Namuli Report FINAL

Darwin Initiative Award 15/036: Monitoring and Managing
Biodiversity Loss in South-East Africa's Montane Ecosystems
MT NAMULI, MOZAMBIQUE:
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
February 2009
Jonathan Timberlake, Francoise Dowsett-Lemaire, Julian Bayliss, Tereza Alves,
Susana Baena, Carlos Bento, Katrina Cook, Jorge Francisco, Tim Harris,
Paul Smith & Camila de Sousa
ABRI
african butterfly research instit
Forestry Research
Institute of Malawi
Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 2 of 115
Front cover: Namuli peaks with Ukalini forest below (JT).

Frontispiece: Mts Pesse & Pesani above Muretha plateau (JT, top); campsite. Muretha plateau
(JT, middle L); dwarf chameleon (JB, middle R); Pavetta sp. nov? (TH, bottom L); Mt Namuli &
Ukalini forest from air (CS, bottom R).
Suggested citation: Timberlake, J.R., Dowsett-Lemaire, F., Bayliss, J.,
Alves T., Baena, S., Bento, C., Cook, K., Francisco, J., Harris, T., Smith, P.
& de Sousa, C. (2009). Mt Namuli, Mozambique: Biodiversity and
Conservation. Report produced under the Darwin Initiative Award 15/036.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London. 114 p.
LIST OF CONTENTS
LIST OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................... 3
LIST OF TABLES ..................................................................................................................... 5
LIST OF FIGURES.................................................................................................................... 5
SUMMARY .............................................................................................................................. 7
1.
INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................. 9
2.
DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA................................................................................ 10

2.1 Geomorphology and Geology ...................................................................................... 10
2.2 Climate ......................................................................................................................... 12
2.3 Soils.............................................................................................................................. 14
3.
HISTORY AND EARLY COLLECTING ...................................................................... 15

3.1 Administration.............................................................................................................. 15
3.2 Local Economy and Land Use ..................................................................................... 15
3.3 History.......................................................................................................................... 16
3.4 Early Explorers and Collectors .................................................................................... 17
3.5 Recent Biological Survey............................................................................................. 23
4.
VEGETATION ................................................................................................................ 26
4.1 Previous Studies ........................................................................................................... 26
4.2 Vegetation Types.......................................................................................................... 26
4.3 Vegetation Mapping..................................................................................................... 35
5.
PLANTS........................................................................................................................... 40
5.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 40
5.2 New and Endemic Species ........................................................................................... 40
5.3 New Species Records for Mozambique ....................................................................... 43
5.4 Red Data Status ............................................................................................................ 45
5.5 Use of Plant Species on Namuli................................................................................... 46
6.
BIRDS ............................................................................................................................ 47
6.1 Historical Background.................................................................................................. 47
6.2 Methods........................................................................................................................ 48
6.3 Annotated Bird List...................................................................................................... 49
6.4 Bird Breeding Records ................................................................................................. 49
6.5 Densities of Forest Species .......................................................................................... 51
6.6 Biogeographical Considerations .................................................................................. 53
6.7 Conservation Issues...................................................................................................... 54
7.
OTHER VERTEBRATES & INVERTEBRATES.......................................................... 57

7.1 Previous Studies ........................................................................................................... 57
7.2 Local Hunter Records................................................................................................... 57
7.3 Small Mammals............................................................................................................ 58
7.4 Reptiles and Amphibians ............................................................................................. 60
7.5 Lepidoptera................................................................................................................... 62
7.6 Odonata ........................................................................................................................ 64
7.7 Coleoptera and Hemiptera............................................................................................ 65
8.
CONSERVATION........................................................................................................... 67
8.1 Conservation Threats.................................................................................................... 67
8.2 Conservation Issues...................................................................................................... 70
9.
RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................................ 71
10.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................ 72
11.
BIBLIOGRAPHY & REFERENCES............................................................................. 73
ANNEX 1a.
ANNEX 1b.
ANNEX 2.
ANNEX 3.
ANNEX 4.
ANNEX 5.
ANNEX 6.
ANNEX 7.
Participants on Mt Namuli expedition, May/June 2007..................................... 79

Participants on Mt Namuli expedition, Nov 2007.............................................. 79
Plant checklist for Mt Namuli above 1300 m. ................................................... 81
List of plant species recorded from the Guru / Namuli area in Flora
Zambesiaca, but not listed in Annex 2. .............................................................. 94
Annotated list of birds recorded from the Namuli massif above 1200 m .......... 97
Birds caught in nets, Namuli November 2007 ................................................. 109
List of small mammal species collected or recorded from the Namuli massif 111
Butterfly species collected on Mt Namuli........................................................ 113
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Approximate extent of study area above different altitudes. .................................... 11
Table 2. General soil characteristics of samples from the Namuli massif. ............................. 14
Table 3. List of botanical and zoological collectors/recorders from the Namuli area. ........... 24
Table 4. Extent of vegetation types from airphoto interpretation. .......................................... 36
Table 5. Extent of main vegetation types in Namuli area from 2005 Landsat imagery.......... 37
Table 6. Endemic plant species from the Mt Namuli and Guru area. ................................... 42
Table 7. List of plant type specimens originally collected from Mt Namuli area................... 43
Table 8. Taxa collected under this project representing new records for Mozambique
according to Flora Zambesiaca or recent literature.................................................. 44
Table 9. Global conservation assessments for taxa from Mt Namuli. .................................... 45
Table 10. Territory sizes of 14 bird species measured in small patches on Muretha Plateau.. 51
Table 11. Animals trapped or hunted by local hunters in the Namuli area.............................. 58
Table 12. Bat sampling locations and effort, Namuli November 2008.................................... 60
Table 13. Reptiles and amphibians collected from the Namuli region. ................................... 61
Table 14. Odonata collected by Dijkstra from the Namuli region in 2001.............................. 64
Table 15. List of Coleoptera..................................................................................................... 65
Table 16. List of Hemiptera (Heteroptera) opportunistically collected from Namuli. ............ 66
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Location of Namuli area. .......................................................................................... 10
Figure 2. Panorama of the Namuli Hills from the southwest................................................... 11
Figure 3. Broad upland area from Guru (formerly Vila Junqueiro) to north of Namuli ........ 12
Figure 4. Limits to Namuli study area, showing main localities, contours and access............ 13
Figure 5. The first published map showing Namuli................................................................. 17
Figure 6. Portion of map of O'Neill's journey to Lake Kilwa, June 1883Jan 1884
showing Mt Namuli.................................................................................................. 18
Figure 7. Joseph Last................................................................................................................ 19
Figure 8. First detailed map of the Namuli mountains............................................................. 19
Figure 9. Sketch map of Namuli massif................................................................................... 21
Figure 10. Photograph from 1932 along the Murukini ridge from Muretha to the main
Namuli peaks............................................................................................................ 22
Figure 11. Photograph from 1932 of the Muretha plateau, close to the present expedition's
campsite.................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 12. Montane forest, Manho........................................................................................... 28
Figure 13. Manho forest (montane) and peaks......................................................................... 29

Figure 14. Mosaic of grassland and montane forest, Muretha plateau .................................... 29
Figure 15. Bracken scrub under patch of montane forest destroyed by fire, Nachona plateau 30
Figure 16. Mt Pesse across Muretha plateau grassland............................................................ 31
Figure 17. Grassland, Muretha plateau .................................................................................... 31
Figure 18. Mts Pesse and Pilane with montane forest patch and Muretha plateau grassland.. 31
Figure 19. Grassland, Nachona plateau.................................................................................... 32
Figure 20. Rocky slopes with Coleochloa and Merwillea ....................................................... 33
Figure 21. Rocky slopes with Xerophyta ................................................................................. 33
Figure 22. Namuli peak from side, showing extensive rocky slopes....................................... 33
Figure 23. Seepages and grassland, Muretha plateau............................................................... 33
Figure 24. Mt Namuli from Malema valley, showing clearance and cultivation on slopes..... 34
Figure 25. Corrected Landsat image showing broad project area............................................ 37
Figure 26. Vegetation map of Namuli area from Landsat TM interpretation. ......................... 38
Figure 27. Landsat imagery of Namuli massif over 33 years, showing forest extent.............. 39
Figure 28. Pavetta sp., a possible new species of shrub from Namuli..................................... 40
Figure 29. Namuli massif showing 2007 collecting localities. ................................................ 41
Figure 30. Original herbarium collection of Pseuderanthemun viscosum ............................... 42
Figures 31 & 32. Namuli Apalis and Thyolo Alethe ............................................................... 47
Figure 33. Black-tipped mongoose in gin trap on lower slopes............................................... 59
Figure 34. Dwarf chameleon from Manho forest..................................................................... 60
Figure 35. Cymothoe sp. nov. and Uranothauma sp. nov........................................................ 63
Figure 36. Fire spreading up rocky slope................................................................................. 67
Figure 37. Remnants of forest destroyed by fire, Nachona plateau ......................................... 67
Figure 38. Cattle grazing on Nachona plateau ......................................................................... 68
Figure 39. Spring trap for elephant shrews, Manho forest....................................................... 68
Figures 40 & 41. Cut stump and plank of Faurea wentzeliana, Ukalini forest ....................... 68
Figure 42. Potato cultivation in clearing below Manho forest................................................. 69
Figure 43. Settlement and cultivation on slopes of Muretha plateau, Namuli. ........................ 69
Figure 44. Tea plantation in Licungo valley, below Namuli massif ........................................ 69
Photo credits:
CS Camila de Sousa
JT Jonathan Timberlake
TH Tim Harris
JB Julian Bayliss
TA Tereza Alves
SUMMARY
Mt Namuli at 2419 m is the high point of a massif and associated granite peaks situated near
Guru town, Zambzia Province in north-central Mozambique, and the second-highest peak
in the country. It is surrounded at lower altitudes by extensive tea plantations, now being
rehabilitated, and has perhaps the best agro-ecological conditions in the country. Increasingly,
people are settling in the area and slowly encroaching up the slopes. Although recognised for
many years as being of particular biological interest, Namuli is not formally protected, is
little-explored and the conservation threats to its biodiversity have not yet been properly
documented. The massif supports extensive areas of montane forest and grassland, both
habitats rich in biodiversity and of limited extent in southern Africa and habitats that are
under increasing threat.
This report gives an account of the Namuli area, the history of its exploration and
biological survey, along with the detailed findings of two international scientific expeditions
carried out in 2007 under a UK Government Darwin Initiative grant.
Covering an area of about 200 km2 above 1200 m, the broader Namuli massif comprises
some spectacular rugged granite peaks and an associated series of small plateaux at altitudes
of around 18002000 m. The extent of moist montane forest is around 1100 ha, most of it
above 1700 m, with only about 135 ha of scattered medium-altitude forest below 1600 m.
Comparison of forest extent as shown on 1969 airphotos with recent satellite imagery shows
minimal forest loss, with most of that being of increasingly uncommon medium-altitude
forest. Total extent of upland grassland the most important habitat for plant endemics is
around 300 ha, while the remainder of the area consists of various types of bracken or
scrubland and rock slopes with tussocks of Coleochloa and scattered grasses. Beneath the
plateau, at about 1500 m and below, woodland and modified vegetation predominates.
The present surveys recorded a total of 420 plant species above 10001300 m altitude,
with five possibly unrecorded and new to science (Isoglossa sp. nov. [Acanthaceae],
Crotalaria sp. nov., Indigofera sp. nov. [both Fabaceae: Papilionoideae], Englerina sp. nov.
[Loranthaceae], and Pavetta sp. nov. [Rubiaceae]). Combined with previous collections, there
are thought to be over 530 plant taxa (species or subspecies) in the Namuli area, including 16
known only from the mountain and its slopes. Five species previously thought to be endemic
to Mt Mulanje, a similar massif in southern Malawi, were recorded. The biological linkages
between these and other granite mountains in south-central Africa show that they can be
collectively considered as an ecoregion.
Among vertebrates, 155 bird species have been recorded (including the endemic Namuli
Apalis) and 42 mammals (including the endemic Vincent's Squirrel). Reptiles and amphibians
were surveyed only briefly, but 13 are recorded, including a new undescribed species of
pygmy chameleon and a forest viper. The viper was previously thought to be endemic to Mt
Mabu, some 130 km to the south-west. Butterflies were looked at in more detail with 126 taxa
being recorded, including seven new to science. Species lists are given.
The forests on Namuli are especially important for birds, including the Namuli Apalis and
Dapple-throat (both described as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red Data List), the latter being
represented by an endemic race. They also contain significant numbers of the Cholo Alethe
(Endangered, endemic to southeastern Malawi and adjacent northern Mozambique) and the
race belcheri of the Green Barbet. Since the only other locality for this race, on Mt Thyolo in
S Malawi, has been totally destroyed in recent years, Namuli has become its only refuge.
Namuli is considered to be an Important Bird Area based on the presence of these three
species, and also forms a significant part of the TanzaniaMalawi mountains Endemic Bird
Area. Other birds of conservation concern are the Spotted Ground Thrush (Endangered) and
White-winged Apalis (Vulnerable) the former is only known to breed in a few mid-altitude
forests in eastern Africa whilst the latter is otherwise known from mid-altitude forest in
central Tanzania, southeastern Malawi and Mt Chiperone in northern Mozambique. Of
significant biogeographical interest is the presence of Eastern Green Tinkerbird, an Eastern
endemic previously known from only one site in Mozambique near Maputo.
The most important habitats for biodiversity conservation are upland grassland on peat
and moist evergreen forest (both montane and at medium-altitude). Neither the peat grassland
or montane forest is under major threat, although fire and selective logging for Faurea
wentzeliana are having an impact and there appears to be an increasing number of patches
within the forest cleared for cultivation of Irish potato. The grasslands on the western side of
the massif are grazed by domestic livestock (cattle, goats); expansion of this coupled with
associated fires is helping drain the grasslands and damaging forest, leading to fragmentation.
Of particular concern is the increasing destruction by cultivation and fire of medium-altitude
forest and riparian forest along the main streams below 1600 m. Other significant threats are
feral pigs rooting up species-rich vegetation over seepages, and heavy hunting pressure on
mammals; edible species are now scarce and predators mostly absent.
The biological linkages between the various montane areas in northern Mozambique and
southern Malawi are shown, suggesting a coordinated approach to conservation would be
beneficial. Finally, the main conservation issues for Namuli are outlined, along with
suggestions for its conservation management.
Recommendations for conservation management are given:
1. There should be a move towards getting the massif above 1500 m altitude recognized and
protected as a conservation area. The mechanism/s should involve the surrounding local
population and could incorporate some level of consumptive utilization.
2. Promotion of the area for ecotourism should be encouraged. For example, the recent
initiative by a local company for conservation through tourism and use of carbon-credits.
3. There should be strong controls on the levels of domestic livestock allowed on the plateau.
4. All clearance of forest or forest margins for potato and vegetable cultivation should be
halted.
5. Wildfire on the plateau needs to be controlled, possibly using locally-employed
conservation / fire scouts.
1. INTRODUCTION
The Namuli massif, which includes a number of spectacular peaks including the second
highest in Mozambique, lies immediately to the north of the tea centre town of Guru in
Zambzia Province, north-central Mozambique. The area has a comparatively long history of
biological exploration the first known collections from the area were of plants by Joseph
Last in 1887, followed by those of birds by Jack Vincent in 1932. Various Portuguese and
South African botanists collected plants during the period 1941 to 1968, but the next major
ornithological trip was in 1998. Over the years, these collecting trips have discovered a
number of endemic plant species, an endemic squirrel and Mozambique's only endemic bird
the Namuli Apalis. Although under no type of formal protection, its biodiversity significance
and interest has been recognised for many years.
Under a collaborative project "Monitoring and Managing Biodiversity Loss on South-East
Africa's Montane Ecosystems" funded by a UK Government Darwin Initiative grant various
trips were made to the Mt Namuli area from 2005 to 2007, in particular two expeditions in
May and November 2007. The expeditions were a collaborative effort between the Royal
Botanic Gardens Kew (RBG Kew), the Instituto de Investigao Agraria de Moambique
(IIAM), the Maputo Natural History Museum (MHN), the Mulanje Mountain Conservation
Trust (MMCT), the Forest Research Institute of Malawi (FRIM), and BirdLife International.
A full list of participants for each trip is given in Annex 1. Additional persons who
contributed to sections of this report are listed under Acknowledgements.
The objectives of the study and expeditions were:
1. To undertake botanical and vegetation field survey of Mt Namuli,
2. To gather additional zoological information on the mountain, particularly on birds,
3. To train a team of Mozambican and Malawian biologists in botanical and vegetation
survey techniques,
4. To asses the extent and status and threats to the moist forest and other biodiversity on
the mountain,
5. Based on gathered field data, to develop species and habitat recovery plans.
This report attempts not only to present and discuss findings from the two main expeditions,
but also to document much of what is known from other studies on the Namuli massif and
peaks. An historical account of the trips by O'Neill, Last and Vincent is given as the original
accounts are not readily accessible. Detailed species lists for both plants and birds are
presented, along with partial data on small mammals, reptiles and amphibians and butterflies.
In addition to the species lists we give the first detailed account of the vegetation, and discuss
the threats to them all. Particular attention has been paid to endemic, rare or threatened
species. Our main attention was given to areas and species above 1500 m altitude, as below
this height much of the vegetation has already been transformed.
2. DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA

2.1 Geomorphology and Geology
The Namuli massif, the highest points being the twin peaks of Mt Namuli itself (37o03'E,
15o22'S; 2419 m & 2369 m), lies immediately to the north of Guru town in Zambzia
Province (Figure 1). It is about 150 km due east of Lake Chilwa in Malawi, 160 km north-east
of Mt. Mulanje, and the Indian Ocean coast lies 380 km to the east. Along with other rugged
hills and high ground, the Namuli complex forms part of the watershed between the Rio Lrio
and Rio Licungo catchments, and appears to be the largest single such massif in the country.
It is essentially a complex of granitic inselbergs ('whalebacks') or intrusions linked by a high
plateau, exposed by millions of years of subsequent erosion. Many of the other granite domes
to the east are more like inselbergs tall domes rising abruptly out of a relatively flat
landscape. Around 50 km away to the north-west near Mutuli is the Cucuteia complex with a
series of peaks from 1000 to 1900 m, and 50 km to the north-east near Malema is Mt Inago at
1730 m high, while the famous and charismatic inselbergs near Ribau lie 150 km away in the
same direction.
Figure 1. Location of Namuli area.
Lying at the north-eastern edge of the massif, Mt Namuli is the second highest point in the
country (after Mt Binga at 2436 m in the Chimanimani Mountains on the border with
Zimbabwe). There are nine other peaks in the immediate area over 2000 m high (including Mt
Mirole at 2175 m, Mt Macua at 2077 m and Mt Pesse at 2303 m) and numerous others over
1800 m. Most of the taller peaks are in the northern sector but, apart from Mt Namuli itself,
the most spectacular cliffs are above Guru facing south, rising 700 m above the town. Slopes
on the southern and western sides are maibly precipitous with some deep valleys, but slopes
are far more gentle on the northern and, especially, eastern sides (Figure 2). The plateau
portion of the massif at an altitude of 17001900 m slopes gently upwards from the south
west to north east, with the largest grassland area in the east the Muretha (or Moretxa,
pronounced 'Morecha') plateau at around 1850 m; there are a few smaller grassland areas to
the north-west. Some spectacular waterfalls are found on the western side, the best-known
being the Cascata de Namuli on the Rio Licungo (15o24'40.0"S, 36o58'38.9"E, 1030 m
altitude) falling about 100 m down a sloping rock face.
Figure 2. Panorama of the Namuli Hills from the southwest (JB).

The broader upland area around the Namuli massif is around 430 km2 (Figure 3, roughly area
inside yellow line), with about 200 km2 of that comprising the Namuli plateau and peaks
around. Areas above various altitudes are shown in Table 1. The main rivers are the Rio
Malema east of the main plateau, which flows to the north to join the Rio Lrio, and the Rio
Licungo to the west of the main massif flowing southwards to the Indian Ocean near
Quelimane. The northern flanks of the Namuli massif are drained by the Rio Namparro,
which joins the Rio Malema futher north. The study area covered in this report covers about
180 km2 between the Licungo and Malema valleys (Figure 4).
Table 1. Approximate extent of study area above different altitudes.
altitude (m)
area (km2)
above 1200
197.13
above 1500
84.19
above 1800
21.58
above 2000
3.07
Lying at the southern edge of the Lurio Belt, the peaks and ridges of the Namuli massif
consist of granite-porphyrite intruded into 1100850 million year old migmatites of the
Nampula and Namarroi series of the Mozambique tectonic province. All these rocks are
ancient, dating from the Precambrian period. Namuli appears to be formed from the same
intrusive granites as the inselbergs around Ribau and Inago, but the inselbergs to the south
and west of Nampula are more recent (around 500400 mya). Granitic gneisses of the Lurio
Belt surround the massif at lower altitudes on the northern and southern sides (e.g. around
Guru), and are from the same period.
Figure 3. Broad upland area from Guru (formerly Vila Junqueiro) to north
of Namuli. Yellow line shows approximate limits above 1000 m altitude
(from Google Earth, June 2008).
2.2 Climate
Climatic data for the Namuli massif itself at 18002000 m are not available. The only
available data are for Guru town at its southern foot at an altitude of 730 m, where the
rainfall in probably significantly less and mean temperatures certainly higher. Mean annual
rainfall over 28 years at Guru town is 1995.7 mm (Kassam et al. 1981). There is a distinct
rainy season from November to March, with each of these months having over 300 mm
precipitation (mean for March, the wettest month, is 357.8 mm) and a dry season from May to
October with less than 60 mm/month (mean of just 26.1 mm in September). Mean maximum
temperatures are 28.0oC (ranging from 32.5o in October to 23.0o in July), while mean minima
are 15.7oC (ranging from 12.3o in July to 18.3o in January). Potential evapotranspiration is
1226.7 mm/year, some 770 mm/year less than precipitation.
Early visitors record some climatic data, collected either by themselves or others. Joseph Last,
based on his own observations near present-day Guru town in AugustOctober 1886 (Last
1887b), recorded a mean temperature of 23.9oC (75oF), with a maximum of 35.0oC and a
minimum of 12.8oC. He says that the overnight minimum in August was frequently zero or
below, with 3.3oC recorded at 04.00 in his camp at the foot of Mt Pesse on 25th August. Jack
Vincent did not record temperature or rainfall figures himself in 1932, but mentions 35 year
mean records from nearby local administrators (Vincent 1933a), e.g. Alto Molcu rainfall
1379 mm/year, mean temperature 22.4oC (JulyAugust 18.6oC), and Malema rainfall 1026
mm/year, mean temperature 24.0oC (JulyAugust 20.2oC). Some additional climatic data for
Malema (mean rainfall 1101 mm/year, 52.6) and Mutuli are available in Gomes e Sousa
(1949) for the years 19501953. Vincent suggested that the annual rainfall in Guru is around
1800 mm/year while up on the slopes of Mt Namuli it is probably 110120 inches/year
(28003050 mm). He did not think temperatures frequently went much below zero up on the
plateau during the cold season, but it is clear that overnight mild frosts are not uncommon
from June to August here.
Figure 4. Limits to Namuli study area, showing main localities, contours and access.
According to FAO's climatic resources inventory map for Mozambique (FAO 1982), the
Namuli area has the longest growing season of any area in the country at 300 days, with a
moderately cool (1520oC) temperature regime during the growth period.
2.3 Soils
In the course of fieldwork 46 soil samples of topsoil and subsoil (020, 4060 and 100 cm
depth) were taken from 18 sites across the massif to try and determine the main soil types and
characteristics. The samples were subsequently analyzed at the IIAM Soil Laboratory in
Maputo. Full results are not given here, but are summarized in Table 2.
Following the Mozambique national soil classification, the Namuli massif is entirely covered
by Lithic soils (Unit 1). Four subdivisions are recognized within this Unit related to
geomorphological position, including bare rock.
Table 2. General soil characteristics of samples from the Namuli massif.
Soil group
Lithic soils
Soil characteristics
Geomorphology
brown sandy loam,

inselbergs,
shallow soils over altered rock erosion zones, rock
outcrops
Topsoil pH(H20)
Topsoil organic
matter (%)
Sodicity
4.24.8
very acid
high to v.high
4.525.0
non-sodic
Slope
(%)
> 30%
Topsoil-subsoil Soil depth Drainage

texture
(cm)
LS-SL
030
excessive
altered rock
Soil classification
FAO 1988
Eutric
Leptosols
USDA 1992
Lithic
Ustorthents
Land capability
classification (USDA)
Vii viii p
Most topsoil samples (020 cm depth) have high to very high organic matter, are very
strongly acid (exceptionally down to pH 3.4), with very low calcium (Ca = 0.030.06 cm
mol/kg), very low magnesium (Mg = 0.150.25 cm mol/kg), medium to high potassium (K =
0.50.6 cm mol/kg), very low sodium (Na = 0.50.8 cm mol/kg), but high phosphorous (P =
45 ppm). The mean pH over all samples, topsoil and subsoil, was 4.6. Surprisingly, the
samples from peat grassland did not show significantly different nutrient levels.
3. HISTORY AND EARLY COLLECTING

3.1 Administration
The area lies in the District of Guru in Zambzia Province, with the District centre being
Guru town. There are a number of Localities around the mountain falling under the Posto
Administrativo do Guru . On the eastern side, the main one is Mukunha Locality with 10,300
inhabitants, comprising most of the upper Malema valley. The population is distributed
between 16 cells in four zones Mukunha (at the base of Mt Namuli), Kuruka (near Ukalini
forest), Murrabue (area around our base camp) and Moresse (zone above the tea plantations
SE of the Namuli massif). Each Zone is the responsibility of a Secretary or Chefe de Zona.
The population size in the upper Licungo valley area on the western side of the massif is not
known, but is probably less than that in the Mukunha area.
Local traditional administration is through the Regulo, or spiritual leader. The Regulo (or
"Queen") for Mukunha Locality is Senhora Adelina Jackson, who lives in the main settlement
of Mukunha on the north-eastern slopes of Mt Namuli. It is required that visitors to Namuli
first visit her to ask permission, with a small ceremony and exchange of gifts (Alves & Sousa
2008). There is a Secretrio, Sr. Estimado, who maintains the communication between the
Regulo and the Tchamassuas, or Chefes das Zonas.
The Instituto de Investigao Agraria de Moambique (IIAM) has recently established a small
office in Guru based in the Department of Agriculture (formerly DDA, now Servios
Distritais dos Actividades Ecmicos, SDAE).
3.2 Local Economy and Land Use
The main activity for which Guru has been known in recent years is tea production.
Plantations were established by Portuguese settlers in the first part of the 20th Century, and a
number were certainly functional in the early 1930s when Jack Vincent visited (Vincent
1933a). The area has been regarded, both before and after Independence, as a major
agricultural area. There were at least four large tea factories functioning here from the 1950s
to the early-1980s. A fairly large and developed settlement was built up at Guru Town, with
government offices, a large Catholic Mission, traders, cinema, garages, etc.
After Independence, Guru District was still a major tea-producing area under the state-owned
Emocha company. The plantations were said to be the largest in southern Africa, exceeding
even those in Malawi around Mulanje. Much of the tea went for export, and was of some
significance in Mozambique's economy. However, in the mid-1980s, Renamo attacks during
the civil war forced the closure of the tea factories and many other support services; many
people left for more secure places. The tea plantations fell into disuse and the local economy
all but collapsed.
It is only in the last few years that local development and rehabilitation has picked up, some
years after the peace accords of 1991. Traders are again operating, bringing products in from
the coast on newly-repaired roads, and the tea plantations have been rehabilitated by cutting
back overgrown, tree-like bushes to manageable 1 m or so high shrubs. Large Albizia trees
that had grown up in the plantations are being cut out. The state has sold many of the
plantations to private operators and companies, although it is not clear if these are all
Mozambican or also represent external investment. At least two of the tea factories are in the
process of being rehabilitated (2007).
Apart from the tea plantations and rehabilitation, trading and local administration provide
some formal employment in Guru town. There is a large Catholic Mission in Guru
incorporating a sawmill and furniture making factory. However, apart from casual and
contract employment on the tea plantations, the main economic activity immediately around
the massif would appear to be subsistence farming. The main crops grown are cassava and
sweet potato, with some maize, sorghum and beans. Increasingly, small-scale horticulture for
cash is being practiced, particularly tomatoes and Irish potato. The produce is sold in Guru
town and nearby. For many in the Malema valley, this is probably one of their major sources
of cash.
There are some smaller cattle owners in the upper reaches of the Namparro valley on the
northern slopes of Namuli. These criadores graze their livestock in the valley at around 1200
1400 m, and on some of the grassy plateau above at 18002000 m. Total cattle numbers are
probably around 100150 head. Cattle are left to roam by themselves for days on end, or are
attended by herdsboys, who camp out with them.
3.3 History
The people living around the Namuli massif are mostly Lomwe, a subgroup of the Macua, a
tribal / linguistic group found across much of northern Mozambique and into S Malawi and S
Tanzania. The Lomwe dialect appears to be slightly different from that of other Macua
peoples, but little seems to be recorded on their oral history and origins.
From brief discussions with the traditional local authorities, in particular the Regulo or 'queen'
who lives on the slopes of Mt Namuli, it appears that this group have been living here for
some hundreds of years. An early explorer, H.E. O'Neill, recorded that the Lomwe people
living here, who were distinct from the Macua to the east, had a great respect for Mt Namuli.
The mountain, they said, gave birth to the first of the human race (O'Neill 1884a). However,
this sacredness, which still necessitates obtaining permission from traditional authority to
climb it, appears to be confined to Mt Namuli itself and does not extend to other peaks or to
the Muretha plateau. Although the first man and woman "came out" of Mt Namuli, the first
animals came out from another hill some 6 days journey to the northwest. In addition, the
massif was probably also a place of refuge from their enemies, this being a time of much
raiding with large parts of the country depopulated owing to insecurity and warring chiefs.
The Guru area was the centre of the tea industry in the Portuguese colonial times, the first
plantations being put in around 1930. At Independence, these were considered to be the
largest in Africa, although they fell into decline during the civil war in the 1980s. Most
plantations are now privatised and are being rehabilitated, particularly during the last 24
years. Plantations were extensive up the entire length of the Licungo valley to an altitude of
around 1200 m, but rarely above this. Although there are no tea plantations in the Malema
valley, extensive plantations are found on the south-eastern slopes of the Namuli massif east
of Guru up to 800 m.
Linked to the tea estates in colonial times were a few cattle-raising enterprises, possibly run
by the tea companies themselves to provide the workforce with meat. Grazing areas and
livestock handling facilities were mostly situated on Namuli's northern slopes and in the
Namparro valley. These probably collapsed at or soon after Independence, although small
cattle owners are grazing these areas again now. The roads leading to them are still servicable,
lined in places with over-mature trees of Eucalyptus alba, although a number of the small
bridges are damaged.
3.4 Early Explorers and Collectors

It has not been possible to search Portuguese colonial archives or records, but it appears that,
at least in the English-language literature, the first mention of Namuli was by the British
Consul in Mozambique, Henry O'Neill in 1883. O'Neill spent a lot of time travelling on foot
through northern Mozambique, in particular the routes between the coast and the Britishsettled areas of Nyasaland (O'Neill 1884a,b, 1885). In his account of travels from the coast at
Ilha de Moambique along the southern Lurio watershed, via what are now the towns of
Ribu, Malema and Lioma to Lake Chilwa (Lake Kilwa) in Malawi, he mentions that on 13
August 1883 he first saw the peaks of Mt Namuli across the broad Malema valley (O'Neill
1884a: 638). He says it was a remarkable feature, although "not reaching the description that
traders in this country generally give of them", suggesting that he, and no doubt others, was
fully aware of the massif before seeing it. The highest point was estimated as being 8500
9000 feet high (26002750 m), a fairly good estimate given the knowledge at the time and the
fact that altitudes were calculated by measuring the boiling point of water.
Being a stranger in these parts, and possibly as he didn't have a guide and the areas through
which he was travelling had many warring factions, O'Neill was travelling with a coast trader,
who was probably also involved in slavery. He had to wait for 17 days near the village of
Mwedederi, probably close to the present-day Nintulo in the Malema plain and some 30 km
NNW of Namuli, while the trader went off on his own business. During this time he took
bearings on Mt Namuli from the slopes of the nearby peak of Mwakwa. From his description
it is possible that Mwakwa was the distinctive peak (Mt Mcua?) about 20 km north of
Namuli with three upright boulders on it. The first sketch map of the Namuli range and a
segment from his larger map of the area east of Lake Kilwa (O'Neill 1884b) are shown in
Figures 5 and 6, respectively. Although he didn't get closer to the Namuli massif than this, he
pointed out that it was a beautiful, well-watered and fertile area, healthy after the fever-ridden
coast, and well-suited to both European settlement and the establishment of a "central mission
and sanitarium, from which branch stations could radiate into the surrounding country....".
Figure 5. The first published

map showing Namuli, sketch
map from O'Neill (1884b).
Later, on his return journey to the coast, O'Neill describes the southern side of Namuli
(O'Neill 1884b), although again he did not seem to actually set foot on the massif. He notes its
strange shape, unlike any other mountain he had seen in the Lomwe and Macua areas, and
suggests that it may have been of volcanic origin, the steep aspect as seen from the east or
west being a crater rim. Again he records the very sacred nature of the mountain to the
Lomwe people, who seemed reluctant to talk of it.
Figure 6. Portion of map of O'Neill's journey to Lake Kilwa, June 1883Jan 1884
showing Mt Namuli (O'Neill 1884b). The routes he travelled are shown in red.
It was around this time that there appear to have been rumours or reports of a snow-capped
mountain in the area, although there is nothing in O'Neill's writings referring to this
possibility. Such reports presumably intrigued the British exploration fraternity, coming as
they did not long after the discovery of Mts Kilimanjaro and Kenya and the Ruwenzori
Mountains in East Africa. Phenomena such as snow in the tropics had, until then, been
considered impossible. Not long after these reports surfaced, the Royal Geographical Society
in London raised funds for a small expedition to northern Mozambique, and the man chosen
to lead it was Joseph Last (18471933, Figure 7).
Last was an explorer and linguist who had been a missionary in Kisulutini on the Kenya
coast, and later in central Tanzania at Mpwapwa and at Mamboya in the Nguru mountains. In
1885 he set out alone from Britain on an expedition that was to last over a year. There appear
to have been four objectives for his trip: to accurately determine the position of the Rovuma
Lugenda confluence at Negomano (the Rio Rovuma formed the border between German East
Africa and the still unconsolidated Portuguese sphere of influence of Mozambique); to "study
the climate and economic products of the District" (i.e. northern Mozambique from the coast
to Lake Niassa/Malawi and the Rio Zambezi); to "study the character and languages of the
native tribes" and, perhaps most significantly, to "spend six months in examining the
neighbourhood of the Namuli Hills, making an accurate survey and studying its climate, its
chief mineral, vegetable, and animal products, commercial resources, and the condition of the
native tribes, returning to the coast by way of the populous valley of the Likugu [Licungo]"
(Anon. 1885).
Figure 7. Joseph Last (from

