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AN ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE HEALTH OF THE CHIBUTO- MISSAVENE WETLAND IN THE DRY SEASON, MOZAMBIQUE - EMPHASIS ON RESOURCES ASSESSMENT, UTILIZATION AND SUSTAINABILITY ANALYSIS

For the project:

WETLANDS-BASED LIVELIHOODS IN THE LIMPOPO BASIN: BALANCING SOCIAL WELFARE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY

Salomão Bandeira, Alice Massingue Manjate & Osvaldo Filipe Universidade Eduardo Mondlane Dept of Biological Sciences, PO Box 257, Maputo, Mozambique. Tel: 258 21491223 Email: [email protected]

August 2006

An ecological assessment of the health of the Chibuto-Missavene wetland in the dry Season, Mozambique - emphasis on resources assessment, utilization and sustainability analysis

By Dr. Salomão Bandeira Assistant professor in botany, Dept. of Biological Sciences, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, P.O. Box 257, Maputo, MOZAMBIQUE. Email: [email protected]

Lic. Alice Massingue Manjate Lecturer, Dept. of Biological Sciences, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, P.O. Box 257, Maputo, MOZAMBIQUE. Email: [email protected]

Lic. Osvaldo Filipe, Dept. of Biological Sciences, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, P.O. Box 257, Maputo, MOZAMBIQUE.

Colaborator:

Ernesto Boana, Dept of Biological Sciences, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, PO Box 257, Maputo, Mozambique.

2 SUMMARY

This document is a case study of ecological assessment of the health of the Chibuto- Missavene wetland (Mozambique) in the dry season and, envisaged plant resources description including aliens, faunal survey and threatened groups; exploitation of natural resources, its sustainability use and to provide a framework for monitoring and analysis of data to assess changes in wetland health due to livelihood-supporting activities overtime. Field data were collected in June 2006.

85 plant species (16% being shrubs or trees, and around 84% herbs or succulent) were identified at Chibuto-Missavene wetland. They occurred in three types of habitats viz. lake, dry land and hill, the first one with fewer species (14% of total). The lake area was dominated by the herbaceous groups such as Typha capensis, Phragmites mauritianus, Scirpus maritimus. Typha capensis; the dry land, area where most pasture took place, with species such as Diandrochloa namaquensis, Panicum sp, Cynodon dactylon. The hill side mainly with Pulchea dioscorides, Lippia javanica, Xanthium strumarium. 27% of the plants were used either as medicinal or non-medicinal plants. Edible plants included the wild fruits of Diospyros squarrosa, the tuber of Nymphaea caeruela and the leaves of Sonchrus oleraceous. The slender reed Phagmites maritianus is probably the massive resource in the site mainly used for building toilets, kitchen and granaries. Most of the people at Chibuto rely on agriculture and cattle undertaken within Missavene wetland and surrounding areas. As average 2.4 tones per hectare of grass were estimated in this area with hundred of cattle daily. High grazing value pasture include the grasses Cynodon dactylon, Panicum maximum, Setaria incrassata and Urochloa mossabicensis. 12 species of alien were documented during dry season and the most common were Sesbania sesban, Xhantium strumarium and Parthenium hysterophorus; all covering up to 5 hectares. Faunal assessment has, in the dry season, targeted most common birds observed in the wetland. Highlight to cattle egret, ibis, heron, storks and ducks. Rats and snakes were also observed as well as one snail and millipede.

Assessment of the sustainability and health of Chibuto-Missavene indicated recovering of reeds; reduction of cultivated areas due also to extensive cattle and grazing activities; reduction of rats and snakes due to wild fires and general reduction of firewood due to decrease of natural shrubs and trees. Bird population appears to have kept although in dry season occurring in small numbers due to given reduction of wet places.

The framework for monitoring and analysis of data to assess changes in wetland health due to liveliwood-supporting activities tacled the following: biodiversity of indigeneous and alien plant species utilized as people liveliwood; area coverage of these plants; assessment of fauna exploited in the wetland; ecosystem goods and services provided. Various goods and few services are described for this wetland. The role of wild fires and how are they controlled, further details of historical background of recourse use, level of satisfaction of the local users of the wetland are briefly documented.

