Human disturbance and impacts on Maruzi central forest reserve, Uganda.

Abstract

There is a global concern over the loss tropical forest cover and biodiversity due to human induced disturbance. The total area of forested land is decreasing globally as a result. This study was aimed at assessing human disturbance and impacts on Maruzi Central Forest Reserve (CFR). The specific objectives were to: 1) identify the types of disturbance in Maruzi CFR; 2) determine the magnitude of each type of disturbance; 3) document the impacts associated with each disturbance type; and 4) design strategies for addressing the disturbances. Data were collected within and outside the forest. Within forest data were collected in sample plots of 10m x 10m the four forest strata (Completely disturbed forest with >30% the land cultivated in more than 10 years), Heavily disturbed forest with >70% vegetation removed, lightly disturbed forest with 6-70% disturbed and Undisturbed Forest with 0-5% disturbed. Data were collected on aspects such as charcoal kiln area, stump basal area and magnitude of other disturbances.