Gomes e Sousa 1940).
Figure 8. First detailed map of the Namuli mountains

(Last 1890).
After meeting the British Consul in Zanzibar, Sir John Kirk, who had accompanied
Livingstone on his Zambezi expedition from 185863 and who had also collected many plant
specimens from Mozambique, Last arrived at the mouth of the Lindi River in SE Tanzania in
October 1885 (Last 1887b). From here he set off south-eastwards on foot with a few porters
reaching Negomano on 15 November (see maps in Last 1890), where he took numerous
position readings and determined altitude by means of recording the temperature at which
water boiled. Continuing on foot along the Lugenda River he reached Blantyre in then British
Nyasaland (now Malawi) on 13 January, making many interesting observations on the way
(Last 1887b).
After a period recovering from illness and various other trips in southern Malawi, Last set off
from Blantyre to Namuli on 12 July 1886, passing south of Lake Chilwa (Last 1887a). On 3
August 1886 he reached Ana Guruwe's kraal (37o02'20"E, 15o27'30"S), situated on the
Namuli foothills by the track up to the Malema valley some 5 km east of the present-day town
of Guru, a site now covered by tea plantations. Here he was welcomed, given huts to stay in,
and was based for three months while exploring and surveying the Namuli massif. His
descriptions of the massif and its natural history (Last 1887b) and his detailed sketch map
(inset in Last 1890, Figure 8) appear to be the first from the massif itself. Unfortunately it is
difficult to reconcile this map with current ones, in part probably owing to difficulties in
determining latitude. Last determined the height of seven of the peaks in the area, but
apparently not that of Mt Namuli, which he said was too difficult to climb, and also took
numerous meteorological readings around Ana Guruwe's village. He briefly describes the
vegetation and mentions spectacular waterfalls, the various cone-shaped peaks of "Mrule,
Pilani and Pesani", mentions the soft green grass of the Malema valley (to be seen today along
the Rio Malema floodplain), and spent time up on the Muretha plateau itself. However, he
seemed to focus his attention more on the Licungo valley and slopes above. The position of
Mt Namuli is given by Last as 37o04'15"E, 15o20'12"S, the latitude of which seems a bit out
according to modern maps, and he estimates the height at 8000 feet (2440 m), very close to
that given on maps now (2419 m). There was no settlement up on the plateau then, but he
records much inter-village conflict with people from the east side not wishing to visit the
west. There was even a group in the upper Licungo in the hamlet of Mana who were
reportedly cannibals, but Last found this to be more due to fear and bluff than reality.
Last left Ana Guruwe's kraal on 23 October along the Rio Licungo and reached Quelimane in
16 November, from where he returned to Blantyre. Shortly after, on 28 January 1887, he set
off for the coast along the upper Rio Lugenda, then cross-country to the Rio Mtepwesi
(possibly what are now Rios Mu-upua and Montepuez) and Ibo Island north of Pemba. At one
point on the return journey, in what appears to be the Marrupa area, he and his porters had to
hide all their baggage in the hills in order to move on more rapidly to get food, as there were
no settlements or people from which they could buy and hunger was setting in. On returning
later they found all their baggage stolen, including, apparently, many of Last's natural history
specimens. There seems to be no record of how much was lost, and whether this included
notes. They were helped a lot after this incident by a Chief Mweli in what is probably now the
BalamaMontpuez area, before reaching Ibo.
Archive correspondence and lists at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew show that from this trip
Joseph Last brought back at least 79 plant specimens and 16 fungi (dated January 1887 so
presumably the specimens were shipped directly from Blantyre as Last did not arrive back in
UK until June 1887), plus an assortment of economic botany artefacts such as cloth,
instruments, utensils and seeds donated in November 1887. All are labelled as being from
"Namuli, Macua Country, 1887" (Figure 30). At least 20 of these plants are types, specimens
used to describe new species, although 14 names are now reduced to synonymy (see Table 7).
Subsequently Last worked in Zanzibar (1899) as Commissioner for Slavery, and in
Madagascar, where he developed a particular interest in ferns. At one time his house in
Suffolk, UK was called "Namuli".
Almost 50 years were to pass before the next significant biological records from Namuli. In
the interim there was presumably much development in the surrounding area, as Vincent
(1933a) mentions the newly-established tea plantations around Guru in 1932. It has not been
possible so far to determine the rate of expansion of these plantations, or of the associated
livestock enterprises on the drier sides of the massif, but they all appear to have been wellestablished by the 1950s.
In 1932 Jack Vincent, a British ornithologist from the Natural History Museum in London,
visited Namuli as part of an extensive collecting trip around northern Mozambique. Given the
large gap in knowledge of species and distributions, his principal interest was to determine
where the transition zone lay between the East African and southern African bird faunas. He
realised that the Zambezi River was unlikely to be a barrier for bird distribution, and thought
the transition zone was more likely to be the series of hills along the Lurio watershed, of
which Namuli forms part. These mountains and outcrops also support forest patches, an
important habitat for unusual birds.
Like Last before him, Vincent based himself in Blantyre in southern Malawi, but instead of
using porters and travelling on foot he bought a second-hand 1 ton Ford truck, and with five
assistants (including at least one Zulu bird skinner he had trained), spent the next 10 months
collecting and skinning birds across large parts of southern Malawi and northern
Mozambique. During this time he visited Blantyre, Mt Mulanje, Mocuba, Guru, Angnia,
Furancungo, Tete, Malema, Ribu, Nampula, Mossuril and Namapa, as well as what was
probably his principal objective Mt Namuli. During the earlier stages of his travels, in
January 1932 in the rainy season, he camped near Guru, but found the vegetation there too
thick for moving around and successful bird collecting, so returned to Malawi. There was also
the problem of possibly being stuck for up to four months once the Rio Licungo flooded.
Later, in July 1932, Vincent came back to Namuli after collecting in the Nampula and
Malema areas. He stopped at the run-down Scotch Mission at Nauela, some 60 km east of
Namuli, and from here walked with porters to the Malema valley, where he set up camp on 21
July in the Ukusini forest in a small clearing at an altitude of around 1400 m. His detailed
paper in the Royal Geographical Society's journal (Vincent 1933a) gives not only the first
known photos of the mountain, many places still being recognisable now, but also a sketch
map of the eastern and northern parts (Figure 9). He also provides numerous descriptions of
natural history and the people of the Malema valley, their lifestyle and agriculture.
Vincent's explorations were primarily on the north-eastern parts of the Namuli massif. He
climbed the Murukuni ridge which links the main Namuli peaks with the Muretha plateau
(including an impressive photo, Figure 10), but he states that the peaks here were too steep for
him to climb. Most of his bird collecting was done in the Ukalini forest, the 'apron' of forest
below the steep SE-facing slopes of Namuli at 15601900 m (see front cover), and in what he
calls the Ukusini forest lower down at around 12001400 m along the Rio Nanchili. Much of
the latter forest now seems to have been cleared, but the Ukalini appears similar to what it
was in his day.
Figure 9. Sketch map of Namuli massif (Vincent 1933a).
He describes the Muretha plateau at around 1890 m in some detail. On the way up there was
much spiny Smilax anceps and a ginger-lily (probably Aframomum sp.). The rolling short
grass plateau itself was often wet and cloud-covered, dotted with patches of thick forest
comprising trees similar to those in the gullies below, but not so high. On forest edges
Tetradenia riparia was common with the small tree Myrsine africana, and on only the south
sides of forest patches he mentions a 5 m high species of Aeschynomene (possibly Kotschya
recurvifolia). The grassland, mostly of Themeda triandra with Eragrostis and Loudetia
species, was underlain by perennially waterlogged, black peat soil, and many grass tufts
concealed water-filled holes (Figure 11). A species of everlasting Helichrysum that Vincent
did not recognise is mentioned, along with ground orchids and a type of gentian (possibly
Swertia curtioides). The finest and most characteristic tree of Ukalini and Ukasini forest,
rising to 30 m, was reported to be Newtonia buchananii, along with the common liana
Dalbergia arbutifolia and a large species of Marattia fern. But there was no Widdringtonia
whytei (Mulanje cedar), no bamboo, no bauxite, and no human settlement, although there was
apparently some settlement higher up on the western side. Wild pigs were said to be common
up on the plateau, and leopard not uncommon, but there was no trace of bushbuck or other
antelope. Native hunters and trappers used nets and decoys to catch birds, especially a
partridge-like 'Pternistis' (Hildebrandt's Francolin). On steep rock faces there were tree
Vellozia (Xerophyta viscosa?), along with a white Crassula (C. globularioides?) and a blue
Lobelia (L. blantyrensis?). Such descriptions suggest an environment very similar to what is
seen today, except for leopard and wild pig, now replaced by domesticated livestock.
Figure 10. Photograph from 1932 along the Murukini ridge from Muretha to the
main Namuli peaks (Vincent 1933a).
During his travels across northern Mozambique, Vincent describes seeing much wildlife,
something now sadly absent, recording elephant, black rhino, wildebeest, eland, sable,
hartebeest, reedbuck, hippo, crocodile, lion and hyena. At this time there were many instances
of man-eating lions around villages, and he records a country-wide estimate of around 2000
people per year being killed by lions, many of the lions not being old or incapable but just
perhaps finding humans easier to catch. At one camp near Malema, he arrived when lions had
eaten 20 people in 21 days. Vincent also refers to black rhino being common, even being shot
for meat rations for road workers at times. Although he had a plan to visit Mt Chiperone with
an elephant hunter, this trip did not materialise, but he mentions on at least two occasions that
he thought that mountain would be very interesting to visit zoologically. Mt Chiperone was
the focus of the previous expedition under the current Darwin project (Timberlake et al.
2007).
Vincent left Namuli for Malawi on 10 August after almost a month in the area. He had got
what he considered to be a very representative list of birds from the mountain, recording 68
species above about 1360 m, and collecting 250 skins of 53 species. Some of these birds were
described as new to science, including the endemic Namuli Apalis. He also collected a few
small mammals, including five specimens of what was later described as the endemic
Vincent's squirrel, some plants (he says he couldnt get flowers or fruits of many forest trees),
insects and at least one unusual black mollusc, and later published extensively on his bird
collections and collecting localities (Vincent 1933b, 193336). It has not been possible to
locate his plant specimens, which are probably held at the Natural History Museum herbarium
(BM) in London.
Figure 11. Photograph from 1932 of the Muretha plateau, close to the
present expedition's campsite (Vincent 1933a).
3.5 Recent Biological Survey
The previous section outlined visits and collections up to the 1930s. This section primarily
looks at the period from the Second World War to date. All known collectors and dates are
shown in Table 3.
Apart from Joseph Last, who collected about 79 specimens (including at least 22 later
described as new), Charles Swynnerton (then living in Chirinda Forest in SE Zimbabwe) who
collected a little in the Malema valley in 1906, and a few specimens from Jack Vincent in
1932, no detailed plant collecting seems to have been done until a series of visits by Antnio
Rocha da Torre to the mountains around Guru from 1937 to 1943. Initially Torre's
collections appear to have been under his own initiative, but in April and June 1943 he
collected more extensively in the area (90 specimens from Namuli) as part of a nationwide
botanical survey by the Misso Botnica de Moambique. At least five new species resulted
from these trips. After Torre there were scattered collections, mostly from the Guru area and
surrounding country at lower altitudes, by the Portuguese collectors Mendona (1942, 1944),
Andrade (1949), and Grandvaux Barbosa & Carvalho (1949). However, little seems to be
known about these trips other than the specimen notes, and most of the plant labels are not
very specific.
Many years later, between 1966 and 1968, Torre again visited the Namuli area on at least four
occasions with M.F. Correia. These visits, resulting in at least 482 collections, were to the
Licungo valley and western massif slopes (Feb 1966 and Feb 1967), to the slopes and riverine
forests of Mt Namuli on the eastern side of the massif (Nov 1967), and to the forest and upper
slopes above Guru town (Jan 1968). They collected in all the main habitats up to at least
1820 m, including montane forest and grassland, but possibly not higher up. However, most
of these collections were from 1300 m altitude or lower (around 260 specimens), with a
sizeable number from there up to 1700 m. Perhaps only 130 specimens were collected from
1700 m or above, the point at which the plateau and montane forest can be said to truly begin.
Table 3. List of botanical and zoological collectors/recorders from the Namuli area.
Collector
Date
Notes
J.T. Last
C.F.M. Swynnerton
J. Vincent
A.R. Torre
A.R. Torre
A.R. Torre
A.R. Torre
F.A. Mendona
F.A. Mendona
E.C. Andrada
L.A.G. Barbosa, M. Carvalho
L. Leach, E.A.C. Schelpe
A.R. Torre, M.F. Correia
A.R. Torre
A.R. Torre
A.R. Torre
J. de Koning, P.A. Schafer
P. Ryan, C. Bento, C. Cohen, J. Graham,
V. Parker, C. Spottiswoode
M.P. de Melo, R. Covas, K-D. Dijkstra
Chicago Field Museum
J. Kerbis, E. Sarmiento
P. Bruyns
J. Bayliss, H. Patel
S. van Noort, K. Tolley, A. Gardiner
A. Monadjem
J.R. Timberlake, T. Harris, H. Patel
J.R. Timberlake, T. Harris, H. Patel
J. Bayliss, L. Sabo
J. Bayliss, L. Sabo
C. Bento, R. Demey
F. Dowsett-Lemaire, T. Mzumara
K. Cook
A. Gardiner, B. Wursten
Aug-Oct 1886
Nov 1906
July-Aug 1932
May 1937
Sept-Oct 1941
Apr 1943
June 1943
Oct-Nov 1942
Sept 1944
Aug 1949
Sept-Oct 1949
July 1962
Feb 1966
Feb 1967
Nov 1967
Jan 1968
July-Aug 1979
Nov-Dec 1998
plants (Mt Namuli, date given as 1887)

plants (v.few) (Malema valley)
bird collecting, plants, small mammals, molluscs
plants (hills in Guru area)
plants (Serra Guru)
plants (Guru, Namuli)
plants (Serra Guru)
plants (Guru)
plants; Schelpe & Leach for Pteridophytes
plants
plants
plants
plants (Guru)
bird recording & ringing
Dec 2001
July-Aug 2003
Nov 2004
Jan 2004
Nov 2005
May 2006
Aug 2006
May-June 2007
Nov 2007
May-June 2007
Nov 2007
May-June 2007
Nov 2007
Nov 2007
Apr 2008
bird ringing, Odonata

bird collecting
small mammals, bird collecting; unpublished
plants, Licungo valley
butterflies, plants
herps, figs, butterflies (foothillls)
bat collecting (Guru)
plants
plants
small mammals, reptiles, butterflies
small mammals, reptiles, butterflies
bird observations
bird observations & recording
bird ringing & collecting
butterflies, plants
Other significant collections have been made by the South Africans Larry Leach and Edward
Schelpe in 1962, who were particularly interested in succulents and ferns respectively. And,
more recently, by Peter Bruyns, who described new Euphorbia and Asclepiadaceae from
Namuli and surrounding areas (Bruyns 2006a,b).
The recent expeditions under this Darwin project represent the most comprehensive botanical
survey to date, with 725 numbered collections from a range of montane habitats over two
seasons.
On the zoological side, there do not appear to have been any records after Vincent's trip in
1932 until the expedition from the Percy Fitzpatrick Institute for Ornithology in Cape Town
in November 1998 (Ryan 1999a), which revisited some of his localities. They found the
Namuli Apalis and other species of conservation interest still common, and gave an estimate
of the extent of montane forest for the first time recording that it was more extensive than
had previously been thought. More detail on previous ornithological work is given later.
Two other significant zoological trips were by the Field Museum of Natural History
(Chicago) in JulyAugust 2003, during which 200 bird specimens were collected, and a trip
by Julian Kerbis and Esteban Sarmiento (Chicago Field Museum and American Museum of
Natural History, respectively) in 2004, who spent a number of weeks camped on the edge of
Manho forest on the Muretha plateau collecting small mammals and birds. However, the
results from these latter collections are still not published. There is a collection of around 200
bird specimens from Namuli and Mt Chiperone in spirit at AMNH still awaiting labels and
identification.
4. VEGETATION
4.1 Previous Studies
Although the Namuli massif is relatively small at a regional level, it is still clearly depicted on
the Flora Zambesiaca vegetation map of Wild and Barbosa (1967) as an area of Moist
Evergreen Medium-altitude Forest (Type 1) encompassing a small area of Dry Coniferous
Montane Forest (Type 8). Both designations unfortunately do not reflect what is present,
which is more akin to Moist Broadleaved Montane Forest (Type 7) surrounding a small area
of sub-montane Themeda grassland (Type 68). The Dry Coniferous Forest probably refers to
an assumed area of Widdringtonia, which is in fact absent from Namuli, although present in
similar situtions on Mt Mulanje. The pediments immediately below are shown as
Brachystegia spiciformis (high rainfall) Woodland (Type 21) surrounded by drier
Brachystegia spiciformisJulbernardia Woodland (Type 23) further away. Frank White
(1983) in his study of vegetation Africa-wide, depicts the montane forest on Namuli as being
allied to the East African coastal mosaic (Type 16b), similar to that on other montane massifs
in northern Mozambique, and surrounded by Wetter Zambesian miombo woodland (Type 25).
However, the forests on Namuli show very little affinity to those of the lower coastal areas
and are much closer to what he terms Afromontane Forest, certainly at above 1600 m altitude.
Earlier studies include Barbosa's (1952) study on the vegetation of Zambzia Province. He
describes the vegetation of the Namuli massif, along with that on other massifs such as Mt
Mabu and Morrumbala, as Unit 1 Moist Tropical Montane Forest (rain and clouds). In
general trees are said to be evergreen, 1820 m high with 3 or 4 strata, and forest is only
found at over 1200 m altitude. The herbaceous layer is poor, but ferns are common. He also
points out that additional moisture is available to these forests through clouds being formed as
the prevailing moist south-easterly airflow is forced over the mountains and cools. Above a
certain (unspecified) altitude it is sufficiently cool that a xerophytic thicket vegetation is
encountered dominated by species from the Ericaceae and Proteaceae families. Typical moist
forest species mentioned by Barbosa and found on Namuli include: Albizia gummifera,
Anthocleista grandiflora, Harungana madagascariensis, Macaranga spp., Maesa lanceolata,
Newtonia buchananii, Oxyanthus speciosus and Parinari excelsa, although these are rarely
found together and do not define a vegetation type. He also mentions that large areas of this
forest type have been cleared in the Guru area for tea plantations, and makes a plea for the
conservation of at least some of the forested areas.
Pedro & Barbosa (1955) produced a map of the vegetation of Mozambique, which later
formed the basis of the Mozambique section of Wild & Barbosa's Flora Zambesiaca map.
Surprisingly, they do not give details of vegetation in our study area as apparently this was
only seen from afar, but they state that vegetation at 10001800 m is part of Complex 79
(Montane zones of ZambziaNiassa), while those parts above 1800 m fall into Complex 80
(Subalpine zones of Zambzia). Areas below 800 m are described as open or closed
woodland, characterised by Brachystegia species and Uapaca, depending on geomorphology
and soil type.
4.2 Vegetation Types
From our study, the vegetation of the Namuli massif above 1200 m altitude can be broadly
categorised into six main groups forest, woodland, scrub, grassland, thin mats or patches on
rocky slopes, and cultivated/heavily disturbed areas. Although these six categories are
generally self-evident, there is substantial variation within some and the boundaries are not
always clear-cut. This is particularly the case with the woodland and scrub, which in a
number of instances would appear to have been derived from forest or grassland by
disturbance and/or fire. Undoubtedly woodland was extensive before settlement in the area,
but it would seem that it is this vegetation type that has been the most modified by human
activity.
The main vegetation types are characterised and described below in terms of their structure
(height, cover, etc), species composition and ecology. This was done using ground-based
fieldwork and aerial photos. Vegetation records were taken from samples around 0.5 ha in
extent, placed subjectively in what were considered to be representative spots across the study
area. A GPS point was recorded for each. The descriptions and ecological notes below are
based on extensive field observations by J. Timberlake and F. Dowsett-Lemaire, and data
from the vegetation sample plots. A more detailed account of the forest types is given in
Dowsett-Lemaire (2008).
Most emphasis during the study was placed on forest vegetation and grassland, as these are
the two species-rich types that are of greatest conservation interest. Lesser attention was given
to vegetation patches on rock slopes, rocky outcrops and seepages, although they are also of
interest. Woodland, scrub and cultivated areas were not looked at in much detail. Most of the
study focussed on vegetation above 1700 m, with the addition of the Ukalini forest (1550
1800 m) and areas above the Cascata de Namuli in the upper Licungo and Namparro valleys
(10001400 m).
a) Forest
The area under moist evergreen forest on the Namuli massif is surprisingly extensive,
estimated at around 1250 ha, with about 1115 ha of this being found at an altitude of 1600
1900 m (see section 4.3 and Table 4). There is about 50 ha of forest between 1950 and 2200
m on the slopes of Mts Pesse and Pilani, and around 135 ha of medium-altitude forest below
1600 m. The main blocks of forest, which are more-or-less continuous, lie in broad valleys
and on the less-steep slopes of the plateau, trending in a SWNE direction. Some forest areas
are in deeper valleys, such as the Ntapatata valley below the southern slopes of Mt
Namuchuruvu and Mt Pesse, or in moister areas such as the Ukalini forest nestled below the
peaks of Mt Namuli itself. Most of the present survey work was carried out in Manho forest at
the eastern end of the massif and in Ukalini forest.
Based on altitude and composition, there are three main types of forest, described separately
below.
Montane Forest: This forest type is found from around 1600 m to 2200 m, with the main
area of development at 17001800 m. The canopy is closed at around 2025 m high, with
emergents to 30 or even 40 m (Figure 12). In smaller patches on the Muretha plateau, or on
steeper slopes flanking the peaks, the canopy is lower at 1520 m with emergents to 25 m.
Epiphytes and ferns are common, indicating the high year-round humidity derived from
frequent low cloud and rain outside of the main rainy season. Although trees can be tall, there
are not many of large girth (i.e. greater than 60 cm diameter). Stem density is fairly high.
In Manho forest (Figure 13) the main emergent trees are Faurea wentzeliana (Tchetchere, the
only species exploited for timber), Cryptocarya liebertiana, Olea capensis (Evaca) and
Ekebergia capensis. Common canopy trees, in addition to the emergent species, are Albizia
gummifera, Anthocleista grandiflora (near edges or in gaps), Aphloia theiformis, Apodytes
dimidiata, Bersama abyssinica, Cassipourea malosana, Canthium vulgare, Cussonia spicata
(gaps), Drypetes gerrardii, Eugenia capensis, Garcinia kingaensis (common), Ilex mitis
(along streams), Macaranga capensis, Maytenus acuminata, Podocarpus latifolius, Polyscias
fulva, Prunus africana, Rapanea melanophloeos, Schefflera umbellifera and

Tabernaemontana stapfiana. Below 1700 m Chrysophyllum gorungosanum appears, with
Myrianthus holstii in the understorey.
Understorey trees and woody shrubs include: Alchornea hirtella (common), Allophylus
chaunostachys, Canthium oligocarpum, Carissa bispinosa, Chassalia parvifolia, Diospyros
natalensis, Dracaena laxissima, Erythroxylum emarginatum, Ixora scheffleri, Lasianthus
kilimandscharicus (very common), ?Metarungia pubinervia, Mimulopsis solmsii, Mostuea
brunonis, Ochna holstii, Oxyanthus speciosus, Pauridiantha paucinervis, Peddiea africana,
Psychotria zombamontana, Rawsonia lucida, Rytigynia uhligii, Tricalysia sp. and Xymalos
monospora. Large woody lianas are characterised by Schefflera goetzenii, and Rutidea
orientalis is also very common. Perhaps the commonest plant in the herb layer is Anisotes
pubinervis. The fern flora is diverse, both in terrestrial and epiphytic species.
The Ukalini forest (see front cover) has a somewhat different composition being at a slightly
lower altitude, and probably a bit warmer. Although essentially Afromontane, it has elements
of medium-altitude forest at its lower margins. The most luxuriant section of the forest, 2530
m tall, lies in a saddle at 16001750 m; two broad 'wings' ascend to the SW and NW up to
1900 m. The emergents are much the same as in Manho, but larger canopy trees include:
Albizia gummifera, Anthocleista grandiflora, Aphloia theiformis, Apodytes dimidiata,
Canthium vulgare, Chrysophyllum gorungosanum, Cryptocarya liebertiana, Drypetes
gerrardii, Ekebergia capensis, Faurea wentzeliana, Ficus scassellatii, Garcinia kingaensis,
Ilex mitis (streams), Macaranga capensis, Ochna holstii, Ocotea kenyensis, Olea capensis,
Polyscias fulva, Prunus africana, Rapanea melanophloeos, Strombosia scheffleri, Syzygium
guineense and Tabernaemontana stapfiana. A few strangling Ficus scassellatii occur from
16001700 m, and Strombosia scheffleri is found at around 1600 m. Chrysophyllum and
Myrianthus are found up to 1750 m. At the forest margin Trema orientalis is common.
Figure 12. Montane forest, Manho (JT).
Understorey trees and woody shrubs include: Alchornea hirtella, Aulacocalyx diervilloides,
Canthium oligocarpum, Cassine aethiopica (stream), Chassalia parvifolia, Diospyros
natalensis, Dracaena laxissima, Englerophytum magalismontanum, Erythroxylum
emarginatum, Garcinia volkensii, Ixora scheffleri, Lasianthus kilimandscharicus, Myrianthus
holstii, Peddiea africana, Psychotria zombamontana, Rawsonia lucida, Rytigynia uhligii,
Tricalysia acokantheroides and Vepris stolzii. Lianas include Canthium gueinzii, Landolphia
buchananii, Mussaenda arcuata, Rutidea orientalis, Schefflera goetzenii (dominant),
Secamone alpini, Toddalia asiatica and Urera hypselodendron.
On the Muretha plateau at 18501900 m there are numerous small forest patches, ranging in
size from 30 m2 to several hectares with a canopy at around 1520 m and emergents to 2025
m (Figure 14). These patches are more exposed to fires and contain more secondary, partly
fire-resistant species. The most apparent species here are those from forest margins, including
Aphloia theiformis, Maesa lanceolata, Peddiea africana and, especially, Morella (Myrica)
serrata. Other common trees include Cassipourea malosana (emergent), Cryptocarya
liebertiana (emergent), Ekebergia capensis (emergent), Faurea wentzeliana (emergent),
Macaranga capensis, Nuxia congesta, Olea capensis (emergent), Podocarpus latifolius,
Prunus africana, Rapanea melanophloeos, Schefflera umbellifera, Syzygium cordatum and S.
guineense subsp. guineensis. In proximity to streams, Ilex mitis is common.
Figure 13. Manho forest (montane)

and peaks (JT).
Medium-altitude Forest: This forest type, really only found below 1600 m, has a less-even
but often higher canopy, although similar to that of montane forest. The main species
difference is in the increased presence of Albizia gummifera and Newtonia buchananii, Ficus
spp. and various Sapotaceae trees such as Chrysophyllum gorungosanum, Englerophytum
magalismontanum and Synsepalum sp.
Only one patch of medium-altitude forest was visited up on the Namuli massif, situated along
the upper reaches of the Manho river between 14501600 m before it falls into the Malema
valley. Species composition here changed markedly at around 1600 m.
Riverine Forest: Lower down, along larger watercourses such as the Namchili river, a
tributary of the Malema, well-developed riparian forest or woodland is found, although the
extent appears to be significantly less than in Vincent's day. He camped and collected birds in
these areas. On the Malema valley side, Dowsett-Lemaire (2008) records that Albizia
adianthifolia is common (12501450 m), along with Bersama abyssinica, Parinari excelsa
and Newtonia buchananii. Slightly higher up at 14501500 m, Bridelia micrantha, Tetradenia
riparia, Maesa lanceolata, Schrebera alata, Nuxia congesta, P. excelsa and S. cordatum were
noted, with Trema orientalis in gaps.
In the Licungo valley on the western side of the massif at 10001250 m, narrow strips of tall
riverine forest is found, comprising Breonadia salicina, Parinari excelsa, Ficus sp., Syzygium
sp. and Englerophytum magalismontanum, with tea plantations immediately adjacent. These
are remnants, and it is not clear if they still represent viable populations.
Figure 14. Mosaic of grassland and
montane forest, Muretha plateau (JT).
b) Woodland
Woodland vegetation is primarily found at altitudes below 1800 m, i.e. just off the plateau, on
the margins of true forest, but primarily on the lower slopes below 1700 m. There is no figure
for its total extent. Vegetation sampling was limited, as are details on species composition.
On forest margins from 18002000 m, Erica (Phillipia) benguelensis is common, often as tall
trees up to 20 m high, forming a type of woodland. This type is much affected by fire, and
could be considered as either a derivative from moist forest, or a seral stage towards it.
No miombo woodland (that is, woodland characterised by species of Brachystegia or
Julbernardia) was seen, although a very few small shrubs of Brachystegia spiciformis were
noted on the NE slopes of Mt Namuli at 1650 m.
Another type of woodland, found on slopes that have been partially cleared and cultivated and
frequently burnt, is characterised by evergreen trees of Syzygium cordatum. The intervening
trees have either been cut out, or have failed to regenerate owing to fire. Presumably S.
cordatum is long-lived and fire-tolerant. Dowsett-Lemaire (2008) mentions this type at
medium altitude (12001500 m), but with some at higher altitude (18001900 m) on forest
margins.
c) Scrub
Typically this vegetation type comprises bracken (Pteridium aquilinum), small shrubs such as
Kotschya recurvifolia and Tetradenia (Iboza) riparia, and woody herbs such as Dissotis sp.,
climbing Desmodium, purple-flowered Tephrosia aequilata and various Lamiaceae,
Acanthaceae, Asteraceae and Cyperus species. The stands of bracken, which can be quite
extensive, are from 0.51.5 m high (Figure 15), while clumps of shrubs can exceed 2.5 m in
height and cover a hectare or more.
This vegetation type appears to be secondary, derived by fire or disturbance from grassland
and the drier margins of forest. Burning is fierce and regular. Scrub is found above 1750
1800 m up to 2000 m at the margins of montane forest in more fertile or better-drained sites
within grassland, especially close to rocky outcrops, ridges or on footslopes, and also below
the plateau. The total extent has not been determined, but it is unlikely to exceed 200300 ha.
Figure 15. Bracken scrub under patch of

montane forest destroyed by fire,
Nachona plateau (JT).
With increased fire frequency and scattered clearance for potato cultivation, this vegetation
type is likely to increase in extent. It does not have any particular conservation significance,
and has few nectar-producing flowers for birds (Dowsett-Lemaire 2008).
d) Grassland
There are three main grassland areas on the plateau, with an overall extent of around 300 ha
between 1850 and 2000 m. The main area, of around 170 ha, is the Muretha (or Moretxa)
plateau (18501900 m) above the Maleme valley (Figures 16, 17), and is where the main
campsite was situated. The other large area, the Nachona plataeu flanking the western slopes
of Mts Pilani and Pesse, covers around 95 ha from 19002000 m and is moderately heavily
grazed. The third area, around 32 ha at 18501900 m, lies at the head of the Licungo valley
and to the east, overlooking the upper Niiri valley to the north-east.
Figure 16. Mt Pesse across Muretha plateau

grassland (JT).
Figure 17. Grassland, Muretha plateau

(JT).
Much of the grassland on the Namuli massif, particularly that on the Muretha plateau, is
found on deep peat deposits, presumably built up through waterlogging and acidic conditions,
whilst other areas are on deep moist soils. It is probable that marked seasonal waterlogging is
the factor that inhibits invasion by forest or scrub vegetation, and causes grassland to develop.
In places on the Muretha plateau the peat is very deep and the area is very boggy with
numerous water-filled holes, especially in lower-lying areas. The grasses are tussocky,
primarily Loudetia simplex at 50100 cm high, with Themeda triandra and Eragrostis species
being more common on better-drained sites. Closer to rock outcrops shorter grasses to 20 cm
are found, and the vegetation changes gradually to one more typical of rocky areas. Across the
plateau, herbs, both short and tall, are common, with many having root storage organs such as
rhizomes. Among the most characteristic are Euphorbia depauperata, Helichrysum spp.,
Crotalaria sp. and various ground orchids. The density of the latter is estimated to average 1
plant/m2. Locally a leafy Kniphofia is found, the leaves of which are used to make baskets. A
few small Protea trees (P. petiolaris, P. welwitschii) were found in one area in the north.
Scattered tree ferns (Cyathea dregei) are found on gully edges.
Figure 18. Mts Pesse and Pilane

with montane forest patch and
Muretha plateau grassland (JT).
Near forest margins, or where soils are better drained, areas of Pteridium aquilinum with tall
woody herbs (Dissotis sp., Tephrosia aequilata) and low shrubs such as Kotschya recurvifolia
and Tetradenia riparia are common, described above under scrub vegetation. This
assemblage could be a response to frequent burning (many of the species are fire-tolerant) or a
result of better drainage status and higher soil fertility.
Figure 19. Grassland, Nachona

plateau (JT)
Across many of the grassland areas, small patches of moist forest can be found, ranging in
size from 30 m2 to a few hectares. These are described above in the section on forests. These
patches provide refuge to birds and number of vertebrates and invertebrates.
The northern and western grasslands are extensively grazed by cattle (Figure 37), brought up
from the farms in the Namparro valley below. These stay there much of the time, and are
generally not herded or handled. The grasses are significantly less tussocky than on the
Muretha plateau, with a lower grass height, less waterlogging, and possibly less frequent fires.
The grass Setaria sphacelata is common in enriched areas. Feral pigs are found across the
grasslands. Goats, although not particularly common, seem to congregate close to some rocky
outcrops, where they enrich the soil with their droppings. The avifauna is not considered to be
of great interest. A common mammal is the burrowing African Marsh Rat.
Upland peat grasslands are a scarce vegetation type, nationally and across the region, more so
than montane forest. Such areas also have a high plant diversity and possibly a high
invertebrate diversity too, and support some of the known endemic species. They are of great
conservation significance, with Namuli representing one of the largest extents of natural
upland grassland in Mozambique, along with Mt Gorongosa and the Chimanimani Mountains.
e) Rocky slopes
Possibly the most extensive vegetation types on the massif, although of a similar order of
magnitude to forest, is that found on rocky slopes and outcrops. These types cover vegetation
adapted to severe drought and high diurnal temperature changes on rock faces, and also
vegetation found in perennial seepages on shallow slopes adjacent to grassland. The largest
expanses are found on and around the Mts PessePilane complex and on Mt Namuli.
On rock faces and steeper slopes the plant cover is typically patchy (excepting lichens), with
about 2060% plant cover confined to small thin mats in suitable places, including various
mosses (Figure 20). The main species is the sedge Coleochloa setifera, forming strong clumps
2050 cm high. These tufts have a strong attachment to the rock and can readily support the
weight of humans, but where other species are the main constituents the mats are very thin
with poor adhesion to the rock. The vegetation generally is only 20 cm high, but locally can
reach 50 cm. Common species include Crassula globularioides, lithophytic orchids and some
short wiry grasses. On some exposed slopes the stem aloe Aloe mawii and Xerophyta kirkii up
to 1.5 m high are locally found (Figure 21).
Figure 20. Rocky slopes with Coleochloa and

Merwillea (flowering) (JT).
Figure 21. Rocky slopes with Xerophyta

(JT).
In wetter sites or where there is lateral moisture seepage, the bulbous herb Merwillea lazulina
with its beautiful show of pale mauve spring flowers to 20 cm high is abundant (density up to
10 bulbs/m2), along with Hypoxis nyasica and a number of ground orchids. However, the
wettest sites on permanent or semi-permanent seepages have an almost continuous vegetation
cover consisting of thin mats held together by fibrous roots which are readily destroyed by
pigs or natural erosion (Figure 22). These areas appear to be fairly acidic and peat-like, and
support finer-leaved grasses and sedges with annual or short-lived herbs such as Xyris and
Drosera. Less acidic and more base-rich areas contain 'softer' grasses such as Panicum
inaequilatum.
Figure 22. Namuli peak from side, showing
extensive rocky slopes (JT).
Figure 23. Seepages and grassland, Muretha

plateau (JT).
Such vegetation is very variable both in density and in composition, depending on slope,
moisture availability and, partly, on aspect or degree of shelter or exposure. Although
vegetation cover is low, fires are frequent and many areas get burnt every one or two years.
Hence most of the species found are probably fire-tolerant, with any less tolerant species
confined to protected sites in gullies.

