Bunga Forest Botanical Reserve
| Bunga Forest Botanical Reserve | |
|---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)[1] | |
| File:Cyathea manniana00.jpg Spiny tree ferns (Cyathea manniana) in Bunga Forest | |
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| 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 | edit source]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 | edit source]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 | edit source]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 | edit source]- ^ UNEP-WCMC (2022). Protected Area Profile for Bunga Forest from the World Database of Protected Areas. Accessed 18 March 2022. [1]
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