Table of contents

Contents Page Number I. Background and Introduction 5 II. Terms of Reference 5

III Methodology 6

IV. Results and Discussion 9

1-Habitat description of Indigenous plant resources 9

2- Plant resources diversity, ecological parameters and biomass 12 studies

3- Alien/”invasive” plants at Chibuto-Missavene wetlands 16

4-Threatened /concern species groups 18

5- Value of the wetland as pastureland 18

6- Valuation of resources 19

7- Sustainability and health of the wetland 22

8- Framework for monitoring wetland health 23

V. Concluding Remarks 24

VI. References/Bibliography 25

4 I. BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION

This study was undertaken at Chibuto-Missavene wetland, located between Chibuto village and Changane/Munwana river. The document is a case study of a project being implemented within Limpopo basin in both Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Wetlands play globally a key role as rich habitats and nurseries for fauna. Plant and animal species may find themselves dependent to these fragile environments, hence some species being threatened. In addition, wetlands are very valuable from a food, livelihoods perspective given their generally rich soil and year-sound moisture. In southern Africa, given the recurrent droughts, wetlands may be seen as sanctuary and underlying food security for people. The wise use of wetlands is defined as their sustainable utilization for the benefit of humankind in a way compatible with the maintenance of the natural properties of the ecosystem (Ramsar Convention Secretariat, 2004). Despite a key role played by wetlands, examples of unwise use of the wetlands for food production have impact on the health of wetlands and the ecosystem services that wetlands provide (see Kotze, 2005).

Wetlands in Mozambique can be divided into coastal and inland wetlands; the first one being generally saline or with brackish waters, whereas the inland encompasses water bodies from lakes or rivers such as Limpopo-Changane complex near Chibuto village. Exception is that this complex has rather high content of salt which led to the classification of the vegetation in Changane river as halophytic vegetation (salt tolerant plants) (Wild and Barbosa 1967). As many villages in Mozambique, Chibuto sustains considerable population relying on land-based activities such as agriculture and extraction of natural products from underlying vegetation and water course. The Missavene wetland located between Changane river and Chibuto village is quite a complex system where fresh water is sustained by underlying hills and preventing of salt intrusion from the Changane (=Munwana) river. Chibuto village is one of the largest in Mozambique sustaning up to 177294 habitants (with 52% being women). The census of 1997 have also indicated existence of an average of 14.8 people /ha in Chibuto area. Most of the people in Chibuto rely on agriculture and cattling undertaken within Missavene wetland and surroundings areas. In this context, Chibuto wetlands play a major role as sensitive habitats that have to sustain livelihood practices. The assessment given in this report forms part of the ecological component of this study, and takes place in Chibuto-Missavene wetlands situated between Changane river and Chibuto hills, approximately 300 km north Maputo, capital of Mozambique.

II. TERMS OF REFERENCE

A. to conduct a dry season ecological assessment of the Chibuto-Missawene wetland with emphasis given to (i) plant resources description including aliens "invasive, threatened groups; (ii) insight to exploitation of natural resources (both plants and animal resources);; (iv) studies on sustainability and health of the wetland based on description of environmental security.

5 B. to design a framework for monitoring and analysis of data to assess changes in wetland health due to liveliwood-supporting activities overtime.

III. METHODOLOGY

Wetland health concept includes consideration of ecological processes in relation to the primary components of a wetland namely: hydrology, germofological and vegetation. This report enphasis on ecological components.

1. Description of Resources

Identification of plant species diversity (including herbaceous and aquatic plants)

This was carried out using mainly: 1. Literature such as Flora Zambesiaca, Flora of Tropical East Africa, Flora of South Africa, Flora of Swaziland. The procedure included built up of a standard herbarium collection of the flowering plants of the wetland that needed to be identified in the Herbarium. Only plants with flowers or fruits were collected, dried and mounted in herbarium paper. Field identification carried out with the involvement of Herbarium technicians. Additional literature was also used both for trees and shrubs such as Van Wyk 2000, Coats-Palgrave 2002 or herbacious plants ( e.g. Gibbs et al 1999 for grasses).

Vernacular names were identified with the help of parataxonomists, local persons who know the name of local plants and their uses. De Koning (1993) was the main reference book used.

Identification of the plant communities, species abundance, biomass, grass palatability and other Ecological parameters

Plant diversity quantification per area unity was also undertaken in order to assess species diversity (indigenous and alien species). Grasses, other herbaceous plants and woody vegetation were assessed. Quadrates of 1m x 1m undertaken for grass (7 quadrates made), 10m x 10m area for woody vegetation (10 quadrates made). This followed standard techniques (see e.g. Dombois and Ellenberg, 1974, Bonham, 1989). After that we used richness of species for calculation of diversity index (Kent & Coker, 1994). Other parameters measured were: vegetation type, species abundance, dominance, and cover percentage (see. Dombois and Ellenberg, 1974). Appropriate formulas and matrix were used for this. Percentage cover calculated using standard botanical index of percentage cover.

