Forests of Tanzania
Deep within Tanzania’s emerald heart , the ancient forests whisper secrets of the past ,and their canopies a vibrant mosaic of life .
From the Eastern arc mountains to the golden Savannah of the Serengeti the forests are a tapestry of biodiversity.
These forests support local communities, attract researchers and tourists and play an important role in climate regulation.
One of the dominant forests is the Udzungwa Mountains Rainforest located in south central Tanzania . The Udzungwa mountains rainforest is a dense forest with life much of which is not found anywhere in Africa . The forest is a home to the Udzungwa red colobus monkey , Sanje created magabey and about 400 bird species like the Udzungwa forest partridge and various amphibians and reptiles .
The forest also has various tree species like gaint ferns and unique orchids . This forest is a watershed with rivers that supply the kilombero valley a major agricultural region .
More to that is the , Jozani located on Zanzibar island . The forest is famous for the Zanzibar red colobus monkeys , Zanzibar servaline genets , Sykes monkeys and bush babies . The mangrove swamps innthe forest are breeding grounds for fish , crabs and migratory birds . This forest attracts tourists from around the world who come to see it’s rare species and walk along the canopy boardwalks .
The forest faces challenges like deforestation and urban expansion however conservation efforts like eco tourism are on going to protect the forest .
Kitulo Plateau forest is another beautiful forest known for its breathtaking wilf flowers including 40 species of orchids.
The forest is Located in southern Tanzania known as “Bustani ya Mingus” or God’s Garden . The plateau is one of the most important alpine floral regions with rare flowers like kitulo gladiolus and giant lobelias .
The forest majorly supports wildlife like chameleons , butterflies and burd species like ; Denham’s bustard and kipengere seedeater . In 2005 the forest was declared into a national park to protect its botanical significance.
Gombe stream National park forest is also a famous forest in Tanzania although one of the smallest . The forest is found aling Lake Tanganyika characterized by steep valleys and dense vegetation.
The forest is famous for chimpanzees studied by Dr. Jane Goodall since the 1960s.
Other animals are ; red colobus monkeys , olive baboons , vervet monkeys and ober 200 bird species like African fish eagle and palm nut vulture .
Gombe stream National park forest invites visitors across the world for chimpanzee trekking.
Remarkably , protecting these forests does not only mean safeguarding the natural heritage but also ensures survival of incredible creatures .