In favourable sites with somewhat deeper soils, especially close to grassland, the vegetation is
scrub-like (see Scrub above) and various woody plants are found, including Kotschya
recurvifolia, Tephrosia sp. and patches of bracken (Pteridium aquilinum), with Tetradenia
riparia in the most favoured spots. While where goats congregate on ledges there is a lusher,
more palatable plant cover with Setaria sphacelata (primarily on the western side), Panicum
sp. and various Asteraceae (Compositae) herbs.
f) Cultivated areas
This broad category consists of vegetation that is secondary or planted, and which is mostly
found below 1200 m on the western side and 1400 m on the eastern side. In the Licungo
valley, tea has been planted extensively in most suitable areas up to about 1200 m.
Interspersed and on the margins of the plantations the workers have small fields, mostly with
cassava. Narrow fringes of riparian woodland or forest remain along the larger watercourses.
In the Malema valley in the east, cultivation of cassava, maize and sweet potato is more
widespread, and there are no tea plantations. Locally some Eucalyptus alba trees have been
planted along roadsides. There are fairly extensive areas of fallow, of various ages, up to
about 1400 m, and owing to tall grass growth (mostly Hyparrhenia species) fires are both
fierce and frequent (Figure 24). Very little of what would probably have been the original
vegetation is left, although it is suspected this would have been dry to moist woodland,
depending on position and soil depth.
No detailed survey was made of these cultivated and disturbed areas,. The biodiversity
conservation value is considered to be low, except for the riparian woodlands, and given the
growing human population, any conservation management would not be easy to institute.
Figure 24. Mt Namuli from Malema valley, showing clearance and cultivation on slopes (JT).
4.3 Vegetation Mapping

Vegetation mapping, in particular the determination of the extent of moist forest and upland
grassland, was carried out using two separate techniques, and supported by ground-based
vegetation recording. The two methods were (a) manual interpretation of historical air photos,
and (b) the supervised classification of Landsat ETM+ imagery.
Forest is here defined as a continuous stand of trees with interlocking crowns, mostly over 10
m in height. This differs from the FAO definition, which covers most stands of woody plants
including what we here term woodland.
In order to characterise the vegetation types, 67 vegetation samples were recorded at what
were regarded visually as characteristic or good examples of the major types. At each
recorded point a GPS reading was made, the structure recorded, the main environmental
attributes (e.g. soil type, slope, fire or disturbance), and the major species present along with
an indication of their cover-abundance. From the vegetation samples and notes, 181 GPS
points with clear vegetation categorization were used for classification of the digitallyanalysed Landsat imagery.
a) Manual Interpretation
The only available air photos are from October 1969 at a scale of around 1:43,000, although
subsequent analysis and measurements from the 1:50,000 map sheets suggest that at the
altitude of the Namuli plateau (1800 m) the scale is actually around 1:35,500.
Air photos of Mt Namuli, 1:43,000 scale, 1969 row 3014/ 001005
row 3014/ 081087
row 3014/ 091096
Manual interpretation of forest extent was carried out from the air photos using field
knowledge. Unfortunately, the overlap between adjacent rows of photos is not large (about
15%) leading to area distortion in places, hence areas could be overestimated. Area
determinations were done using a 1:50,000 scale dot planimeter and applying a correction
factor of 0.5041 as the actual photo-scale was close to 1:35,500.
The total forested area is approximately 1250 ha (Table 4), the majority being montane forest
at an altitude of 1700 m or higher, including the extensive Manho forest where much of the
survey work was focussed. The only other figure available, from Ryan et al. (1999), also
based on the same air photos, gave a total forested area of around 1300 ha. Of particular
interest for conservation is what is here called medium-altitude forest, that is forest at 1600 m
altitude or below. Very little of this was noted on the photos when used in conjunction with
the topographic map a patch of 8 ha on the eastern ramparts, a more extensive area of 77 ha
along the base of the southwest-trending valley below Mt Pesse, part of a continuum to higher
altitude forest on the slopes above, and around 50 ha in the west-facing gorges above the
Licungo valley.
The area of Ukalini forest, nestled below the main Namuli peaks, was estimated at around 80
ha from the 1969 airphotos (including the 'wings' extending up gullies to the north and to the
NE along the base of the peaks), all from 15001850 m altitude. Interestingly, the Ukusini
forest, where Vincent camped in 1933 and which he implies was then moderately extensive, is
only visible as a very narrow riparian fringe in the 1969 photos.
The extent of upland grassland on peat (as opposed to short grassland or sedges on shallow
rock) is difficult to determine from the airphotos, but is estimated at about 300 ha scattered
across three blocks (Table 4), the largest being on the Muretha plateau (170 ha). There were
no apparent changes between 1969 and 2007.
Much of the Malema valley was not wooded or forested in 1969, but covered in what was
probably bracken or secondary bush. A significant proportion is now cultivated. However,
there is little evidence for significant clearance of forest cover from 1969 to 2007, just small
patches having disappeared or margins pushed back slightly, such as at the "mouth" of the
Ukalini forest.
Table 4. Extent of vegetation types from airphoto interpretation.
extent (ha)
Montane forest >1600m
1115
Forest <1600m
135
Total forest area
1250
Grassland
300
b) Landsat Analysis
A vegetation map of Mt Namuli was developed using a Landsat ETM+ image from July 2005
(path/row 166-071, 30 m resolution), registered to UTM Zone 37S (WGS84) with radiometric
and geometric corrections performed (Figure 25). No further radiometric normalisation was
done and an analysis was made using digital number rather than converted radiance values.
The image was displayed using different band combinations enabling it to be analysed
visually and to determine spectral characteristics of the different vegetation types.
The normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) was computed to separate areas of dense
green vegetation and shading due to topographic effects in the image. An unsupervised
classification was also done to determine which vegetation types could or could not be
spectrally separated.
Results from this first pre-classification analysis, along with a set of 181 ground control
points and expert knowledge of the area, were used to extract a training data set representative
of the vegetation types of interest. A supervised classification procedure was then applied to
the image using a maximum likelihood algorithm built in ERDAS Imagine software. Six
bands of the Landsat TM image were used, excluding the thermal band from the original set.
A majority 3 x 3 statistical filter was applied to the classified image to smooth the results and
remove noise.
The supervised classification aimed to discriminate four major vegetation types: montane
forest, bare rock and grassland, plantation, and open woodland/secondary vegetation. The
extent of these four vegetation types is shown in Table 5 and Figure 26.
A contingency matrix using spectral signatures was developed to assess classification
accuracy based on spectral characteristics alone. The main forest vegetation type (Montane
forest) proved to have high spectral separability, with over 90% of correctly classified forest
pixels, giving good thematic accuracy to the map. The minimum values were for open
woodland. It proved too difficult to separate out grassland from vegetation on shallow soils
and low bushland up on the plateau.
The discrepancy in results of forest extent between the two methods might be thought to be
due to forest loss, but careful comparison in the field of the air photos with forest margins
seen in 2007 showed few significant differences. It is far more likely due to either a differing
definition of forest used in airphoto analysis compared to the algorithm used in the digital
analysis, or to an over-estimation of forest due to inclusion of forest gaps and indented
margins in "forest" when using a dot planimeter. However, the difference is large, and shows
that caution must be exercised in determining change detection using different methods.
Table 5. Extent of main vegetation types in Namuli
area as determined from 2005 Landsat imagery.
extent (ha)
Montane forest
964
Bare soil/grassland
5,062
Plantation/cultivation
674
Open woodland/secondary
11,906
Figure 25. Corrected Landsat image showing broad project area. Green dots indicate
vegetation recording localities.
c) Change Detection
Historical satellite data for Mt Namuli was acquired in order to explore possible changes in
the extent of montane forest. A Landsat MSS image (60 m resolution) from September 1972
was visually compared with the July 2005 Landsat TM image used to create the vegetation
map (Figure 27). Cloud cover in the earlier image limits interpretation on the north-western
area, but the eastern and southern boundaries are seen to be similar over the 33 year period
with no significant differences observed.
Figure 26. Vegetation map of Namuli area from Landsat TM interpretation.
Landsat TM image - July 2005
Landsat MSS image - 1972
Figure 27. Landsat imagery of Namuli massif over 33 years, showing forest extent.
5. PLANTS
5.1 Introduction
During the two Darwin expeditions fertile plant specimens were collected from forest,
grassland, shrubland, wetland and rocky habitats across much of the northern part of the
Namuli massif. There was no particular collecting strategy, other than to gather as
comprehensive a collection as possible of fertile identifiable material from the full range of
accessible habitats. In addition, numerous sterile specimens were also collected for vegetation
classification purposes, particularly from the forest. An indication of the collecting localities
is given in Figure 29 showing GPS waypoints from both trips. The Muretha plateau and
Manho forest were particularly well-covered, but areas below 1700 m were little-collected.
The total of numbered collections with notes was 725, most with three duplicates. Complete
sets are deposited in the National Herbarium in Maputo (LMA) and at Kew, while a third and
fourth (incomplete) set are deposited in herbaria at the Universidade Eduardo Mondlane
(LMU) and Zomba (MAL).
Figure 28. Pavetta sp., a possible new

species of shrub from Namuli (TH).
A list of species recorded on the Namuli

massif above 1300 m during the two project
expeditions is given in Annex 2, with an
altitudinal lower limit of 1000 m on the
western side of the massif. This includes
own sight records from the vegetation
survey. The total number of taxa recorded is 420, of which 147 are trees or shrubs. This total
comprises 24 Pteridophytes (ferns and fern-allies), 1 Gymnosperm, 82 monocotyledons and
313 dicotyledons. There are an additional 52 species of Pteridophyte, 15 monocotyledons and
47 dicotyledons listed in Flora Zambesiaca as being from the Serra de Guru or Namuli areas
(Annex 3), bringing the possible total species list to over 530. However, these additional
species are not included in Annex 2 (apart from the known endemics) as it was not always
clear where each were found or at what altitude.
5.2 New and Endemic Species
Five collections made on these trips are believed to represent taxa new to science (Isoglossa
sp. nov. (Acanthaceae), Crotalaria sp. nov. near C. argyrobioides, Indigofera sp. nov. near I.
longipedicellata (both Fabaceae: Papilionoideae) and the parasite Englerina sp. nov. near E.
longiflora (Loranthaceae). A collection of a Pavetta (from a different part of the genus to
Pavetta gurueensis) is also being studied to determine whether it represents a new species
(Figure 28). However, taxonomic studies have not yet been carried out to determine exact
taxonomic status and formal description is awaited.
Three of the new species (Isoglossa, Crotalaria, Indigofera) come from genera well known
for montane endemics. Isoglossa species tend to be found in forest and undergo periodic but
infrequent mass flowering, where the whole population flowers together. Such a trait reduces
the chances of making a fertile collection and may be why this species had not been located
before. It is proabable that these three new species are endemic to Namuli, and perhaps
immediately-adjacent mountains.
Figure 29. Namuli massif showing 2007 collecting localities.

Including the putative new species, there are now 16 taxa thought to be endemic to Mt
Namuli and the immediately surrounding area (Table 6). Two of the endemics are succulents
(Aloe torrei and Euphorbia namuliensis, although the latter has only been found at lower
altitudes), three are woody plants (both Pavetta spp. and Dombeya lastii), whilst six are
Papilionoid legumes. Only four of the previously recorded endemics were found on these
expeditions, which may be due to the restricted altitude range we collected in. Crotalaria
torrei and Rhynchosia torrei were locally abundant on the plateau. Specimen of the grass
Alloeochaete namuliensis were found on rocky ridges on the plateau; this species was
previously only known from a single type collection. Plectranthus guruensis was collected
from a narrow patch of riverine forest on the Rio Licungo west of the plateau. Aloe torrei,
Crotalaria torrei, Rhynchosia torrei and Alloeochaete namuliensis had previously been
collected from the rocky grassland plateau and some lower slopes, Rhynchosia cliviorum
subsp. gurueensis was collected from the margins of high-altitude streams, Dombeya lastii
from woodland at lower altitudes, Plectranthus guruensis from the Malema valley, and
Euphorbia namuliensis had been collected amongst low-altitude granite outcrops. A field
identification guide for these and other range-restricted species from Namuli has been made
(Harris 2008).
Table 6. Endemic plant species from the Mt Namuli and Guru area.
Family
Acanthaceae
Acanthaceae
Aloaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Fabaceae: Papilionoideae
Species
Isoglossa sp. nov.
Sclerochiton hirsutus Vollesen
Aloe torrei I.Verd. & Christian
Euphorbia namuliensis Bruyns
Crotalaria torrei Polhill
Crotalaria sp. nov. near C. argyrobioides
Indigofera sp. nov. near I. longipedicellata, but
ovary hairy
Fabaceae: Papilionoideae Rhynchosia clivorum S.Moore subsp. gurueenis
Verdc.
Fabaceae: Papilionoideae Rhynchosia torrei Verdc.
Fabaceae: Papilionoideae Tephrosia whyteana Baker f. subsp. gemina
Brummitt
Lamiaceae
Plectranthus guruensis Paton
Loranthaceae
Englerina sp. nov. near E. longiflora
Poaceae
Alloeochaete namuliensis Chippendall
Rubiaceae
Pavetta guruensis Bridson
Rubiaceae
Pavetta sp. nov?
Sterculiaceae
Dombeya lastii K.Schum.
date coll.
2007
1979
1962
2004
1943, 2007
2007
2007
Notes
to be described
to be described
to be described
1944
1941, 2007 also coll.1968
1944
1979, 2007 in press
2008
to be described
1943, 2007
1944
2007
uncertain status
1883
A preliminary listing shows over 30 type specimens from Namuli (Table 7), specimens from
which a species was first described. Many (21) were collected by Joseph Last in 1886 (see
Figure 30), with significant additions from the collections made by Torre between 1940 and
1966. A detailed listing, obtained by going through various databases, has not yet been done.
Figure 30. Original herbarium collection (Kew, partial image) of

Pseuderanthemun viscosum, collected by Joseph Last from Mt Namuli in 1886.
5.3 New Species Records for Mozambique

When the species list in Annex 2 was compared with the Sabonet national checklist for
Mozambique (Da Silva, Izidine & Amude 2004), which however reflects only collections at
the National Herbarium (LMA) and University herbarium (LMU) in Maputo, it was found
that 40% of them were not on the national list. After comparing Annex 2 with both the
Sabonet checklist and with specimen citations from Flora Zambesicaca treatments (published
or in press), 26 new records for Mozambique were noted (Table 8), many representing
significant range extensions. Northern Mozambique is known to be poorly-known botanically
and patchily collected, which is part of the justification for the present study.
Table 7. List (incomplete) of plant type specimens originally collected from Mt Namuli area.
Family
Aspleniaceae (fern)
Cyatheaceae (fern)
Acanthaceae
Species
Asplenium brevisquamulosum Hieron.
Cyathea mossambicensis Baker
Brillantaisia subulugurica Burkill
date coll.
Last 1886
Last 1886
Last 1886
Acanthaceae
Pseuderanthemum subviscosum
(C.B.Clarke) Stapf
Aloe torrei I.Verd. & Christian
Chlorophytum brevipes Baker
Last 1886
Acanthaceae
Aloaceae
Anthericaceae
Asclepiadaceae
Asclepiadaceae
Asteraceae
de Koning 1979
Torre 1944, 1962
Last 1886
Bruyns 2004
Bruyns 2004
Last 1886
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Brachystelma nutans Bruyns

Ceropegia namuliensis Bruyns
Helichrysum brassii Brenan
var. aggregatum Brenan
Helichrysum lastii Engl.
Sphacophyllum lastii O.Hoffm.
Asteraceae
Vernonia pterocarpa Oliv.& Hiern
Last 1886
Crassulaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Last 1886
Last 1886
Kalanchoe laurensii Raym.-Hamet

Euphorbia namuliensis Bruyns
Lotus namulensis Brand
Rhynchosia clivorum S.Moore
subsp. gurueenis Verdc.
Fab: Papilionoideae Rhynchosia torrei Verdc.
Fab: Papilionoideae Tephrosia whyteana Baker f.
subsp. gemina Brummitt
Gentianaceae
Swertia lastii Engl.
Last 1886
Bruyns 2004
Torre 1943, 1968
Last 1886
Mendona 1944
Iridaceae
Lamiaceae
Aristea paniculata Pax / A. lastii Baker

Plectranthus guruensis A.J.Paton
Ochnaceae
Pleuroridgea lastii Tiegh.
Last 1886
de Koning 1979,
2007
Last 1886
Orchidaceae
Mystacidium pedunculatum Rolfe
Last 1886
Orchidaceae
Poaceae
Rubiaceae
Angraecopsis parviflora (Thouars) Schltr.

Alloeochaete namuliensis Chippendall
Torre 1943
Oldenlandia oliveriana K.Schum.
Last 1886
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae

Tricalysia lastii K.Schum.
Mendona 1944
Last 1886
Scrophulariaceae
Scrophulariaceae
Sterculiaceae
Xyridaceae
Buchnera lastii Engl.

Buchnera namuliensis Skan
Dombeya lastii K.Schum.
Xyris makuensis N.E.Br.
Last 1886
Last 1886
Last 1886
Last 1886
notes
?? good name
now synonym of B. cicatricosa
Lindau
now synonym of C. comosum

(Thunb.) Jacq.
not clear what this is now

now synonym of Anisopappus
chinensis (L.) Hook.& Arn. var.
dentatus (DC.) Ortiz, Paiva &
Rodr.Oubina
Last specimen on same sheet as
type
now synonym of K. elizae Berger
Torre 1941
1944
Last 1886
now synonym of S. abyssinica

Hochst.
now synonym of A. ecklonii Baker
Paton, in press
now synonym of Brackenridgea
zanguebarica Oliv.
Last specimen one of 3 syntypes.
Now synonym of Angraecopsis
parviflora (Thouars) Schltr.
now synonym of O. rupicola

(Sond.) O.Kuntze var. rupicola
now synonym of T. coriacea
(Benth.) Hiern subsp. nyassae
(Hiern) Bridson
Xyris peteri and Helixanthera cf. verruculosa (if confirmed) are new records for the Flora
Zambeziaca area, while the collection of Erica simii may represent the northernmost extent of
that species' range. This is unusual as for most species collected on Namuli, if their ranges
extend further south they usually also extend into East or West Africa.
It is interesting to note that five species previously believed to be endemic to Mt Mulanje
were collected on Namuli during the two expeditions (Table 8), indicating both the linkages
between these montane areas and the extent of under-collection on mountains in Mozambique
compared to Malawi. However, their floras are by no means identical as 91 plant species
collected on Namuli have not been collected from Mulanje (Strugnell 2006). Five out of the
six Erica species found on Namuli are not recorded for Mulanje; there are twice as many
Crotalaria species recorded for Namuli as for Mulanje, and eight out of the ten Crotalaria
species found on Namuli are not known from Mulanje. Two species of Rinorea are found on
Namuli compared to only one on Mulanje, possibly indicating an influence of lower altitude
forest with the marginally greater proximity to the coast. Both Mt Mulanje and Mt Namuli
have substantial numbers of mountain-endemic species.
Table 8. Taxa collected under this project representing new records for Mozambique
according to Flora Zambesiaca or recent literature. Taxa previously thought to be
endemic to Mt Mulanje in Malawi are also shown.
Family
Acanthaceae
Acanthaceae
Apiaceae
Asphodelaceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Ericaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Species
Asystasia malawiana Brummitt & Chisumpa

Brachystephanus africanus S. Moore
Pimpinella mulanjensis C.C.Towns
Kniphofia splendida E.A.Bruce
Bothriocline cf. glomerata (O.Hoffm.& Muschl.) C.Jeffrey
Senecio peltophorus Brenan
Erica silvatica (Engl.) Beentje
Drypetes gerrardii Hutch. var. grandifolia Radcl. Sm.
Argyrolobium rupestre (E.Mey.) Walp. subsp. aberdaricum (Harms)
Polhill
Fab: Papilionoideae Kotschya recurvifolia (Taub.) F.White subsp. recurvifolia
Lamiaceae
Micromeria imbricata (Forssk.) C.Chr. var. imbricata
Lamiaceae
Plectranthus mandalensis Baker
Lamiaceae
Stachys didymantha Brenan
Loranthaceae
Englerina kwaiensis (Engl.) Polhill & Wiens new record for FZ area
Loranthaceae
Erianthemum schelei Tiegh.
Loranthaceae
Helixanthera cf. verruculosa Wiens & Polhill
Orchidaceae
Epipactis africana Rendle
Orchidaceae
Jumellea usambarensis J.J.Wood
Orchidaceae
Polystachia transvaalensis Schltr.
Orchidaceae
Roeperocharis bennettiana Rchb. f.
Poaceae
Panicum wiehei Renvoize
Proteaceae
Faurea wentzeliana Engl.
Urticaceae
Laportea alatipes Hook.f.
Urticaceae
Pilea rivularis Wedd.
Velloziaceae
Xerophyta splendens (Rendle) N.Menezes
Xyridaceae
Xyris peteri Pollens. new record for FZ area
previously Mt
Mulanje endemic
Over the years it has often been speculated that the Mulanje cedar, Widdringtonia whytei,
belived to be endemic to Mt Mulanje in Malawi, may also be found on some mountains in
adjacent parts of Mozambique. Mts Chiperone and Namuli have sometimes been mentioned
in this regard. However, no sign of either Widdringtonia species was found on these massifs.
5.4 Red Data Status
Preliminary global conservation assessments were carried out in 2005/6 by the Kew
Millennium Seed Bank enhancement team of species believed to be under threat on Mt
Mulanje in Malawi. This was done using IUCN Red Data guidelines, GIS and specimen data
available at Kew. Thirteen of these species that also occur on Namuli are shown in Table 9,
although four were not recorded from Mozambique prior to the Darwin expeditions. These
range extensions may affect the species' global status once reassessed.
In 2008, after the Darwin expeditions, six species were preliminarily evaluated at Kew for
global conservation status by MSc Conservation students from Imperial College, London
using the same methods, bringing the total number of species evaluated to 20. These
assessments show Alloeochaete namuliensis, Crotalaria torrei and Plectranthus guruensis all
as Critically Endangered under criteria B1 or B2, while Aloe torrei, Senecio peltophorus and
Exacum zombense were considered Endangered, again under criterion B1. Plectranthus
guruensis is particularly restricted, being known from only two sites, one of which has been
converted to agriculture and the other is a narrow strip of riverine forest with farming
activities on three sides. Crotalaria torrei, while restricted to the grassland plateau, is
relatively abundant within this habitat.
Table 9. Global conservation assessments for taxa from Mt Namuli.
MSB 20051
Kew 20082
Endangered B1a
Aloaceae
Aloe torrei
Anacardiaceae
Rhus acuminatissima
Near threatened
Apiaceae
Peucedenum nyassicum
Near threatened
3
Apiaceae
Pimpinella mulanjensis
Critically Endangered
Asteraceae
Senecio peltophorus
Endangered B1a
Campanulaceae
Lobelia blantyrensis
Endangered
3
Crassulaceae
Crassula globularioides
Near threatened
Fab: Papilionoideae Crotalaria torrei
Critically Endangered B1a
Fab: Papilionoideae Indigofera lyallii subsp. nyassica
Near threatened
Gentianaceae
Exacum zombense
Endangered B1a
Iridaceae
Dierama formosum
Near threatened
Lamiaceae
Plectranthus guruensis
3
Lamiaceae
Plectranthus mandalensis
Endangered
Molluginaceae
Corrigiola drymarioides
Near threatened
Poaceae
Alloeochaete namuliensis
Proteaceae
Faurea racemosa
Endangered
Rubiaceae
Coffea mufindensis subsp. australis Vulnerable
Sapotaceae
Synsepalum muelleri
Critically Endangered
Thymelaeaceae
Gnidia chapmanii
Endangered
3
Velloziaceae
Xerophyta splendens
Endangered
1. Global conservation assessment carried out on threatened species from Mt Mulanje by Millennium Seed Bank
enhancement team (Kew) 2005, prior to recent Namuli records.
2. Global conservation assessment done by MSc students at Kew, 2008.
3. Taxa since found in Mozambique, representing significant range extension.
Only one of the species listed (Erica pleiotricha, VU D2) appears on the Mozambique Red
Data List (Izidine & Bandeira 2002); the conservation assessment is national.
Pigs kept on the mountain tend to uproot plants in the seepage areas, which could be a minor
threat to taxa restricted to seepage habitats such as Exacum zombense, only known from N
Mozambique and S Malawi.
5.5 Use of Plant Species on Namuli
There was limited evidence of harvesting of plant materials on the mountain. Kniphofia
splendida in the grassland was harvested to make matting and baskets, there was evidence of
selective felling of Faurea wentzeliana for timber, and Nuxia congesta is used for hut
construction. The bark of Protea welwitschii is collected as a medicinal treatment of hernias,
although there was no evidence of this affecting its population, while a bark infusion from
Bersama abyssinica was also used medicinally. Species of Hypoxis were said to be collected
as medicine. The fruits of both Syzygium guineense and Syzygium cordatum are eaten.
6. BIRDS
6.1 Historical Background
Mt Namuli and Mt Mulanje are at the southern end of the TanzaniaMalawi montane
subgroup, with several bird species reaching their southern limits here. Most of what we know
of the avifauna of Namuli dates from 1932, when Jack Vincent spent three weeks collecting
birds for the British Museum (Vincent 1933a, 193336). The area was not revisited until
1998, when Ryan et al. (1999a) spent a week there. Most of northern Mozambique remains
very poorly known with many areas completely unexplored. By contrast, the avifauna of
adjacent Malawi has been studied by many people over more than 100 years, and a detailed
ecological account of its avifauna and its distribution has been published recently (DowsettLemaire & Dowsett 2006).
Vincent camped on Namuli in the winter months from 21 July to 10 August 1932 when some
intra-African migrants are totally absent. He used a single forest base camp at 1400 m (4600
feet) on the Nanchili stream, just below the Ukalini cliff and forest. From there he collected
mainly at higher altitudes from 1370 m to nearly 2000 m on the Murukuni ridge (Figure 10).
About 68 different bird species were recorded, of which 53 were represented by a collection
of some 250 specimens; full details were published in Ibis in 193336.
He collected two bird species new to science the enigmatic Dapple-throat Modulatrix
orostruthus (initially placed in a bulbul genus Phyllastrephus and more recently either in
Modulatrix or in its own genus Arcanator, probably a babbler), and the Namuli Apalis Apalis
lynesi (Figure 31). The latter is endemic to Namuli but is a close relative of Bar-throated
Apalis A. thoracica, a forest species of eastern and southern Africa with many geographical
races. He also discovered populations of the endangered Cholo Alethe Alethe choloensis (a
species endemic to SE Malawi and adjacent N Mozambique, Figure 32) and of the race
belcheri of Green Barbet Stactolaema olivacea, shared with Thyolo Mountain in S Malawi,
which is now almost totally deforested (Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 2006).
Figures 31 & 32. Namuli Apalis (left) and

Thyolo Alethe (right) (M. Melo, F. DowsettLemaire).
Peter Ryan and five colleagues spent a week on the mountain from 27 November to 4
December 1998 (Ryan et al. 1999a), spending more time at lower altitudes on the Nanchili
stream in "Ukusini" Forest (with camps at 1250 m near the bridge, and down to 1160 m) and
just three days on the lower edge of Ukalini Forest (at "1550 m", more likely 1580 m). On one
day they visited the Muretha Plateau and some of Manho Forest. They also spent a few hours
exploring a small patch of relict forest at 13001400 m on the drier slopes just above Guru.
Some 115 species were recorded from 1200 m and above, excluding birds of secondary
habitat on the lower slopes or around Guru town. Mist-netting was carried out in Ukalini and
Ukusini; 64 birds of 16 species were caught, but apparently not ringed. Three participants
carried out 72 point counts, from which exceptionally high estimates of densities of the
commoner bird species were proposed.
Martim P. de Melo and two colleagues paid a short visit to Namuli in December 2001 (Melo
et al. 2001). Walking all the way from Guru, they spent two days in Ukalini Forest (24
December) and two days on Muretha (46 December). A limited amount of mist-netting was
done, ringing 22 of the 37 birds caught. The number of bird species they identified at Ukalini
and Muretha is about 46.
The Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago collected birds on Namuli in JulyAugust
2003 from a base camp at 1707 m (apparently at the edge of Manho Forest) and another in the
Malema Valley at Murabue (1111 m), outside our study area. A joint expedition with the
American Museum of Natural History in November 2004 also collected bird specimens, but
these have not yet been identified and details are not available.
The present Darwin project has had two expeditions to Namuli. During the first expedition,
two weeks was spent on the mountain from 22 May5 June 2007 by Ron Demey (for BirdLife
International) and Carlos Bento (Natural History Museum Maputo, 1 week only). The main
base camp was on the Muretha Plateau at 1860 m with another camp next to the Malema river
bridge at 1250 m. Demey explored the Muretha Plateau and parts of Manho Forest (Demey
2007), with a few hours in Ukalini Forest and a few days around the Rio Malema (1250 m
and below). Taking 1200 m as a lower altitudinal limit, he noted some 94 species. Bento
concentrated on netting and measuring birds from a site at the edge of Manho Forest.
Both the 2001 visit by Melo and that by Ron Demey in 2007 were either too short or ill-timed
to study bird densities. One of the main purposes of the second survey in November 2007 was
to re-evaluate densities of a number of key species for which the conservation of Namuli is
especially important, and search for other forest or grassland bird species that might have
been overlooked in previous visits.
This second expedition comprised Franoise Dowsett-Lemaire (for BirdLife International),
Tiwonge Mzumara (for MMCT) and Katrina Cook (Natural History Museum, Tring, UK).
Although the same two base camps were used, more extensive visits were made through the
Manho Forest area, and two days were spent in the Ukalini Forest. Dowsett-Lemaire and
Mzumara noted bird observations and behaviour, while Cook had two nets set up near the
main camp from which bird specimens were collected. A list of net captures and
measurements is given in Annex 4. Of particular interest was the recapture in November 2007
of what was probably a male Yellow White-eye, caught and ringed as an adult in December
2001 (Melo et al. 2001). Wing and weight measurements were very similar to those from six
years earlier, and give an indication of longevity.
6.2 Methods
In addition to opportunistic observations, particular attention was paid to the location of key
species such as Cholo Alethe or Green Barbet. Many species were tape-recorded, and
playback of pre-recorded tapes was used to provoke a few species into song (e.g. Eastern
Green Tinkerbird, flufftails). With the help of tape playback, exact territory size was
measured for Namuli Apalis and other species in several small patches on the Muretha
plateau. In the short time available it seemed more important to establish real densities of
species than use indirect quantitative measures such as point-counts that could not be tested
against verified densities. Nomenclature follows that of the recent Birds of Malawi (DowsettLemaire & Dowsett 2006); scientific names are given in Annex 3.
6.3 Annotated Bird List
An annotated list is given of all bird species that have been recorded within the study area
above 1200 m altitude (Annex 3). Combined with earlier surveys, starting with Vincent
(193336), about 155 species have been recorded. Dowsett-Lemaire and Mzamara noted 130
species in November 2007; species not recorded then but mentioned in earlier surveys are
shown in square brackets. Notes on species distribution and ecology from earlier surveys are
also included, along with the threat status of species on the Red Data list (BirdLife
International 2004). The chorological status of species restricted to a single biome is
indicated, i.e. Afromontane, Eastern or Zambesian.
The Chicago Field Museum's web site (http://fm1.fieldmuseum.org/collections/search.cgi
dest=birds) contains a list of all 120 bird specimens collected by them on Namuli in 2003,
including 50 specimens of 17 species taken at 1707 m (apparently Manho Forest), and 70
specimens of 34 species taken at Murabue (Malema Valley). Although their collections add
little to what is already known (the main three species collected were 7 Cossypha anomala, 6
Andropadus milanjensis, 6 Modulatrix orostruthus), there are two new records for the massif
from lower down: Cape Grass Owl (a rare species of dambos and montane shrubland) and
Grey-olive Bulbul. Four montane species were collected in riparian forest below their normal
breeding altitude, which indicates altitudinal migration in the off-season (early August): 2
Alethe choloensis, 1 Pogonocichla stellata, 3 Elminia albonotata, 2 Nectarinia mediocris. As
Murabue is outside our study area, these details are not included in the combined list given in
the Annex.
Ryan et al. (1999a) include a table of species recorded on the mountain at three altitudinal
levels, but some errors crept into this table (J. Graham, pers. comm.). These include Whitethroated Nicator, apparently recorded from riparian forest at 1250 m (in fact around 1160 m),
and the mention of this bulbul as being common around 1250 m (Ryan et al. 1999b) was in
error. On the southern slopes of Mt Mulanje, this species does not ascend above 800 m and in
the whole of SE Malawi has not been recorded above 1100 m (in the Thyolo area, DowsettLemaire 1989). Similarly, the Purple-crested Turaco was not recorded from Mt Namuli as
indicated, but from the surroundings of Guru (see under rejected species). The following
annotated list does not include Red-billed Quelea (ticked for 1250 m in Ryan's table) as this is
possibly an error, and if not would be no more than an abnormal vagrant.
6.4 Bird Breeding Records
Below are a series of bird breeding records from November 2007, back-dated as far as
possible to the month of egg-laying.
Rock Kestrel two fledglings fed mid-Nov suggests egg-laying Aug (or very early
Sept).
Red-chested Cuckoo female calling on 15 and 23 Nov (egg-laying Nov). A female
collected by Cook was about to lay (Nov).
Scarce Swift aerial mating 20 Nov.
African Black Swift 4 pairs feeding nestlings 20 Nov, thus egg-laying Oct. Presence
of many recently fledged young in flocks suggests much laying activity in SeptOct.
White-eared Barbet feeding noisy nestlings on 26 Nov, suggests egg-laying Oct.