The diversity of grasses was carried out using mainly: Estimation of grasses biomass with the usage of the disc pasture meter. The Disc pasture meter (DPM) developed by Brandy and Tainton (1977), is used to estimate grass fuel loads in African grassland and savannas. This technique involves setting the heights of an aluminum disc dropped onto the grass, then, with a conversion table this height is

6 translated into biomass per hectare. 300 readings of Disc pasture meter in a hectare were conducted. 2 hectares reading were conducted. DPM, which was developed in the Kruger National Park, has been successfully calibrated for much of the grasslands and savannas in the southern and east Africa. Field experience and calibration of DPM was carried out in Kruger National Park (Trollope & Potgieter, 1986).

Grass palatability was identified using standard references for grass quality in southern Africa (e.g. Russell et al. 1990; Oudtshoorn, 1999)

Identification of invasive/alien plants, factors affecting their success, dispersal mechanisms and evaluate their threat to the vegetation types

Invasive plants are organisms that do not occur naturally in determinate area, but they are introduced deliberately or unconsciously in an area mainly by humans. In many cases these species cause threat for biodiversity and constitutes a second cause of habitat loses. In Mozambique some of these species were introduced deliberately for commercial purposes for agricultural, catlle, agro-forestry (e.g Leucaena leucoceplala, Azadiracta indica, and others) another for ornamental purpose (e.g Lantana camara), for conservation or as wind breaker (Casuarina equisetifolia). Some of these species can sometimes causes threat but are very important in economic, social and ecologic aspects (Relatorio Preliminar Sobre Especies Invasivas, 2004). Invasive true aquatic plants include Salvinia sp, Eichornia crassipes (water hyacinth) .

Invasive plants will be identified using mainly the already existing list of these harmfull plants (e.g Bromilow,1995, Hederson, 2001 and Henderson & Cilliers, 2002). See extensive literature published for South Africa and some for East Africa.

Invasiveness of these plants will be documented as well.

Faunal species: diversity and abundance of birds, mollusca and insects

The diversity of fauna, more specifically birds, mollusks and insect populations are the the main target aspects for understanding habitat degradation. This, given the importance of the taxa above in describing both health and transformation in a wetland habitat.

Birds were identified and quantified using standard Methods such as those on Roberts guides or V Parker, bird book from southern Mozambique (e.g Parker, 1999, Sinclair 1993)

Molluscs were also studied to understand changes since described as good indicators of habitat degradation.

Insect studies Ecological insect measurements were used to assess the numbers of insect species in communities, number of individuals of various insect species and also to compare

7 communities in regards to their insect species diversity and abundance as recommended by Southwood (1978), Carvalho (1986) and Lara (1992).

2. Resources utilization

8 adult people from Chibuto who live and use Missavene wetland were interviewed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and the main aspects covered were: main activities conducted in the wetland with the plant and animal resources, main harvest products (medicinal and non-medicinal), historical background of the wetland.

3. Sustainability analysis

Vegetation component of wetland health was assessed by evaluating changes in vegetation composition as consequence of current and historic onsite disturbance. Assessment of the vegetation includes consideration of the total removal of the indigenous vegetation and its replacement (notably by planted crops) as well as the extent to which areas of natural or semi-natural vegetation have altered composition through increased abundance or invasive plants. On animal side, existing disturbance are documented and preliminary assessment of its effect is undertaken.

4. to design a framework for monitoring and analysis of data to assess changes in wetland health due to liveliwood-supporting activities overtime.

This will encopass aspects described below: (i) biodiversity of indigeneous and alien plant species utilized as people liveliwood. (ii) Area coverage of the plant (iii) Assessment of faunal aspects exploited in the wetland (iv) Ecosystem goods and services provided. Various goods are described for a wetland. Interviews will held clarify type of services derived by this wetland (v) Further analysis will include ecological processes or properties of this wetland.

8 IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

1. Habit description of Indigenous Plant Resources

Within the wetland, three major plant ecological associations were observed viz (i) lake areas including inundated places in dry season; extensive relatively dry places and (iii) small hill.

The lake area is the shallowest site within Missavene wetland. Two interconnected small lakes were observed, one of them near the main road to Guijá (West of Chibuto). Main plant groups observed here included reeds (Phragmites mauritianus); the math reed (Typha capensis) and in deeper places dominated by the water liliies (Nymphaea sp.). Other common species included the sea lectuce (Pistia stratoides), sedge (Cyperus spp) and Lemna sp. Table 1 summarizes the most common species for per habitat/community. Ecological measurements comes under the heading of ecological parameters below.

