Visiting Tanzania’s Magombera Forest Reserve
Tanzania’s Magombera Forest is internationally recognized for its wide range of biodiversity and diverse landscapes, ranging from moist forests and dry woodlands, to grasslands and riparian forests that support a wealth of rare flora and fauna.
The Magombera Forest Reserve will lay the foundations for a crucial wildlife corridor between two of Tanzania’s largest protected areas, while making an important contribution to the long-term protection of one of the country’s most critical conservation priorities. Photo by Rainforest Trust/Katie Pugh.
Magombera Forest is a Key Biodiversity Area because it provides a refuge for many endemic species like the Udzungwa Red Colobus and Magombera Single-horned Chameleon. But as the land around it is rapidly converted into sugar plantations, this rare forest is in need of protection.
In 2019, Rainforest Trust and our local partner, Tanzania Forest Conservation Group, teamed up with a consortium of stakeholders to create the 6,462-acre Magombera Nature Reserve to prevent any further damage to the region.
The Magombera Nature Reserve has been listed as a very high priority by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This designation is due in large part to the presence of the Endangered Udzungwa Red Colobus Monkey (pictured above). by Rainforest Trust/Katie Pugh.
Shortly after designation, Rainforest Trust Africa Conservation Officer, Katie Pugh, travelled to the new reserve site to ensure operations were running smoothly and discuss plans to maintain sustainable livelihoods for local communities. Due to the fantastic sight-seeing and plethora of unique species that can be encountered in the forest, ecotourism was a promising opportunity.
Katie spent her days exploring the reserve, led by Rainforest Trust Guardian Herman Lyatuu (far right) and other Tanzania Forest Conservation Group staff. Photo by Rainforest Trust.
She also witnessed first-hand that the damaged forest within the reserve was recovering. “Despite the persistent threats of logging and agricultural expansion in the region, the forest in Magombera Nature Reserve is on the upswing,” said Katie. “It was very exciting and meaningful to see the benefits of the protected areas we help create first hand.”
Katie visited the reserve at night to photograph the many chameleon species in the region. Photo by Rainforest Trust/Katie Pugh.
