The Mahenge massif rises up to 1,040m altitude. It is entirely located within Ulanga District in Morogoro Region. The population of Mahenge is about 32,000 people. The Mahenge mountains contain 7 catchment forest reserves (Ligamba, Mahenge scarp, Mselezi, Muhulu, Myoe, Nawenge, Sali), covering some 4,956 ha. These reserves contain lowland, sub-montane and some montane forest, although most of the forests are small and often heavily degraded.
Biodiversity
In terms of biodiversity value the Mahenge massif has relatively low value with 0 strict endemic vertebrates, 2 Eastern Arc endemic vertebrates and 5 Eastern Arc endemic trees. However, not all the forests have been surveyed, with the most intensive programme being undertaken by Frontier Tanzania between 2000 and 2003.
Threats
Threats to the forests include serious fires, heavy utilisation of woody materials, and conversion to agriculture with one reserve having people living inside and causing serious forest loss.
(image: pit sawing in action)
Downloads - Mahenge Mountains
Frontier-Tanzania (2004) Bracebridge C., Fanning, E. & Howell, K.M. Nawenge Forest Reserve: A biodiversity survey. Frontier-Tanzania Environmental Research Report 109. Society for Environmental Exploration UK, University of Dar es Salaam, Forest and Beekeeping Division, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. pp. 1 – 46. (pdf)
Frontier Tanzania. 2007. Owen N. et. al.Biodiversity Research and Awareness in the lesser-known Eastern Arc Mountains (BREAM) Volume I: Mahenge Mountains Report, Ulanga District. Society for Environmental Exploration and the University of Dar es Salaam; Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund. pp 1 - 262. (pdf)
Ahrends, A. and Marchant, R., 2006.Vegetation data analysis Sali Forest Reserve. Report submitted to the Frontier Tanzania BREAM project. York Institute for Tropical Ecosystem Dynamics (KITE), Environment Department University of York, Uk. Pp. 1 - 37. (pdf)
Ahrends, A. et. al. n.d.Vegetation data analysis Mselezi Forest Reserve. Report submitted to the Frontier Tanzania BREAM project. York Institute for Tropical Ecosystem Dynamics (KITE), Environment Department University of York, Uk. pp. 1 – 47. (pdf)
Frontier Tanzania (2001) Chettleborough, J. et. al.Nambiga Forest Reserve Biodiversity and Resource Use Survey. Frontier Tanzania. Savanna Research Programme. The Society for Environmental Exploration, UK &The University of Dar es Salaam. pp. 1 – 33. (pdf)
Frontier Tanzania 2000 Chettleborough, J., Lumeta, J, Magesa, S.Community use of non timber forest products: A case study from the Kilombero Valley. Kilombero Valley Integrated Environmental Management Programme The Society for Environmental Exploration, UK &The University of Dar es Salaam. pp. 1 – 22. (pdf)
Frontier Tanzania (2004) Bracebridge C. et. al.Mahenge Scarp Forest Reserve: a biodiversity survey. 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 pp. 1 – 46. (pdf)
Frontier Tanzania. 2007. Owen N. et. al.Utafiti Wa Bioanuwai Na Ufahamu Wa Milima Ya Tao La Mashariki. Hatua Ya I. Milima Ya Mahenge Wilaya Ya Ulanga. Society for Environmental Exploration and the University of Dar es Salaam; Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund. pp 1 – 24. (pdf)
