Integrated Conservation Across the Udzungwa Landscape

Our Work | Research, Community & Conservation in Udzungwa

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Bird Species Recorded

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Mammal Species

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Plant Species Documented

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Vertebrate Species Found Nowhere Else on Earth

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Contribution to Tanzania's National Energy Production

Deforestation, agricultural expansion, unsustainable resource use, climate change.

Combining biodiversity conservation, local governance, sustainable livelihoods, and environmental education under the Udzungwa Landscape Strategy (ULS) (launched in 2023/2024).

Research, Monitoring & Facilities

We carry out long-term monitoring to guide effective conservation grounded in science.

  • Invertebrate Monitoring: Standardized surveys (COBRA protocol) tracking arthropods/spiders as early warning indicators of high-altitude ecosystem health.

  • Primate Monitoring: Over 20 years of continuous surveys across 4 permanent transects, tracking endangered endemics like the Udzungwa red colobus and Sanje mangabey.

  • Camera Trapping: Ongoing landscape mammal tracking (operating since 2009 as part of the TEAM Network).

  • Research Facilities (UEMC & Laboratory): Field station featuring a 150m² seminar room, 3 researchers’ houses, a 24-person dormitory, dining hall, and a specialized biological processing laboratory inaugurated in 2025.

  • Capacity & Education: Hosting international Summer Schools (University of Copenhagen), ranger trainings with STEP, and capacity building for village committees.

Community & Livelihoods

Lasting conservation depends on people. We work hand in hand with communities through:

  • Environmental Education: School programmes across 32 classrooms in 18 schools, establishing student environmental clubs, tree planting, and mud stove building.

  • Agroforestry & Greening: Promoting tree nurseries, indigenous species, climate-smart farming, and sustainable cocoa production (Sustain Eco project & Rete Clima support).

  • Sustainable Energy (SEET): Construction of household/school improved mud stoves, stove-maker training, and briquette-based alternative charcoal production in Ching’anda and Mang’ula.

  • Income-Generating Activities & Eco-Tourism: Supporting seedling sales, stingless beekeeping (meliponiculture), and hosting ethical eco-tours (partnered with Viaggi e Miraggi) that fund community development.