The dry land covered most of the Missavene wetland in Chibuto down side. This place could further be divided into two major areas: one being the driest and the highest in comparison; with dominant species being Xanthium Strumarium and Pulchea pubescens. The lowest part of the dry land was dominated by grass groups such as Cynodon dacylon, Panicum sp. and Parthenium hysterophorus. Abutilon guineensis, a member of Malvaceae, occured here as well. A bit lower, groups such as Cyperus spp. which connected with the lake, were common species here.

The hill area is located quite at the middle of the wetland. This place seems to have never got submerged even during heavy rains. Common plant species were shrubs such as Catunaregamum spinosa (Rubiaceae), Pulchea pubescens, Lippia javanica. Additional species included Hibiscus densiflorus, Acacia xanthophloea.

Table 1. Common plant species within the main habitats/communities

Species Lake Dry land Hill Abelmoschus esculentus X Abutilon guineense X Acacia xantophloea X Acorstichum aureum X Alternanthera sessilis X Argemone mexicana X Asparagus africanus X Asparagus racemosus X Barleria obtusa X Boerhavia erecta X Calotropis procera X Catunaregam spinosa X Centella asiatica X Cf. Vernonia X Clematis viridiflora X Corchorus triloculares X Craspedorhachis rhodesiana X Cynodon dactylon X Cyperus imbricatus X Cyperus prolifer X Dalbergia sp. X Diospyros squarrosa X Ehretia amoena X X Eleocharis decoriglumis Eleusine indica X Eriosema psoraleoides X Euclea natalensis X Euphorbia hirta X Euphorbia tirucalli X Ficus sycomorus X Fimbristylis bisumbellata X Flagellaria guineensis X Fuirena ciliares X Gossypium herbaceum X Grewia sp. X

10 Hibiscus cannabinus X Hibiscus densiflorus X Indigofera arrecta X Ipomoea aquatica X Justicia flava X Kalanchoe lanceolata X Lantana camara X Limnophyton obtusifolium X Lippia javanica X Lippia nodiflora X Ludwigia sp. X Maclura africana X Maerua angolensis X Maytenus senegalensis X Maytenus senegalensis X Maytenus sp X Mimosa pigra X Mullogo cerviana X Nymphaea caerulea Panicum maximum X Parthenium hysterophorus X Phragmites mauritianus X Phyllanthus cf amarus X Phyllanthus reticulata X Pistia stratoides X Pluchea dioscoridis X Pyrrosia schimperiana X Rhichonsia albissima X Senna occidentalis X Sesbania sesban X Setaria incrassata X Sida alba X Solanum panduriforme X Solanum tomentosum X Sonchus cf oleraceous X Tamarindus indica X Tridax procumbens X Typha capensis X

11 Urena lobata X Urochloa mossabicensis X Waltheria indica X Xhantium strumarium X

Other common groups within wetland areas include the fever tree (Acacia xanthophloea), mostly now seen in regeneration size or as shrubs. Succulents groups probably associated or adapted to the saline water intrusions from Changane river include Euphorbia hirta. Common climbers were Cardiospermum halicacabum occuring mostly in dry land.

2. Plant Resources Diversity, ecological parameters and biomass studies

85 plant species were identified within the Missavene wetland (Table 2). These were grouped into 25 plant families, with the most common being Fabaceae, Poaceae, Malvaceae, Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Cyperaceae and Verbenaceae. Most of the plant were terrestrial or land plants. Aquatic and semi-aquatic groups occurred in smaller numbers.

Table 2. Plant scientific names, families, common names, habitus (=appearance per species Vernacular name (in Scientific names XiChagana)* Family Habitus Abelmoschus esculentus Mandande Malvaceae Herb Abutilon guineense - Malvaceae Herb Acacia xantophloea - Fabaceae tree Achyranthes aspera Ndokote Amaranthaceae herb Alternanthera sessilis Bolowolo Amaranthaceae Herb Asparagus africanus - Liliceae Herb Asparagus racemosus - Liliceae Herb Aspillia sp. Asteraceae Shrub Barleria obtusa - Acanthaceae Herb Blepharis aspera - Acanthaceae herb Boerhavia erecta Mdja nguluve Nyctagenaceae Herb Calotropis procera - Asclepedaceae Herb Cardiospermum halicacabum - Sapindaceae Climber Catunaregam spinosa Xirole Rubiaceae Shrub Centella asiatica - Apiacea Herb Chloris virgata - Poaceae herb Clematis viridiflora Mucoca Ranunceae Herb Corchorus triloculares Guché Tiliaceae Herb

