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Replacement of native trees by the neotropical invasive tree Cedrela odorata L. in the Kimboza Forest Reserve, Tanzania

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Abstract

The last remnants of lowland forests in eastern Africa are biodiversity hotspots as they host a unique set of endemic animal and plant species. However, the diversity of the forests is threatened by man-made disturbances, including the introduction of non-native plant species. Here, we assessed the current extent and drivers of the spread of the invasive neotropical tree, Cedrela odorata L., introduced to Kimboza Forest Reserve in 1957 and 1960. We also assessed the impacts of the invasion on the composition of native tree recruitment (height < 0.5 m). The extent of invasion and drivers was assessed in 107 square plots (10 × 10 m) and 240 subplots (2 × 2 m) distributed systematically throughout the forest. The impact of C. odorata was assessed in 24 paired square sample plots (10 × 10 m) that were established in forest patches invaded and uninvaded by C. odorata. By 2017, adult C. odorata trees (diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 10 cm) occurred in 43% of plots and comprised, on average, 32% of the stems of all tree species and 28% of the basal area. The occurrence of C. odorata in the forest was significantly associated with the occurrences of wildfire and illegal logging, and significantly affected the density of native tree recruitments, Sorindeia madagascariensis and Rinorea arborea but did not affect the species diversity. Management actions are needed to reduce the negative impacts of invaded forest patches and prevent the uninvaded forest patches from invasion.

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Data Availability

The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are enclosed as suplimenatry materials.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by Rufford Small Grant. Additional funding was obtained from the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations. Thanks are due to the Tanzania Forest Service Agency administration in Morogoro Mr. S. Nyabange, F. Msokwa, C. Asenga, G. Paulo, and Mrs. E. Kunambi for the permission to undertake this study in Kimboza Forest Reserve. Thanks to Dr. P. Binggeli, Mr. A.S. Mndolwa, Mr. B. Mhulo, Mr. O. Kaaya, and Mr. S. Dongo, for assisting in field data collection. Many thanks to Dr. P. Binggeli and two anonymous reviewers for commenting on the manuscript.

Funding

The first author received funding from the Rufford Small Grant (Grant No. 157440–1) and The Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (Grant No. 3. Lygodactylus williamsi.TZA.2009–4618-A).

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  1. Department of Ecosystems and Conservation, College of Forestry, Wildlife and Tourism, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3010, Morogoro, Tanzania

    Charles Joseph Kilawe, Isaack Severin Baltazary, Barnabas Philip Malila, Paulo John Lyimo & Ezekiel Edward Mwakalukwa

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  1. Charles Joseph Kilawe
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  2. Isaack Severin Baltazary
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Correspondence to Charles Joseph Kilawe.

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Kilawe, C.J., Baltazary, I.S., Malila, B.P. et al. Replacement of native trees by the neotropical invasive tree Cedrela odorata L. in the Kimboza Forest Reserve, Tanzania. Biol Invasions 25, 3697–3710 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-023-03136-x

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