| dc.description.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 | en_US |
