“More people, More Trees: Social and Ecological Factors for Tree Cover Distribution in Southern Tanzania”
Niwaeli Kimambo
M.Sc. PhD Student, Department of Geography
University of Wisconsin – Madison
Time and Location
12:00pm, 206 Ingraham Hall, 1155 Observatory Drive, Madison, WI
Description
I look at tree cover trajectories for land that is under a protected status, compared to land that is under individual landholding in Southern Tanzania. Tree cover is important for improving habitat connectivity for arboreal primates. I show how natural tree re-growth is suppressed while smallholder land is rapidly transforming to woodlots. I investigate the ecological factors suppressing regeneration and the social factors leading to tree planting, and recommend incorporation of smallholders’ land use in connectivity planning.
Bio
Niwaeli Kimambo researches environmental conservation of humid forests in East Africa. She is interested in balancing livelihood concerns with wildlife wellbeing, particularly primates. She uses a wide array of methods; combining field ecology with interviews and remote sensing with statistical analysis in order to make site-specific recommendations. Her goal is to highlight conservation options that are both ecologically viable and socially equitable.