Olive Thrush one collected by Cook had an active brood patch (and gonad activity
showed it was preparing a replacement clutch, mid-Nov).
Cholo Alethe two females netted by Cook in Ukalini on 26 Nov had active brood
patches (one rather fat, other had lost fat but was still watery, thus probably
respectively on eggs and chicks); egg-laying both in Nov.
Starred Robin many pairs feeding nestlings or recently fledged young. At least 9
records were back-dated to month, 7 laying in Oct, 2 in Nov.
Stonechat local pair at Muretha had full-grown, partly independent fledglings, having
laid Sept.
African Yellow Warbler pair feeding (at nest) 24 Nov, egg-laying Nov.
Yellow-throated Warbler pair feeding two fledglings (Manho, 16-20 Nov), thus egglaying Oct.
Wailing Cisticola two pairs feeding at nest in grass tuft mid- and late Nov (egg-laying
Oct and Nov). One feeding a full-grown fledgling 22 Nov (eggs Sept/Oct.), and one
nest-building 22 Nov.
Singing Cisticola two different pairs feeding small fledglings, 16-23 Nov (eggs Oct).
Namuli Apalis one pair taking small prey to nest (in bush at forest edge) 23 Nov, eggs
Oct or Nov.
Black-headed Apalis pair taking small prey to location in canopy (nest?) 25 Nov, eggs
Oct or Nov.
Cape Batis didn't see any young out of nest, but many females begging and fed by
males (sign of incubation of eggs or very small chicks) from midlate Nov; egg-laying
Oct (1), Nov (6).
Mozambique Batis male feeding female, 15 and 27 Nov (eggs Oct, Nov).
Black-throated Wattle-eye male feeding big fledgling, 26 Nov (eggs probably Sept)
White-tailed Crested Flycatcher several pairs feeding a fledgling at different stages of
growth: eggs Sept (3) and Oct (3). Other pairs behaved as if with occupied nest.
Brown-headed Tchagra nest-building 27 Nov.
Red-winged Starling pair feeding at nest (rock crack), 20 Nov (eggs Oct); pair feeding
noisy fledglings 24 Nov (eggs Sept).
There are some additional records from earlier workers.
Scaly-throated Honeyguide two females preparing eggs in early Aug (Vincent)
Cardinal Woodpecker female collected on 29 July was in "full breeding condition"
(Vincent).
Black-headed Apalis some females were "in the act of laying" late July-Aug
(Vincent).
Namuli Apalis one female caught had a well-developed brood patch (late Nov or early
Dec, Ryan et al.); one nest under construction 29 Nov (4 m high) was later abandoned.
Yellow-bellied Sunbird nest in bracken, with 2 young leaving it on 25 July (Vincent),
thus eggs in late June.
Dapple-throat one of two birds netted in Ukalini sometime between 27 Nov4 Dec
had a brood patch, no further details; the other had commenced primary moult,
suggesting it had completed breeding (Ryan et al.).
Melo et al. (2001) report active brood patches in 5 mist-netted females of 4 species (Eastern
Mountain Greenbul, Namuli Apalis, Cape Batis and two White-eyes), all on 6 Dec (eggs
probably laid in Nov for most of them).
6.5 Densities of Forest Species

Bird counts were tried in Ukalini Forest but were dropped as it was felt that the distance
estimate was inadequate. Instead, exact territory sizes of birds present in some small patches
on Muretha Plateau were measured. It is easier to measure this in an area of fragmented forest
as territorial boundaries are more easily defined. A total of 12 hours were spent on two
mornings in three forest patches (of 1.0, 1.4 and 1.5 ha, measured by GPS), where all
territorial birds were identified. Results are shown in Table 9. Additional information on
selected species was obtained in a few other patches on different mornings. Birds were very
active in the early morning and counter-singing between neighbouring pairs was frequent.
Tape playback was used in some cases to confirm territorial boundaries.
Table 10. Territory sizes of 14 bird species measured in small patches on Muretha Plateau.
Species
Livingstone's Turaco:
Eastern Mountain Greenbul
Stripe-cheeked Greenbul
Cabanis's Bulbul
Olive Thrush
Cholo Alethe
Starred Robin
Olive-flanked Robin
Evergreen Forest Warbler
Namuli Apalis
Black-headed Apalis
Cape Batis
White-tailed Crested Flycatcher
Dapple-throat
Area (ha)
45
11.5
11.5
11.5
2.9
1.5
0.71
11.5
0.71.5
0.71.5
11.5
0.71.5
11.5
2.5
No. records
2 pairs
4 pairs
4 pairs
4 pairs
1 unmated bird
1 unmated bird
5 pairs
4 pairs
4 pairs
4 pairs
3 pairs
5 pairs
3 pairs
1 pair
Compared with data from a study for the same or closely-related species on the Nyika Plateau
in N Malawi, comprising over 90 forest patches and a 25 ha portion of a larger forest at over
2100 m (Dowsett-Lemaire 1983), these figures are very close.
Nyika densities of Cape Batis average 1 pair/ha, although territory sizes can be smaller in
fragmented forest where the extensive edge increases the habitat; those of White-tailed
Crested Flycatcher are slightly lower, and those of Starred Robin slightly higher. Thus the 25
ha section of forest contained 3640 pairs of Starred Robin (average of 0.60.7 ha/pair). In
fragmented forest, pairs of Bar-throated Apalis occupied on average 0.6 ha in patches of
round forest, and 0.4 ha in narrow, elongated patches with more edges; patches as small as
0.120.15 ha were occupied by one pair. The density of Namuli Apalis on Muretha was found
to be lower than this, i.e. one pair in each of four patches of 0.71.5 ha.
Another very common bird on the Nyika, the Eastern Mountain Greenbul, occurred at an
overall density of 2 pairs/ha, but this is in the absence of its congener and competitor, the
Stripe-cheeked Greenbul. Where both species occur, the densities of either are about half.
This was verified on Muretha Plateau where four patches of 1.01.5 ha have only one pair of
each. For most species, territory sizes are smaller in fragmented forest than in larger blocks
due to the edge effect or inherent aggressive behaviour (Dowsett-Lemaire 1983), thus it
would be wrong to transfer the densities observed on Muretha to the larger Ukalini and
Manho Forests. If pairs of Namuli Apalis can occupy patches as small as 0.50.7 ha (with
some adjacent bracken scrub), they still will not tolerate a neighbouring pair in patches of 1.5
ha, and it is unlikely that there would be more than one pair in 2 ha of continuous forest.
Apalis spend much time feeding at sunny edges, as do flycatchers (e.g. Cape Batis), and space
themselves out more in larger blocks of forest.
For Schalow's Turaco (a close relative of Livingstone's) on the Nyika, the figure of 4 ha/pair
was arrived at by observing the whereabouts of individual pairs over three breeding seasons.
In all, 39 pairs occupied 43 patches totalling 157 ha.
Birds with a more specialized diet occur at still lower densities. On the Nyika the antfollowing specialist White-chested Alethe can breed exceptionally in patches as small as 0.5
0.6 ha (two cases in three years) when an ant colony moves in, but overall densities are low,
with 2 pairs in 810 ha of larger forest blocks. A 25 ha forest patch contained 5 to 6 pairs. In
S Malawi, densities of Cholo Alethe in optimal habitat (mid-altitude forest) have been
estimated at 2 pairs/10 ha (similar to White-chested), and densities in Ukalini are probably
close to this. Alethes are especially difficult to count as several pairs and unpaired individuals
congregate at ant swarms, where territorial boundaries break down.
Ryan et al. (1999a) counted birds from 72 points for 5 minutes each and estimated the
distances at which the birds had been heard or seen (under or over 20 m), in both loweraltitude forest (c.1250 m near Nanchili bridge) and in Ukalini, and individual counts were at
least 100 m apart. Figures were then transferred into a formula of a "two counting band"
method (Bibby et al. 1992) to give actual densities. They recognized partly the risk (Ryan et
al. 1999a: 320) saying "these density estimates are rather crude and should be treated with
caution, because many birds were recorded by song, where distance to the bird is very hard to
estimate. If observers actually placed birds within 30 m into the "close" category, it would
result in the estimated densities falling by more than half." Despite this, a table was produced
giving densities for 18 species, dropping species counted less than 10 times. (Surprisingly, the
Olive-flanked Robin, one of the noisiest and commonest birds on Namuli, is not listed).
Although they write number of "birds/ha", these figures must often mean number of pairs/ha,
as most birds were recorded by sound, and singing, territorial owners are normally paired.
Figures for various common small passerines are of the order of 510 birds or pairs/ha (e.g.
12.6 in Namuli Apalis, 10.6 in Stripe-cheeked Greenbul, 9.7 in White-tailed Crested
Flycatcher, 8.6 in Cholo Alethe, 8.4 in Starred Robin). Even for a large non-passerine such as
Livingstone's Turaco, they recorded as many as 5.6 birds/ha. Compared to territory sizes
measured on Muretha and in the intensive Nyika study, these figures are 5 to 30 times higher,
and are way above anything that has ever been found for forest birds elsewhere. This suggests
an inherent problem with the methodology and not just a problem of measuring distances, and
shows the danger of relying on complicated calculations in the absence of control against
actual figures. Some other factors may also contribute to this over-estimation, including overcrowding of birds induced by recent deforestation, and (for a few species) higher densities
than in higher-altitude forest areas that were not visited.
For other passerines, Ryan et al. obtained exceptionally high density figures for Cholo Alethe,
based partly on counts made at low altitude (1250 m) in an area suffering from deforestation.
In November 2007 it was evident that a problem of over-crowding was happening in the
vicinity of the Nanchili bridge, as several sections of forest bordering the stream had just been
cleared by villagers to plant maize. Birds of several species called unusually frequently or
even gave chase to each other; there was little doubt that for many species their home range
had suddenly been reduced by at least half. Birds that had recently lost their territories were
trying to hang on, on the margin of others.
Cholo Alethes do not occur evenly at different altitudes or in different microclimates.
Although densities in Ukalini Forest are close to their optimum of perhaps 2 pairs/10 ha, they
are very much lower in the larger and cooler block of Manho Forest, and the same comment
applies to Green Barbet. In Manho both species have territories spaced out by 500700 m or
more. The lack of ant activity in Manho was indeed striking, as opposed to many signs of ant
activity in the warmer Ukalini Forest.
In the case of the four species of conservation importance, Ryan et al. estimated total
populations for the whole of Namuli. They proposed a minimum of 5000 pairs for Namuli
Apalis, over 1000 pairs for Cholo Alethe, "low thousands" for Dapple-throat, and probably
more than 100 pairs for Green Barbet. Given the available evidence, the first three appear far
too high, while the figure for Green Barbet is also too high by a factor of perhaps 2. The
figure for Cholo Alethe is inflated by at least three different causes inherent methodological
problems (as for all species); the fact that Ryan et al. did their counts at lower altitudes where
there is a problem of deforestation and over-crowding; and the location in Ukalini where the
microclimate is noticeably warmer than in Manho.
For Namuli Apalis, it is likely that in degraded habitat or thin riparian strips some forest
territories are very small, but these birds also exploit secondary growth around forest.
Territory sizes as small as 0.02 ha given by Ryan et al. appear however abnormally small and
one is tempted to suppose that there was a problem in measuring distances in the field. The
smallest occupied territories on the Nyika (by Bar-throated Apalis) in three years of study are
still 710 times bigger, and the Namuli Apalises of Muretha Plateau are definitely more
spaced out than their relatives on the Nyika.
For Dapple-throat, Ryan et al. give densities of 2.4 pairs/ha. Their overall estimated totals of
several thousand pairs are way above estimates from Dowsett-Lemaire, as one territory
studied on Muretha measured exactly 2.5 ha and densities in larger forest seem to approach 3
5 pairs/10 ha. The species is not uniformly distributed in forest, as it is partial to certain
sections of the understorey.
6.6 Biogeographical Considerations
Afromontane biome. Of Afromontane endemic or near-endemic bird species, 27 are known to
occur on Namuli, which compares favourably with 31 on the larger Mt Mulanje. One is found
only on Namuli (Dapple-throat), whereas Namuli Apalis is replaced by another form of the
same super-species on Mulanje. The Moustached Green Tinkerbird is only found on Mulanje,
but is replaced on Namuli by an Eastern endemic (the Eastern Green Tinkerbird). The four
species missing from Namuli are Red-tailed Flufftail, Blue Swallow, Cinnamon Bracken
Warbler and Olive Bush Shrike. Possible reasons for some of these absences are discussed
below.
Within the TanzaniaMalawi group Afromontane avifaunas are characterized by a general
impoverishment from north to south (Dowsett-Lemaire 1989). Four Afromontane species
reach their southern limits of range on Namuli, Chiperone and in adjacent SE Malawi Bartailed Trogon, Olive-flanked Robin, Evergreen Forest Warbler and Eastern Double-collared
Sunbird. Another three, all present on Namuli, go no further than Thyolo Mountain in Malawi
and do not reach Mt Chiperone (although the weaver has recently been found on Mt Mabu,
Spottiswoode et al. 2008) Cabanis's Bulbul, Bertram's Weaver and African Citril. Eastern
Mountain Greenbul, a bird of high altitudes only, occurs on just three mountains south of the
Viphya Plateau Zomba (and Malosa), Mulanje and Namuli. The Afromontane Moustached
Green Tinkerbird reaches its southern limit on Mulanje, where it is very local. It and the
"Eastern endemic" Eastern Green Tinkerbird are completely allopatric. The presence of the
latter on Namuli precludes the occurrence of the other, but one green tinkerbird remains to be
identified on Chiperone (Benson 1950). Finally, the Mulanje population of Cinnamon
Bracken Warbler is very isolated (the only location south of the N Viphya Plateau), but it is
common there in the rich bracken-briar on the high plateaux. It is a high-altitude species and
its absence from Namuli may be due to both the floristic poverty of this habitat and the more
moderate altitude of the massif.
The only bird species occurring on Namuli but completely absent from Malawi is the Dapplethroat, a most mysterious relic as the only other populations are in the Udzungwa and
Usambara Mountains of central and northern Tanzania. It presumably extended down the
eastern side of the Rift but it is doubtful that there are now any populations between Namuli
and Tanzania, given the lower elevation and distribution of forest. The African Hill Babbler is
a far more widespread montane species that reaches Mangochi and the Namizimu Hills in
Malawi, but does not occur further south, including on Namuli. On the other hand one
montane species from southern Africa, the Olive Bush Shrike, that ascends northwards to
Mulanje, Zomba and the Kirk Range, does not reach Namuli. It is so noisy as to be
inescapable, and its absence this far east must be considered as genuine.
As Vincent (1933a) visited in the winter months, he missed a few of the montane intraAfrican migrants like Scarce Swift. One notable grassland absentee, however, is Blue
Swallow, which also arrives in late August or September to leave in April. Its breeding range
encompasses the montane grasslands of SW Tanzania to South Africa; it is common over
montane grassland in Malawi, even over small areas of degraded habitat as in the Kirk Range.
Although common on Mulanje, all studies have failed to find it on Namuli, although visits
were at the right time of year. The swallow is not cryptic and appears to be genuinely absent,
probably due to the nature of the grassland. It nests in natural holes (such as those of warthog)
but especially under overhangs of streams. However, the rocky and peaty nature of the soils
on Muretha means that water immediately runs off and fills every ditch and stream bank, thus
making the place very unsafe for swallows' nests. Probably the Red-tailed Flufftail is absent
for the same reasons.
Eastern biome. Of Eastern endemic or near-endemic species, 6 occur on Namuli, 5 in forest (3
are barbets and 2 apalises) and one in bracken scrub (Lesser Seedcracker). One obvious
absentee occurring locally in SE Malawi is Green-headed Oriole, a bird of well-developed
mid-altitude Newtonia or Albizia forest. It is also absent from the slopes of Mt Mulanje,
perhaps owing to rainfall being too high, although other species of mid-altitude forest, such as
Green Barbet, do occur. This oriole is known elsewhere in N Mozambique from Mt
Chiperone (Benson 1950) and has recently been discovered on Mt Mabu (C. Spottiswoode,
pers. comm.).
Zambezian biome. Only two Zambezian species have been recorded so far, Rufous-bellied Tit
and Miombo Double-collared Sunbird. This is not surprising as most Zambezian endemics are
inhabitants of miombo or mopane woodland, which is not found on Namuli. But this tit can be
found in other broad-leaved woodland and has obviously adapted to the forest tree Syzygium
cordatum. The sunbird has a broad niche including bracken scrub.
6.7 Conservation Issues
The Namuli massif is considered to be an Important Bird Area (IBA) based on the presence of
globally significant populations of the endemic Namuli Apalis, Cholo Alethe and Dapplethroat (Parker 2001), and now also Spotted Ground Thrush and White-winged Apalis. The
nearby Mt Chiperone is also an IBA (Parker 2001). Namuli forms part of the Tanzania
Malawi mountains Endemic Bird Area (EBA) as three of the seven species of this EBA
occurring in Mozambique were recorded from here, although these figures have changed
somewhat in light of more recent research. It also forms part of the Afrotropical Highlands
biome.
Vincent's base camp was at an altitude of 1400 m, and he refers to birds he collected in the
immediate vicinity as being in "primeval" or "high forest", giving the impression that the area
was thickly forested in 1933. Some of the birds he collected there (like Bar-tailed Trogon and
Dapple-throat) could not be present in the thin riparian strips left today. The few photographs
he published in 1933 unfortunately do not include his base camp nor the lower slopes.
From observations of forest regrowth (by Harungana in particular) a long way from the
present forest edges, or of scattered forest trees (even strangling figs) dying or regrowing
amid fields, there is no doubt that the extent of mid-altitude forest on the eastern slopes has
been considerably reduced. Some important sections of the forest near the Nanchili bridge and
the Malema bridge had just been cleared (2007) for growing maize. Aerial photos of the late
1960s however already show that mid-altitude forest was largely confined to riparian strips,
although broader than today. Human settlements are a fairly recent phenomenon, but there is
little doubt that mid-altitude forests suffered from recurrent fires before they were actually
cleared for gardens. Vincent (1933a) mentions iron-smelting as an important activity in the
area, which would also have caused some forest losses.
Some bird species of conservation concern occur at higher densities at medium altitude and
have had their populations seriously reduced by deforestation at that level, e.g. Cholo Alethe,
and probably Green Barbet. The fate of White-winged Apalis (a bird absent from montane
forest altogether) depends on the protection of some strips of riparian forest on the lower
slopes. The species has little chance of surviving on Namuli otherwise. Further surveys are
needed to establish where the main population of this bird resides, as it seems to be very
uncommon on the wet south-eastern slopes.
On the other hand, other birds are confined to Afromontane forest, and the future of Dapplethroat in particular should be fairly secure if the main blocks of Manho and Ukalini Forests
are preserved. The Namuli Apalis is common at both high and medium elevations, and
protection of forest above 1500 m will certainly save a substantial population of this bird,
despite habitat loss lower down. Figures of a few dozen pairs of Cholo Alethe and Green
Barbet proposed for the populations above 1500 m are low, but in all evidence this is enough
for a viable population as these two species have survived for several decades when midaltitude forest was already reduced. The rare Spotted Ground Thrush occurs in both Ukalini
and Manho, and this discovery is especially encouraging. The discovery of Spotted Ground
Thrush on Namuli in the breeding season is the first indication that the species breeds in the
mountains of Mozambique, and this discreet bird could (should) be more widespread.
Ryan et al. (1999a, 1999b) reported that there was no forest encroachment above 1500 at the
time of their visit (i.e. that the forest at Ukalini was completely intact). This is not quite so
now, as about 5 ha of forest have been cleared at the lower edge of Ukalini, and there is a
problem of Faurea extraction in both Ukalini and Manho. In Ukalini the number of felled
Faurea is particularly high, creating many gaps in the canopy. In Manho, two small areas of
forest at 1700 m or just above were also clear-felled in recent months to plant potatoes. The
opening of gaps in the canopy is of course detrimental for bird species of shaded understorey,
among them Cholo Alethe and Dapple-throat.
Although not on the Red List, two species occur on Namuli only in very small numbers and
need special attention. In SE Africa the Olive Thrush is usually very localized, preferring
small patches at the highest altitudes. Only a few pairs occur on Muretha (and probably a few
more in fragmented high-altitude forest elsewhere). The fact that one male remained unmated
for the whole duration of our stay means that there were very few surplus individuals in the
area. When surplus birds of a species are present, individuals whose mate has suddenly been
displaced can re-mate by the next day, as shown by translocation experiments on the Nyika
Plateau (Dowsett & Dowsett-Lemaire 1986). In Malawi, some populations of Olive Thrush on
the top of mountains can be so tiny as to be at risk from extinction (Dowsett-Lemaire &
Dowsett 2006).
Another species with a tiny population on Namuli is Eastern Mountain Greenbul. It is more
common than Olive Thrush, as pairs occur at densities of 1 per ha, but would nevertheless be
vulnerable to any amount of disturbance or collecting. The thrush and the bulbul are
interesting cases of small, isolated populations at risk of extirpation.
7. OTHER VERTEBRATES & INVERTEBRATES

7.1 Previous Studies
This section covers all remaining vertebrate and invertebrate groups, with the exception of
birds. Wherever possible the data and lists incorporate previous findings. Much of the
previous collecting and survey history of the Namuli area has been outlined in earlier sections
of the report. Relevant additions to these are given below.
During Vincent's 1932 trip to Namuli to collect birds, he also made some collections of a
number of small mammals (his notebooks mention only 11 specimens). This included five
specimens of a new species of endemic squirrel, Vincent's Bush Squirrel (Paraxerus vincenti).
More recently, on Melo et al's brief birding trip in 2001, one of the participants, K.D. Dijkstra,
collected a number of Odonata (dragonflies) from the Namuli massif. Soon after, in
November 2004, Julian Kerbis and Esteban Sarmiento (from the Chicago Field Museum and
American Museum of Natural History, respectively) collected small mammals and birds from
the Malema valley, Muretha plateau, Manho and Ukalini forests. Data from both these trips
have not yet been published.
Since then, K. Tolley and S. van Noort visited the Sarl tea estate in May 2006 (Van Noort et
al. 2007) and collected several specimens of what turned out to be a new species of dwarf
chameleon (Rhampholeon sp., Branch et al. in press). The first specimen of this new species,
however, was collected opportunistically by Ryan et al. during an ornithological expedition in
December 1998. In July 2006 Ara Monadjem collected bats from the foothills of Mt Namuli,
identifying 11 species.
On the two expeditions in 2007 under the Darwin project and during an earlier reconnaissance
in 2005, Julian Bayliss opportunistically collected Lepidoptera, bats, herps and small
mammals (the latter two with Lucas Sabo). These results are presented in full here.
7.2 Local Hunter Records
Local hunters are a valuable resource when investigating the fauna of an area. They have
knowledge of where traps are located, are expert in navigation in forest, and are generally
very knowledgeable on the vertebrates found in the area. Comprehensive field guides with
good clear photographs are useful to determine what species are present.
Two local hunters were interviewed in the field Ernesto and Zito Pedro both employed as
guides on the expeditions. The main line of investigation centred on "what animals do you eat
and how to you catch/trap them?", followed by "what other animals have you seen in the
area?"
Different animals merit different kinds of trapping. The main method of trapping is with gin
traps, a trap that has a pressure pad platform that when stepped upon triggers the shutting of
a toothed jaw-like mechanism around the limb of the animal (Figure 33). Although a small to
medium-sized gin trap reputedly costs 100150 Mt in Guru, they are apparently not used up
on the plateau, not least in that they would injure domestic livestock. Bows and arrows are
also not used in hunting, although the use of spears is sometimes employed to hunt monkeys
in trees.
According to Ernesto and Zito Pedro, the last lion (Panthera leo) found in the Malema valley
was killed in 1987, although lions are believed to be still present in the Inago mountain range
to the north. Leopards (Panthera pardus) used to be hunted, but were not eaten if caught. The
last one seen in the area was in 1990, supporting the report by Ryan et al. (1999a) that it had
been hunted to extinction. Serval cats (Felis serval) are hunted during the day using dogs (not
trapped) and are eaten if caught. Table 10 lists other mammals that were identified as being
hunted or known. As the species were identified using pictures in field guides, identifications
should be regarded as not confirmed.
Table 11. Animals trapped or hunted by local hunters in the Namuli area.
Common Name
Scientific name
Large-spotted Genet
Genetta tigrina
Small Grey Mongoose Galerella pulverulenta
Banded Mongoose
Mungos mungos
Striped Polecat
Striped Weasel
Sun Squirrel
Ictonyx striatus
Poecilogale albinucha
Heliosciurus mutabilis
Vincent's Bush Squirrel Paraxerus (palliatus) vincenti

Bush Squirrel
Paraxerus cepapi
Blue Monkey
Cercopithecus mitis
Vervet Monkey
Cercopithecus aethiops
Klipspringer
Red Duiker
Blue Duiker
Yellow-spotted Rock
Hyrax
Rock Hare
Bushbaby
Bushbuck
Porcupine
Striped Mouse
Namaqua Rock Mouse
African Marsh Rat
Gerbil sp.
Oreotragus oreotragus
Cephalophus natalensis
Philantomba monticola
Heterohyrax brucei
Silvery Mole Rat
Heliophobius argenteocinereus
Pronolagus rupestris
Galagoides granti
Tragelaphus scriptus
Hystrix africaeaustralis
Rhabdomys pumilio
Aethomys namaquensis
Dasymys incomtus
Gerbillus sp.
Notes
Hunted with dogs; eaten if caught
Found in forest. Hunted with dogs; eaten if
caught
Hunted with dogs; also gin trap. Eaten if caught.
Skin collected from locals
Animal smells. Hunted with dogs; will sell skin
Animal smells. Hunted with dogs; will sell skin.
In montane forest. Trapped (sprung snare) or
chased
In montane forest. Trapped (sprung snare) or
chased
Found more frequently in valley. Will set traps
(sprung snare)
Trapped on ground using bananas as bait; bows
and arrows not used. Sometimes speared if in
trees
Trapped on ground using bananas as bait; bows
and arrows not used. Sometimes speared if in
trees
Eaten. Hunt with dogs and also trap
In Malema valley. Gin traps or hunted with dogs
Havent been seen for a while, but used to hunt
Not found locally, but known
Found in valley. Caught with small gin traps
Caught using small traps
Often caught in grassland using dogs
Found in bananas, but not eaten as they give
you a headache
Found in the ground where sweet potatoes
grow. Not hunted or eaten
7.3 Small Mammals

In 1932 Vincent was the first biologist to note various mammals while undertaking an
ornithological survey of Namuli. During this time he collected several species, including a
new species of squirrel Paraxerus vincenti (Vincents Bush Squirrel) now listed as Critically
Endangered (CR B1ab(iii,v)) in the IUCN 2007 Red Data List. So far it is only known from
Namuli above 1000 m, alhough it is probable that it occurs nearby but has not been found. It
is similar to the widespread Red Squirrel, P. palliatus, but is slightly larger in size. The
squirrel was observed on several occasions inside Manho forest. Local hunters claim that they
trap and eat squirrels, hence P. vincenti is threatened, although the exact level of threat is not
known. A population study needs to be done.
Figure 33. Black-tipped mongoose in gin trap on lower slopes (JB).

During the two Darwin expeditions in 2007, J. Bayliss and L. Sabo opportunistically
collected small mammals. Bucket pitfall traps were positioned in different habitat types
ranging from wet valley grassland (Malema valley) to open grassland (Muretha plateau) and
forest edge (Manho forest). Specimens collected were sent to Peter Taylor at the Durban
Natural Science Museum, South Africa for formal identification. A full list of the 38 small
mammal species recorded or collected from the Namuli area is given in Annex 5, including 15
species of bat, 10 rodents, 3 Carnivora, 2 primates and 1 ungulate.
The capture of the African Marsh Rat, Dasymys incomtus, in the Muretha grasslands was of
interest. It is common and often trapped for bush food. Also of interest was the repeated
capture of Praomys delectorum, a species not generally regarded as a southern African rodent.
Skins of a Banded Mongoose (Mungos mungo bororensis) and a Large Spotted Genet
(Genetta tigrina) were collected off local people. The skins were observed being worn as a
type of shoulder bag where the animal had been skinned longitudinally ('sock-like') to form a
pouch.
The first dedicated bat-collecting foray to Mt Namuli was by Ara Monadjem in 2006, which
focused on the foothills and did not include any high altitude habitat. During the two Darwin
expeditions in 2007, J. Bayliss carried out minimal mist netting in Manho and Ukalini forests
(16001800 m), with specimens sent to P. Taylor in Durban for formal identification.
Of particular note was the capture of what was thought to be Pipistrellus rusticus, mist-netted
in Manho forest. This is the first record of this species for Mozambique, although it is known
from Zomba in southern Malawi. Normally associated with a dry savanna habitat, finding it at
1700 m in wet montane forest is very unusual (A. Monadejm, pers. comm.), and DNA
analysis on the specimen is recommended. Very little information is available on montane bat
communities, therefore unusual records such as this are expected. P. rusticus is listed as
Lower Risk, least concern on the IUCN Red Data List (Baillie et al. 2004).
The bat Eptesicus hottentotus, also caught in mist nets in Manho forest, is the second record
for Mozambique. The first record was in 1964 at Chiota, north of Lake Chilwa, although it is
also known from Mt Mulanje in Malawi.
In November 2008, Michael Curran and Mirjam Kopp carried out a short but intensive survey
of bat assemblages in Ukalini forest at around 1650 m (3 nights) and in riverine forest at base
camp along the Rio Malema at 1200 m (1 night). This was the first dedicated survey of the
high altitude bat fauna of Mt Namuli, and included ground nets, harp traps, acoustic
monitoring (using a bat detector to record ultrasonic bat calls, which can sometimes be used
to identify to species), and a canopy net fixture held at 10 m above the ground. A particularly
rich and abundant bat assemblage comprising 7 species at 1200 m and 9 species at 1650 m
was found. In comparison, Mt Mulanje and Mt Mabu yielded far fewer species at similar
altitudes at a similar time of year, once corrections were made for differences in number of
sampling nights (Kopp & Curran, unpublished). Findings from this recent trip include a
species of horseshoe bat (family Rhinolophidae) caught at both the base camp and Ukalini
forest that, referring to recent checklists (Monadjem & Reside 2007, Broner et al. 2003,
Happold & Happold 1997) does not resemble any known species from either Mozambique or
Malawi. Other species netted by J. Bayliss during this visit await identification and include
Rhinolophus and Pipistrellus.
Table 12. Bat sampling locations and effort, Namuli November 2008.
Locality
Base camp
Ukalini Forest
Latitude
Longitude
Altitude (m)
-15.405933
-15.369250
37.067006
37.061361
1200
1650
6m net hrs
(ground)
8.125
44.25
6m net hrs
(canopy)
10.5
Trap hrs
53.5
9.5
Currently, 18 bat species are recorded for Mt Namuli above 600 m. A longer and more
intensive investigation of the bat fauna, particularly at higher altitudes, would certainly reveal
many more.
7.4 Reptiles and Amphibians
In general the herpetofauna of northern Mozambique has been very poorly studied, with the
earliest studies mainly in the lower Zambezi and lower Shire (Peters 1882, Broadley 1963).
Figure 34. Dwarf chameleon from Manho forest (JB).

