The importance of the Nilo and Nguu North forest reserves for the conservation of montane forest birds in Tanzania.

摘要

From July to October 1995, bird surveys were conducted in 2 forest reserves (FRs) in Tanzania: Nilo FR in the East Usambara Mountains and Nguu North FR in the Nguu Mountains. The survey results were used to assess the importance of the two FRs for the conservation of threatened, near-threatened and restricted range montane bird species. Possible threats to these forested areas were identified. The importance of conservation of the East Usambaras and the Nguus, compared with other forested mountainranges in Tanzania, was assessed. It was found that Nilo FR and the adjacent forested public land was an important site for the conservation of the Usambara weaver (Ploeus nicolli) and long-billed tailorbird (Orthotomus moreaui), and Nguu North FR for east coast akalat (Sheppardia gunningi). Both FRs harboured other forest-dependent species whose survival prospects would be enhanced by the improved protection of the reserves. Both FRs were subject to degradation, predominantly through pit-sawing and cultivation. It is concluded that there is an urgent need for a long-term conservation programme in these FRs, and practical recommendations for their future management are presented.