WCS launched their new book ‘TOUCHWOOD – The beauty and biodiversity of Tanzania’s Southern Highlands’ by Tim Davenport & Sarah Markes in Mbeya. Showcasing the unique and important flora and fauna of this area - including many animals and plants found nowhere else on earth, the book features original photos, infographics, drawings and text explaining the origins and breadth of this biodiversity and its importance to livelihoods, culture and the nation.
5 Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) are highlighted; Mt Rungwe, Kitulo Plateau, the Livingstone Mountains Forests, Njombe Forests and Mbeya Range, as well as Mporoto Ridge – all WCS conservation priority areas within the ‘Eastern Afromontane Biodiversity Hotspot’. Following a decade and a half of research, the book also publishes for the first time, full species lists of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, hawkmoth and plants for the entire Mt Rungwe-Kitulo-Mporoto landscape.
The Mbeya Regional Commissioner gave enthusiastic support for the book, along with District Commissioners for Rungwe and Mbeya. The event was well attended by representatives from TANAPA, Tanzania Forestry Services (TFS), local government, NGOs and the tourism sector – all keen to work with WCS in continuing conservation and promotion of this unique and beautiful area.
The Touchwood book was created by WCS with support from the CEPF Eastern Afromontane Hotspot Program through a small grant facilitated by BirdLife International. It was produced along with a series of community awareness materials which are being used in environmental education work across the Southern Highlands.
Please contact tdavenport@wcs.org to request a copy.
Many thanks to Studio Native, Mbeya for the photos.
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