The first herpetological records from the Namuli area come from the ornithological survey by
Ryan et al. in 1998. Three lizards were opportunistically collected, two of which represent
significant additions to Mozambique's herpetofauna (Branch & Ryan 2001). One was a pigmy
chameleon, initially identified as Rhampholeon platyceps and collected from Ukalini forest at
1550 m. Dijkstra on the Melo expedition in 2001 also collected a pigmy chameleon, which he
sent to a Swiss taxonomist, but no formal identification was received (Dijkstra, pers. comm.).
In 2006 Krystal Tolley and Simon van Noort collected several more specimens of the same
species from the Sarl tea estate at 840 m (Van Noort et al. 2007), while the current Darwin
project has collected several others (Figure 34, Table 13). Resulting from this, the
Rhampholeon taxonomic group on Mts Mulanje (Malawi), Namuli, Chiperone and Mabu is
being revised, and the Namuli specimens are soon to be named formally (Branch et al., in
prep.).
Table 13. Reptiles and amphibians collected from the Namuli region.
no. Date
Site
Alt. (m) Notes
AMPHIBIANS
Arthroleptidae
Arthroleptis francei
1 3/6/07
Ukalini Forest
1600 forest leaf litter
Arthroleptis francei
1 30/5/07 Manho Forest
1650 forest leaf litter
Bufonidae
Bufo gutturalis
2 1/6/07
Muretha Plateau
1600 grassland, forest edge
Bufo sp. (metamorph)
1500
Hyperoliidae
Hyperolius sp.
1 5/6/07
?
1300 Eucalyptus/shrub
Hyperolius marmoratus 8
Hyperolius puncticulatus 1
Hyperolius nasutus
1
Ranidae
Ptychadena sp.
?
Amnirana sp.
1
?
Strongylopus fuelleborni 2 30/5/07 Muretha Plateau
1800 grassland
Strongylopus fuelleborni 1 16/11/07 Muretha Plateau camp
1900 grassland
Strongylopus ?
1500
Notophryne broadleyi
3 2/6/07
Manho Forest
1700 forest
Notophryne broadleyi
seepage at rock face
REPTILES
Chamaeleonidae
Rhampholeon sp. nov.
1 27/5/07 Muretha Plateau
forest edge
Scincidae
Trachylepis varia
1800 grassland
Trachylepis varia
1 5/6/07
Malema Valley
grassland/scrub
Trachylepis varia
1
Muretha Plateau
grassland
Trachylepis sp.
1900
Mabuya varia
11/1998 Muretha Plateau
rock
Gekkonidae
Lygodactylus cf. bonsi
1 11/1998
Lygodactylus cf. bonsi
exfoliating rock
Viperidae
Atheris sp. nov.
11/2008 Manho forest
1500 forest floor
Natricinae
Natriciteres sylvatica
1 4/6/07
Malema Valley
1250 grassland/scrub
Psammophylax variablis 1
Note: all specimens collected by J. Bayliss, except Atheris (C. Congdon), Mabuya and one Lygodactylus (P.
Ryan).
On the two Darwin expeditions, reptiles and amphibians were collected opportunistically,
either by hand or through the use of bucket pitfall traps which were situated on the Muretha
plateau, Manho forest edge and in the Malema valley. Results show the occurrence of a
number of Mt Mulanje endemics such as Lygodactylus rex/R. bonsi, Notophryne sp.,
Strongylopus fulleborni and Arthroleptis francei, thus confirming the biogeographical link
between Mulanje and Namuli.
Of particular interest was the discovery, in November 2008, of an undescribed species of
forest viper (Atheris sp. nov.) in Manho Forest that had, until then, been thought to be
endemic to Mt Mabu, some 130 km to the south-west. The species is still awaiting formal
description. This discovery shows the linkages between the various forests.
7.5 Lepidoptera
In November 2005 Julian Bayliss carried out the first collecting trip to the Namuli region,
when butterflies above 1000 m altitude were collected opportunistically. Subsequently, Alan
Gardiner collected in 2006 and 2008 in lower-lying areas, but his results have not yet been
written up. Butterflies above 1200 m were again collected by Bayliss during May and
November 2007. A further visit was made in dry conditions in November 2008 with Colin
Congdon, Ivan Bampton and Martin Hassan. These visits have enabled a reasonably
representative species list to be compiled, although it is far from complete. Particular
emphasis was placed on high altitude grasslands (e.g. Muretha Plateau) and montane forest
habitats. Although the species collected represent an upland habitat assemblage, it is not
typical of the Eastern Arc Mountains. The list contains elements both of the Vumba
Mountains in Zimbabwe (Neptis swynnertoni), and more strongly of the Shire Highlands in
Malawi (e.g. Papilio echerioides shirensis and Papilio phorcas nyikanus), but generally
represents an 'old' assemblage (Steve Collins, pers. comm.).
In all, 126 species were found above 1200 m (see Annex 6), including five new species and
two new subspecies, although final confirmation is still awaited. Species on Namuli and
previously thought to be Mulanje endemics include Alaena lamborni, Axiocerses bamptoni
and Charaxes margaretae Mt Mulanje now only has two known endemic butterfly species.
In addition, several other species previously believed to be endemic to Mulanje have since
been found on neighbouring Mozambican mountains as a result of this project's trips,
including Cymothoe mlanjae (Mt Chiperone) and Baliochila woodi (Mt Mabu) (Bayliss &
Congdon, in prep.).
A new species of montane Cymothoe (Nymphalidae) was caught both in Khara forest
(situated below Manho forest at an altitude of 1500 m) and in Ukalini (Figure 35), one of a
group of species found along the length of Moreau's (1966) Montane Chain from the Taita
Hills in Kenya to Mt Mulanje in Malawi. Males were commonly found, but only three
females were caught. Eggs were found on plants of Rawsonia lucida (Flacourtiaceae), and
larvae were successfully raised to the adult stage. Most of the adults seen in the wild were in
the lower part of the forest, below 1600 m. However, the altitude preference does not seem to
be related to food plant as Rawsonia is found throughout the larger forest areas, which
suggests that the species' original range included forests at lower elevation now under
cultivation (e.g. Malema valley). Members of this species group characteristically reside in
forest clearings; they are relatively sedentary and generally do not move between forest
patches if separated by a significant distance.
A new Lycaenid, a large Uranothauma, was originally thought to be a race of U. confusa
from Mulanje and Zomba (Figure 35). However, subsequent examination of collected
material suggested it should be raised to full species status. The butterfly has a much paler
underside than the Malawi/Tanzania races; specifically the female has a much paler ground
colour on the recto surface. The new Uranothauma was found primarily inside Manho forest
in small grassland clearings at c.1700 m. Eggs and larvae were found on the plant Choristylis
rhamnoides (Escalloniaceae), often a component of vegetation flanking rocky streams.
Figure 35. Cymothoe sp. nov. (left) and Uranothauma sp. nov. (right) (JB).
Another new Lycaenid, an Epamera sp. in the nolaensis/silanus species group, was found in
forest below 1600 m in Khara forest, although unfortunately no male was found. Other
members of this group have been found on the Upper Sangha River, Congo Republic, on the
Usambara, Nguru and Udzungwa Mountains in Tanzania, and on the Mafinga Mountains in N
Malawi and neighbouring Zambia, as well as in coastal Tanzania. The Namuli species has
bolder black lines on the underside, and a black spot near the base of the hindwing underside,
missing in other members of the group, features indicating that this is a full species. Females
were observed to lay on Actinanthella menyharthii (Loranthaceae), a plant known from
Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique between the Ligonha and Limpopo rivers (Polhill &
Wiens, 1998).
A Lycaenid butterfly in the Philiolaus crawshayi species group was found sparingly. It may
also represent a previously unknown species, related to P. stewarti. A larva was found on
Erianthemum schelei (Loranthaceae), a common hemiparasite on the abundant Morella
pilulifera so characteristic of small forest patches in the Muretha peat grasslands.
Specimens of a montane 'black' Charaxes that appears to be close to the Mulanje endemic C.
margaretae (Nymphalidae) were also collected. Also identified was a probable new
subspecies of Papilio pelodurus (Papilionidae), the larvae of which feed on Cryptocarya
liebertiana (Lauraceae). The first three larval instars are aposematic as the laurels are full of
alkaloids. Males were collected which show differences from their Malawi counterparts; the
Namuli males have a complete yellow forewing band and most are missing the orange tornal
spot on the hindwing. A larger series including the female is needed before determining its
exact status as the Malawi race is somewhat variable. This species was seen flying at canopy
level in the Manho and Khara forests, and mud puddling along the banks of the Rio Malema.
Neocoenyra bioculata subsp. nov. (subfamily Satyrinae) is a species of open rocky areas with
Xerophyta species. It is not a forest butterfly, nor is it found in the peaty tussock grasslands,
although the larvae will almost certainly be grass-feeders. It is a weak flyer, keeping close to
the ground. This subspecies differs from the Malawi race (type from "Tsenga Mountains,
Mwanza, southern Nyasaland in SW Malawi) in having yellowish forewing ocelli.
Of particular note was the recording of Anthene lasti (Lycaenidae), originally described in
1894, commonly known as Last's Ciliate Blue. It was collected by Joseph Last (see section 3
of this report) from the Kenya coast between 1889 and 1894 (Larsen, pers. comm.).
Finally, a solitary female of a new species of Pseudathyma was taken in Khara forest.
Members of this genus are uncommon, local or rare. There are no Pseudathyma known from
South Africa, Zimbabwe or Malawi, and the nearest relatives of the Namuli one would appear
to be P. plutonica from western Tanzania or P. lucretioides from coastal forests in Tanzania,
but is certainly not either of these. Larvae are known to feed on Sapotaceae, several species of
which were abundant in the forest.
Overall, Namuli is a very important site for butterflies. In addition to those mentioned above,
a number of new records for Mozambique were recorded during the short visits, largely in the
two main montane forests (Manho and Ukalini). In all, 26 taxa have been added to the
national butterfly list, about one in five of those found on Namuli. Based on the relatively few
days spent collecting butterflies, it is certain that more new species will be found, with an
estimate of between 150 and 200 butterfly taxa above 1200 m. In comparison, the total
species list for Mt Mulanje (Malawi) is approximately 260 from between 600 and 3000 m, of
which 3 are endemic and 5 near-endemic, compared to a possible 6 endemic and 2 endemic
subspecies on Namuli.
7.6 Odonata
Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) from the Namuli region have only been studied and
collected on one occasion, by Klaas-Douwe Dijkstra during a birding trip by Melo in 2001.
During this survey he compared the Odonata of Mts Namuli, Mulanje and Zomba (Malawi),
and found that all three mountains had a relatively similar species assemblage. Each mountain
contained the Eastern Arc relict Nepogomphoides stuhlmanni. However, unlike Namuli, Mt.
Mulanje does not have the mountain marsh specialists such as Africallagma sinuatum and
Proischnura subfurcata, possibly due to the coarse, gravel-like soils of Mulanje's upland
plateau. A total of 41 species of Odonata were recorded from the Namuli region (Table 14 and
Dijkstra 2004).
Table 14. Odonata collected by Dijkstra from the Namuli region in 2001.
Family / subfamily
ZYGOPTERA
Calopterygidae
Chlorocyphidae
Synlestidae
Lestidae
Coenagrionidae
Platycnemididae
Protoneuridae
ANISOPTERA
Aeshnidae
Gomphidae
Corduliidae
Libellulidae
Species
Altitude (m) Habitat
Phaon iridipennis
Chlorocypha consueta
Platycypha caligata
Chlorolestes elegans
Lestes virgatus
Africallagma sinuatum
Ceriagrion suave
Proischnura subfurcatum
Pseudagrion kersteni
Pseudagrion spernatum
Chlorocnemis marshalli
Elattoneura glauca
6101130
6101630
6901130
16302050
6901890
18601890
18601890
17351890
7302000
7302230
8001350
6801350
streams
forest streams
streams
montane forest streams
marsh and pools
montane marsh
marsh and pools
montane marsh
streams
montane streams
forest streams
streams
Aeshna ellioti
Aeshna rileyi
Anax ephippiger
Anax speratus
Nepogomphoides stuhlmanni
Paragomphus cognatus
Phyllomacromia monoceros
Atoconeura biordinata
Bradinopyga cornuta
Crocothemis sanguinolenta
Hemistigma albipunctum
Orthetrum caffrum
Orthetrum guineense
6102055
8502020
7401360
6402080
6901315
6801470
6701225
10002100
680950
6801360
8001070
17352100
12001350
montane pools
montane streams
marsh and pools
streams
forest streams
streams
forest streams
montane streams
rock pools
streams
marsh and pools
montane marsh
?
Orthetrum hintzi
Orthetrum julia
Orthetrum machadoi
Orthetrum macrostigma
Palpopleura jucunda
Palpopleura lucia
Pantala flavescens
Rhyothermis semihyalina
Tramea basilaris
Tramea limbata
Trithemis arteriosa
Trithemis furva
Trithemis kirbyi
Trithemis pluvialis
Zygonyx natalensis
Zygonyx torridus
6551735
6102070
9751350
655
6551070
6101090
7301930
10001735
6901950
18601890
8001070
6801865
800950
6801130
6801715
690730
marsh
streams, marsh, pools
?
marsh
marsh and pools
marsh and pools
pools
marsh
pools
pools
marsh and pools
streams
rock pools
forest streams
streams
streams
7.7 Coleoptera and Hemiptera

This brief section simply lists specimens of Coleoptera (beetles) and Hemiptera (true bugs)
collected opportunistically by Julian Bayliss (2007) and Cornell Dudley (2008) (Tables 15 &
16). Unfortunately literature and a good reference collection do not exist locally, so
identification to species level is not always possible. It is believed (C. Dudley, pers. comm.)
that collecting at a different time of year may result in an additional 3 or 4 species of scarab
beetle being found.
Specimens were all identified by Cornell Dudley (Malawi), and will form part of his personal
collection until further notice. It is hoped that the preliminary list might help future
entomologists.
Table 15. List of Coleoptera opportunistically collected from Namuli (20078).
Family
Species
Rutelidae [Leaf Chafers] Poppilia browni Kolbe
Rutelidae
Popillia ?chirundana
Pringuey 1908
Tenebrionidae:
genus/species?
Alleculinae
Curculionidae
genus/species? 3 spp
Coccinellidae
genus/species?
Staphylinidae
genus/species?
Elateridae
Calais sp.
Melyridae
genus/species?
Cerambycidae: Lamiinae Thercladodes kraussi (White)
Gyrinidae
genus/species?
Cetoniidae: Cetoniinae
Diplognatha (D.) gagates
[Flower Chafers]
(Forester 1771)
Cicindelidae [Tiger
Lophyra (Stenolophyra) s.
Beetles]
saraliensis (Gurin 1849)
Scarabaeidae:
Onthophagus sp.
Scarabaeinae [Dung
Beetles]
Scarabaeidae:
Proagoderus sp.
Scarabaeinae [Dung
Beetles]
Carabidae
genus/species?
Notes
common
Common. Also on Mulanje & Dedza mtns.
many thousands of species, most unknown

common; no named material for comparison.
many thousands of species, most unknown
common, no named material for comparison.
unable to identify; unlikely to be new.
very common species throughout tropical Africa
(Holm & Marais 1992).
widespread in West & Central Africa; many
subspecies (Werner 2000).
probably a new species; matches specimens
collected on Zomba and Mulanje mtns, at present
undescribed. Genus is large and difficult.
probably a new species; not recorded in either
Ferreira (1968-1969) or dOrbigny (1913, 1915).
May be closely related to P. dudleyi Camberfort,
1980 of Nyika Plateau, Malawi.
unable to identify; a widespread species
Table 16. List of Hemiptera (Heteroptera) opportunistically collected from Namuli.

Suborder
Family
Heteroptera Plataspidae
Pentatomidae / Pentatominae
Pentatomidae / Phyllacephalinae
Homoptera Cicadidae
Membracidae
Species
Coptosoma sp.
genus/species?
genus/species?
genus/species?
genus/species?
Notes
interesting brachypterous sp; maybe new?
possibly new?
possibly new?
8. CONSERVATION
8.1 Conservation Threats
There are a number of threats to biodiversity conservation in the Namuli area above 1500 m,
which are listed and expanded upon below. The major ones are potato cultivation inside the
forest, widespread and frequent wildfires, logging, and the impacts of domestic livestock
(Timberlake 2007a).
Fire: Grassland / bushland fires, particularly owing to increased fire frequency, are eating
slowly into the forest patches and negatively affecting some woody species in the grassland
areas. Fire-tolerant species are likely to start predominating, with a parallel loss of firesensitive species (Figures 36, 37, 43).
The more extractive human activities there are up on the plateau, peaks and upper slopes, the
greater the prevalence and frequency of fire will be. This is seen especially in the livestock
grazing areas with its itinerant population of herd boys.
Figure 36. Fire spreading up

rocky slope (JT).
Figure 37. Remnants of forest destroyed by fire,

Nachona plateau (JT).
Grazing: Domestic livestock (cattle, goats, pigs) are disturbing vegetation on some of the
open northern plateaux (Figure 38). Cattle are trampling grassland in the north-west. Herders
based in the upper Namparro valley are regularly using fire to clear shrubby growth and
promote new grass growth, resulting in an increase in the unusable and biologicallyimpoverished bracken land. Grazing is also changing hydrological patterns in the peatlands
and upland wetlands. Feral/domestic pigs are digging up thinly vegetated mats on seeps and
eating plant bulbs (Merwillea lazulina (Hyacinthaceae), Hypoxis, orchid tubers). This impact
is widespread across the Muretha plateau. Goats are not really a problem at present, although
they do have a very local enriching effect in favoured spots.
Hunting: Plateau and forest areas seem remarkably bereft of large and small mammals,
probably owing to extensive hunting for meat in the recent past (3050 years), continuing at
present. Hyrax are rare, there are no wild pigs (these were reported as common by Vincent in
1932), and forest duiker are very scarce. The main grazers/browsers are now domestic
livestock. There are no leopard (as seen from the lack of concern over possible loss of
untended livestock), and all medium or large predators have been exterminated. In some
forest areas, many shrubs are cut down to make long low brush-fences to direct elephant
shrews towards small snares in the fencelines (Figure 39). This is having a local effect in
opening up the forest understorey.
Figure 38. Cattle grazing on Nachona

plateau (JT).
Figure 39. Spring trap for elephant shrews,

Manho forest (JB).
Timber & Plant Products: The only timber extracted appears to be Tchetchere (Faurea
wentzeliana, Proteaceae) from the accessible patches on the eastern side. Extraction is
particularly prevalent in the important Ukalini forest (Figures 40, 41). This tree species is
common, but there are increasingly fewer trees of reasonable size the extraction is clearly
unsustainable. There is also an associated problem of formation of forest gaps in the Ukalini
Forest, leading to invasion of secondary species and loss of some forest birds (e.g.
Dapplethroat, Olive-flanked Robin). Extraction of other tree species is minimal.
Figures 40 & 41. Cut stump and plank of Faurea wentzeliana, Ukalini forest (JT).
There is some utilization of other plant products from the plateau, such as thatching grass,
Kniphofia leaves (Asphodelaceae, called locally moretxa) for weaving and medicinal plants.
None of these appear to be a conservation concern at present. Honey-collecting is practiced,
and the destruction of trees and subsequent wild-fires to smoke out the bees and gain access is
significant locally.
Cultivation: There is increasing clearance of patches within forest and on forest margins at
altitudes above 1400 m for Irish potato (batata reno) cultivation (Figure 42). There are also a
few fields cleared on the forest margins for maize and rape. Over the last few years there
appears to have been a sudden increase in cutivation, perhaps related to an increasingly

monetarised economy and need for cash income. On a subsequnet visit in November 2008,
the extent of forest clearance compared to the year before was alarming (J. Bayliss, pers.
comm.) and it may only be a matter of time before people start settling in the forest next to
these fields. Potatoes are sold in Guru and in surrounding villages they are primarily a cash
crop, not a subsistence crop.
Figure 42. Potato cultivation in clearing below

Manho forest (JB).
Figure 43. Settlement and cultivation on slopes of
Muretha plateau, Namuli (JT).
Tea plantations: Within the tea plantations in the Licungo valley (Figure 44), the cutting of
remaining narrow riparian forest strips by operations to get more area or better access poses a
threat locally. Edges are 'hardened' and regeneration is impaired. These narrow strips need to
be protected for their biodiversity, for soil erosion control and for tourism (i.e. Cascata de
Namuli). Continuity of habitat and local movement/migration for forest species is required.
Figure 44. Tea plantation in Licungo valley, below Namuli massif (JT).
8.2 Conservation Issues

A list of the main conservation issues is given below that, it is suggested, need to be borne in
mind when developing a conservation management programme.
Private cattle farmers (privados, criadores) are utilizing common resources (upland
grazing) for private gain. Their enterprises are not at subsistence level, and there is no
communal benefit.
There is an increase in logging and Irish potato cultivation coming in with the increasing
development in Guru related to tea rehabilitation, infrastructural development, and
monetarisation of the local economy. Potato cultivation in particular is rapidly expanding.
Resource grabbing for short-term gain is increasing as development in the area rapidly
accelerates and opportunities open up. Regulatory controls are weak, resulting in
something of a "wild west" economy.
There are strong pressures for expansion of the tea plantations in the future, and certainly
expansion of the cattle grazing areas. For example, a recent proposal was being promoted
locally by a Nampula businessman to establish cattle grazing in the populated Malema
valley and push/resettle the people up on the Muretha plateau. The political weight of
large local business people is significant, and can override that of the local population.
Local education is needed to reduce fire incidence and the wide-scale use of fire.
With improvement of the Malema road there will be a greater demand for cash and a more
rapid monetarisation of the local economy, with an increased number of local stores and
trading links. There will also be a probable influx to the Malema area of people from
outside, and hence greater pressure on the resource base. At present all transport, e.g. of
tomatoes and cassava, seems to be on foot, both in the Malema and Licungo valleys.
Thought should be given to possible controls on access for exploitation.
Continuity of forest habitat. Altitudinal ranges or sequences of forest habitats, necessary
for altitudinal seasonal movement of birds and similar species, should be conserved where
possible. The ability of plant species to move attitudinally in response to climate change
(whether in temperature or precipitation) is an important conservation consideration.
There is a need to conserve forests in gullies, ravines, deep valleys and along watercourses
as a protection against soil erosion and for a more even stream flow. Such gully forest can
easily be damaged by fierce and hot fires roaring up from below, fanned by heat and
locally-generated winds.
Development of scenic places for local tourism could be promoted, especially the Cascata
de Namuli and the water sheet on the upper Licungo. Other tourist possibilities are camps
up on the Muretha plateau for wildlife/walking tourists, at the base of Mt Namuli for
hiking, and in the Ukalini and similar forests of particular ornithological interest.
Developments on Mt Mulanje may offer a model for this.
9.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Management
1. There should be a move towards getting the massif above c.1500 m altitude recognized
and protected as a conservation area. The protection mechanism/s need to be thought through,
but should involve the surrounding local population. Mechanisms do not have to exclude a
moderate level of consumptive utilization.
2. Moves towards promoting the area for ecotourism, such as wilderness trails and birdwatching, should be encouraged. In this regard, the recent initiative by a Mozambican
company Mofer for conservation through tourism and use of carbon-credits on Namuli is
most welcome.
3. There should be strong controls on the levels of domestic livestock (cattle, goats, pigs)
allowed up on the plateau. The grassland and wetland ecology is being detrimentally changed
by cattle grazing and pig-rooting.
4. All clearance of forest or forest margins for potato and vegetable cultivation should be
halted.
5. Wildfires across the plateau need to be controlled. This should be coupled with an
education programme pointing out the hazards, possibly through the use of locally-employed
conservation / fire scouts.
Research
6. More surveys of birds are required to define the range of various threatened species, on
the lower slopes of Namuli peak itself and beyond. The most visible area lies about 5 km to
the SE on the other side of the Malema valley at about 1120 m, with high ground beyond
rising to 1500 m, much of it covered by mid-altitude forest.
7. Although this study was restricted to a relatively small area around Namuli peak, the rest
of the upland area (50 40 km) also supports patches of forest, and there are many other
peaks nearby with forest, for example Inago (1961 m) 45 km to the NE and Serra Cucuteia
(1922 m) 45 km to the NNW. Given that the broad ecological requirements of many montae
species and endemics, including the Namuli Apalis, are likely to be common throughout this
area, such species are likely to be quite widespread. This needs to be investigated further as it
has a significant bearing on Red List status and conservation targetting
8. More detailed surveys are required of woody and herbaceous plant species from the forest
areas on Namuli. Findings should be compared to those from other mountains in south-central
Africa. Survey work so far has been restricted in extent of coverage. This will hopefully
support the development of a granite inselberg ecoregion across the region, and help develop
the ideas of a transfrontier conservation initiative between Malawi and Mozambique.
9. The status of plant endemics, especially those from grassland areas, needs to be much
better determined. Such species are international priorities for Mozambique under the
Convention on Biological Diversity.
10.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Firstly we wish to thank all members of the two expeditions, and others who contributed to
the organisation and logistics. In particular, Carl Bruessow (MMCT) and Paul Smith (MSB
Kew). Claire Spottiswoode helped greatly during the reconnaissance trip, while Lincoln
Fishpool (BirdLife International), Calisto Bias and Sancho Cumbi (IIAM), David Nangoma
and Laston Mbemba (MMCT) gave much institutional support. Plant identifications at the
Herbarium, Kew were greatly assisted by David Goyder, Frances Crawford, Iain Darbyshire,
Kaj Vollesen, Roger Polhill, Mike Lock, Tom Cope, Aaron Davis and Phil Cribb. Eurico
Martins of the Lisbon Herbarium kindly went through Torre's plant collecting records from
the Guru area.
Additional contributors to sections of this report were:

Claire Spotiswoode (ornithology), Dept. of Zoology, University of Cambridge, UK.
Cornell Dudley (entomology), Blantyre, Malawi.
Bill Branch (herps), Bayworld, Port Elizabeth Museum, South Africa.
Mirjam Kopp (bats), Institute of Biogeography, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Michael Curran (bats), Institute of Biogeography, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Colin Congdon (butterflies), c/o African Butterfly Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.
Ivan Bampton (butterflies), c/o African Butterfly Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.
Hassam Patel (plants), Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust, Mulanje, Malawi.
Stephen Mphamba (plants), Forest Research Institute of Malawi, Zomba, Malawi.
11.
BIBLIOGRAPHY & REFERENCES
Ackery, P.R., Smith, C.R., Vane-Wright, R.I. (1995). Carcasson's African Butterflies: An
annotated Catalogue of the Papilionoidea and Hesperioidea of the Afrotropical Region.
British Museum (Natural History), London.
Alves, T. & de Sousa, C. (2008). Relatrio preliminar da 2a Expedio cientfica realizada ao
Monte Namli de 11 de Novembro a 2 de Dezembro se 2007. Unpublished report. IIAM,
Maputo.
Anon. (1885). Geographical Notes: New expedition to Eastern Africa. Proceedings of Royal
Geographical Society 7: 455.
Baillie, J.E.M., Hilton-Taylor, C. & Stuart, S.N. [editors] (2004). 2004 IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species. A Global Species Assessment. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland &
Cambridge
Barbosa, L.A.G. (1952). Esboo da Vegetao da Zambzia. Separate from Documentrio
Moambique No. 69. Centro de Investigao Cientfica Algodoeira, Loureno Marques.
Bayliss, J. (2007). Trip Report, Mount Namuli Expedition, 22 May5 June 2007. Unpublished
report. MMCT, Mulanje.
Bayliss, J. (2008). Danger and discoveries in northern Mozamnbique. Lepsoc News Africa
4(2008): 36.
Benson, C.W. (1950). A collection from Chiperoni Mountain, Portuguese East Africa.
Bulletin British Ornithological Club 70: 51.
Bibby, C.J. Burgess, N.D. & Hill, D.A. (1992). Bird Census Techniques. Academic Press,
London.
BirdLife International (2004). Threatened Birds of the World 2004, CR-ROM. BirdLife,
Cambridge.
Branch, W.R. & Ryan, P.G. (2001) Additions to the Mozambique herpetofauna: Two new
lizards from the Namuli massif, Mozambique. Herpetological Review 32: 281282.
Broadley, D.G. (1963). Three new lizards from south Nyasaland and Tete. Annals Magazine
Natural History 13: 285288.
Bronner, G.N., Hoffmann, M., Taylor, P.J., Chimimba, C.T., Best, P.B., Matthee, C.A. &
Robinson, T.J. (2003). A revised systematic checklist of the extant mammals of the
southern African subregion. Durban Museum Novitates 28: 56106.
Bruyns, P.V. (2006a). A new species of Brachystelma (Apocynaceae) from South Tropical
Africa. Novon 16: 452453.
Bruyns, P.V. (2006b). Three new species of Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae) from South Tropical
Africa. Novon 16: 454457.
Cabral, A. (2000). Borboletas de Moambique. Natural History Museum(?), Maputo &
Lisbon.
Chapman, J.D. & White, F. (1970). The Evergreen Forests of Malawi. Commonwealth
Forestry Institute, Oxford.
Clancey, P.A. (1971). A handlist of the birds of southern Moambique. Memoirs Instituto
Investigao Cientifica de Moambique 10, sr.A (196970): 145302.
Collar, N.J. & Stuart, S.N. (1985). Threatened Birds of Africa and Related Islands.
International Council for Bird Preservation, Cambridge.
D'Abrera, B.L. (1980). Butterflies of the Afrotropical Region. Lansdowne Editions,
Melbourne.
Da Silva, M.C., Izidine, S. & Amude, A.B. (2004). A preliminary checklist of the vascular
plants of Mozambique. Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report No.30.
SABONET, Pretoria.
Demey, R. (2007). Mount Namuli Expedition, 22 May5 June 2007. Bird report. Unpublished
report. BirdLife International, UK.
Dijkstra, K-D.B. (2004). Dragonflies (Odonata) of Mulanje, Malawi. IDF Report 6: 2329.
Dixey, F. (1927). The Mlanje Mountains of Nyasaland. Geographical Review 17: 61626.
D'Orbibny, H. (1913). Synopsis des Onthophagides dAfrique. Annls. Soc. Ent. Fr. 82: 1142.
D'Orbibny, H. (1915). Supplment au synopsis des Onthophagides dAfrique. Annls. Soc. Ent.
Fr. 84(3): 375401.
Dowsett, R.J. (1993). Afrotropical avifaunas. Annotated country checklist : Mozambique.
Tauraco Research Report 5: 271277.
Dowsett, R.J. & Dowsett-Lemaire, F. (1986). Homing ability and territorial replacement in
some forest birds in south-central Africa. Ostrich 57: 2531.
Dowsett-Lemaire, F. (1983). Ecological and territorial requirements of montane forest birds
on the Nyika Plateau, south-central Africa. Gerfaut 73: 345378.
Dowsett-Lemaire, F. (1988). The forest vegetation of Mt Mulanje (Malawi): a floristic and
chorological study along an altitudinal gradient (650-1950 m). Bull. Jard. Bot. Nat. Belg.
58: 77107.
Dowsett-Lemaire, F. (1989). Ecological and biogeographical aspects of forest bird
communities in Malawi. Scopus 13: 180.
Dowsett-Lemaire, F. (2008). Survey of birds on Namuli Mountain (Mozambique), November
2007, with notes on vegetation and mammals. Dowsett-Lemaire Misc. Report 60. 26 pp.
Available
at
http://ftp.rbgkew.org.uk/science/directory/projects/annex/namuli-birdsDowsett.pdf
Dowsett-Lemaire, F. & Dowsett, R.J. (2006). The Birds of Malawi. Tauraco Press & Aves,
Lige, Belgium.
FAO (1982). Assessment of land resources for rainfed crop production in Mozambique. Field
Docuument No. 35. FAO, Maputo.
Ferreira, M.C. (1968-1969). Os Escarabdeos de Africa (sul do Sara), I. Revista Ent.
Moamb. 11: 51088.
Gomes e Sousa, A.F. (1940). Exploradores e naturalistas da Flora de Moambique.
Moambique: Documentrio trimestral No. 21 (Sept. 1940): 113114.
Gomes e Sousa, A.F. (1949). Dendrologia de Moambique. IV, Essncias da Regio do
Mutuli. Junta de Exportao de Moambique, Loureno Marques.
Happold, M. & Happold, D.H.D. (1997). New records of bats (Chiroptera: Mammalia) from
Malawi, east-central Africa, with an assessment of their status and conservation. Journal
of Natural History 3: 805836.
Harris, T. (2008). Collection guide to rare and endemic plants of Mt Namuli, Mozambique.
Unpublished report. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London.
Holm, E. & Marais, E. (1992). Fruit Chafers of Southern Africa. Ekogilde, Hartebeesport,
South Africa.
Izidine, S. & Bandiera, S.O. (2002). Mozambique. In: Southern African Plant Red Data Lists
(edited by J.S. Golding), pp. 4360. SABONET, Pretoria.
Kassam, A.H., Van Velthuizen, H.T., Higgins, G.M., Christoforides, A., Voortman, R.L. &
Spiers, B. (1981). Climatic data bank and length of growing period analysis. Field
Document No. 33, Project MOZ/75/011, Assessment of Land Resources for Rainfed Crop
Production in Mozambique. FAO, Rome.
Keith, S., Urban, E.K. & Fry, C.H. [editors] (1992). The Birds of Africa. Vol. 4. Academic
Press, London.
Kielland, J. (1990). Butterflies of Tanzania. Hill House, London.
Kingdon, J. (1997). The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals. Academic Press, San
Diego.
Last, J.T. (1887a). Journey of Mr J.T. Last from Blantyre to the Namuli Hills. Proceedings of
Royal Geographical Society 9: 4244.
Last, J.T. (1887b). On the Society's Expedition to the Namuli Hills, East Africa. Proceedings
of Royal Geographical Society 9: 467490.
Last, J.T. (1890). Mr J.T. Last's map of Eastern Africa, between the Rovuma and the
Zambesi. Proceedings of Royal Geographical Society 12: 223224.
Libert, M. (1999). Rvision des genres Epitola Westwood, Hypophytala Clench et
Stempfferia Jackson, et description de trois nouveaux genres (Lepidoptera Lycaenidae).
A.B.R.I., Nairobi & Lambillonea, Tervuren, Belgium.
Libert, M. (2004). Revision des Deudorix africains (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae). A.B.R.I.,