12 Craspedorhachis rhodesiana Poaceae Herb Crotolaria laburnifolia - Fabaceae Shrub Cynodon dactylon Chipetzo Poaceae Herb Cyperus imbricatus - Cyperaceae Herb Cyperus prolifer - Cyperaceae Herb Dalbergia sp. Leguminosae Shrub Diandrochloa namaquensis - Poaceae Herb Dinebra retroflexa - Poaceaae Herb Diospyros squarrosa - Ebenaceae Herb Ehretia amoena Ehretiaceae Shrub Eleusine indica - Poaceae Herb Eriosema psoraleoides - Fabaceae Herb Euclea natalensis mulala Ebenaceae Shrub Euphorbia hirta - Euphorbiaceae Herb Euphorbia tirucalli Menjeve Euphorbiaceae Herb Ficus sycomorus Moraceae tree Fimbristylis bisumbellata Cyperaceae Herb Flagellaria guineensis Flagellariaceae Herb Fuirena ciliares -- Cyperaceae Herb Gossypium herbaceum Tonge Malvaceae Herb Grewia sp. - Tiliaceae Herb Hibiscus micranthus Richaladza Malvaceae Herb Hibiscus densiflorus Bunda Malvaceae Herb Indigofera arrecta - Fabaceae Herb Ipomoea aquatica Tsimba-tsimbane Convolvulaceae Herb Justicia flava Acanthaceae Herb - Succulent Kalanchoe lanceolata Crassulaceae Lantana camara Ximunhamunhane Verbenaceae Shrub Limnophyton obtusifolium - Alismataceae Herb Lippia javanica - Verbenaceae Herb Lippia nodiflora Avezem Verbenaceae Shrub Ludwigia sp. - Onagraceae Herb Maclura africana Moraceae Shurb Maerua angolensis Capparaceae Shurb Maytenus senegalensis Chichangua Celestraceae Shrub Maytenus sp. - Celastraceae Herb Mimosa pigra - Fabaceae Herb Mullogo cerviana - Mulloginaceae Herb Nymphaea caerulea Nympaeaceae Herb

13 Panicum maximum chiunze Poaceae Herb Panicum sp - Poaceae Herb Parthenium hysterophorus Tsotsongori Asteraceae Herb Phragmites mauritianus Gondze Poaceae Herb Phyllanthus cf amarus - Euphorbiaceae Herb Phyllanthus reticulatus - Euphorbiaceae Herb Pistia stratioides - Araceae Herb Pluchea dioscoridis Vimba Asteraceae Herb Pyrrosia schimperiana - Polypodiaceae Herb Rhynchonsia albissima - Fabaceae Climbing Ricinus communis Hlafura Euphorbiaceae Herb Scirpus maritimus - Cyperaceae herb Scirpus maritimus - Cyperaceae Herb Senna occidentalis - Fabaceae Herb Sesbania sesban Secassica Fabaceae Herb Setaria incrassata Cununo Poaceae Herb Sida alba - Malvaceae Herb Solanum panduriforme Mtuma solanaceae Herb Solanum tomentosum - solanaceae Herb Sonchus cf oleraceous guche Compositae Herb Tamarindus indica Mutamarinho Fabaceae Shrub Tridax procumbens Asteraceae Herb Typha capensis - Typhaceae Herb Urena lobata - Malvaceae Herb Urochloa mossambicensis Mbavane Poaceae Herb Vernonia centaureoides - Asteraceae Herb Waltheria indica - Sterculiaceae Herb Xhantium strumarium Gudja-gudja. Asteraceae Shrub * Based on interviews and on the book “Checklist of Vernacular Plant Names in Mozambique”, by de Koning (1993).

The biomass obtained in Chibuto Wetland (Missavene) was: 2412,33 kg/ha. This wetland was seen sustaing hundreds of cattle and goats.

Dominant species are presented in the Table below. In dry land, area where most pasture take place, the dominant species were: Diandrochloa namaquensis, Panicum sp, Cynodon dactylon. Diandrochloa namaquensis. The lake area was dominated by the herbaceous groups such as Typha capensis, Phragmites mauritianus, Scirpus maritimus. Typha capensis, the most dominant species. The hill side it was dominated by Pulchea dioscorides. Other species common were Lippia javanica, Xanthium strumarium. Below is reflected the relative abundance of the species within the main habitat types.

