ECOLOGY, UTILISATION AND CONSERVATION OF <em>SMILAX</em> <em>KRAUSSIANA</em> IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA

Abstract

Smilax kraussiana, a tropical forest plant with considerable economic: value, is a non-timber forest product harvested by local communities living around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (BINP) and used for making baskets, trays and stretchers. In order for the managers of BINP to effectively plan, manage and control the exploitation of S. kraussiana, there is a need to know where the plant occurs and how much is available in the forest. This article presents the results of a study carried out on the distribution, abundance and utilisation of S. kraussiana in BINP. Both in-forest and household surveys were used to collect the data. It was found that forest type, canopy cover and altitude influenced the distribution and abundance of smilax in BINP. The amount of smilax decreased with increase in altitude and there were more stems in the more closed canopies. The current quantity of off-take, consisting of two head loads per household, would be unsustainable in future. Therefore, there is a need to regulate the harvesting of S. kraussiana in BINP in order to sustain the supply and the resource base. Furthermore, the present traditional harvesting techniques need to be maintained because it favours re-sprouting and natural regeneration of the plant.