Nairobi, Kenya & Lambillionea, Tervuren, Belgium.
Masterson, A.N.B. & Child, G.F.T. (1959). Ornithological notes on an expedition to the
Chimanimani Mountains. Ostrich 30: 2232.
Melo, M.P.de, Covas, R. & Dijkstra, K-D. (2001). Namuli Massif, 1 to 6 December 2001.
Bird report. Unpublished report, Percy Fitzpatrick Institute, Cape Town. 7 pp.
Monadjem, A. & Reside, A. (2007). Common bats of the Niassa Reserve. Seventh
Communication, All Out Africa Research Unit. Mbabane, Swaziland.
Moreau, R.E. (1966). The Bird Faunas of Africa and its Islands. Academic Press, New York.
O'Neill, H.E. (1884a). Journey from Mozambique to Lakes Shirwa and Amarambna. Part 1,
From Mozambique through the Macua and Lomwe countries to Lake Shirwa, June to
September 1883. Proceedings of Royal Geographical Society 6: 632647.
O'Neill, H.E. (1884b). Journey from Mozambique to Lakes Shirwa and Amarambna. Part II,
Exploration of the northern and north-eastern shores of lake Shirwa, and discovery of the
lakes Amaramba and Cuita, the true sources of the Lujenda River. Part III, Return journey
from Lake Shirwa to the Mozambique coast at Angoche, November 1883 to January
1884. Proceedings of Royal Geographical Society 6: 713741.
O'Neill, H.E. (1885). Eastern Africa, between the Zambesi and Rovuma Rivers. Proceedings
of Royal Geographical Society 7: 430449.
Parker, V. (1999). The Atlas of the Birds of Sul do Save, Southern Mozambique. Avian
Demography Unit & Endangered Wildlife Trust, Cape Town & Johannesburg.
Parker, V. (2001). Mozambique. In: Important Bird Areas in Africa and Associated Islands:
Priority sites for conservation (edited by L.D.C. Fishpool & M.I. Evans), pp. 627638.
Pisces Publications/BirdLife International, Newbury & Cambridge.
Parker, V. (2005). The Atlas of the Birds of Central Mozambique. Endangered Wildlife Trust
& Avian Demography Unit, Johannesburg & Cape Town.
Pedro, J.G. & Barbosa, L.A.G. (1955). A Vegetao. Esboo de Reconhecimento EclogicaAgricola de Moambique. Centro de Investigao Cientfica Algodoeira, Loureno
Marques.
Peters, W.C.H. (1882). Naturwissenschaftliche Reise Nach Mossmabique auf Befehl seiner
Majestt des Knigs Freidrich Wilhelm IV. In den Jahren 1842 bis 1848 ausgefhrt von
Wilhelm C.H. Peters. Zoologie III. Amphibien. Druck & Verlag von G. Reimer, Berlin.
Polhill, R.M. & Wiens, D. (1998). Mistletoes of Africa. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Pringle, E.L.L., Henning, G.A. & Ball, J.B. (editors) (1994). Pennington's Butterflies of
Southern Africa, second edition. Struik, Cape Town.
Ryan, P.G., Bento, C., Cohen, C., Graham, J., Parker, V. & Spottiswoode, C. (1999a). The
avifauna and conservation status of the Namuli Massif, northern Mozambique. Bird
Conservation International 9: 315331.
Ryan, P., Spottiswoode, C., Parker, V., Graham, J. Cohen, C. & Bento, C. (1999b). The birds
of Namuli, northern Mozambique: Retracing Vincent's footsteps. African Bird Club
Bulletin 6: 138143.
Spottiswoode, C.N., Patel, I.H., Hermann, E., Timberlake, J. & Bayliss, J. (2008). Threatened
bird species on two little-known mountains (Chiperone and Mabu) in northern
Mozambique. Ostrich 79: 17.
Stattersfield, A.J., Crosby, M.J., Long A.J. & Wege, D.C. (1998). Endemic Bird Areas of the
World: Priorities for biodiversity conservation. BirdLife International, Cambridge.
Strugnell, A.M. (2006). A checklist of the spermatophytes of Mount Mulanje, Malawi.
Scripta Botanica Belgica 34. National Botanic Garden, Meise, Belgium.
Taylor, P. (2001). Bats of Southern Africa. Guide on Biology, Identification and Conservation
University of Natal Press, Durban.
Timberlake, J.R. (2007a). Mount Namuli: A conservation assessment and proposal outline.
Unpublished report. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London. 8 pp.
Timberlake, J.R. (2007b). Mountain Mission. Kew Magazine, Winter 2007: 4649.
Timberlake, J.R., Bayliss, J., Alves, T., Baena, S., Francisco, J., Harris, T. & da Sousa, C.
(2007). The biodiversity and conservation of Mount Chiperone, Mozambique.
Unpublished report of Darwin Initiative project. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 33 pp.
Van Noort, S., Gardiner, A.J. & Tolley, K.A. (2007). New records of Ficus (Moraceae)
species emphasize the conservation significance of inselbergs in Mozambique. South
African Journal of Botany 73: 642649.
Vincent, J. (1933a). The Namuli Mountains, Portuguese East Africa. The Geographical
Journal 81: 314332.
Vincent, J. (1933b). [Four new species and eighteen new sub-species.... collected during the
recent Portuguese East African Expedition]. Bulletin British Ornithological Club 53:
129149.
Vincent, J. (193336). The birds of Northern Portuguese East Africa. Comprising a list of,
and observations on, the collections made during the British Museum Expedition of
193132. Ibis 13: 611652; 4: 126160, 305340, 495527, 757799; 5: 137, 355
397, 485529, 707762; 6: 48125.
Vincent, J. (1989). Web of Experience (An autobiography). Published by the author, Mooi
River, Natal, South Africa.
Vincent, J. (2000). Col. Jack Vincent MBE (190499). Obituary. Ibis 142: 518.
Werner, K. (2000). The Tiger Beetles of Africa, Vol. 2. Taita Publishers, Haradex Kralove,
Czech Republic.
White, F. (1983). The Vegetation of Africa. Natural Resources Research No.20. UNESCO,
Paris.
White, F., Dowsett-Lemaire, F. & Chapman, J.D. (2001). Evergreen Forest Flora of Malawi.
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, London.
Wild, H. & Barbosa, L.A.G. (1968). Vegetation map of the Flora Zambesiaca area., M.O.
Collins, Harare.
Williams, M.C. (2007). Butterflies and Skippers of the Afrotropical Region. CD-ROM.
ANNEX 1a. Participants on Mt Namuli expedition, May/June 2007.

Tereza Alves, Forestry Research Section, IIAM, Marracuene, Mozambique.
Aurlio Constantino Banze, plant collector, National Herbarium, IIAM, Maputo, Mozambique.
Julian Bayliss, Darwin Project Regional Coordinator, Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust, Mulanje,
Malawi.
Carlos Bento, ornithologist, Museu de Histria Natural, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo,
Mozambique.
Carl Bruessow, Executive Director, Mt Mulanje Conservation Trust, Mulanje, Malawi.
Alfredo Daniel, silviculture technician, IIAM, Marracuene, Mozambique.
Ron Demey, ornithologist, The Hague, Netherlands.
Jorge R. Francisco, GIS Unit, Land & Water Department, IIAM, Maputo, Mozambique.
Tim Harris, Herbarium, RBG Kew, London, UK.
Rogrio Mauro da Costa Jamice, Station Manager, Madonge Forest Research Station, IIAM, Chimoio,
Mozambique.
Andrew McRobb, photographer, RBG Kew, London, UK.
Hassam Patel, botanist, Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust, Mulanje, Malawi.
Lucas Sabo, taxidermy technician, Museu de Histria Natural, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane,
Maputo, Mozambique.
Camila de Sousa, Forestry Research Section, IIAM, Marracuene, Mozambique.
Jonathan Timberlake, Project Coordinator, Herbarium, RBG Kew, London, UK.
ANNEX 1b. Participants on Mt Namuli expedition, Nov 2007.

Tereza Alves, Forestry Research Section, IIAM, Marracuene, Mozambique.
Aurlio Constantino Banze, plant collector, National Herbarium, IIAM, Maputo, Mozambique.
Julian Bayliss, Darwin Project Regional Coordinator, Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust, Mulanje,
Malawi.
Carl Bruessow, Executive Director, Mt Mulanje Conservation Trust, Mulanje, Malawi.
Humphrey Chapama, botanist, Forestry Research Institute of Malawi, Zomba, Malawi.
Katrina Cook, bird collector/ taxidermist, Natural History Museum, Tring, UK.
Francoise Dowsett-Lemaire, ornithologist/ ecologist, Sumne, France.
Jorge R. Francisco, GIS Unit, Land & Water Department, IIAM, Maputo, Mozambique.
Tim Harris, Herbarium, RBG Kew, London, UK.

Rogrio Mauro da Costa Jamice, Station Manager, Madonge Forest Research Station, IIAM, Chimoio,
Mozambique.
Stephen Mpamba, forestry technician, Forestry Research Institute of Malawi, Zomba, Malawi.
Tiwonge Mzumara, ornithologist, Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust, Mulanje, Malawi.
David Nangoma, ecologist, Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust, Mulanje, Malawi.
Hassam Patel, botanist, Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust, Mulanje, Malawi.
Lucas Sabo, taxidermy technician, Museu de Histria Natural, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane,
Maputo, Mozambique.
Paul Smith, Head, Millennium Seed Bank, RBG Kew, London, UK.
Camila de Sousa, Forestry Research Section, IIAM, Marracuene, Mozambique.
Jonathan Timberlake, Project Coordinator, Herbarium, RBG Kew, London, UK.
ANNEX 2. Plant checklist for Mt Namuli above 1300 m (above 1000 m on western side).
T-tree; S-shrub; H-herb; c-climber; ep-epiphyte. Altitudinal ranges rounded to nearest 10m.
Family
PTERIDOPHYTA
Aspleniaceae
Aspleniaceae
Aspleniaceae
Aspleniaceae
Aspleniaceae
Aspleniaceae
Blechnaceae
Cyatheaceae
Cyatheaceae
Dennstaedtiaceae
Dryopteridaceae
Hymenophyllaceae
Hymenophyllaceae
Lomariopsidaceae
Lycopodiaceae
Lycopodiaceae
Lycopodiaceae
Lycopodiaceae
Marattiaceae
Oleandraceae
Oleandraceae
Polypodiaceae
Polypodiaceae
Vittariaceae
GYMNOSPERMS
Podocarpaceae
MONOCOTYLEDONS
Aloaceae
Name
L/F
Altitude
Habitat
Asplenium dregeanum Kunze

Asplenium mannii Hook.
Asplenium megalura Hieron.
Asplenium rutifolium (Bergius) Kunze
Asplenium sandersonii Hook.
Asplenium stuhlmannii Hieron.
Blechnum tabulare (Thunb.) Kuhn
Cyathea dregei Kunze.
Cyathea manniana Hook.
Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn subsp. aquilinum
Dryopteris inaequalis (Schltend.) Kuntze
Hymenophyllum kuhnii C.Chr.
Hymenophyllum sibthorpioides (Willd.) Kuhn
Elaphoglossum acrostichoides (Hook.& Grev.) Schelpe
Huperzia dacrydioides (Baker) Pic.Serm. subsp. dacrydioides
Huperzia ophioglossoides (Lam) Rothm.
Huperzia verticillata (Lf.) Trevis.
Selaginella sp. - not matched
Marattia fraxinea J.F.Gmel. var. salicifolia (Schrad.) C.Chr.
Nephrolepis undulata (Sw.) J.Sm.
Oleandra distenta Kunze
Loxogramme abyssinica (Baker) Price
Pleopeltis macrocarpa (Willd.) Kaulf.
Vittaria isoetifolia Bory
ep
ep
ep
H
H
ep
H
T
T
H
H
H
ep
H
ep
ep
ep
H
H
H
H
ep
ep
H
1850
1880
1870
1880
1880
1880
1860
1970
1890
1800
1890
1900
1830
2050
1590-1870
1870
1870
1860
1890
1910
1620
1880
1880
2020
montane forest
montane forest
forest/grassland margin
montane forest patch
montane forest
montane forest
forest margin
grassland
grassland
grassland, forest margin
woodland margin
montane forest
montane forest
rock outcrop
riverine & montane forest
montane forest
montane forest
grassland
montane forest
rock outcrop
montane forest
montane forest
Podocarpus milanjianus Rendle
1810-1870 montane forest
Aloe mawii Christian
1860-1950 rocky outcrop
Notes
previously Lycopodium
Family
Aloaceae
Amaryllidaceae
Anthericaceae
Anthericaceae
L/F
H
H
H
H
Altitude
1500-1600
1030-1970
1870
1880
Habitat
rocky grassland
grassland
rocky grassland
montane forest
Anthericaceae
Asphodelaceae
Behniaceae
Commelinaceae
Commelinaceae
Commelinaceae
Commelinaceae
Commelinaceae
Name
Aloe torrei I.Verd.& Christian
Cyrtanthus welwitschii Baker
Chlorophytum paucinervatum (Poelln.) Nordal
Chlorophytum sphacelatum (Baker) Kativu subsp. milanjianum (Rendle)
Kativu
Chlorophytum stolzii (K.Krause) Kativu
Kniphofia splendida E.A.Bruce
Behnia reticulata (Thunb.) Didr.
Aneilema hockii De Wild.
Commelina africana L.
Cyanotis lanata Benth.
Cyanotis speciosa Hassk.
Murdannia simplex (Vahl) Brenan
H
H
c
H
H
H
H
H
1870-1900
1860-1890
1750-1980
1840
1870-1900
1340
1840-1960
1180-1860
rocky grassland
forest
grassland
rock outcrop
rock outcrop
grassland
woodland, grassland
Dracaenaceae
Eriocaulaceae
Hyacinthaceae
Hyacinthaceae
Hypoxidaceae
Iridaceae
Iridaceae
Iridaceae
Iridaceae
Iridaceae
Iridaceae
Iridaceae
Iridaceae
Iridaceae
Juncaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Dracaena laxissima Engl.

Eriocaulon zambesiense Ruhland
Drimia calcarata (Baker) Stedje
Merwillia lazulina (Wild) Speta
Hypoxis nyasica Baker
Aristea ecklonii Baker
Crocosmia aurea (Hook.) Planch subsp. aurea
Dierama formosum Hilliard
Dietes iridioides (L.) Klatt
Gladiolus atropurpureus Baker
Gladiolus crassifolius Baker
Gladiolus dalenii Van Geel var. dalenii
Gladiolus zimbabweensis Goldblatt
Moraea schimperi (Hochst.) Pic.Serm.
Juncus lomatophyllus Spreng.
Angraecopsis parviflora (Thouars) Schltr.
Bulbophyllum scaberulum (Rolfe) Bolus
Disa welwitschii Rchb.f.
Epipactis africana Rendle
Eulophia horsfallii (Bateman) Summerh.
Eulophia milnei Rchb.f.
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
ep
H
H
H
H
1840-1890
1870
2000
1600-2030
1810-1900
1840-1860
1720-1890
2000
1160
1350
1870
1870
1850
1620
1870
1800
1250
1790-1820
1750
1620
1880
montane forest
grassland
rocky grassland
rocky grassland, rock outcrop
rocky grassland
grassland, streamside
montane forest
forest margins
riverside
grassland
rocky grassland
grassland
grassland
rocky grassland
swamp
forest
forest patch
grassland
forest patch, regenerating
forest
grassland
Notes
Namuli endemic. Not collected in 2007
1st record for Moz
1st record for Moz
1st record for Moz

1st record for Moz Z:
Type locality
1st record for Moz
Family
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Name
Eulophia speciosa (Lindl.) Bolus
Eulophia streptopetala Lindl.
Eulophia zeyheri Hook.f.
Habenaria malacophylla Rchb.f.
Herschelianthe baurii (Bolus) Rauschert
Jumellea usambarensis J.J.Wood
Polystachya transvaalensis Schltr.
Polystachya zambesiaca Rolfe
Roeperocharis bennettiana Rchb.f.
Satyrium breve Rolfe
Satyrium chlorocarys Rolfe
Satyrium neglectum Schltr.
Alloeochaete namuliensis Chippind.
Andropogon eucomus Nees subsp. huillensis (Rendle) Sales
Andropogon schirensis Hochst.
Digitaria maitlandii Stapf & C.E.Hubb.
Eragrostis nindensis Ficalho & Hiern
Eragrostis racemosa (Thumb.) Steud.
Eragrostis volkensii Pilg.
Eriochrysis pallida Munro
Exotheca abyssinica Anderss.
Festuca costata Nees
Heliotrichon milanjianum (Rendle) C.E.Hubb.
Hyparrhenia cymbaria Stapf
Hyparrhenia sp.
Loudetia simplex (Nees) C.E.Hubb.
Melinis repens (Willd.) Zizka
Panicum cf. inaequilatum Stapf & C.E.Hubb.
Panicum wiehei Renvoize
Panicum sp.
Pennisetum unisetum (Nees) Benth.
L/F
H
H
H
H
H
ep
ep
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
Altitude
1600
1310
1950
1570
1850-2090
1840-2000
1870
1880
1880
1870
1890-2010
1690
1850-2060
1860
1820
1890-1970
1890
1860
1990
1880
1870
1840
1740-1850
1540
1170-1520
1790-1860
1860
1970
1880
1810
1870
Habitat
grassland
grassland
grassland/forest patch edge
forest
grassland
grassland
montane forest
riparian forest
grassland
grassland
seepage areas
grassland
rocky grassland
grassland
grassland
grassland/woodland
grassland
grassland
grassland
grassland
grassland
rocky grassland
grassland
grassland
grassland
rocky grassland
wet grassland
montane forest
forest margin
montane forest
Poaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Phacelurus schliebenii (Pilg.) Clayton

Rhytachne rottboellioides Ham.
Rytidosperma davyi (C.E.Hubb.) Cope
H
H
H
1860
grassland
1860
wet grassland
1830-1850 wet rock outcrops, forest margin
Notes
1st record for Moz?

1st record for Moz?
1st record for Moz?
Namuli endemic
1st record for Moz?
Family
Poaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Restionaceae
Smilacaceae
Velloziaceae
Velloziaceae
Name
Setaria sphacelata (Schumach.) Moss
Sporobolus mauritianus (Steud.) T.Durand & Schinz
Spoprobolus pyramidalis P.Beauv.
Stereochlaena cameronii (Stapf) Pilg.
Themeda triandra Forssk.
Restio mahonii (N.E.Br.) Pillans
Smilax anceps Willd.
Xerophyta kirkii (Hemsl.) L.B.Smith & Ayensu
Xerophyta splendens (Rendle) N.L.Menzes
L/F
H
H
H
H
H
H
c
H
H
Altitude
1860-2060
1960
1960
1860
1280-1900
1880
1420
1620-1920
1670
Velloziaceae
Xyridaceae
Xyridaceae
Xerophyta viscosa Baker

Xyris congensis Bttner
Xyris makuensis N.E.Br.
H
H
H
1910-1980 rocky outcrop in grassland

1870
grassland seepages
1890
grassland seepages
Xyridaceae
Zingiberaceae
DICOTYLEDONS
Acanthaceae
Acanthaceae
Acanthaceae
Acanthaceae
Acanthaceae
Acanthaceae
Acanthaceae
Acanthaceae
Acanthaceae
Amaranthaceae
Amaranthaceae
Anacardiaceae
Anacardiaceae
Annonaceae
Apiaceae
Apiaceae
Xyris peteri Pollen.

Aframomum alboviolaceum (Ridley) K.Schum.
H
H
1810-1860 grassland seepages

1030
slopes
Anisotes pubinervis (T.Anderson) Heine

Asystasia gangetica (L.) T.Anderson
Asystasia malawiana Brummitt & Chisumpa
Brachystephanus africanus S.Moore
Hypoestes aristata (Vahl) Roem.& Schult.
Isoglossa sp.
Justicia striata (Klotzsch) Bullock
Mimulopsis solmsii Schweinf.
Achyranthes aspera L.
Cyathula cylindrica Moq.
Rhus acuminatissima R.& A.Fernandes
Rhus sp.
Annona senegalensis Pers.
Alepidea peduncularis A.Rich.
Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham.& Schltdl. var. montana
P.J.D.Winter
Lefebvrea grantii (Hiern) Droop
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
S/T
S
T
H
S/T
1730
1300
1730
1720-1740
1860
1890
1870
1850
1830-1940
1870
1980
1660
1280
1580-1830
1710-1780
montane forest & margins

forest margins
grassland
montane forest
woodland
grassland
grassland
1850
grassland seepages
Apiaceae
Habitat
grassland, rocky grassland
wet grassland
forest gap
grassland
grassland
rocky grassland
bushland
rocky outcrop in grassland
rocky outcrop in grassland
montane forest
grassland
forest margins
montane forest
grassland
montane forest
Notes
Poaceae
Poaceae
1st record for Moz
1st record for Moz. Previously thought

to be Mulanje endemic
1st record for Moz
Type locality. Confined to Namuli &
Mulanje?
1st record for FZ area
1st record for Moz

1st record for Moz
new species?
Family
Apiaceae
Apiaceae
Apiaceae
Name
Peucedanum eylesii Norman
Peucedenum nyassicum H.Wolff
Pimpinella mulanjensis C.C.Towns.
L/F
H
H
H
Altitude
1850
1860-1890
1890-1920
Habitat
grassland
rocky grassland
rocky grassland
Apocynaceae
Apocynaceae
Apocynaceae
Apocynaceae
Aquifoliaceae
Araliaceae
Araliaceae
Araliaceae
Araliaceae
Carissa bispinosa (L.) Brenan subsp. zambesiensis Kupicha

Carvalhoa campanulata K.Schum.
Mussaenda arcuata Poir
Tabernaemontana stapfiana Britton
Ilex mitis (L.) Radlk.
Cussonia spicata Thunb.
Polyscias fulva (Hiern) Harms
Schefflera goetzenii Harms
Schefflera umbellifera (Sond.) Baill.
S/T
S
c
T
T
T
T
T
T
1720-1880
1300
1060
1610-1830
1720-1990
1980
1590
1460-1840
1870
montane forest, riverine forest

bushland
riverine forest
montane forest & patches
forest margins, streambanks
forest margins
forest margins
forest margins
Asclepiadaceae
Asclepiadaceae
Asclepiadaceae
Asclepiadaceae
Asclepiadaceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Sarcostemma mulanjense Liede & Meve

Sarcostemma viminale (L.) R.Br.
Secamone alpini Schult.
Trachycalymma cristatum (Decne.) Bullock
Xysmalobium undulatum (L.) Aiton f.
Ageratum conyzoides L.
Anisopappus chinensis (L.) Hook.& Arn. var. buchwaldii (O.Hoffm.) S.Ortz,
Paiva & Rodr.Oubia var. dentatus (DC.) S. Ortiz, Paiva & Rodr.-Oubia
Anisopappus kirkii (Oliv.) Brenan
Bothriocline cf. glomerata (O.Hoffm.& Muschl.) C.Jeffrey
Bothriocline longipes (Oliv.& Hiern) N.E.Br.
Crassocephalum crepidioides (Benth.) S.Moore
Crassocephalum montuosum (S.Moore) Milne-Redh.
Crassocephalum rubens (Jacq.) S.Moore
Emilia decipiens C.Jeffrey
Gerbera viridifolia (DC.) Sch.Bip.
Helichrysum adenocarpum DC.
Helichrysum buchananii Engl.
Helichrysum sulphureofuscum Baker
Lactuca inermis Forssk.
Senecio erubescens Aiton
Senecio milanjianus S.Moore
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
1340
1340
1820
1860-1880
1730
1870
1870
rock outcrop
rocky woodland
forest margin, grassland
grass patch in forest
forest margins
rocky grassland
S
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
1830
1610
1870
1870-1890
1900
1900
1940
1940-1960
1870
1860-1920
1860-1940
1680
1840-1860
1920
forest margin
river margin
grassland
rock outcrop
montane forest
rock outcrop
rock outcrop
grassland
grassland
grassland
grassland
grassland
grassland
rocky grassland
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Notes
but close to P. eylesii
1st record for FZ; large range extension
Family
Asteraceae
Name
Senecio peltophorus Brenan
L/F
H
Altitude Habitat
1840-2070 grassland & rock outcrops
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Balsaminaceae
Balsaminaceae
Balsaminaceae
Balsaminaceae
Senecio picridifolium (DC.) S.Moore

Senecio tabulicola Baker
Solanecio mannii (Hook.f.) C.Jeffrey
Tagetes minuta L.
Tolpis capensis (L.) Sch.Bip.
Vernonia natalensis Walp.
Vernonia wollastonii S.Moore
Impatiens oreocallis Launert
Impatiens sylvicola Burtt Davy
Impatiens zombensis Baker
Impatiens sp. - not matched
H
H
S
H
H
H
S
H
H
H
H
1860
1860
1370
1870
1870
1390
1850
1800
1734-1960
1800
1860
forest margin
grassland
forest margin
forest margin
grassland
grassland
forest by river
forest margin
forest margin, streambank
forest margin
grassland
Bignoniaceae
Cactaceae
Campanulaceae
Campanulaceae
Campanulaceae
Campanulaceae
Campanulaceae
Campanulaceae
Celastraceae
Celastraceae
Celastraceae
Celastraceae
Chrysobalanaceae
Chrysobalanaceae
Clusiaceae
Clusiaceae
Clusiaceae
Clusiaceae
Convolvulaceae
Convolvulaceae
Crassulaceae
Tecomaria capensis (Thunb.) Spach subsp. capensis

Rhipsalis baccifera (J.Mill) W.T.Stearn
Cyphia lasiandra Diels
Lobelia blantyrensis E.Wimmer
Lobelia goetzei Diels
Lobelia trullifolia Hemsl. subsp. trullifolia
Wahlenbergia abyssinica (A.Rich.) Thulin
Wahlenbergia virgata Engl.
Maytenus acuminata (L.f.) Loes. var. acuminata
Maytenus undata (Thunb.) Blakelock
Mystroxylon aethiopicum (Thunb.) Loes.
Pterocelastrus echinatus N.E.Br.
Parinari curatellifolia Benth.
Parinari excelsa Sabine
Garcinia kingaensis Engl.
Harungana madagascariensis Poir.
Hypericum peplidifolium A.Rich.
Psorospermum febrifugum Spach
Cuscuta cassytoides Engelm.
Ipomoea involucrata Beauv. var. operosa (C.H.Wright) Verdc.
Crassula globularioides Britten
S/T
ep
H
H
H
H
H
H
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
S
H
T
c
H
H
1620-1830
1030
1890-1940
1940
1840-1900
1865
1350
1970-1980
1720-1890
1720-1840
1620-1850
1720-1900
1280
1040
1570-1835
1310
1950
1520
1800
1860
1830-2060
forest margin, rock outcrop

forest
rock outcrop
rock outcrop
rocky grassland
rock outcrop
rock outcrop
grassland
montane forest & forest patch
montane forest & forest patch
montane forest
montane forest
woodland
riverine woodland
montane forest
bushland
grassland
woodland
grassland clearing
rock outcrop
rock outcrop
Notes
2nd collection for Moz
1st record for Moz
Family
Crassulaceae
Crassulaceae
Crassulaceae
Cucurbitaceae
Cucurbitaceae
Dipsacaceae
Droseraceae
Ebenaceae
Ebenaceae
Ebenaceae
Ericaceae
Ericaceae
Name
Crassula sarcocaulis Eckl.& Zeyh.
Crassula setulosa Harv.
Crassula schimperi Fisch.& Mey. subsp. transvaalensis (Kuntze) R.Fern. var.
denticulata (Brenan) R.Fern.
Oreosyce africana Hook.f.
Peponium vogelii (Hook.f.) Engl.
Cephalaria pungens Szabo
Drosera dielsiana Exell & Laundon
Diospyros mespiliformis A.DC.
Diospyros whyteana (Hiern) F.White
Euclea crispa (Thunb.) Grke subsp. crispa
Agauria salicifolia (Lam.) Oliv.
Erica benguelensis (Engl.) E.G.H.Oliver var. benguelensis
L/F
H
H
H
Altitude
1740
2120
2080
Habitat
rock outcrop in grassland
c
c
H
H
T
S/T
S
T
S/T
1860-1890
1380-1760
1850
1813
1040
1980-2000
1940
1830
1890-1930
grassland
disturbed areas
streambank
seepage areas
riverine forest
montane forest
rocky grassland
montane forest margins
grassland & forest margin
Ericaceae
Ericaceae
Ericaceae
Erica hexandra (S.Moore) E.G.H.Oliver

S
Erica mannii (Hook.f.) Beentje subsp. usambarensis (Alm & T.C.E.Fr.) Beentje S/T
Erica pleiotricha S.Moore
S
1870
1840
2120

rock outcrop in forest
rock outcrop
Ericaceae
Ericaceae
Erythroxylaceae
Escalloniaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Fab: Caesalpinioideae
Erica silvatica (Engl.) Beentje

Erica simii (S.Moore) E.G.H.Oliver
Erythroxylum emarginatum Thonn.
Choristylis rhamnoides Harv.
Acalypha welwitschiana Mll.Arg.
Alchornea hirtella Benth. forma glabrata (Prain) Pax & K.Hoffm.
Antidesma vogelianum Mll.Arg.
Bridelia micrantha (Hochst.) Baill.
Clutia abyssinica Jaub.& Spach var. abyssinica
Drypetes gerrardii Hutch. var. grandifolia Radcl.-Sm.
Erythrococca polyandra (Pax & K.Hoffm.) Prain
Erythrococca trichogyne (Mll.Arg.) Prain var. trichogyne
Euphorbia depauperata A.Rich.
Euphorbia namuliensis Bruyns.
Macaranga capensis (Baill.) Sim
Macaranga mellifera Prain
Phyllanthus leucanthus Pax
Brachystegia spiciformis Benth.
2120
2060
1720-1750
1880
1850
1720-1870
1460
1540-1750
2030
1730-1850
1940
1730
1860-1980
800-1500
1040-1370
1710-1900
1900
1666

montane forest
riverine forest margin
forest margins
montane forest
riverine forest
montane forest & grassland
rock outcrop
montane forest
montane forest
montane forest
grassland
rock outcrop
riverine forest
montane forest & patch
rocky grassland
grassland
H
S
T
S
S
S/T
S/T
T
H
S/T
S
T
H
H
T
T
H
S
Notes
previously Phillipia
1st record for Moz Z: VUD2 in Sabonet
Red Data List
1st record for Moz
1st record of var. for Moz
Family
Fab: Mimosoideae
Fab: Mimosoideae
Fab: Mimosoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Name
Chamaecrista stricta E.Mey
Chamaecrista sp.
Senna singueana (Delile) Lock
Albizia adianthifolia (Schumach.) W.F.Wight
Albizia gummifera (J.F.Gmel.) C.A.Sm.
Newtonia buchananii (Baker) G.C.C.Gilbert & Boutique
Aeschynomene sp.
Argyrolobium rupestre (E.Mey.) Walp. subsp. aberdaricum (Harms) Polhill
Craibia brevicaudata (Vatke) Dunn subsp. baptistarum (Bttner) J.B.Gillett
Crotalaria caudata Baker
Crotalaria cleomifolia Baker
Crotalaria goetzei Harms
L/F
H
H
S
T
T
T
S
H
T
H
H
S/T
Altitude
1870
1890
1280
1490
1540-1840
1000
1870
1950
1130
1880
1320
1400-1930
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Crotalaria lachnocarpoides Engl.

