Author(s): David Sylvester Kacholi

Affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE), P. O. Box 2329 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract: Kimboza forest reserve is recognized as an IUCN category IV-habitat and species management area, but the information on population structure, harvesting rate and regeneration status of four commercial woody species, namely; Khaya anthotheca, Milicia excelsa, Pterocarpus angolensis and Dalbergia melanoxylon in the forest are lacking. This study, therefore, aims to fill this gap. A total of five transects were established in the forest whereby within each transect, five nested quadrats of 20 m × 20 m were placed at 200 m distance for sampling stems with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 10 cm and stumps of the target species. Stems with DBH <10 cm were counted in a quadrat of 5 m × 5 m placed within the big quadrat. The findings show that density of stems & harvesting rate for Khaya anthotheca, Milicia excelsa, Pterocarpus angolensis and Dalbergia melanoxylon were 4.8 stems ha^-1 & 6.6 stumps ha^-1, 12.6 stems ha^-1 & 3.4 stumps ha^-1, 16.0 stems ha^-1 & 2.8 stumps ha^-1, and 5.6 stems ha^-1 & 1.2 stumps ha^-1, respectively. The DBH class distribution for Khaya anthotheca, Milicia excelsa and Pterocarpus angolensis displayed a good regeneration pattern, however, the last two were interrupted in high size classes. The Dalbergia melanoxylon revealed a poor regeneration pattern. The study recommends that illegal harvest of the species should be controlled, environmental education be provided to locals, and stringent measures be institutionalized against illegal loggers.

DOI: 10.22271/2582-3744.2020.sep.94

Pages: 94-100 | Views: 1179 | Downloads: 846

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