Population Patterns and Environmental Determinants of Warburgia ugandensis (Sprague) in Northern Tanzania
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Date
2025-09-15
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Abstract
Warburgia ugandensis is a valuable medicinal tree native to East Africa, yet its populations are
declining due to unsustainable harvesting and habitat degradation. Despite its ecological and
socio‐economic importance, there is limited information on its current population status and the
environmental factors shaping its distribution across different landscapes in northern Tanzania.
This study assessed the population density and distribution patterns of W. ugandensis across
selected mountainous regions (Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Ketumbeine, Mt. Monduli, Mt. Gelai, and
Mt. Longido) in northern Tanzania, and determined how these are affected by land use, elevation
gradients, and environmental factors. Data collection involved stratified random sampling across
elevation ranges (1000–2500 m a.s.l), encompassing diverse land‐use types (national parks,
forest reserves, croplands, grazing lands, and settlements). Population density significantly
varied among land‐use types, with forest reserves showing the highest densities (6.485 ± 1.628
stems/ha), significantly higher than grazing lands (1.833 ± 1.369 stems/ha). Elevation positively
correlated with density, where the highest elevations (2001–2500 m a.s.l) supported the greatest
density (6.937 ± 1.837 stems/ha). GLM analysis highlighted that elevation, temperature, soil
organic carbon, soil pH, and nitrogen significantly influenced W. ugandensis densities. Spatial
mapping revealed population hotspots around Mt. Kitumbeine and Mt. Kilimanjaro, highlighting
these as priority areas for conservation. Management strategies should prioritise high‐elevation
forest reserves, considering the critical environmental and soil parameters influencing W.
ugandensis distribution.
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG- 15: Life on Land