Crotalaria lanceolata E.Mey. cf. subsp. prognatha Polhill
Crotalaria lanceolata E.Mey. subsp. exigua Polhill
Crotalaria natalita Meisner var. rutshuruensis De Wild.
Crotalaria sp. nov. near C. argyrolobioides Baker
Crotalaria spartea Baker
Crotalaria stolzii (Baker f.) Polhill
Desmodium setigerum (E.Mey.) Benth.
Erythrina abyssinica Lam.
Erythrina latissima E.Mey.
Indigofera sp. nov. near I. longipedicellata J.B.Gillett
Indigofera lyallii Baker subsp. nyassica J.B.Gillett
Kotschya recurvifolia (Taub.) F.White subsp. recurvifolia
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
T
T
H
S
S
1670
1670-1870
1880
1220
1820-1920
1610
1842
1830-1900
1040
1420
1280
1410
1340-2010
1850-2050
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Lotus namuliensis Brand

Millettia lasiantha Dunn
Mucuna poggei Taub. var. pesa (De Wild.) Verdc.
Rhynchosa clivorum S.Moore subsp. gurueensis Verdc.
Rhynchosa torrei Verdc.
Sesbania macrantha E.Phillips & Hutch. var. macrantha
Tephrosia aequilata Baker
H
c
c
H/S
H/S
H
S
1980
1030
1210
1900
1840-2130
1540
1840-2100
Habitat
forest margins
rock outcrop
woodland
moist forest, cultivated fields
montane forest
riverine forest
forest margins
grassland
riverine forest
grassland
rock outcrop
montane forest & margins,
grassland
rocky grassland
grassland
grassland
disturbed woodland
grassland & rock outcrops
grassland seepage area
grassland
grassland & forest margins
riverbank
grassland
grassland
grassland
rock outcrop
rocky grassland, forest margins,
shrubland
rocky grassland
woodland slopes
disturbed areas
river margin
rocky grassland
grassland
forest margins, rock outcrop
Notes
1st record for Moz
New species; Namuli endemic
Namuli endemic
New species?
1st record for Moz
Type locality

Namuli endemic; 2nd collection
Family
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Flacourtiaceae
Flacourtiaceae
Flacourtiaceae
Name
Tephrosia vogelii Hook.f.
Tephrosia whyteana Baker f. subsp. gemina Brummitt
Vigna gazensis Baker f.
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. var. vexillata
Aphloia theiformis (Vahl.) Benn.
Gerrardina eylesiana Milne-Redh.
Rawsonia lucida Harv.& Sond.
L/F
H/S
S
H
H
T
S
S/T
Altitude
1220-1420
?
1830-1840
1400
1710-1860
1840
1460-1840
Habitat
disturbed areas
Gentianaceae
Gentianaceae
Gentianaceae
Geraniaceae
Gesneriaceae
Exacum zombense N.E.Br.

Sebaea longicaulis Schinz
Swertia curtioides Gilg
Geranium arabicum Forssk.
Streptocarpus goetzei Engl.
H
H
H
H
H
1890-1920
1855
1860-1880
1750-2080
1490-1880
forest margins
slopes
grassland, forest margins
rocky slopes
montane forest & margins, riverine
forest
rocky grassland
forest margins
seepage area
forest margins, shrubland
montane forest, rock outcrops
Gesneriaceae
Haloragaceae
Hamamelidaceae
Hydrostachyaceae
Icacinaceae
Lamiaceae
Lamiaceae
Lamiaceae
Lamiaceae
Lamiaceae
Lamiaceae
Lamiaceae
Lamiaceae
Lamiaceae
Lamiaceae
Lamiaceae
Lamiaceae
Lamiaceae
Lamiaceae
Streptocarpus hirtinervis C.B.Cl.

Laurembergia tetrandra (Schott) Kanitz
Trichocladus ellipticus Eckl.& Zeyh. subsp. malosanus (Baker) Verdc.
Hydrostachys polymorpha Klotzsch
Apodytes dimidiata E.Mey.
Aeollanthus buchnerianus Briq.
Aeollanthus serpiculoides Baker
Aeollanthus subacaulis (Baker) Hua & Briq. var. linearis Ryding
Aeollanthus ukamensis Grke
Clerodendrum cephalanthum Oliv.
Haumaniastrum villosum (Benth.) A.J.Paton
Leucas milanjiana Grke
Micromeria imbricata (Forssk.) C.Chr. var. imbricata
Ocimum obovatum Benth.
Platostoma rotundifolium (Briq.) A.J.Paton
Plectranthus alboviolaceus Grke
Plectranthus guruensis A.J.Paton
Plectranthus laxiflorus Benth.
Plectranthus mandalensis Baker
H
H
T
H
T
H
H
H
H
S
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
2100
1880-1890
1460
1030
1710-1720
1330-1950
1720
1890-1900
1340
1620-1830
1900
1250
1680-1940
1950
1730
1800
1030
1750-1870
1800-1860
rock outcrops
grassland seepages
riverine forest
river bed
forest margins
rocky grassland
rocky grassland
grassland
grassland
montane forest
rocky grassland
forest patch
grassland
grassland
forest margins
forest margins
riverside
montane forest
Lamiaceae
Lamiaceae
Plectranthus pubescens Baker

Plectranthus sanguineus Britten
H
H
1860-1940 grassland, shrubland

2100-2120 rocky grassland
Notes

1st record for Moz
Namuli endemic
Family
Lamiaceae
Lamiaceae
Lamiaceae
Lamiaceae
Name
Plectranthus stenosiphon Baker
Pycnostachys urticifolia Hook.
Stachys aethiopica L.
Stachys didymantha Brenan
L/F
H
H
H
H
Altitude
1180-1840
1790
1990
1980-2130
Habitat
rock outcrop
montane forest
rock outcrop, shrubland
Lamiaceae
Lamiaceae
Lamiaceae
Lauraceae
Lauraceae
Loganiaceae
Loganiaceae
Loganiaceae
Tetradenia galpinii (N.E.Br.) Phillipson & C.F.Steyn

Tetradenia riparia (Hochst.) Codd
Vitex payos (Lour.) Merr.
Cryptocarya liebertiana Engl.
Ocotea kenyensis (Chiov.) Robyns & Wilczek
Anthocleista grandiflora Gilg
Buddleja salviifolia (L.) Lam.
Mostuea brunonis Didr. var. brunonis
S/T
S/T
T
T
T
T
S
S
1850
1660-1920
1350
1690-1750
?
1530-1600
1890-2060
1710

grassland, rocky outcrop
grassland
montane forest
montane forest margins, shrubland
Loganiaceae
Loganiaceae
Loganiaceae
Loranthaceae
Loranthaceae
Loranthaceae
Loranthaceae
Loranthaceae
Loranthaceae
Nuxia congesta Fresen

Strychnos spinosa Lam.
Strychnos usambarensis Gilg.
Actinanthella menyharthii (Schinz) Balle
Englerina inaequilatera (Engl.) Gilli
Englerina kwaiensis (Engl.) Polhill & Wiens
Englerina sp. nov. near E. longiflora
Erianthemum schelei Tiegh.
Helixanthera cf. verruculosa Wiens & Polhill
S/T
S/T
c
ep
ep
ep
ep
ep
ep
1840-1970
1280-1520
1590
1570
1870-1890
1720-1850
1700
1870
1570
forest margins
grassland
forest
montane forest margin
montane forest
montane forest
montane forest
forest streamside
montane forest margin
Malvaceae
Melastomataceae
Melastomataceae
Melastomataceae
Meliaceae
Melianthaceae
Molluginaceae
Monimiaceae
Moraceae
Moraceae
Moraceae
Myricaceae
Pavonia columella Cav.

Antherotoma naudinii Hook f.
Dissotis phaeotricha (Hochst.) Hook.f. var. phaeotricha
Dissotis princeps (Kunth) Triana
Ekebergia capensis Sparrm.
Bersama abyssinica Fresen.
Corrigiola drymarioides Baker f.
Xymalos monospora (Harv.) Warb.
Ficus ingens (Miq.) Miq.
Ficus natalensis Hochst.
Myrianthus holstii Engl.
Morella pilulifera (Rendle) Killick
H
H
H
S
T
T
H
T
T
T
T
S
1850-2040
1600-1910
1710
1880
1820-2000
1740-1840
1920
1620
1540
1190
1760
1710-1870
rock outcrop & forest patch

grassland
rocky grassland
forest margin
rock outcrops, shrubland
forest
rocky grassland
rock outcrop
montane forest
grassland, montane forest
Notes


1st record for Moz
Suspected new species
1st record for Moz
uncertain i/d. If correct, 1st record for
FZ
7 leaflet pairs; E. capensis 4-5(6)
Family
Myricaceae
Myrsinaceae
Myrsinaceae
Myrsinaceae
Myrsinaceae
Myrtaceae
Myrtaceae
Myrtaceae
Myrtaceae
Myrtaceae
Ochnaceae
Olacaceae
Oleaceae
Oliniaceae
Oxalidaceae
Oxalidaceae
Passifloraceae
Piperaceae
Piperaceae
Piperaceae
Pittosporaceae
Polygalaceae
Polygalaceae
Polygonaceae
Proteaceae
Proteaceae
Proteaceae
Proteaceae
Proteaceae
Ranunculaceae
Ranunculaceae
Name
Morella serrata (Lam.) Killick
Embelia schimperi Vatke
Maesa lanceolata Forssk.
Myrsine africana L.
Rapanea melanophloes (L.) Mez
Eucalyptus alba Reinw.
Eugenia capensis (Eckl.& Zeyh) Sond. subsp. nyassensis (Engl.) F.White
Syzygium cordatum Krauss
Syzygium guineense (Willd.) DC. subsp. guineense
Syzygium owariense (Beauv.) Benth.
Ochna holstii Engl.
Strombosia scheffleri Engl.
Olea capensis L. subsp. macrocarpa (C.H.Wright) I.Verd.
Olinia rochetiana A.Juss.
Oxalis oblinquifolia A.Rich.
Oxalis semiloba Sond.
Passiflora edulis Sims
Peperomia retusa (L.f.) A.Dietr. var. retusa
Peperomia tetraphylla (G.Forst.) Hook.& Arn.
Piper capense L.f. var. capense
Pittosporum viridiflorum Sims
Polygala adamsonii Exell
Polygala virgata Thunb. var. decora (Sond.) Harv.
Rumex abyssinicus Jacq.
Faurea racemosa Farmar
Faurea saligna Harv.
Faurea wentzeliana Engl.
Protea petiolaris (Hiern) Baker subsp. elegans Chisumpa & Brummitt
Protea welwitschii Engl.
Clematis viridiflora Bertol
Thalictrum rhynchocarpum Dill.& Rich.
L/F
S/T
S
S/T
S
T
T
S/T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
H
H
c
H
ep
H
T
H
H
H
T
T
T
S/T
S/T
H
H
Altitude
1880
1880
1240-2000
1870-1980
1870-1970
1040-1200
1570-1870
1310-1720
1720-1870
1830
1710-1980
Habitat
montane forest
montane forest patches
woodland
montane forest
montane forest patch & grassland
montane forest
montane forest
1620-1710
1920
1720
1200
1910
1860
1831
1730
1870-1890
1830-2030
1730-1860
1870
1870
1840
1620-1800
1870-1950
1660-1950
1870
1920
montane forest
montane forest
forest margins
disturbed areas
rock outcrop
montane forest
montane forest
forest patch
rocky outcrop
forest margin
forest margin
montane forest
montane forest streambank
montane forest
grassland, rock outcrop
Rhizophoraceae
Rosaceae
Rosaceae
Cassipourea malosana (Baker) Alston

Alchemilla kiwuensis Engl.
Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkm.
T
S
T
1850-1890 grassland, forest margins

?
1990
forest margins
Notes
planted along roads
uncertain i/d
1st record for Moz
Family
Rosaceae
Rosaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rutaceae
Rutaceae
Rutaceae
Santalaceae
Sapindaceae
Name
Rubus chapmanianus Kupicha
Rubus pinnatus Willd.
Anthospermum welwitschii Hiern
Breonadia salicina (Vahl) Hepper & J.R.I.Wood
Canthium oligocarpum Hiern
Chassalia parvifolia K.Schum.
Coffea mufindensis Bridson subsp. australis Bridson
Conostomium natalense (Hochst.) Bremek.
Fadogia elskensii De Wild. var. elskensii
Hymenodictyon floribundum (Steud.) B.L.Robinson
Ixora scheffleri K.Schum.& K.Krause subsp. scheffleri
Keetia venosa (Oliv.) Bridson
Lasianthus kilimandscharicus K.Schum. subsp. glabrescens Jannerup
var. glabrescens
Oldenlandia goreensis (DC.) Summerh.
Oxyanthus speciosus DC. subsp. stenocarpus (K.Schum) Bridson
Pauridiantha paucinervis (Hiern) Bremek.
Pauridiantha symplocoides (S.Moore) Bremek.
Pentas zanzibarica (Klotzsch) Vatke subsp. milangiana (Verdc.) Verdc.
Psychotria ealaensis De Wild.
Psychotria zombamontana (Kuntze) Petit
Pyrostria chapmanii Bridson
Rothmannia engleriana (K.Schum.) Keay
Rutidea fuscescens Hiern
Rutidea orientalis Bridson
Rytigynia uhligii (K.Schum.& K.Krause) Verdc.
Tarenna pavettoides (Harv.) Sim
Vangueria infausta Burch.
Clausena anisata (Willd.) Benth.
Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam.
Vepris nobilis (Delile) Mziray
Osyridicarpus schimperianus (A.Rich.) A.DC.
Allophylus chaunostachys Gilg
L/F
S
S
H
T
S/T
S/T
S
H
H
S
T
S
T
Altitude
1760
1890
19201980
1030-1050
1740-1850
1710-1950
1730
1340
1360
1490
1720-1890
1880
1710-1900
Habitat
streamside
streamside
rock outcrop, forest margins
riverine forest
montane forest
montane forest, streamside
forest margin
grassland, disturbed areas
slopes
forest
rocky slopes
montane forest & patches, rock
outcrops
H
S
S
S
H/S
H
c
S
T
S
c
S
S
T
S
S
c
T
c
S/ T
2120
1730-1740
1620-1700
1740-1850
1200-1260
1870
1890-1940
1840
2000
montane forest
montane forest, riverine forest
montane forest
riverine forest
montane forest
montane forest
montane forest
1040
1720-1890
1890-1970
1040
1370
1590
1690
1760
1910
1880
riverine forest
montane forest, grassland
montane forest, streamside
slopes
forest patch
forest
forest margin
montane forest
rock outcrop
Notes
possibly Vulnerable
Family
Sapotaceae
Sapotaceae
Sapotaceae
Sapotaceae
Scrophulariaceae
Scrophulariaceae
Scrophulariaceae
Scrophulariaceae
Scrophulariaceae
Scrophulariaceae
Scrophulariaceae
Scrophulariaceae
Scrophulariaceae
Scrophulariaceae
Solanaceae
Solanaceae
Sterculiaceae
Theaceae
Thymelaeaceae
Thymelaeaceae
Tiliaceae
Ulmaceae
Urticaceae
Urticaceae
Urticaceae
Urticaceae
Valerianaceae
Violaceae
Violaceae
Violaceae
Vitaceae
Name
Chrysophyllum gorungosanum Engl.
Englerophytum magalismontanum (Sond.) T.D.Penn.
Synsepalum brevipes (Baker) T.D.Penn.
Synsepalum muelleri (Kupicha) T.D.Penn
Alectra sessiliflora (Vahl) Kuntze
Buchnera lastii Engl. subsp. lastii
Diclis tenella Hemsl.
Gerardiina angolensis Engl.
Halleria elliptica Thunb.
Lindernia stictantha (Hiern) Skan
Lindernia whytei Skan
Sopubia ramosa (Hochst.) Hochst.
Striga angustifolia (Don) Saldanha
Torenia thouarsii (Cham.& Schltdl.) Kuntze
Solanum aculeatissimum Jacq.
Solanum nigrum L.
Dombya lastii K.Schum.
Camellia sinensis (L.) O.Kuntze
Gnidia chapmanii B.Peterson
Peddiea fischeri Engl.
Sparrmannia ricinocarpa (Eckl.& Zeyh.) Kunze
Trema orientalis (L.) Blume
Boehmeria macrophylla Hornem.
Laportea alatipes Hook.f.
Pilea rivularis Wedd.
Urera hypselodendron (A.Rich.) Wedd.
Valeriana capensis Thunb.
Rinorea angustifolia (Thouars) Baill. subsp. myrsinifolia (Dunkley) GreyWilson
Rinorea ferruginea Engl.
Viola abyssinica Oliv.
Cyphostemma kilimandscharicum (Gilg) Descoings
L/F
T
T
T
T
H
H
H
H
S
H
H
H
H
H
S
H
S
S
S
T
H
T
S
H
H
S/T
H
T
Altitude
1130-1740
1030-1620
1070
1460-1590
2120
1870-1890
2100
1810-1885
1840-2010
1730-1870
1860
1370-1930
1900
1220
1940
1890
?
1040
1870-2080
1740-1960
1850-1980
1370
1550
1950
1860
1760
1980
Habitat
montane & riverine forest
montane & riverine forest
riverine forest
moist forest
rock outcrop
grassland
rock outcrop
seepage area, rock outcrop
wet grassland
grassland
grassland
rock outcrop
miombo woodland
disturbed forest
grassland
?
riverine forest (planted)
rocky outcrop
forest margin
montane forest
riverine forest
montane forest streamside
forest margins
wet rock outcrop, grassland
T
H
H
1570-1750 montane forest

1840-1950 grassland & forest margin
1890
woodland
Notes
Type locality
1st record for Moz

1st record for Moz
ANNEX 3. List of plant species recorded from the Guru / Namuli area in Flora Zambesiaca,
but not listed in Annex 2.
Family
PTERIDOPHYTES
Anemiaceae
Aspleniaceae
Aspleniaceae
Aspleniaceae
Aspleniaceae
Aspleniaceae
Aspleniaceae
Aspleniaceae
Aspleniaceae
Blechnaceae
Blechnaceae
Cyatheaceae
Dennstaedtiaceae
Dennstaedtiaceae
Dryopteridaceae
Dryopteridaceae
Dryopteridaceae
Dryopteridaceae
Dryopteridaceae
Gleicheniaceae
Gleicheniaceae
Hymenophyllaceae
Hymenophyllaceae
Hymenophyllaceae
Hymenophyllaceae
Lomariopsidaceae
Lomariopsidaceae
Lomariopsidaceae
Lomariopsidaceae
Lomariopsidaceae
Lycopodiaceae
Oleandraceae
Oleandraceae
Osmundaceae
Polypodiaceae
Polypodiaceae
Polypodiaceae
Polypodiaceae
Polypodiaceae
Pteridaceae
Pteridaceae
Pteridaceae
Pteridaceae
Pteridaceae
Pteridaceae
Selaginellaceae
Tectariaceae
Species
Stated locality
date
coll.
Mohria lepigera (Baker) Baker

Asplenium atroviride Schelpe
Asplenium blastophorum Hieron.
Asplenium friesiorum C.Chr.
Asplenium lividum Kuhn
Asplenium normale D.Don
Asplenium preussii Brause
Asplenium ramlowii Hieron.
Asplenium theciferum (Kunth) Mett. var.
concinnum (Schrad.) Schelpe
Blechnum attenuatum (Sw.) Mett.
Blechnum ivohibense C.Chr.
Cyathea mossambicensis Baker
Blotiella natalensis (Hook.) R.M.Tryon
Hypolepis sparsisora (Schrad.) Kuhn
Didymochlaena truncatula (Sw.) J.Sm.
Dryopteris athamantica (Kuntze) Kuntze
Dryopteris kilemensis (Kuhn) Kuntze
Dryopteris manniana (Hook.) C.Chr.
Polystichum zambesiacum Schelpe
Dicranopteris linearis (Burm.f.) Underw.
Gleichenia polypodioides (L.) Sm.
Crepidomanes melanotrichum (Schltdl.) J.P.Roux
Cephalomanes rigidum (Sw.) K.Iwats.
Hymenophyllum capense Schrad.
Trichomanes erosum Willd. var. erosum
Elaphoglossum chevalieri Christ
Elaphoglossum macropodium (Fe) Moore
Elaphoglossum salicifolium (Kaulf.) Alston
Elaphoglossum spathulatum (Bory) T.Moore
Lomariopsis warneckei (Hieron.) Alston
Lycopodiella cernua (L.) Pic.Serm.
Arthropteris monocarpa (Cordem.) C.Chr.
Arthropteris orientalis (J.F.Gmel.) Posth.
Osmunda regalis L.
Belvisia spicata (L.f.) Copel.
Lepisorus schraderi (Mett.) Ching
Polypodium polypodioides (L.) Watt subsp.
ecklonii (Kunze) Schelpe
Pyrrosia rhodesiana (C.Chr.) Schelpe
Pyrrosia schimperiana (Kuhn) Alston
Cheilanthes leachii (Schelpe) Schelpe
Cheilanthes multifida (Sw.) Sw.
Pellaea doniana Hook.
Pellaea dura (Willd.) Hook.
Pityrogramma calomelanos (L.) Link var.
calomelanos
Pteris friesii Hieron.
Selaginella kraussiana (Kunze) A.Braun
Tectaria gemmifera (Fe) Alston
Namuli
Namli
Namli Mt, R. Licungo
Namli
Serra do Gru
Namli
Namli
Namli Mt
Serra do Gru
1887
1887
1962
1887
1966
1887
1887
1962
1966
Namli Mt
Serra de Gru, R. Namiro
Namli
Namli
Namuli
Namuli
Namli Mt
Namli
Namli
Namli
Namli Mt, Ch Moambique
Namli
Namli Mt
Serra de Gru
Serra de Gru
Namli
Namli
Namli Mt
Namli Mt
Namli
Serra de Gru, Marrequelo
Namli Mt
Namli Mt
Namli Mt
Namli Mt
1962
1887
1887
1887
1887
1962
1887
1887
1887
1962
1887
1962
1944
1941
1887
1887
1962
1962
1962
1887
1944
1962
1962
1962
1962
1962
1962
Gru, R. Licungo
Gru, near Pico Namli
Namli Mt
Namli Mt
Namli Mt
Namli Mt
1943
1949
1962
1962
1962
1962
1962
Namrili Mt, Ch Moambique

Serra de Gru, Marrequelo
Namli, R. Licungo
1962
1944
1962
Thelypteridaceae
Christella dentata (Forssk.) Brownsey & Jermy
Thelypteridaceae
Christella hispidula (Decne.) Holttum
Thelypteridaceae
Thelypteris confluens (Thunb.) C.V.Morton
Vittariaceae
Vittaria guineensis Desv. var. orientalis Hieron.
Vittariaceae
Vittaria volkensii Hieron.
MONOCOTYLEDONS
Asphodelaceae
Kniphofia linearifolia Baker
Orchidaceae
Bulbophyllum josephi (Kuntze) Summerh.
Orchidaceae
Diaphananthe rutila (Rchb.f.) Summerh.
Orchidaceae
Disa hircicornis Rchb.f.
Orchidaceae
Liparis caespitosa (Thouars) Lindl.
Orchidaceae
Malaxis weberbaueriana (Kraenzl.) Summerh.
Orchidaceae
Polystachya lindblomii Schltr.
Orchidaceae
Polystachya tessellata Lindl.
Poaceae
Hyparrhenia newtonii (Hack.) Stapf var. macra
Stapf
Poaceae
Rhytachne rottboellioides Desv.
Poaceae
Poaceae
Velloziaceae
Setaria megaphylla (Steud.) T.Durand & Schinz

Trichopteryx stolziana Henr.
Xerophyta pinifolia Lam.
Velloziaceae
Xerophyta schlechteri (Baker) N.L.Menezes
Velloziaceae
Xerophyta zambiana L.B.Smith & Ayensu
DICOTYLEDONS
Begoniaceae
Begonia oxyloba Hook.f.
Chrysobalanaceae
Chrysobalanaceae
Clusiaceae
Combretaceae
Cucurbitaceae
Ericaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Fab: Papilionoideae
Namli Mt, Ch Mozambique

Namli Mt
Namuli Mt
1962
1962
1962
1962
1962
Serra Namuli
Guru, c.1200m
Guru, c.1200m
Guru
Serra do Guru, c.1280m
Guru, c.1200m
Namuli Mt, 1800m
Namuli Mt, 1150m
Picos Namuli
1943
1979
1979
1968
1979
1979
1962
1962
1943
Rio Malema, near Picos Namuli,

1500m
Gru, Licungo R.
Gre, near Pico Namuli
Serra de Guru, track to
waterfall on R. Licungo
Junqueiro factory, slopes of
Serra de Guru, E of Picos
Namuli, by R. Malema
Cascata Namli
1943
Serra do Gru, near R. Licungo

waterfall
Hirtella zanzibarica Oliv.
Serra do Gru, Lucungo R.
waterfall, 1300m
Maranthes goetzeniana (Engl.) Prance
Serra do Gru, Mt. Murrece,
1100m
Garcinia volkensii Engl.
Serra de Gru, Marrequlo
Combretum coriifolium Engl.& Diels
Gru, c.1800m
Peponium chirindense (Baker f.) Cogn.
Gru, W of Picos Namuli, R.
Malemo
Blaeria kingaensis Engl.
Gru, N of Namuli
Cleistanthus polystachyus Planch. subsp. milleri Serra do Guru
(Dunkley) Radcl.-Sm.
Clutia abyssinica Jaub.& Spach var. pedicellaris Serra do Guru
(Pax) Pax
Phyllanthus hutchinsonianus S.Moore
Serra do Guru, Namuli
Uapaca lissopyrena Radcl.-Sm.
Serra do Guru, R. Licungo
Argyrolobium tomentosum (Andrews) Druce
Guru, near Pico Namuli, 1500m
Crotalaria recta A.Rich.
Montes do Guru
Dumasia villosa DC. var. villosa
Serra Namuli (serra do Guru)
Eriosema montanum Baker f.
near Pico Namuli, R. Malema
Eriosema nutans Schinz
near Pico Namuli
Eriosema rhodesicum R.E.Fr. var. rhodesicum
Kotschya scaberrima (Taub.) Wild
Serra do Guru
Macrotyloma axillare (E.Mey.) Verdc. var.
axillare
Macrotyloma axillare (E.Mey.) Verdc. var.
Namuli Peaks, west face
macranthum (Brenan) Verdc.
Mucuna ferox Verdc.
Serra Namuli (Mts de Guru),
Rio Malema, Morope
Rhynchosia clivorum S.Moore subsp. pycnantha R. Licungo falls, Serra Namuli
(Harms) Verdc.
(serra do Guru)
Sesbania macrantha E.Phillips & Hutch. var. levis Namuli Peaks, lower slopes near
1943
1943
1967
1967
1979
1944
1967
1967
1944
1966
1968
1949
1949
1941
1967
1967
1943
1943
1949
1967
1943
1944
1943
1979
1962
1979
1944
1962
J.B.Gillett
Fab: Papilionoideae Smithia elliotii Baker f. var. elliotii
Gentianaceae
Sebaea leiostyla Gilg
Lentibulariaceae
Utricularia livida E.Mey.
1943
1943
1979
Loganiaceae
Melastomataceae
1944
Piperaceae
Polygonaceae
Proteaceae
Proteaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae
Scrophulariaceae
Scrophulariaceae
Guru
montes de Guru, near waterfalls
near Namuli Peak
Upper valley of Rio Malema,
base of Serra Namuli, 1330m
Nuxia floribunda Benth.
Srra do Gru
Dissotis johnstoniana Baker f. var. johnstoniana Gurue Mt, between Nuirre &
Loloe, 2100m
Peperomia rotundifolia (L.) Kunth
Serra Guru, 3km from waterfall
on Licungo R., 1200m
Persicaria glomerata (Dammer) S.Ortiz & Paiva Guru, margems do R. Licungo
Faurea rochetiana (A.Rich.) Pic.Serm.
prox. do Pico Namuli
Protea madiensis Oliv. subsp. madiensis
Serra do Guru, near Pico
Namuli
Anthospermum herbaceum L.f.
Namuli Peaks
Anthospermum whyteanum Britten
Namuli
Cephalanthus natalensis Oliv.
Serra Namuli (serra de Guru)
Heinsenia diervilleoides K.Schum. subsp.
Guru, E of Pico Namuli near R.
diervilleoides
Malema
Mussaenda arcuata Poir.
Serra Namuli (Serra do Guru),
3km from R. Licungo waterfall
Oldenlandia rupicola (Sond.) Kuntze var. rupicola Namuli, Makua Country
Otomeria elatior (DC.) Verdc.
near pico Namuli
Pavetta johnstonii Bremek. subsp. johnstonii
Serra do Guru, path up to Ch
Moambique, near source of R.
Malema
Pentas pubiflora S.Moore
Gru Mt
Psydrax parviflora (Afzel.) Bridson subsp.
top of serra do Guru, near start
chapmanii Bridson
of R. Malema
Rytigynia adenodonta (K.Schum.) Robyns var.
Serra do Guru, 3km after falls
reticulata (Robyns) Verdc.
on R. Licungo
Sericanthe andongensis (Hiern) Robbr. subsp.
Serra Namuli, top of serra,
andongensis
between Nuirre & Llo
Tricalysia coriacea (Benth.) Hiern subsp. nyassae Namuli
(Hiern) Bridson
Lindernia nummularifolia (D.Don) Wettst.
serra do Gurue, c.3 km from
waterfall on R. Lucungo,
c.1200m
Sopubia simplex (Hochst.) Hochst.
Namuli, Makua
1966
1943
1944
1943
1962
1949
1960
1966
1887
1943
1968
1943
1968
1966
1944
1968
1887
ANNEX 4. Annotated list of birds recorded from the Namuli massif above 1200 m altitude
(source Dowsett-Lemaire 2008).
[Hamerkop, Scopus umbretta. One record by Demey on the Malema. Ticked for Muretha by Melo et
al.; this would be no more than a rare vagrant this high.]
African Black Duck, Anas sparsa. Present on the wider forest streams: singles and a pair flying over
Rio Malema. One flushed in Manho on a wide stream at 1700 m by C. Bruessow (pers. comm.).
Vincent apparently flushed 3 ducks of this species in stream at base of Ukalini Forest (1550 m),
but misidentified them as Hottentot Teal (see below).
Black-shouldered Kite, Elanus caeruleus. Two singles in open farmland at c.1300 m. Similarly
recorded by others (Ryan et al., Melo, Demey).
[Black-breasted Snake Eagle, Circaetus pectoralis. One record by Ryan et al. at c.1250 m, and a
winter record by Demey on Muretha 1 Jun 07. Unlikely to be resident as high as Muretha.]
Gymnogene, Polyboroides typus. One seen between Muretha scarp and Ukalini (c.1600 m).
Black Goshawk, Accipiter melanoleucus. Pair flying around riparian and Parinari forest on Rio
Malema (14 Nov 07).
[Little Sparrowhawk, Accipiter minullus. Adult at forest edge on the Malema, 1 Jun 07 (Demey).]
African Goshawk, Accipiter tachiro. One holding a territory on Muretha, singing after rain on 20 Nov
07. Captured an Eastern Mountain Greenbul in another patch (23 Nov). One singing over Ukalini
Forest at dusk (25 Nov). Likely widespread throughout forest in small numbers. Demey mentions
a family with 2 juveniles on the Malema, 15 Jun 07.
Lizard Buzzard, Kaupifalco monogrammicus. Noted by me only below 1100 m in farmland; its song
was imitated in song of a Red-capped Robin (on Rio Nanchili, 1200 m). Demey has a winter
record on edge of Malema (2 Jun 07). Species shows altitudinal movements in the cold season.
Common Buzzard, Buteo buteo. Palaearctic migrant: a few wintering in the area, 12001900 m.
Augur Buzzard, Buteo augur. Pair seen regularly over Muretha (and attacked frequently by Lanners
whenever they entered their territory) and over towards Peseni peak.
[Tawny Eagle, Aquila rapax. One seen by Demey near the Malema on 1 Jun 07. Not a species of high
altitudes or wet mountains; no more than a vagrant.]
Booted Eagle, Hieraaetus pennatus. Palaearctic migrant, 1 in brown phase on 16 Nov 07, attacked by
the local Lanners. One previous record by Ryan et al. at c.1250 m ("camp 2"), no date.
Crowned Eagle, Stephanoaetus coronatus. No record since Vincent in 1932. In 2007 one pair present
around Manho Forest towards Peseni; singing heard twice in that area (1718 Nov) at midday.
None heard or seen over Ukalini. As defended territory is at least 10 km and hunting range even
bigger (in areas much richer in game than Namuli today), it is unlikely that Namuli holds more
than one pair. Vincent says he saw the bird daily over his camp below Ukalini and on one
occasion it tried to catch his pet mongoose. On another occasion he saw it capture a hare from a
rocky slope.
Rock Kestrel, Falco tinnunculus. One pair feeding two full-grown juveniles on a small rocky outcrop
above Manho Forest (1523'44"S, 3701'50"E), 1820 m. Another seen between Muretha and
Ukalini.
Eurasian Hobby, Falco subbuteo. Palaearctic migrant; one seen over Muretha 16 Nov 07.
Lanner Falcon, Falco biarmicus. One pair occupying a territory over part of Manho Forest and
adjacent grassland around a rocky pinnacle where they were probably breeding. Very aggressive
towards other Lanners and raptors. Also noted lower down (Malema) by Demey on 1 Jun 07.
Peregrine Falcon, Falco peregrinus. One pair breeding on cliff of Namuli peak directly over Ukalini,
with prey brought to noisy partner or young a few times a day. The different species of Falconidae
on Namuli have apparently divided the area into separate territories to avoid competition. Ryan et
al. (1999b) noted Peregrine in the same area.
Shelley's Francolin, Francolinus shelleyi. Around rocky hills (up to at least 1900 m); heard
occasionally in evening or early morning.
Hildebrandt's Francolin, Francolinus hildebrandtii. A species of bracken scrub and forest edges,
surprisingly uncommon (heard in Muretha lip and Manho only). Vincent heard or saw several in
1932 from 15001900 m; it is possible it has decreased through hunting.
[Common Quail, Coturnix coturnix. One record by Melo et al. based on song (Dec 2001) on Muretha
Plateau, presumably in grassland. Locally common in montane grassland elsewhere, including
Malawi, but the wet, peaty meadows of Namuli are not very suitable for this species. Status
requires confirmation.]
Helmeted Guineafowl, Numida meleagris. Surprisingly encountered regularly in montane forest, in

