A Comparative Study of Species Richness and Abundance in Protected Areas of Malawi

Abstract

Malawi is a country in the southern part of Africa and has more than 50% of her people living in poverty. In most cases they depend on natural resources to support their daily livelihood.  This heavy   reliance on natural resources   increases the threat   on biodiversity richness and abundance.  The aim of this study was to understand current state of biodiversity richness and abundance in three protected areas (Mulanje forest reserve (Southern region), Lilongwe nature sanctuary (Central region) and Mzuzu botanic garden (Northern region)) and the effectiveness of conservation efforts that are in place. Assessing species richness and abundance is crucial in determining population trends, conservation planning, and monitoring programs in the management of protected areas (PAs). A cross sectional descriptive and explorative study with a mixed method approach was carried in these three protected areas. A questionnaire and focus group discussions (FGDs) were utilised to collect data. The study was conducted among forest reserve managers, plant identification specialists, game rangers and community members in the three protected areas. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and interview guides and analysed using Microsoft excel software. The results showed that there is low species richness and abundance in the protected areas due to anthropogenic activities. This was supported by findings which revealed low diversity indices of 1.52, 1.18 and 1.13 for Mzuzu botanic gardens, Mulanje mountain forest reserve and Lilongwe nature sanctuary respectively. To reduce the impact of anthropogenic activities, there is need to intensify day and night patrols to reduce intruders from encroaching the protected areas. Awareness campaigns on the value of the biodiversity would help reduce instances of poaching and smuggling of endangered species but also outreach programs in schools would help to instil a culture of appreciation for nature by students.  Re-afforestation programs, establishment of wood-lots and not forgetting community involvement in all activities of biodiversity conservation in the surrounding areas are of paramount importance. These would ease the pressure of over- reliance on natural resources by community members surrounding the protected areas.