Bunga Forest Botanical Reserve
| Bunga Forest Botanical Reserve | |
|---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)[1] | |
 Spiny tree ferns (Cyathea manniana) in Bunga Forest | |
  location of Bunga Forest Botanical Reserve in Zimbabwe | |
| Coordinates | 19°07′59″S 32°45′09″E / 19.13306°S 32.75250°E |
| Area | 4.95 km2 (1.91 sq mi) |
| Designation | Botanical reserve |
| Designated | 1975 |
The Bunga Forest Botanical Reserve conserves mist-forest along the southern slopes of the Bvumba Mountains in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe. It is the largest conserved area in the Bvumba highlands,[2] and can be accessed from various points along the circuitous Burma Valley Road.[3] The forest was logged for timber up to the mid 20th century.
Flora[edit]
Syzygium guineense predominates the primary forest, and Dracaena fragrans is common in its shaded undershrub. Pioneer plants include Aphloia theiformis, Macaranga mellifera and Maesa lanceolata.[2] Albizia gummifera and A. schimperiana dominate the lower slopes and western rain shadow. Bracken-briar on the forest verges is populated by Pteridium aquilinum, Smilax anceps, Buddleja salviifolia, besides Vangueria and Vernonia species.[2]
Fauna[edit]
Marshall's pygmy chameleon is present, as is several range-restricted birds, including Swynnerton's robin, Stripe-cheeked greenbul, Chirinda apalis and White-tailed crested-flycatcher.
Vicinity[edit]
The Vumba Botanical Gardens, Leopard Rock Hotel, White Horse Inn, Seldomseen Cottages, Genaina Guest House and coffee shop are all in its immediate vicinity.[3] Banti Forest Reserve is situated some 22 km to the south.[4]
References[edit]
- ^ UNEP-WCMC (2022). Protected Area Profile for Bunga Forest from the World Database of Protected Areas. Accessed 18 March 2022. [1]
- ^ a b c "Bvumba Highlands". Sites - Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs). BirdLife International. Retrieved 25 November 2014.
- ^ a b "Eastern Higlands: The Bvumba Mountains". Zambezi Safari & Travel Company. Retrieved 25 November 2014.
- ^ "Banti Forest Reserve". Sites - Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs). BirdLife International. Retrieved 25 November 2014.