Bunga Forest Botanical Reserve
The Bunga Forest Botanical Reserve conserves mist-forest along the southern slopes of the Bvumba Mountains in the Eastern Highlands, Zimbabwe. It is the largest conserved area in the Bvumba highlands,[1] and can be accessed from various points along the circuitous Burma Valley Road.[2] The forest was logged for timber up to the mid 20th century.
Flora[]
Syzygium guineense predominates the primary forest, and Dracaena fragrans is common in its shaded undershrub. Pioneer plants include Aphloia theiformis, and Maesa lanceolata.[1] Albizia gummifera and 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.[1]
Fauna[]
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[]
The Vumba Botanical Gardens, Leopard Rock Hotel, White Horse Inn, Seldomseen Cottages, Genaina Guest House and coffee shop are all in its immediate vicinity.[2] is situated some 22 km to the south.[3]
References[]
- ^ a b c "Bvumba Highlands". Sites - Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs). BirdLife International. Retrieved 25 November 2014.
- ^ a b "Eastern Higlands: The Bvumba Mountains". Zambezi Safari & Travel Company. Retrieved 25 November 2014.
- ^ "Banti Forest Reserve". Sites - Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs). BirdLife International. Retrieved 25 November 2014.
Coordinates: 19°07′59″S 32°45′09″E / 19.13306°S 32.75250°E
External links[]
- Eastern Highlands
- Eastern Zimbabwe montane forest-grassland mosaic
- Mutare District
- Protected areas of Zimbabwe