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Estimation of land-use changes on Kitulo Plateau, Tanzania, using satellite imagery

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 April 2009

Jon C. Lovett
Affiliation:
Botanical Museum, University of Copenhagen, Gothersgade 130, DK-1123, Copenhagen, Denmark and Department of Botany, University of Dar es Salaam, PO Box 35060, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Erik Prins
Affiliation:
Institute of Geography, University of Copenhagen, Østervoldgade 10, DK-135O, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Abstract

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The Kitulo Plateau of southern Tanzania is a lava plateau covering 273 sq km at an altitude of over 2500 m. The vegetation is predominately grassland with more than 350 taxa of vascular plants, of which nearly 5 per cent are of restricted distribution. Although the plateau is extensive, much of it is now cultivated. Digital analysis of satellite images showed that at least 24 per cent of the plateau was bare soil, modified grassland or cultivation between 1973 and 1989. The botanical importance of the plateau and increase in cultivation make a strong case for the establishment of a nature reserve to protect its rare and threatened plants.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Fauna and Flora International 1994

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