Why in news?
A century‑long study has found that the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro have lost nearly 75 percent of their native plant species since 1911. The research attributes this drastic decline to population growth and land‑use change rather than climate change.
Background
Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is Africa’s tallest mountain, rising 5,895 metres above sea level. It is a dormant stratovolcano composed of three cones: Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. The mountain lies within Kilimanjaro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is famous for its snow‑capped summit and five distinct ecological zones—from lush rainforests at the base to arid alpine deserts near the peak. Kilimanjaro is both a global trekking destination and a vital source of water and forest resources for millions of people.
Study findings
- Long‑term analysis: Researchers analysed historical maps, satellite imagery and records of nearly 3,000 plant species from 1911–2022. They found that native plant species density on the mountain’s lower slopes fell by about three‑quarters per square kilometre.
- Population pressure: Human population density in the region increased from around 30 people per square kilometre in 1913 to about 430 by 2022. Expansion of farms and settlements led to large‑scale clearing of natural vegetation.
- Land‑use change: Conversion of forests and grasslands into agricultural land and urban areas, rather than warming temperatures, was identified as the main driver of biodiversity loss. The study noted that climate change did not measurably influence species richness during the period examined.
- Mitigation strategies: Traditional agroforestry practices and well‑managed protected areas were found to support higher plant diversity. Researchers called for conservation policies that address socio‑economic drivers of habitat loss.
Significance
The findings highlight the importance of sustainable land‑use planning around Mount Kilimanjaro. Protecting forests and integrating agriculture with conservation can help safeguard biodiversity and the ecosystem services on which local communities depend. The study also serves as a reminder that human activities, rather than climate alone, often drive ecological change.
Source: India Today