South Imaramagambo Central Forest Reserve is a protected area in Rukungiri District in the Western Region of Uganda. It covers an area of 152 square kilometres (59 sq mi).[1]
| South Imaramagambo Central Forest Reserve | |
|---|---|
 Map of Uganda showing the location of South Imaramagambo Central Forest Reserve | |
| Nearest city | Rukungiri, Uganda |
| Coordinates | 0°31′40″S 29°53′00″E / 0.52778°S 29.88333°E |
| Area | 152 km2 (59 sq mi) |
| Governing body | National Forestry Authority |
Setting and structure edit
South Imaramagambo Central Forest Reserve is a semi-evergreen forest reserve[2] known for providing herbal medicine to the local communities to treat various illnesses. It also provides vital habitat for a variety of plants, crabs, flies and animal species and supporting biodiversity conservation.[3]
Location and management edit
South Imaramagambo Central Forest Reserve borders Kigezi Wildlife Reserve.[4] It stretches from southwest of Lake Edward; south from the Kigezi Wildlife Reserve toward the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Kashoya-Kitomi Central Forest Reserve; and east of Lake George.
It is managed by both the National Forestry Authority (NFA) and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Challenges edit
This forest reserve was encroached on in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Trees were cut for timber, fencing poles, firewood, handwalking sticks and charcoal.[5] Part of this forest reserve has been cleared to make way for agricultural crops and pasture.
Inadequate funding for operations and development has weakened the proper implementation of the Uganda's forest policy.[6]
References edit
- ^ Katabarwa, Moses N.; Katamanywa, James; Lakwo, Thomson; Habomugisha, Peace; Byamukama, Edson; Oguttu, David; Nahabwe, Christine; Ngabirano, Monica; Tukesiga, Ephraim; Khainza, Annet; Tukahebwa, Edridah; Unnasch, Thomas R.; Richards, Frank O.; Garms, Rolf (2016-08-03). "The Imaramagambo Onchocerciasis Focus in Southwestern Uganda: Interruption of Transmission After Disappearance of the Vector Simulium neavei and Its Associated Freshwater Crabs". The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 95 (2): 417–425. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.16-0181. ISSN 0002-9637. PMC 4973193. PMID 27215297.
- ^ Beuning, Kristina R.M.; Russell, James M. (July 2004). "Vegetation and sedimentation in the Lake Edward Basin, Uganda–Congo during the late Pleistocene and early Holocene". Journal of Paleolimnology. 32 (1): 1–18. doi:10.1023/b:jopl.0000025253.51135.c4. ISSN 0921-2728.
- ^ Katabarwa, Moses N.; Katamanywa, James; Lakwo, Thomson; Habomugisha, Peace; Byamukama, Edson; Oguttu, David; Nahabwe, Christine; Ngabirano, Monica; Tukesiga, Ephraim; Khainza, Annet; Tukahebwa, Edridah; Unnasch, Thomas R.; Richards, Frank O.; Garms, Rolf (2016-08-03). "The Imaramagambo Onchocerciasis Focus in Southwestern Uganda: Interruption of Transmission After Disappearance of the Vector Simulium neavei and Its Associated Freshwater Crabs". The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 95 (2): 417–425. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.16-0181. ISSN 0002-9637. PMC 4973193. PMID 27215297.
- ^ "Best Hiking Trails in South Maramagambo Central Forest Reserve". GaiaGPS.com. Retrieved 2023-05-31.
- ^ "EXCLUSIVE: Imaramagambo Forest Reserve Plundered as country focus on Coronavirus pandemic". The Informer UG. 2020-04-14. Retrieved 2023-05-31.
- ^ Obua, Joseph; Agea, Jacob G.; Ogwal, Joseph Jones (December 2010). "Status of forests in Uganda: Status of forests in Uganda". African Journal of Ecology. 48 (4): 853–859. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2028.2010.01217.x.