West Usambara Mountains (7034)
Tanzania, Africa
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1e, B2
Year of last assessment: 2024
National site name: West Usambara Mountains
Central coordinates: Latitude: -4.7270, Longitude: 38.3017
System: terrestrial, freshwater
Area of KBA (km2): 375.61069
Protected area coverage (%): 87.14
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The West Usambaras are a steep-sided block, oriented from south-east to north-west and rising from the edge of the coastal lowlands and central plateau at around 400–800 m. They have one main internal drainage system via the Umba river which flows eastwards from the north-eastern edge of the mountains. To the north lies Mkomazi Game Reserve, to the north-west the Pare mountains, to the south-east the East Usambara and to the south the Pangani river valley which separates the mountains from the dry Acacia–Commiphora scrub of the Masai steppe.The western scarp is characterized by impressive sheer cliffs, often with remnant forest along the rim and extending down the many stream-eroded valleys into drier woodland at the base of the hills. The plateau has been extensively cultivated, especially around Lushoto, the district capital. Cultivation has increased significantly during the last few decades, especially noticeable in marginal land and along river valleys. The remaining forest is fragmented into many small blocks with only two large tracts remaining, both of which are under considerable pressure.The Forest Division list 27 Forest Reserves for Lushoto District. However, many of these are very small and others are production forests. Those that are significant, or are thought to be so, are Shagayu (6,223 ha protected), Shume Magamba (11,567 ha protected), Balangai West (1,074 ha), Kisimagonja (1,440 ha, badly degraded), Mjusu (3,670 ha, badly degraded), Ndelemai (3,554 ha), Bombo West (3,565 ha), Bumba Mavumbi (1,056 ha), Lutindi (2,176 ha), Mafi Hill (2,671 ha) and Ndolwa (1,173 ha). Only for Shagayu, Shume Magamba and Mafi is there anything like a complete bird inventory.In addition, there are two privately-owned forests of major ornithological importance, and are included in the IBA: Ambangulu Tea Estate, which is virtually all that remains of the lower altitude forest; and Mazumbai, which is upper montane forest. Many of the natural forests have been degraded and destroyed, particularly at lower altitudes, where few remain. The human population is increasing and the poor agricultural methods of farming slopes do not prevent loss of topsoil during heavy rains. Pit-sawing and pole-cutting are further threats. A German-supported project has been working in the area for a number of years to improve agricultural practice and to include tree-planting on farms. There are also some local initiatives that involve planting fast-growing exotic trees such as Eucalyptus and Grevillia.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site contains the entire known populations of five amphibians (Arthroleptis fichika, Arthroleptis tanneri, Callulina kisiwamsitu, Hyperolius tanneri, and Nectophrynoides vestergaardi), one bird (Sheppardia montana) and one plant (Encephalartos sclavoi). Additionally, four birds (Anthreptes rubritorques, Cinnyris usambaricus, Phyllastrephus albigula, and Ploceus nicolli) meet B2 and six amphibians, 47 birds, two invertebrates, four mammals, forty plants, and one reptile meet legacy KBA criteria and are in need of reassessment.
Manageability of the site: Over 3/4 of this site is covered by a series of Forest Reserves.
Delineation rationale: Site was identified as a KBA in 2001 and as an AZE during the 2015-2018 AZE project. A delineation rationale is not available.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 1 | |
| Shrubland | 3 | |
| Forest | 94 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Small-holder farming | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Logging & wood harvesting | Unintentional effects: subsistence/small scale (species being assessed is not the target) [harvest] | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Shifting agriculture | Only in the past and unlikely to return |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Agro-industry farming | Only in the past and unlikely to return |
| Natural system modifications | Fire & fire suppression | Increase in fire frequency/intensity | Only in the future |
| Residential & commercial development | Housing & urban areas | Only in the future | |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Only in the future | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Utility & service lines | Only in the future | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Only in the future | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Work & other activities | Only in the future | |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Small-holder farming | Only in the future |