Table 3. Dominat species in the habitats Species Dryland lake hill Cynodon dactylon + Diandrochloa +++ namaquensis. Lippia javanica, + Panicum sp. + Phragmites +++ mauritianus Pulchea dioscorides +++ Scirpus maritimus + Typha capensis, + Xanthium + strumarium

The smaller and bigger quadrates have also given information on percentage cover, per each species, as shown in the Table below. Data on Lippia javanica and Pulchea dioscorides were generated from 10x10 quadrates. * = woody species

Table 4. Percentage cover per herbaceous species. Especies Average cover abundance (%) Panicum sp. 10-30 Scirpus maritimus 10-40 Blepharis aspera 10-40 Parthenium hysterophorus 20-40 Lippia javanica* 20-50 Phragmites mauritianus 40-75 Setaria incrassata 40-75 Diandrochloa namaquensis 40-75 Pulchea dioscorides* 40-75 Typha capensis 50-80 Cynodon dactylon 5-10 Eleusine indica 5-10 Panicum maximum 5-10 Urochloa mossambicensis 5-10 Chloris virgata 5-10 Dinebra retroflexa* 5-10

15 The species with highest percentage cover were those forming dense patches and usually tall species such as Phragmites mauritianus, Setaria incrassata, Diandrochloa namaquensis and Pulchea dioscorides; the last species being rather shrubby. Smaller percentage cover occurred with species occurring in relatively intensively grazed areas in dry areas of the wetland location. Exampes were Cynodon dactylon, Eleusine indica, Panicum maximum, Urochloa mossambicensis and Chloris virgata

A significant proportion of Chibuto-Missavene wetland is used for rice cultivation. Around only 10% of the wetland can be regarded as having ruther semi-intact natural vegetation.

3. Aliens / "Invasive” Plants of Chibuto-Missawene wetlands

Allien species correspond to those non-indigenous species that have adapted to thrive and invade areas some of then at the expense of indigenous species. At least 12 alien plants species were identified within the wetland area. Below is the summary information of the Invasive plant species of Chibuto. The table below summarizes the information on alien species giving emphasis to historical background of this plant as well as its invasiveness in the Missavene wetland

Table 5. Summary of the invasive species recorded at Chibuto. Species Origin Observed Extension of environment in coverage the field America Dry land + Argemone (Argentina) mexicana

Central and +++ Xhantium South strumarium America Madagascar Dry land + Catharanthus roseus Brazil Dry land +++ Sesbania sesban Cataranthus Madagascar + rosea Centella asiatica America Wet land edge ++ Eleusine indica Dry land + Lantana camara Central and Dry land + South America

16 Mimosa pigra America Dry land + tropical Parthenium Caribbean Dry land +++ hysterophorus Pistia stratoides America On the cannals ++ Ricinnus NE & Dry land + communis tropical Africa +++ = very extensive ++ = moderate + = small coverage

Xhantium strumarium, (composite family), common alien in various part of the country. Within the study area this occurred in the upper areas away from the lake. This place seems to get wet only within rainy season.

Castor oil, Ricunnus communis (Euphorbiaceae), an African alien but not widespread.

Centella asiatica, introduced from America was found in the shores of the lake. At Chibuto this species did not appeared to be actively invading new areas as few plants were observed.

Parthenium hysterophorus (Asteraceae) – extensive areas were dominated by this species in areas in dry areas.

Boerhavia erecta – introduced group in Mozambique but did not look like invasive in the study area . Eleusine indica (Poaceae)– introduced group in Mozambique but did not look like invasive in the study area.

Lantana camara (Verbenaceae) – introduced in Mozambique and a well known invasive species in many countries in Africa.

Catharanthus roseus - Periwinkle and invasive from Madagascar

Argemone mexicana – invasive in all tropical África. Native to Argentina.

Crop plants were not regarded as alien mainly because they require an intervention of cultivation in order to thrive at Chibuto. Examples of minor crop plants here was Abelmoscus esculentus.

The most abundant invasive plant in the entire wetland were Sesbania sesban, Xhantium strumarium and Parthenium hysterophorus. Those species appears to cover more than 5 hectares.

4. Threatened /concern species groups

Within the wetland we have so far identified few species that are of concern or threatened:

Hibiscus herbaceum – also known as indigenous cotton and, according to Red data book list (Izidine and Bandeira 2002), this species is considered as lower risk at global scale. Few individuals were observed at Chibuto.

Ficus sycomorus – a riverine ficus and, according to Red data book list (Izidine and Bandeira 2002), this species is considered as lower risk at global scale. Few individuals were observed at Chibuto.

- Hibiscus densiflorus: a blue spectacular flower, the plant belonging to Malvaceae plant family. This species occurs in fresh or brackish water ways in southern Mozambique.

