Impact of artisanal gold mining on woody vegetation in Chewore South Safari Area, northern Zimbabwe

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The study assessed the impact of artisanal gold mining on the composition and structure of woody vegetation in Chewore South Safari Area (CSSA), northern Zimbabwe. The study area was stratified into two strata, namely, the mined area and the unmined area. Using random computer-generated points, 20 plots were sampled in the mined area and 20 plots were sampled in the unmined area. Each plot size measured 20 m × 30 m and the following were measured or recorded: the status of trees, tree species, species occurrences, stem circumference and tree height. Data were collected between January and February 2018. No significance differences (P > 0.05) were recorded in woody tree species diversity and tree height between the mined and unmined areas. In contrast, woody tree density (P = 0.049), basal area (P = 0.050), the occurrences of dead trees (P = 0.011) and damaged woody trees (P = 0.002) were significantly different between the mined and unmined areas. The TWINSPAN analysis divided the woody vegetation of CSSA into two groups of woody tree species assemblages, namely Colophospermum - Combretum closed woodlands on the unmined area and Colophospermum mopane - Brachystegia open woodlands on the unmined area. The study highlights that artisanal gold mining in CSSA contributes to damage and mortality of woody trees and will likely cause long term environmental disturbances and related consequences. The study recommends the need of appropriate authorities to work towards enhancing environmental awareness and enforcing policies and laws to prohibit mining in protected areas.