5. CONCLUSION
We observed that plants in the Mwaro ecological corridor are
subject to an altitudinal distribution, with a less marked presence of woody
species at higher altitude, the inverse of herbaceous species. The higher
elevations are rich in herbaceous species eaten by gorillas, which could
explain the preference of these sites by gorillas. Despite most tragic human
conflicts that affected the Mikeno sector in general and particularly the Mwaro
ecological corridor, the corridor could continue playing its ecological role
through its rich floral and faunal species observed during our study.
The line transect and plot established in Mwaro corridor are
permanent and therefore will allow us to maintain a long-term monitoring of
flora and fauna in this ecosystem.
The permanent line transect and plot will also document the use
of this corridor by various animal species.
The Mwaro corridor will certainly play a big role for a more
deepened understading of altitudinal distribution of plant species and
especially those consumed by the gorillas, taking into account species growing
at the summit of Mount Mikeno that have not been explored in the field.
The presence of chimpanzees in the Mwaro corridor will provide
an interesting opportunity to document possible sympatry between mountain
gorillas and chimpanzees in the Virunga Massif still not elucidated until
now.
From a scientific perspective, the permanent line transect and
plot will facilitate the pursuit of other studies in the fields of ornithology,
small mammals, entomology, reptiles and others. Students in conservation or
ecology could also use this transect for data collection of their final
university dissertation or postgraduate degree.
From the conservation point of view, the permanent line
transect and plot will facilitate better
monitoring of the area to fight
against illegal activities which are a reality for this area.
Biodiversity survey of Mwaro corridor, Altitudinal
distribution of the vegetation and assessment of Gorilla food
availability
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availability
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