Project overview: Amani Nature Forest Reserve is an important global biodiversity hotspot providing ecological habitat for various endemic and critically endangered invertebrate species such as the Amani flatwing (Amanipodagrion gilliesi) and dragonfly (Micromacromia miraculosa). However, these species are at higher risk of extinction due to habitat loss caused by invasion of aggressive invasive tree species Maesopsis eminii and neglected conservation priorities. Various studies and reports have confirmed that Maesopsis invasions impoverish native forest understory and composition, modifies regeneration of native species, changes fauna species composition, accelerate soil erosion and accelerates soil PH. To save biodiversity degradation and extinction of the invertebrates in Amani Nature Forest Reserve, the project will carry out surveys of the invertebrates’ habitat conditions in relation to distribution of invasive tree species M.eminii in order to establish and map extent of habitat degradation. We will also conduct population survey to establish current numbers and range of critically endangered Amanipodagrion gilliesi and Micromacromia miraculosa of which according to IUCN are not known. We will also model future distribution of invasive M.eminii through climatic and land use scenarios to predict susceptible hotspot for invasion and restore ecological habitat for degraded invertebrate habitat through mosaic ecological approach.
Armani Nature Reserve Treydte)
Micromacromia miraculosa (Photos Anna C
Focal species
Threat status
Grant amount 2017-18
Location
Amanipodagrion gilliesi and Micromacromia miraculosa
Critically endangered
$4,000
Tanzania
47