Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
endemics. Typical miombo species include the Miombo Gray Tit, Miombo Rock-
thrush, and Bohm's Flycatcher. The herpetofauna is only moderately rich, with a
few endemic frogs and snakes, including the Angola ornate frog and the Huila for-
est tree frog and one endemic snake, Bocage's horned adder. Invertebrates (ter-
mites and caterpillars in particular) are important ecological agents in miombo
woodlands and probably remove more biomass than large mammals. Termites are
widespread and produce enormous mounds throughout the miombo region. These
mounds change soil properties and produce patches rich in nutrients and organic
matter within an otherwise nutrient-poor landscape.
In some areas like the Angolan miombo, low human populations and the
movement of many rural people to cities with better security during times of civil
war have left large stretches of habitat unaffected by human settlement. The floral
biodiversity is thus relatively well preserved, although the animals remain at risk
due to hunting. In the central Zambezian miombo woodlands, higher population
densities have degraded most of the woodlands. Bushmeat hunting, dryland agri-
culture, deforestation from charcoal production near larger towns, and mining are
increasing threats.
A number of protected areas contain miombo woodlands, but many of these
have been effectively abandoned because of long civil wars. They have become open
to poachers, human settlement, and cultivation. The impact of war on the fauna has
been catastrophic throughout Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with
few if any viable populations of large mammal species left. Several areas in Tanzania
and Zambia that contain miombo woodlands are better protected.
Mopane Woodlands
Mopane woodlands are widespread in low-lying areas of eastern Africa. Soils here
were derived from Precambrian basement rocks as well as volcanic and sedimentary
rocks. These woodlands are found primarily at low elevations on gentle slopes or the
floors of river valleys. The dominant tree is mopane, which can form dense stands.
Other trees include blackwood, leadwood, acacia, and baobab. The understory can
be dense shrub or thick grasses depending on the soil and moisture content. Mopane
provides food and shelter for African elephants that are frequently found in these
woodlands and can be a major factor in shaping the vegetation. Fire is another fac-
tor. Cattle grazing and agriculture have degraded many of these woodlands. Few are
in protective status. Government conservation areas, private game reserves, nature
reserves, and conservancies within East African countries continue to provide some
aspect of protection for the flora and fauna in this seasonal forest type.
Dry Forests of Madagascar
Dry deciduous forests are found along the western side of Madagascar, with a
small remnant forest in the north, above 3,330 ft (1,000 m). These forests are some
of the most unique forests in the world. They are high in endemic plants and
animals at the species, genera, and family levels. They are found between the
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