Impact of anthropogenic activities on kipunji (Rungwecebus kipunji) in bujingijila corridor, Mbeya, Tanzania

Kipunji (Rungwecebus kipunji,) is a primate species endemic to Tanzania. The study assessed impact of anthropogenic activities on kipunji in Bujingijila corridor, Mbeya, Tanzania from April to June, 2016. Interviews, opportunistic observations and systematic transect sampling method were used to collect data. Aspects studied were vegetation, anthropogenic activities, distribution and abundance of kipunji. Physiognomic observations and vegetation sampling in Bujingijila corridor revealed that at the edges of Mt. Rungwe and Livingstone is less disturbed area; a forest while at the centre is more disturbed non forested area (wooded grassland, bushland, shrub and tall grasses). Number of tree species and individual trees; tree species: richness, diversity index, height, density; basal area, canopy cover, number and length of canopy contacts, and canopy overlaps, were significantly higher in the less disturbed area than in more disturbed area. However, as expected number and length of tree canopy gaps and shrub species: richness and diversity index, showed the reverse. Kipunji were sighted only once throughout the study. However, household interviews revealed that previously Kipunji and other 9 mammal species occurred in the area but currently only 5 species occasionally visit Bujingijila corridor; of which three were primates. Results show that Bujingijila corridor has been highly degraded by anthropogenic activities (logging, cultivation and wildfires). This together with hunting for food and anti-vermin killings, have negatively impacted on kipunji and other wild animals. For survival of kipunji and other wild animals; this study recommends improved conservation of Bujingijila corridor through serious management and protection involving all stake holders.