphora, Euphorbia, Julbernardia, Markhamia, and Terminalia. The H’ was 4.271, C was 0.02079 with a reciprocal of 48.1. The H’ and C values revealed high woody plant species. Human activities were firewood, charcoal, grazing and trespass routes. Ecosystem services were firewood, livestock fodder, edible fruits and beatification of scenery. MGFR accommodates relatively high woody plant taxa facing various threats. Further study is needed to assess all plants of Mahungu, education provision to community, establishment of ecotourism industry to sustain the forest reserve.