THE HIDDEN GEM OF DZALANYAMA FOREST RESERVE
Introduction
Dzalanyama Forest Reserve is approximately 60 km south-west of Lilongwe in Central Malawi, and incorporates the steep range of hills which bear the same name. Formarly known as the Central Angoni Highlands Game Reserve, the status was changed in the late 1922 and became a forest reserve to protect Lilongwe's water resource. The forest is the great place to explore, walking, trekking or mountain biking. Brachystegias ( miombo) are far the most dominant kinds of trees with 3 dominant species sometimes entirely covering large areas. Other species found including Msuku ( Uapaca ) and Clumps of Nyowe (Eugenia Cordata).
At the highest point and fringing the higher streams there are patches of montane evergreen woodland. In 1977 pine and Eucalyptus trees were introduced. The reserve is currently 989.35 sq. km with an altitude of 1100 m to 1650 m above sea level.
The forest is an important habitat for miombo birdlife and is a favourite for ornithologists where rare species like the Olive-headed weeaver, miombo pied barbet, Boulder Chat, White Tailed Flycatcher, Black Eared Seedeater, Stierling's woodpecker. The variety of flora is interesting and includes some wonderful ferns and epiphytic orchards. It is possible to stay in the heart of reserve at the Dzalanyama Forest Reserve, now under the management of Land and lakes safaris. There are natural pools and streams for a quick and refreshing dip. Land and Lake also offer a number of opportunities to volunteer at Dzalanyama and help out in the local communities.
SIGNIFICANCE OF SPECIES FOUND AT DZALANYAMA FOREST RESERVE
The species found in Dzalanyama Forest Reserve have a number of important ecological and economic roles. For example, the miombo woodland trees provide habitat for a variety of birds and other wildlife, and they are an important source of timber and fuelwood for local communities. The baobab trees are known for their edible fruits and seeds, and they are also an important source of water during the dry season. The fig trees provide food and shelter for various animals, and they play an important role in the local ecosystem by providing shade and helping to control erosion. The figure below show some of the species found inside Dzalanyama forest reserve
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DZALANYAMA FOREST RESERVE AND AGRICULTURE
There is a close relationship between Dzalanyama forest reserve and the surrounding agricultural lands. The reserve provides a number ecosystem services that benefit the local farmers, such as regulating water flows and providing a source of firewood and timber. In addition, the reserve act as a ''Carbon Sink'',absorbing and storing carbon from the atmosphere, which helps to offset emission from nearby agriculture activities. The reserve also provides a source of pollinators and seed dispersers for the local surrounding agricultural areas. So the reserve plays a crucial role in supporting the local agriculture economy.
ECONOMIC IMPORTANT OF THE FOREST TO THE PEOPLE OF MALAWI
Dzalanyama has a significant economic importance for the people of Malawi. First, the reserve is a source of income for many local people, through activities such as ecotourism, beekeeping, and sustainable harvesting of non-timber forest products. The reserve also provides a source of jobs for local people , such as tour guides, rangers, and concession managers. In addition, the reserve plays an important role im the Malawian economy by providing water for the the shire river, which is used for irrigation and hydropower. So the reserve has a significant economic impact on the lives of people.
CHALLENGES FACED BY THE FOREST AND THE PEOPLE SURROUNDING
Dzalanyama Forest Reserve faces a number of challenges, which in turn affect the people living around it. One of the biggest challenges is illegal logging and charcoal production, which has caused a decline in forest cover and threatened the biodiversity of the reserve. Additionally, agriculture expansion and settlement encroachment have led to the loss of forest area and habitat fragmentation. Another challenge is climate change, which is causing more frequent and intense droughts, and increasing the risky of forest fire. Finally, the reserve is also vulnerable to athropogenic pressure, such as as hunting, grazing,and fuelwood collection.
Deforestation inside inside Dzalanyama Forest Reserve
Malawian government has put a number of measures in place to protect Dzalanyama forest reserve. First, the reserve is protected by the law that prohibits logging, hunting, and other destructive activities within its boundaries. Additionally, the government has established a management plan for the reserve, which includes a monitoring system and a set of regulations for sustainable resource use. In addition, the government has designated several buffer zones around the reserve, which limit human activities and help to protect the biodiversity of the area. Finally, the government has established a number community-based conservation project, which help to engage local communities in the protection.
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Write's Name: HOSSANA CHIKOPA
Contact : (+265) 881 96 52 75 / 998 90 62 74
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