Abstract
This study investigated natural ecological recovery in parts of Western and Southwestern blocks of theMauForestcomplex that had experienced varied levels of disturbance. The extent and speed of regeneration in the disturbed regions since the eviction of the setter population were not known. This study thus now provides current baseline data on plant distribution, germination of soil bank seeds, and soil nutrient content. The number of tree species recorded at different levels of disturbance were in increas- ing order: moderately disturbed (MDF) > undisturbed (UDF) > heavy disturbed forest (HDF). Forest clearing reduced forest basal area and forest stocking of big trees (dbh ≥40 cm) in the HDF by more than 4 and 6 times, respectively, than those in UDF. Tree importance values indicated a reduction in commercially valuable species in HDF. Early colonizers and fire tolerant species were predominant in the HDF whereas non-commercial species dominated MDF. Viable soil seed reserves decreased with soil depth in all forests but content between 0 -20 cmsoil depth showed a potential to support regeneration. Total N, organic C and available P decreased with increase in forest disturbance. Overall, the disturbed sites showed a general potential for ecological recovery and natural regeneration to UDF status.
Highlights
The Mau Forest complex is one of the few remaining extensive tracts of natural forest in East Africa
Fifty indigenous tree species were identified in total; 38, 49 and 46 in the heavy disturbed forest (HDF), moderately disturbed forest (MDF) and undisturbed forest (UDF), respectively
Candelabrum and Syzgium guineense were the highest ranked in the MDF
Summary
It is a major species-rich forest conservation area for wild species It holds at least 61 tree species including four genera endemic to the region (Sychotria, Eugenia, Rimora and Premna), 80 climbers and shrubs [1] and four rare endangered animal species (golden cat (Profelis aurata), forest hog (Hylochoerus meinertzhageni), bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus) and yellow backed duiker (Cephalophus silvicutor). It is one of the major and crucially important water catchment areas in Kenya. More than 250,000 households comprised of small scale farmers within a 5 km distance from the forest boundary exerted considerable pressure on forest resources [3]
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