Effectiveness of forest zoning on conservation of threatened tree species in Budongo Forest Reserve

Abstract

Forest zoning involving subdividing the forest to serve multiple purposes has been implemented in forest reserves to halt on forest degradation. Despite its introduction, community valued tree species are threatened with extinction. However, little is known on the effectiveness of forest zoning on conservation of threatened valuable tree species. Thus, the study assessed the effectiveness of forest zoning on conservation threatened valuable tree species in Budongo Forest Reserve, western Uganda. Specifically, the forest structure, stocking density, basal area and diameter size class distribution of threatened valuable tree species were compared among different management zones. In addition, the effect of forest structure on stocking density and basal area of these tree species was assessed. The study was carried out in August 2020 in Nyakafunjo block in the Production, Nature Reserve, Buffer and Special scientific interest zones, each serving a different purpose. Systematic sampling was adopted in laying of line transects and plots where a total of 160 plots of 600 m2 (40 in each zone) were established. Data were collected on selected threatened valuable and least concern less valuable tree species. To assess the effectiveness of forest zoning on conservation of threatened valuable tree species, the results on threatened valuable species was compared to least concern less valuable species. The results showed significant variation in forest structure among the zones. Further, the threatened valuable species and least concern less valuable species had no significant variation in stocking density among the management zones. However, the basal area of least concern less valuable species differed significantly among the management zones. Threatened valuable tree species had a nearly inverse J-shape pattern in strict nature reserve. While, least concern less valuable tree species showed a bell-shape distribution pattern in all management zones. In addition, the stocking density of threatened valuable tree species had significant positive correlation with under growth density in Special scientific interest zone. However, stocking density of least concern less valuable tree species had negative significant correlation with canopy closure in the Buffer zone. The results indicate an element of easy access combined with extractive activities in nature reserve. Implying that forest zoning is not serving the intended purpose of conserving threatened valuable tree species in Budongo forest. Therefore, conservation initiatives should be improved and strengthened among others to consider relocation of nature reserve zone and investing in more sustainable livelihood alternatives to forest adjacent communities in order to reduce on extractive pressure on the forest