- fever tree (Acacia xanthophloea) which, according to interviews, has been extensively cut by people transforming wetland area in crop field. Despite this, this species is still abundant in the area.

Scirpus maritimus – sedge group which is quite rare in general.

5. Value of the Wetland as pastureland

Pasture quality is divided into highly grazing value, average and low grazing value in accordance to literature (e.g. Oudtshoorn 1999). The Table below summarizes pasture quality of the grass species found in Chibuto.

Table 6. pasture quality of the grass species from Chibuto-Missavene. Species High grazing Average grazing Low grazing value value value Chloris virgata X Cynodon dactylon X Diandrochloa ? namaquensis Dinebra retroflexa X Eleusine indica X Panicum maximum X Panicum sp. X Phragmites mauritianus X Setaria incrassata X Urochloa mossabicensis X

18 Younger leaves are good for pasture as they are soft, with less fiber and somehow palatable. The cattle observed seem to graze on most grass plants at Chibuto apparently due to existence of high number of younger leaves due to intense grazing.

Picture: Cattle and goats grazing

Assessment of potentially threatened fauna will be carried during rainy season. Preliminary list of faunal are presented below.

6. Valuation of resources

Plant resources

Out of around 75 plant species identified in Chibuto-Missavene wetland, 12 medicinal and 10 non-medicinal plant (of which 4 edible) uses are indicated below.

Table 7. Common medicinal plants of Chibuto-Missavene wetland. Scientific name Local name Application Asparagus africanus Nguangalatilo fontanel Cajanus cajunus Nhalalali Teeth aches Cantonaregam spinosa Ntxapo Stomach pains Caparis sp. Mudambane Against bad luck Cleome gynandra Ximangamanga eye cleaning Diospyros squarrosa - Twinge Euphorbia sp. Lhava Throat complaints Kalanchoe lanceolata Thunva Against problems between people Lipia javanica Mussuzuana flu Maytenus sp. Xilhangua Stomach pains Pluchea discoridis Vimba Cleaning of the intestines Solanum panduriforme Ntuma Stomach cleaning

19 One interview has indicated existence of additional medicinal plants in the middle of lake. 75% of the people interviewed were woman who practices agriculture in the wetland.

Table 8. Common non-medicinal plant uses of Chibuto-Missavene wetland Scientific name Application Cyperus sp. For mats Euphorbia tirucalli For fencing crop fields and against cattle grazing Indigofera arrecta Making boom Phragmites mauritianus For building toilets, kitchen and granaries Pluchea discorides Firewood Typha capensis For mats

Only four indigenous plant species were found edible at Chibuto-Missavene. Highlight to Nymphaea caerulea with the underground bulb edible during famine times, Sonchrus oleraceous with leaves edible and Abelmoschus esculentus being also cultivated.

Table 9. Edible plants of Chibuto-Missavene Plant species application Abelmoschus esculentus Fruits edible Diospyros squarrosa Fruit edible Nymphaea caerulea Bulb edible Sonchrus oleraceous Leaves edible

Main activities carried out by people were fishing and agriculture. Fishing undertaken mainly at Changane/Munwana river. Tilapia sp. being the most caught fish. The predominant crops were maize and rice. Income-producing crops such as lettuce and cabbage are also carried out during this dry season. These crops had the advantage of being short-term. Extensive crop fields are not encouraged given the massive presence of cattle in the wetland according to the interviewees.

Within wetland, fever acacia (Acacia xanthophloea) was in the past a dominant species, being now depleted as the area has been transformed into agriculture land and cattle field.

Availability of the reeds is, according to the interviewees, apparently higher. Some 15 years ago due to the war there were fewer reeds as many displaced people used them. People have now returned to their villages. Today reeds from Chibuto-Missavene are only used for the construction of external toilets and kitchen mainly, infrastructure lasting on average 4- 5 years. 6-8 gravies of reeds with about 20 centimeters of diameter are necessary for either toilet or kitchen. The reed at Chibuto-Missavene wetland is Phragmites mauritianus, more slender and shorter that P australis (common reed) common in the adjacent wetlands (e.g. right side of Changane/Munuwana river). P mauritianus is not used for house construction given the reasons above. Therefore the

20 reed at Chibuto-Mussavene is, according to interviewees sustainable for the purpose used (building of toilets, kitchen and granaries).

Exploitation of animal resources

The Chibuto/Missawene is mainly exploited for cattle. Cow and goats were the main observed grazers at Chibuto-Missavene. Hundred of these grazers were seen daily.

