Interpreting Resource Gradients and Patches for the Conservation of Woody Plant Diversity at Mt. Kasigau, Kenya

Authors

  • Kimberly E. Medley Miami University
  • Zaphania Mwandoe Moses Mwamodo, Juma Zungi, Danson Mwatate and Nashon Njege, Kasigau, KENYA
  • Moses Mwamodo Juma Zungi, Danson Mwatate and Nashon Njege, Kasigau, KENYA
  • Juma Zungi Danson Mwatate and Nashon Njege, Kasigau, KENYA
  • Danson Mwatate Nashon Njege, Kasigau, KENYA
  • Nashon Njege Nashon Njege, Kasigau, KENYA

Keywords:

East Africa, Eastern Arc Mountains, ethnobotany, forest ecology

Abstract

Biodiversity conservation at Mt. Kasigau, Kenya in the Eastern Arc Mountains relies on understanding how plants are distributed on the mountain and integrated into local livelihoods. We focus on woody plants, and ask: (1) how does resource richness change with altitude; and, (2) can resource patches be identified that prioritize plant conservation within vegetation zones? The study measured the composition, structure, and use of woody plants in 55 nested plots stratified across bushland, montane woodland, and evergreen forest. Plant uses average highest in bushland below human settlements, show greatest variation in montane woodland, and are significantly lower in evergreen forest. Resource diversity correlates with species richness along the altitudinal gradient (r= 0.89), especially for food (0.64) and construction (0.59), but also shows distinct resource patches at locations in montane woodland. Species richness patterns at Mt. Kasigau confirm a high diversity of plant communities that can be used to collaboratively guide conservation planning

Author Biography

Kimberly E. Medley, Miami University

Kim Medley is a professor of geography and affiliate in botany, the Institute of Environmental Science, and the women studies program.  She completed a Ph D in 1990 from Michigan State University on forest ecology and conservation in the Tana River Primate National Reserve, Kenya where she compiled a floristic inventory and record of local plant use by the Pokomo. At Miami University, she runs a study abroad program to Kenya, advises Kenyan students on field research, and continues her affiliation with the East African Herbarium.  In 2002, she began an ethnoecological research project at Mt. Kasigau, Kenya with funding from the National Geographic Society (2002-2003) and the Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund (2005-2007).

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Published

2010-03-13

How to Cite

Medley, K. E., Mwandoe, Z., Mwamodo, M., Zungi, J., Mwatate, D., & Njege, N. (2010). Interpreting Resource Gradients and Patches for the Conservation of Woody Plant Diversity at Mt. Kasigau, Kenya. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 8, 049–060. Retrieved from https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/379

Issue

Vol. 8 (2010)

Section

Research

License

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