The Influence of Environmental and Disturbance Factors on Plant Species Diversity, Composition, and Distribution in the Lower Montane Forest of Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania

A study on the lower montane forest of Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania, reveals significant variations in plant species diversity and distribution across its western, southern, and eastern slopes. The research identifies soil pH, calcium content, clay content, potassium levels, carbon-nitrogen ratio, and silt as key environmental factors influencing plant community composition. Using Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) on data from 65 plots along 13 transects, the study found a strong gradient between these soil characteristics and plant diversity, with the western slopes exhibiting the highest species richness at an average of 17.44 species. These findings provide critical insights for the conservation and restoration efforts in this unique ecosystem.

Kikoti, I. A., Ndangalasi, H. J., & Andrew, S. M. (2025). The Influence of Environmental and Disturbance Factors on Plant Species Diversity, Composition, and Distribution in the Lower Montane Forest of Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania. Journal of Sustainable Forestry, 44(10), 1243–1268. https://doi.org/10.1080/10549811.2025.2574025