Many birds were also observed. A preliminary list is shown below. Extensive survey on birds at Chibuto will be carried out during rainy season

Table 10. Most common birds at Chibuto. Scientific name English Name Portuguese Local observed Abundancy name Ardea cineira Grey heron Garça real Wet area Less abundant in general Bubulcus ibis Cattle egret carraceira In caw In caw Ciconia Woollynecked Cegonha Wet area Seasonal bird in episcopus stork episcopal dry season Dendrocygna Fulva ducks Pato assobioador Water and Water and flying bicoloris arruivado flying over over Mycteria ibis Yellow billet Cegonha de bico Wet area Rain season stork amarelo Threskiornis Sacred Ibis Ibis sagrada Wet area In rainy season aetiopicus

Being a dry season, the density of birds was quite moderate. The area can sustain more birds. As according to literature during rainy/wet season it is expected to see more species and colonies of birds per species.

(1) yellow billet stork, (2) grey heron (3) sacred ibis, (4) fulva ducks

Invertebrate seen: brown snail on the bud and millipedes

Other general uses:

Wild fire is usually made during the dry season when the crop fields are smaller. Main purpose for setting fire is to hunt rabbits (local name: Massengane) and to drive away snakes. The area seems to contain quite many snakes as observed during the survey.

Water system is described elsewhere (other reports). Basically, water for irrigation is accumulated and used for agriculture and the remain is drained for the Changane- Munwana river.

The African religion, Mazione used the wetland area for religious practices. Waterways (including marine) are used by this religion as observed elsewere.

One cemetery, mainly for still-born exists in this wetland.

7. Sustainability and health of the Wetland (Preliminary assessment).

Table 11. Current conservation status of resources used by people Resource Current Comments situation Reeds Abundant In the past the reeds was taken by the refugee people. Cultivated areas Reduced Actually people try to find another ways to sustain themselves. Medicinal plants Apparently The cultivated areas reduced so the natural or reduced indigenous plants used for medicine seems to have reduced Cattle presence Abundant The grazing area reduced because of the cattle increasing. Fishing resources Reduced Difficult to find fish now Bird population Kept the Dry season with fewer birds that rainy season same Indigenous animal ? Relation with fire for rats and snakes resources Firewood reduced Due to decrease of natural shrubs and trees

22 8. Framework for monitoring wetland health

The framework for monitoring and analysis of data to assess changes in wetland health due to liveliwood-supporting activities overtime tacled the following aspects:

Biodiversity of indigeneous and alien plant species utilized as people liviliwood. Preliminary data indicated that around 20 species were used for medicinal and non- medicinal purposes.

Amount of reeds utilized seems to have declined therefore safeguarding sustainability

Area coverage of the plants Area of trees and shrub species have depleted. Examples: Acacia xantopholea

Assessment of faunal aspects exploited in the wetland There is a need to understand better the effect of fires on plant and animal resources

Ecosystem goods and services provided. Various goods are described. Services include use of the wetland for religious cerimonies, ground for kids to play and observe animals and plants. Additional interviews will help clarifiyng type of services derived by this wetland.

Further ecological processes or properties of this wetland include: Role of wild fires and how are they controlled Further details of historical background of resource use in the wetland Existing pressure from grazers such as cattle Level of satisfaction of the local users of the wetland

23 V. CONCLUDING REMARKS

85 plant species (16% being shrubs or trees, and around 84% herbs or succulent) were identified at Chibuto-Missavene wetland. 14% of plant species were alien the most common were Sesbania sesban, Xhantium strumarium and Parthenium hysterophorus; all covering up to 5 hectares.

The plants occurred in three types of habitats viz. lake, dry land and hill. The lake area was dominated by the herbaceous groups such as Typha capensis, Phragmites mauritianus, Scirpus maritimus. Typha capensis; the dry land with species such as Diandrochloa namaquensis, Panicum sp, Cynodon dactylon. The hill side mainly with Pulchea dioscorides, Lippia javanica, Xanthium strumarium.

27% of the plants were used either as medicinal or non-medicinal plants. Edible plants included the wild fruits of Diospyros squarrosa, the tuber of Nymphaea caeruela, and leaves of Sonchrus oleraceous. The slender reed Phagmites maritianus is probably the massive resource in the site mainly used for building toiletes, kitchen and granaries.

2.4 tones per hectare of grass were estimated in this area with hundred of cattle daily and high grazing value pasture include the grasses Cynodon dactylon, Panicum maximum, Setaria incrassata and Urochloa mossabicensis.

Faunal assessment has, in the dry season, targeted most common birds observed in the wetland. Highlight to cattle egret, ibis, heron, storks and ducks.

24 VI. BIBLIOGRAPHIC / REFERENCES

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