MSc by Research in Environmental Studies Abundance, Distribution, and Threats of Mammals and Trees within the Lingadzi Namilomba Forest Reserve within Lilongwe, Malawi, and a Conservation Action Plan for the Protection of the Reserve. Charlotte Long 2020 School of Environment & Life Sciences MSc by Research Thesis Contents List of Tables ................................................................................................................................................ iv List of Figures ................................................................................................................................................ v List of Appendices ....................................................................................................................................... vii Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................................... viii Abstract ........................................................................................................................................................ ix Chapter One: Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1 1. Introduction to the Lingadzi Namilomba Forest Reserve ................................................................. 1 1.1 Background ......................................................................................................................................... 5 1.2 Objectives............................................................................................................................................ 8 Chapter Two: Methods ............................................................................................................................... 11 2.1 Study site ........................................................................................................................................... 11 2.2 Preparation of transects ................................................................................................................... 12 2.3 Mammal data collection methods .................................................................................................... 15 2.3.1 Methods for species inventory .................................................................................................. 16 2.3.2 Methods for evidence data collection ....................................................................................... 17 2.4 Threats data collection ..................................................................................................................... 18 2.5 Tree data collection methods ........................................................................................................... 21 2.5.1 Tree inventory data collection ................................................................................................... 21 2.5.2 Invasive species .......................................................................................................................... 22 Chapter Three: Results ................................................................................................................................ 24 3 Mammal results ................................................................................................................................... 24 3.1 Transects ....................................................................................................................................... 24 3.2 Mammal Surveys ........................................................................................................................... 24 3.3 Distribution of mammals .............................................................................................................. 27 3.4 DISTANCE results ........................................................................................................................... 29 3.4.1 Vervet monkey ....................................................................................................................... 30 3.4.2 Common duiker...................................................................................................................... 31 3.4.3 Cape bushbuck ....................................................................................................................... 33 3.5 Tree Results ....................................................................................................................................... 35 3.5.1 Transects .................................................................................................................................... 35 3.5.2 Tree Inventory ............................................................................................................................ 35 3.5.3 Tree Counts ................................................................................................................................ 38 i 3.5.4 Invasive Species Count ............................................................................................................... 39 3.5.5 Distribution of trees ................................................................................................................... 41 Chapter Four: Discussion ............................................................................................................................ 43 4.1 The Future ......................................................................................................................................... 45 4.2 Complications of the study ............................................................................................................... 47 4.3 Solutions and suggestions ................................................................................................................. 49 Chapter Five: Conservation Action Plan ..................................................................................................... 52 5.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 52 5.2 Conceptualization ............................................................................................................................. 54 5.2.1 Project Geographic Scope .......................................................................................................... 54 5.2.2 Project Vision ............................................................................................................................. 57 5.2.3 Project Focal Conservation Targets ........................................................................................... 57 5.3 Threats .............................................................................................................................................. 60 5.3.1 Target Viability Assessment ....................................................................................................... 60 5.3.2 Current Viability Status .............................................................................................................. 65 5.4 Identifying the Critical Threats .......................................................................................................... 66 5.4.1 Current critical threats ............................................................................................................... 67 5.5 Conservation Situation Analysis: Conceptual Model ........................................................................ 73 5.6 Action Planning and monitoring ....................................................................................................... 76 5.6.1 Goals........................................................................................................................................... 76 5.6.2 Strategies ................................................................................................................................... 76 5.6.2.1 Strategy One: Habitat Management Plan: Remove Invasive Species ................................. 76 5.6.2.2. Strategy Two: School Trips and Workshops ....................................................................... 77 5.6.2.3 Strategy Three: Training and Employment ......................................................................... 78 5.6.2.4 Strategy Four: Increased Security and Zoning Management .............................................. 78 5.6.2.5 Strategy Five: Relocation of Species ................................................................................... 79 5.7 Results Chains ................................................................................................................................... 79 5.7.1 Theory of Change for Results Chain One ................................................................................... 80 5.7.2. Theory of Change for Results Chain Two .................................................................................. 82 5.7.3 Results Chain One ...................................................................................................................... 84 5.7.4 Results Chain Two ...................................................................................................................... 85 5.8 Monitoring Plan ...............................................................................................................................