This is a simple statement, but a true one. For this reason, we must preserve our forests for the sake of the people - and the other forms of life that depend on them. Careful management is necessary to maintain our priceless forests for future generations. Proper management, however, depends above all on knowledge. It is for this reason that teams of experts have been surveying the plant and animal life of the East Usambaras for several years now; the data they have collected will be used for the management and conservation of the area's forest reserves.

Although few new species have been recently discovered, interest in the work continues. Many species are poorly recorded, with descriptions based on few specimens. There is a sparse amount of information concerning behavior, ecology, and physiology. Some species are threatened and are likely to be lost if the forest continues to be used in an unsustainable manner. There is still much work to be done.

The people of the Tanga Region are dependent upon the forests for water to sustain their livelihoods. It is therefore vital that these forests be conserved for their social and biological values on local, national, and international scales.

The following is a report on some of the findings of E.U.B.S work in the Nilo Forest Reserve of the East Usambara Mountains.

The Flora
An are of particular interest is the moist montane forest ecosystem surrounding Nilo Peak, which is characterized by deep, spongy leaf litter, large trees and where there is minimal evidence of human disturbances. Tree ferns are scattered within the understorey, whilst parasitic epiphytes drape from the canopy. Attractive views from the peak are cast through the undergrowth down the steep sided cliffs to the village of Folo Folo.

Interesting tree species include Ocotea usambarensis [Lauraceae - cinnamon family], a tall impressive forest tree characterized by its rusty brown scaling bark and massive bole. Its leaves have a grey underside and a strong scent of camphor when crushed. Prunus africana [Rosaceae - rose family] is a tall canopy tree with a medium-sized bole.

Various species of African Violet [Saintpaulia spp.] have been observed frequently within wet, rocky areas, generally associated with cliffs and streams. They carpet the rock faces with rosettes of leaves and delicate bluish purple flowers. Plants have been observed growing directly in soil rather than on wet rocks. This famous genus is endemic to the Eastern Arc and is much loved by botanists, horticulturalists, hobby gardeners, and flower-lovers around the world.

The Fauna
Mammals: The rare Zanj Elephant Shrew [Rhynchocyon petersi] was sighted within the Lutindi area. This shy, rarely observed species is characterized by orange forequarters, graduating to a deep red with a black rump. Blue Monkey [Cercopithecus mitis] and Pied Colobus Monkey [Colobus angolensis] are commonly seen, and Yellow Baboons are often heard and observed at low altitude, close to the reserve boundaries. Tree Hyrax can be heard, calling loudly throughout the night. Genet and Bush Babies have been sighted by torchlight.

Of the small mammals, bats, rodents, and shrews have been studies at trap sites, but these animals are rarely observed by casual visitors. Of the 15 species of bat observed, most were insectivorous. These bats navigate by echo-location. Many have well developed nose-leaf structures, particularly the Horseshoe Bats [Rhonolophus spp.]. Four species of fruit bat have been recorded so far.

Reptiles: A quarter of all reptile species known to occur in Tanzania have been recorded in the East Usambaras. Species found within the Nilo Forest Reserve include an extensive array of snakes, including many endemic species such as the primitive Usambara Blind Snake [Typhlops geirrei] and impressive species such as the Forest Cobra [Naja melanoleuca] and the Gabon Viper [Bitis gabonica].

Monitor lizards, geckos, skinks, agamas, and chameleons have also been found, including the rare East Usambara Two-Horned Chameleon [Bradypodion fischeri fischeri]. The Three-Horned Chameleon [Chameleo deremensis] has also been observed. Many of these species are listed in the National Biodiversity Database as "critically endangered," because of their specific habitat requirements.

Amphibians: Nilo is particularly rich in its amphibians, with a conservative estimate of 33 species. Among the endemic species are Probreviceps macrodactylus, a burrowing species, and the tree frog-like species Callulina krefftii [Microhylids]. These are widely distributed throughout the reserve. The true toads are represented by two Bufo species, one of which is forest dependent, Bufo brauni and also the near endemic dwarf toad Nectophrynoides tornieri, which is abundant throughout the reserve. The rarely collected tree frog, Leptopelis barbouri, is dependent upon dense forest habitats and has been collected.

A lesser-known group of amphibians are the Caecilians. These unusual animals are burrowers: leg-less and snake-like. The habitat requirements of caecilians are presently poorly understood.

In total, Nilo has at least 15 endemic or near-endemic amphibian species, nearly 50 per cent of all amphibians found in the reserve.

Insects: 107 species have been recorded within Nilo Forest Reserve so far, the largest number recorded within any forest reserve surveyed by E.U.B.S.

Elegant and colorful, Swallowtails are a delight to watch. The fast and beautiful Charaxes are rarely seen; they fly high up in the sun-lit tree canopy. Many uncommon, high-altitude species have been recorded around Nilo Peak. New species to the inventory list emerge when food plants begin to flower. An incredible luminous yellow and blue caterpillar has been found. Covered in poisonous hairs, it is extremely painful to touch.

This article was prepared by the East Usambara Biodiversity Survey Team.