Saving Tanzania's Biodiversity: Elephant Corridors & Reforestation in the Eastern Arc Mountains
The Eastern Arc Mountains: A Biodiversity Hotspot Under Threat
Given the high density of species, the Eastern Arc Mountains are likely to suffer more plant and vertebrate extinction for a given loss of habitat than other biodiversity hotspot.
The Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania are a global biodiversity hotspot, harboring an extraordinary concentration of unique plant and vertebrate species. Tragically, these ancient forests, some surviving for millions of years, are rapidly disappearing.
Since the 1970s, over 12% of this vital habitat has been lost to agriculture, logging, fire, and mining. The situation is even more critical in the East Usambaras, where deforestation has claimed a staggering 30% of the forest cover during the same period.
The Urgent Need for Connectivity: Preventing a Cascade of Extinctions
Importantly, the surviving forests are in fragments, setting the stage for a cascade of impending extinctions over time. Given the high density of species, this area is likely to suffer more plant and vertebrate extinction for a given loss of habitat than other hotspots. As Tanzania’s population continues to grow, the pressures on the forests will become even more significant.
Connecting Tanzania's Forests: A Bold Conservation Strategy
Our Solution: Connecting Habitats for Elephants and Forest Health
Saving Nature is taking direct action to address this crisis by focusing on creating crucial ecological corridors in Tanzania. We are actively working on three key corridors: two in the Udzungwa Mountains to bridge gaps caused by devastating forest fires, and one in the Usambara Mountains to ensure the safe movement of elephants between two vital national parks.
In a groundbreaking conservation partnership with park leadership and local communities, we are pioneering a unique approach to connect protected areas across agricultural landscapes – the first of its kind.
Our Progress to Date in Linking Two National Parks Through Innovation:
Securing Safe Passage for Elephants in the Udzungwa Mountains
Human-wildlife conflict is escalating as elephants struggle to navigate an increasingly fragmented landscape crisscrossed by highways, railroads, farms, and villages. Ensuring safe passage is not only critical for the survival of these iconic animals but also for the safety and well-being of local communities.
Our elephant corridor in the Udzungwa Mountains directly links the Kilombero Nature Reserve and the Selous Game Reserve. This corridor strategically follows existing elephant migration routes between these two protected areas, regions that have experienced significant human-wildlife conflict. The corridor traverses a diverse mosaic of riverine forest, woodland, degraded pasture, swamp, and teak plantations within the Kilombero valley.
Saving Nature is funding the crucial section of this corridor that will safely funnel elephants under a major highway, preventing fatal road collisions. This vital work includes excavating and grading the underpass, installing perimeter fencing to guide elephants towards the underpass, and planting native trees to provide essential cover and encourage its use.
This ambitious plan is led by the expert team at STEP (Saving Tanzania’s Elephant Population) and aligns perfectly with the Tanzanian government’s framework for establishing wildlife corridors that connect its national network of protected areas.
Historic Milestone: Tanzania's First Legal Wildlife Corridor
On April 4, 2025, the Government of Tanzania officially designated the Nyerere Udzungwa Wildlife Corridor as the country’s first legal wildlife corridor. This landmark achievement represents a monumental step forward for conservation in East Africa. Our vision is that this pioneering elephant corridor will serve as a powerful model for reconnecting Tanzania’s fragmented forests nationwide.
Replanting After Devastating Forest Fires in the Usambara Mountains
The Magamba Nature Reserve and Amani Nature Forest Reserve represent two of the largest remaining forest fragments within the vital Usambara mountain block. Significant gaps in these forests have failed to regenerate naturally following a catastrophic fire in the late 1980s. Today, these areas are characterized by sparse tree cover and a dense invasion of bracken fern. This persistent and difficult-to-eradicate fern spreads rapidly, outcompeting native tree saplings and creating a significant fire risk during the dry season.
Restoring Vital Forest Connections Through Tree Planting
In 2021, we launched a crucial reforestation program to restore two vital connections between these fragmented forests. We established a thriving nursery for native trees, creating valuable employment opportunities for the local community in the essential tasks of collecting, germinating, and planting native seeds. Local individuals are also employed in managing planting plots and meticulously monitoring seedling survival rates. Full-scale tree planting efforts are now well underway.
Our corridor initiatives in the Magamba Nature Forest Reserve (Western Usambaras) and the Amani Nature Forest Reserve (Eastern Usambaras) are powerful examples of successful collaboration between Amani Friends of Nature (our dedicated local conservation partner), park leadership, and the surrounding communities. Together, we are planting native trees sourced from community nurseries to restore critical habitat connections, ensure the long-term protection of these precious forests, and provide sustainable new economic opportunities, particularly for women within the local communities.