small patches on Muretha, edge of Manho, in Ukalini, and in riparian forest on Nanchili stream, at
12701900 m; a very unusual habitat. Some heard singing at dusk. Demey found feathers on the
Muretha Plateau although not any live bird. Previous records (Ryan et al.) are from low altitudes,
and Vincent did not notice any. Is it possible that Guineafowls were pushed into marginal montane
habitat by hunting pressure?
Red-chested Flufftail, Sarothrura rufa. Probably the only flufftail species present in the Muretha
Plateau grasslands, in peaty, wet meadows with fairly tall grass, at 18501880 m. One flufftail
(probably a female) seen in flight near stream close to camp on 15 Nov 07, but not identified to
species. The song of Olive Thrush alerted me when I noticed that one particular bird was often
imitating the territorial call of S. rufa ("kuwa, kuwa...") in ending of song motif. On afternoon of
20 Nov pre-recorded cassette tape playback was used to sort out the problem: playback of Redtailed Flufftail S. affinis song and call never produced any reaction (there or in other places on the
plateau), but playback of S. rufa immediately got one bird to call back (with territorial calls). On
22 Nov more time was spent exploring the peaty meadow upstream of camp. Several Red-chested
Flufftails were heard singing and calling, spontaneously or after playback, and one was taperecorded at close range. Calls were heard near camp on two other days.
Rameron Pigeon, Columba arquatrix. Afromontane near-endemic and important fruit disperser. One
territorial pair in a patch near our Muretha camp (occasionally up to 4 visiting the area), and a few
birds in Manho Forest. Seen feeding on fruits of Schefflera umbellifera, Prunus (once), Myrica (22
Nov 07). Likely to be more numerous in years when Olea and Cryptocarya are fruiting. The
absence of another favourite fruit tree Afrocrania volkensii and the relative scarcity of Schefflera
(both common on Mulanje and Zomba Mts) means that Ramerons can never be as common here
as on the high mountains of SE Malawi. Only one seen in two weeks by Demey (24 May 07),
which is not surprising in this partial migrant.
Cinnamon Dove, Aplopelia larvata. Afromontane near-endemic. Widespread in small patches on
Muretha and in Manho Forest, far fewer in Ukalini (only two encountered on saddle).
[Red-eyed Dove, Streptopelia semitorquata. Vincent collected one in forest at 1460 m in Aug,
unusual for this woodland bird, but some individuals may visit mid-altitude forest for fruit. Noted
at low altitudes by Ryan et al. and others, but absent in Nov 2007.]
Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Turtur afer. A few in farmland or secondary growth at medium altitudes,
up to 1400 m.
[Tambourine Dove, Turtur tympanistria. Vincent met a few in mid-altitude forest only, up to 1460 m.
Also noted by Ryan et al. but not since. Obviously uncommon.]
African Green Pigeon, Treron calvus. One in riparian forest on Rio Malema, 1250 m (15 Nov 07).
Species is very fond of Syzygium fruit and could be more common in the area when these are in
full fruit later in the rainy season. One shot by Vincent (Aug) at 1460 m.
Livingstone's Turaco, Tauraco livingstonii. Common throughout forest at all levels. Feeds on any
fleshy fruit (often Aphloia in Nov). Positions of calling birds on Muretha suggest territories of 45
ha per pair (each pair owning several small patches), fitting well with data from the Nyika for the
sibling Schalow's Turaco T. schalowi (Dowsett-Lemaire 1983, 1989).
Red-chested Cuckoo, Cuculus solitarius. Common and very noisy in small patches on Muretha
Plateau, and at edges of Manho Forest. None heard inside Manho nor in Ukalini (some calling
outside, in bracken scrub). A nest parasite of robins, almost certainly here of Cape Robin.
Klaas's Cuckoo, Chrysococcyx klaas. A few calling in riparian forest at 12001300 m. A resident
species, also heard in June (Demey).
Burchell's Coucal, Centropus superciliosus. Small numbers in thick bracken scrub and at forest
edges, 12001860 m.
[Cape Eagle Owl, Bubo capensis. Afromontane near-endemic. One record of this rare, localized
species heard at 1300 m (Ryan et al. 1999b). Inclusion of this species with a "?" in Melo et al.
report is based on observation of downy young in forest (Ukalini and Muretha), now considered to
be Wood Owls (M. Melo, pers.comm.). It is odd that the much commoner Spotted Eagle Owl, B.
africanus has not yet been noted on Namuli.]
Wood Owl, Strix woodfordii. Widespread in forest at all altitudes; breeding records obtained by Melo
et al. (see above).
Freckled Rock Nightjar, Caprimulgus tristigma. Likely common around rocky outcrops, but calling
season almost over by November. Song heard only below the Muretha scarp (on 23 Nov 07,
14001500 m). Occasionally seen or flushed up to 1900 m (Demey, C. Bruessow, J. Bayliss pers.
comm.).
Scarce Swift, Schoutedenapus myoptilus. Afromontane endemic. Small numbers seen over Manho
Forest (any time), and over Muretha Plateau in evening, also lower down (1300 m) in late
afternoon. Aerial mating observed over Manho 20 Nov 07. An intra-African migrant, absent in
winter months (no records from Demey in MayJune, or by Vincent in JulyAug.).
[? Mottled Swift, Apus aequatorialis. Listed by Ryan et al. for the surroundings of Camp 1 (below
Ukalini) and Guru town. This rock-loving swift is indeed likely to occur around some cliffs, in
small numbers, but see below.]
African Black Swift, Apus barbatus. The most numerous swift over Namuli, seen daily and
concentrating at times into hundreds. Often feeds low over the lip of Muretha Plateau, and over
rock faces (Namuli, Peseni, Ukalini cliff). In poor light can be confused with Eurasian Swift but
the distinctive rasping calls were heard several times daily, also the high-pitched "titititititi" calls
of recently fledged birds. Four pairs found breeding in a cleft on a small vertical cliff above
Manho (c.1840 m) feeding noisy nestlings. Curiously unrecorded by Ryan et al. (possibly through
confusion with Eurasian or Mottled Swift), who also forgot to tick it in their table listing Vincent's
records. Vincent collected them on Mulanje in Sept 1931 in breeding condition, and found them
common on Namuli, seen daily around rocky faces, 15002100 m, even noticing the difference in
calls.
Eurasian Swift, Apus apus. Palaearctic migrant; identified only once from its calls (no more than a
few birds present in a very large flock of African Black Swift) on 17 Nov 07.
Little Swift, Apus affinis. 23 birds once over Muretha, with other swifts. No sign of breeding on the
mountain.
Narina's Trogon, Apaloderma narina. One singing in degraded Parinari forest near Rio Malema (just
above 1250 m) on 15 Nov 07. Must have been more widespread at low altitudes but threatened by
deforestation.
Bar-tailed Trogon, Apaloderma vittatum. Afromontane endemic. Not uncommon in Manho Forest,
especially under closed canopy, 16001850 m. Less so in Ukalini. Absent from Muretha, where
the patches are too small (minimum territory size is around 3 ha, Dowsett-Lemaire 1989). Vincent
collected 4 specimens, in "high forest" from 14001770 m. There is no more "high forest" at 1400
m below Ukalini suitable for this trogon, so this suggests the forest was significantly wider than
today. The lower altitude birds met by Vincent may also have engaged in some altitudinal
movements in the cold months, as some do in S Malawi.
Half-collared Kingfisher, Alcedo semitorquata. Present on large streams at lower levels (Malema and
Nanchili).
Pygmy Kingfisher, Ceyx pictus. An intra-African migrant: two noticed at forest edge and in bush at
lower levels (12501350 m) at the end of the trip (27 Nov 07).
Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Merops persicus. Palaearctic migrant, small groups passing high over
Muretha Plateau daily (from 1522 Nov 07), flying south.
[Eurasian Bee-eater, Merops apiaster. Palaearctic migrant, noted by Ryan et al. below 1200 m, and
by Melo et al. on Muretha. However, Melo et al. did not identify Blue-cheeked, and the timing of
their visits was very late for Eurasian. Eurasian Bee-eater is a very widespread species that must
pass over Namuli in season, but southward passage would be mainly around SeptOct. Passage of
Blue-cheeked Bee-eater is significantly later. I heard imitations of Eurasian Bee-eater in the song
of a Red-capped Robin at 1200 m, the bird confirming somehow that the bee-eater had been
around. Neither Eurasian nor Blue-cheeked winter in montane areas.]
Crowned Hornbill, Tockus alboterminatus. Very small numbers in forest at all levels, but probably
only a visitor to Muretha and Manho (no permanent territory identified). A pair holding a territory
in Ukalini.
Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Bycanistes brevis. Very small numbers: a pair flying up Rio Malema on 15
Nov 07; a single visiting Muretha on 21 Nov and flying on towards Manho; one flying between
Nanchili and Malema streams on 26 Nov. Species is subject to at least local movements or
migrations. It is likely the local forest flora is too poor in large fruits for this species to breed now;
none seen by Vincent in JulyAug and none seen by Demey, Melo et al. or Ryan et al.; the latter
saw it in the forest directly above Guru (1400 m).
White-eared Barbet, Stactolaema leucotis. Eastern endemic. A group of 3 in Malema riparian forest
(15 Nov 07). Several in lower section of Ukalini forest (up to 1650 m), feeding frequently on
Aphloia fruits and on Macaranga. One pair was feeding nestlings in a hole in a dead tree there at a
height of 12 m. Likely to be widespread in mid-altitude forest in small numbers. Demey observed
this bird earlier, up to 8 on Rio Malema, but unlikely to be a recent arrival.

Green Barbet, Stactolaema olivacea. Eastern endemic. This barbet occurs in a series of isolates in
low, mid-altitude or lower Afromontane forest on the eastern side of Africa. The Namuli
population belongs to the race belcheri, shared with Thyolo Mtn in adjacent Malawi. As the forest
on Thyolo has in recent years been totally destroyed, Namuli has acquired added importance in the
conservation of this race, which can be considered as Endangered.
In Malawi and some other forests (e.g. Ngoye in Natal), this barbet is associated with an
abundance of large-fruited strangling figs at medium altitudes (Dowsett-Lemaire 1988, 1989). On
Namuli none of the forest left today represents optimal habitat, but there is plenty of evidence that
mid-altitude forest was more extensive in the past, and with the presence of strangling figs would
have represented attractive habitat for this barbet. In this survey, Green Barbets were found in very
scattered territories in Manho, with only 4 occupied territories along the "circuit route". The first
two territories (above and just below the entrance) were at least 700 m apart, and the next two
were even further apart, in separate gullies on either side of a high ridge. As the birds were calling
frequently and always in the same area in 5 successive days, it is likely that these represented the
only defended territories in the area. Thus the total population in Manho is very small, perhaps
some 20 pairs. In the Ukalini saddle the density is higher, comparable to that on Thyolo Mtn in the
past (perhaps as many as 12 pairs in 10 ha). Given the small size of the forest, the total number of
pairs on Namuli today is 3040 pairs at the most. This small population appears viable, as most of
the mid-altitude forest had already disappeared by the time the aerial photos were taken in 1969. It
is conceivable that the barbet occurs elsewhere on the plateau, as in the mid-altitude forest left on
the other side of the big dambo to the south-east of the mountain.
Seen feeding on Aphloia fruit in Ukalini. Vincent collected 8 specimens from "primeval forest",
without giving an altitudinal range. This was in fact from 14001770 m, 4 birds being taken below
1500 m (BM records, on specimens; K. Cooke, pers. comm.). Ryan et al. observed it in a patch
above Guru on the drier side of the mountain at c.1300 m, suggesting that it could occur
elsewhere in the vicinity. Every effort should be made to locate other populations.
Eastern Green Tinkerbird, Pogoniulus simplex. Eastern endemic (from coastal Kenya south). A
mistletoe specialist with a very small population on Namuli, discovered on this survey. One bird
was heard several times in Manho on the edge of grassy clearings at the altitude of 1720 m (near
1523'51"S, 3702'13"E). It covered a large territory of well over 10 ha. A pre-recorded tape (from
Mangochi Mt in Malawi, published in Gibbon 1991) was used to attract the bird into view on 18
Nov 07, and it was tape recorded. Another one was heard in ParinariSyzygium cordatum forest
on the slopes above the Nanchili stream (c.1300 m) on 27 Nov. Only one previous record from
Mozambique, in coastal forest in the south (a specimen in Inhambane District, 2434C1, Clancey
1971, repeated in Parker 1999). Parker (1999, 2005) did not find it anywhere in the south or
centre, but it must certainly be more widespread. The nearest population at present is on Mangochi
Mtn and Namizimu Hills in SE Malawi, also the western limit of range (Dowsett-Lemaire &
Dowsett 2006). A green tinkerbird on Mt Chiperone (Benson 1950) is one of two species, this or
Moustached Green P. leucomystax. The two green tinkerbirds are allopatric and Moustached
Green is an Afromontane endemic that reaches Mt Mulanje in very small numbers, at the southern
limit of its range (Dowsett-Lemaire 1989, Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 2006). Clearly the forest
on Chiperone needs more exploration.
Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Pogoniulus chrysoconus. A woodland bird, heard in Syzygium cordatum
woodland near the Nanchili stream (12501300 m).
Golden-rumped Tinkerbird, Pogoniulus bilineatus. Very common in all forest types from low
altitude to Manho. Rather uncommon in small patches on Muretha, and apparently only as a
visitor. Does not specialize on mistletoes, unlike the green tinkerbirds, but was seen prospecting
mistletoe fruit in Parinari on the Nanchili stream.
[Green-backed Honeyguide, Prodotiscus zambesiae. Three males collected by Vincent on the edge
of "high mountain forest". A white-eye nest parasite.]
[Brown-backed Honeyguide, Prodotiscus regulus. Recorded by Ryan et al. from c.1250 m. Normally
a species of dry woodland, rather unexpected on the wet side of a mountain.]
[Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Indicator variegatus. Two females collected by Vincent on 2 & 3 Aug
at c.1400 m were about to lay. Recorded by Ryan et al. from Ukalini. A woodpecker nest
parasite.]
Lesser Honeyguide, Indicator minor. One seen flying into forest on the Malema. A barbet nest
parasite. Collected by Vincent at c.1400 m.
Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Campethera abingoni. At least two territories occupied in Ukalini

saddle, inside forest. Also recorded lower down on the Nanchili (Ryan et al.).
Cardinal Woodpecker, Dendropicos fuscescens. A few at forest edges and in Syzygium cordatum
near the Nanchili stream, 12501350 m. Vincent collected a female in full breeding condition on
29 Jul 07 and recorded the species up to 1550 m.
[African Broadbill, Smithornis capensis. Recorded in riparian forest on the Malema and Nanchili
(Ryan et al., Demey).]
Black Saw-wing, Psalidoprocne pristoptera. Common at forest edges at all altitudes, in small
numbers.
Eurasian Sand Martin, Riparia riparia. Palaearctic migrant. One in a large concentration of swifts
and swallows on 17 Nov 07. One record by Ryan et al.
African Sand Martin, Riparia paludicola. One flying low over peaty meadow, Muretha (1850 m) on
16 Nov 07, can be no more than a wanderer this high.
Lesser Striped Swallow, Hirundo abyssinica. A few pairs around small rock faces at 13001400 m.
Not recorded any higher.
Red-rumped Swallow, Hirundo daurica. Singles or pairs seen regularly over Muretha, Manho, and
around some rock faces, sometimes mixing with flocks of African Black Swifts and House
Martins. Also at lower levels (a family of 4, chattering together, 26 Nov 07 at 1350 m). Ryan et al.
found them breeding on a rock face in the grassland below Namuli peak, the first record for
Mozambique. Given the number of suitable granitic mountains in the area, the species ought to be
widespread here.
African Rock Martin, Hirundo fuligula. The odd pair feeding along rock faces, 14001950 m.
Eurasian Swallow, Hirundo rustica. Palaearctic migrant. A few occasionally passing through at any
levels (12001900 m), but not recorded daily.
Eurasian House Martin, Delichon urbicum. Palaearctic migrant. Wintering in large numbers
(hundreds) in the area, usually associating with African Black Swifts, over Manho, Muretha,
Namuli and Ukalini cliffs, etc.
Long-tailed Wagtail, Motacilla clara. Territorial pairs on rocky streams, penetrating inside forest
(Ukalini, Manho), 12001700 m.
Richard's Pipit, Anthus richardi (syn. African, Grassveld or Grassland Pipit A. cinnamomeus). On
ridges with relatively short grassland, from 14001900 m. Frequent aerial displays.
Tree Pipit, Anthus trivialis. Palaearctic migrant. One passing through, Muretha, 22 Nov 07.
Striped Pipit, Anthus lineiventris. Associated with rocks with some woodland (Syzygium, Iboza), at
all levels (at least 13001840 m).
Black Cuckoo-shrike, Campephaga flava. Common in mid-altitude riparian forest, Syzygium
cordatum forest, reaching upper altitudinal limit at 1580 m at lower edge of Ukalini. Several pairs
chasing each other near the Nanchli bridge, probably as a result of very recent deforestation.
Eastern Mountain Greenbul, Andropadus nigriceps. Afromontane endemic, confined to the highest
mountains (in S Malawi only on Zomba/Malosa and Mulanje). Common in small forest patches on
Muretha, with single pairs occupying patches of 11.5 ha. Appears to be in competition with
Striped-cheeked Greenbul, as these patches contain in fact one pair of each Andropadus. Males of
both occupy different song posts, and seem to indulge in counter-singing and to "control" different
sections of these small patches (although they can be found at times feeding in the same fruit tree).
Absent from the interior of Manho Forest, being confined to edges at high altitude (18001900 m).
Not recorded lower down, including Ukalini (despite listening for its distinctive song, and
watching fruiting trees for hours). Overall, its population on Namuli must be quite low, with not
much of a surplus even in optimal habitat. Katrina Cook's nets on Muretha caught only one A.
nigriceps in 9 days against at least 9 A. milanjensis.
Vincent remarked that he found this bulbul more numerous on Mulanje than on Namuli, and
that Stripe-cheeked was much commoner here, whereas Mountain Greenbul was partial to the
small patches on the plateau. He collected only 5 A. nigriceps as against 21 milanjensis,
apparently down to 1400 m. If correct, this probably means that some were altitudinal migrants.
On the other hand, Ryan et al.'s listing of this bulbul at low altitudes in the summer months of
NovDec is likely due to confusion with Stripe-cheeked.
Stripe-cheeked Greenbul, Andropadus milanjensis. Afromontane endemic. The most numerous
member of the genus on Namuli, present not only on Muretha but also throughout montane and
mid-altitude forest, down to 1250 m. Often seen taking fruit (Aphloia, Macaranga, Rutidea,
Schefflera). Competes with Mountain Greenbul on Muretha (see above), where individual pairs
occupy patches of 11.5 ha, but the number of wandering birds is higher than in its congener.
Little Greenbul, Andropadus virens. Understorey species common in mid-altitude forest, reaching the
lower levels of Ukalini (several up to 1650 m).
Cabanis's Bulbul, Phyllastrephus cabanisi (race placidus, sometimes treated as a separate species,
but voice identical, and placidus reacts very well to tape playback of cabanisi songs).
Afromontane near-endemic. Widespread in ground stratum of forest, normally in dense
undergrowth in deep shade. At all levels, from 12001870 m. Single pairs present in some patches
on Muretha (11.5 ha), in thickets of Mimulopsis and small saplings.
Yellow-streaked Bulbul, Phyllastrephus flavostriatus. A mid-stratum species, widespread from at
least 12501820 m. Absent from small patches on Muretha.
Black-eyed Bulbul, Pycnonotus barbatus. Common in riparian forest, woodland and bush in farmland
at low levels, up to Ukalini (forest edges), but absent from the Manho area and the Muretha
Plateau except as an occasional wanderer. Demey found a few on Muretha in May.
Olive Thrush, Turdus olivaceus. Afromontane near-endemic. Very localized on Namuli, being
confined to fragmented forest on the Muretha Plateau where a few pairs were found to occupy
some small patches. One territory of a male consisted of two patches totalling just under 3 ha. This
male (which appeared unmated) sang at all hours of the day, song motifs including occasional
imitations of the "prui-prui" of Namuli Apalis and "kuwa-kuwa" of Red-chested Flufftail. A
neighbouring male also imitated the apalis. Vincent collected only one female.
Spotted Ground Thrush, Zoothera guttata. Endangered. Sub-Afromontane endemic (the few
breeding localities known being in mid-altitude forest or temperate forest in the Eastern Cape).
Only recently discovered in Mozambique, with a couple of records of "wintering" birds on the
coast near Maputo in Nov 1999 and April 2002 (Parker 2005: 310). In SE Malawi occurs in very
small numbers on four different mountains (three largely or totally deforested in recent years) and
appears to be resident, with some altitudinal movements in winter. Discovered on Namuli on this
survey, in part thanks to the local knowledge of hunters who know this bird and its distinctive
short song. Two hunters met in Manho on 17 Nov 07 and at least one guide knew this bird well
and described the song as a series of 3 detached whistles (which they produced without
prompting). Song heard and tape-recorded in Manho Forest near the entrance at 1710 m on 18
Nov. Only a few songs were produced and was not heard again. The guides later confirmed that
the tape was indeed of the "bird with spots". One seen in Ukalini Forest on 26 Nov at just over
1700 m, feeding on the ground near some rocks.
The difficulty in locating Spotted Ground Thrush comes mainly from the fact that it also has a
longer, fluty song similar to that of its congener Orange Thrush, with which it is often sympatric
(as here and in Malawi). A tape of the long song of Spotted Ground Thrush from Ngoye (Natal)
played at Thyolo in the 1980s elicited responses only from Orange Thrush, and a tape of a similar
fluty song produced by Spotted Ground Thrush on the edge of Thyolo in Dec 2005 (obtained by
Eric Herrmann), played in Manho and Ukalini, also provoked an Orange Thrush into song. The
Orange Thrush at Ukalini was teased with this half a dozen times, and each time reacted very
strongly. A recording of the much simpler 3-note song might be more effective, but it was taken
from far away and is not loud enough for playback. Orange Thrush appears to be very common
and interspecific competition may also keep numbers of Spotted Ground Thrush low. The Thyolo
Spotted Ground Thrush tape also gave a descending whistle, repeated at intervals, either in
isolation or as an introduction to song phrases. This whistle sounds rather similar to one of the
main calls of Cholo Alethe. Playback of this call in Manho and Ukalini provoked reactions only
from Cholo Alethe.
Orange Thrush, Zoothera gurneyi. Afromontane endemic. Very common in montane forest in Manho
and Ukalini, even in some of the patches on Muretha, 15801900 m.
Cholo Alethe, Alethe choloensis. Endangered. Afromontane endemic. An ant-following specialist,
endemic to mid-altitude and lower montane forest in SE Malawi and adjacent Mozambique. This
is perhaps a distinct race (namuli), but as the species has recently been found in an intermediate
area at Mabu (Spottiswoode et al. 2008) and is likely to be on other mountains between Mabu and
Namuli, it is difficult to see where the limits of any form might be; any variation is likely to be
clinal. Very unevenly distributed on Namuli. It must have been common in the past in mid-altitude
forest at 12001400 m, where it is still found today (1 calling on the Malema, 2 or more in strips
on the Nanchili stream), but the habitat is almost gone. Reasonably common in Ukalini Forest
(16001750 m), reaching densities close to the optimum of perhaps 2 pairs/10 ha. When there was
much ant activity, 23 pairs of alethes gathered around ant swarms; there was also much counter-
singing between neighbouring birds.

The situation was very different in the cooler Manho Forest: only three pairs were located
along c.1.5 km of trails; these birds were relocated on every walk and evidently breeding (much
alarm-calling from both adults as soon as I entered the territory). Ants must have been far more
local in Manho, as is to be expected in higher-altitude or cooler forest. On Muretha, two patches
(one being 1.5 ha) were each occupied by one bird, calling briefly (but daily) in the early morning.
These birds appeared unmated and did not give any alarm-calls. The overall number of Alethes in
the study area is probably of the order of a few dozen pairs. However, there is no reason to think
that the species is not also present on other forested mountains and hills around Namuli.
Ryan et al. wrote that Cholo Alethes near camp 2 (Nanchili bridge) occasionally fed in "dense
Brachystegia woodland outside of forest". There is no such woodland in the area, and it is
assumed they meant evergreen Syzygium cordatum formations, which have a closed canopy,
immediately next to NewtoniaParinari forest on the Nanchili. Cholo Alethe are not known to
enter woodland of any kind.
Starred Robin, Pogonocichla stellata. Afromontane endemic. Very common in montane forest
(Manho, Ukalini), including in small patches on Muretha. Territory size of 1 ha or a little less in
small patches (1 pair in 1 ha, 2 pairs in 2 patches of 1.4 and 1.5 ha respectively).
Olive-flanked Robin, Cossypha anomala. Afromontane endemic. Belongs to the nominate race
(gurue is a synonym), confined to Namuli and adjacent Mt Chiperone and Mulanje. Very common
in montane forest (16001900 m) in dense understorey, including most (but not all) small patches
of 1 ha or more on Muretha, still only one pair in patches of 1.4 and 1.5 ha. One of the noisiest
forest species.
Cape Robin, Cossypha caffra. Afromontane near-endemic. Very common in bracken scrub and at
edges of forest, from c.1400 to at least 1900 m (likely to reach the upper limits of scrub forest
higher up). Although Ryan et al. ticked it for all altitudes, it is unlikely to be regular below this
except in the winter months (Demey at 1250 m near the Malema bridge in June).
Red-capped Robin, Cossypha natalensis. Found in riparian forest on the Nanchili at 1200 m.
Unlikely to occur any higher on the wet side of the mountain. This bird imitated Eurasian Beeeater and Lizard Buzzard in its song.
Stonechat, Saxicola torquatus. Common in patches of bracken next to open grassland, and rank grass
near streams with scattered bushes. On plateau and lower slopes, 13001900 m.
Broad-tailed Warbler, Schoenicola platyurus. A few singing or alarm-calling in rank grass in peaty
meadows on Muretha (up to 1880 m), and lower down in dense bracken with some grass.
Evergreen Forest Warbler, Bradypterus lopezi. Afromontane near-endemic. Very common in dense
forest understorey at medium and high altitudes (12001900 m), including small patches on
Muretha. Also throughout well-developed bracken scrub with scattered trees or bushes. On
Muretha some territories included small patches (down to 0.5 ha, but nearer 0.7 ha with adjacent
bracken scrub); still only one pair in two patches of 1 and 1.4 ha, and one patch of 1.5 ha was not
occupied (understorey not thick enough). In the absence of its congener B. cinnamomeus (see
below), this species tends to expand its niche into secondary growth.
African Moustached Warbler, Melocichla mentalis. Widespread in low rank growth up to 1450 m.
African Yellow Warbler, Chloropeta natalensis. Common warbler in extensive patches of dense
bracken, especially at 12501600 m (to lower edges of Ukalini). Above that, only in welldeveloped secondary growth, locally to 1900 m (in Iboza with dense bracken).
[Red-faced Crombec, Sylvietta whytii. A woodland species, recorded in mixed species flocks at forest
edges or woodland at low altitudes (Ryan et al., Demey).]
Willow Warbler, Phylloscopus trochilus. Palaearctic migrant. The commonest Eurasian warbler,
widespread at all levels, in forest, tall bracken scrub and woodland. Some in song.
Yellow-throated Warbler, Phylloscopus ruficapilla. Afromontane endemic. Uncommon in canopy
and mid-stratum of montane forest (Manho and Ukalini). Singing very little and perhaps underrecorded (possibly breeding largely over, one family with dependent fledglings).
Garden Warbler, Sylvia borin. Palaearctic migrant. A few in forest at medium altitudes (on the
Nanchili, 12501300 m) and one singing higher, in a Maesa thicket, c.1550 m (24 Nov 07). Melo
et al. had some on Muretha in early Dec. This species is very fond of small fruit, and it is likely
that some would move to Muretha when Myrica is fully ripe in Dec. Myrica is a favourite fruit on
the Nyika (pers. obs.).
[Blackcap, Sylvia atricapilla. Palaearctic migrant near the southern limit of its wintering range. Only
one record (first for Mozambique) from the Muretha Plateau by Melo et al. (2001), 56 Dec 01.
One bird (adult male) was mist-netted and a few others were present. Possibly not of annual
occurrence this far south, this is another warbler that is largely frugivorous in its winter quarters,
fond of Myrica and other small fruit.]
Croaking Cisticola, Cisticola natalensis. One heard at c.1300 m, in open woodland with rank grass
(normally found in dambos, and could be common in the big dambo to the south).
Wailing Cisticola, Cisticola lais. Afromontane endemic. Very common in montane grassland, from
c.14001900 m (noted by Vincent up to 2000 m, and likely higher). Builds its nests in tufts of
grass near the ground, but on Muretha often feeding in low trees on the edge of forest.
Red-faced Cisticola, Cisticola erythrops. In rank grass and bracken near streams, up to c.1250 m
(Malema).
Singing Cisticola, Cisticola cantans. The common cisticola of dense bracken or bracken scrub,
especially at 12001600 m. Becomes more local higher, up to the lip of Muretha Plateau (1860
m).
Tawny-flanked Prinia, Prinia subflava. Fairly common in grass and bracken scrub up to c.1500 m.
Red-winged Warbler, Heliolais erythropterus. Fairly common in grass and bracken scrub up to
c.1400 m.
Yellow-breasted Apalis, Apalis flavida. In riparian forest in the foothills up to c.1300 m (Malema,
Nanchili).
White-winged Apalis, Apalis chariessa. Vulnerable. Eastern endemic. Since the nominate race (Tana
River, Kenya) became extinct (last seen in 1961), this rare species is confined to the forests of
central Tanzania (Ulugurus, Udzungwas), SE Malawi and adjacent Mozambique (Mt Chiperone).
The gap between Chiperone and Tanzania is marginally filled by its discovery on Namuli, but the
population on Namuli must be considered as highly endangered. This is not a bird of montane
forest, but mainly of mid-altitude forest dominated by Mimosaceae (Albizia or Newtonia). In
Malawi, it is commonest on the edges of forest, or in riparian strips, avoiding primary forest of
any great size. Very rare on Mulanje (perhaps too wet), with a couple of records on the southern
slopes at 1000 and 1300 m (pers. obs.).
One male seen in riparian forest on the Nanchili at 1200 m in a small mixed party, 27 Nov 07.
A pre-recorded tape of the species song (a highly synchronised duet of 4 notes, two by the male,
two by the female) was tried in various places. The Black-headed Apalis always reacted to it (even
in Manho), and there may well be competition between the two canopy apalises. Most
surprisingly, at least two of the hunters interviewed knew this apalis, but when they claimed that it
was widespread in Manho, this seemed to be based on confusion of the piping voice with that of
Black-headed Apalis (similar in timbre, but with different motifs). One of the hunters also knew
Yellow-breasted Apalis (in fact, he knew all 4 species present and pointed at the right place on the
plates without hesitation). This apalis is evidently very rare on the wet side of Namuli, and should
be searched for on the drier side, especially in any riparian strips with Albizia adianthifolia or
Newtonia.
Namuli Apalis, Apalis (thoracica) lynesi. Vulnerable. Afromontane endemic, this form being
confined to Namuli. Named by Vincent (1933) who collected 12 specimens. Its nearest relative is
the yellow-bellied race of Bar-throated Apalis (A. t. flavigularis), found on Mulanje and ZombaMalosa Mts in Malawi. Very common in forest and tall bracken scrub from 12701300 m to at
least 1900 m (and likely reaching the upper limit of scrub forest). Inhabits even single lines of
trees on streams, and the smaller patches on Muretha, but individual territories cover at least 0.5
0.6 ha (forest plus some bracken scrub), and in patches of 11.5 ha there is still only one pair.
Territorial limits were confirmed in three patches of 1.0, 1.4 and 1.5 ha (all with one pair) using
tape playback of a pre-recorded tape from the Nyika Plateau (race A. t. youngi). In the race youngi,
the voice of the male sounds identical, whereas the female gives a slower series of high-pitched
notes. The female of Namuli Apalis gives a fast "titititititi", similar to that in A. t. flavigularis of
Mulanje. Pairs of Namuli Apalis reacted well to tape playback from the Nyika, coming to within
12 m of the recorder in the forest understorey, bill-snapping and wing-clapping.
Densities in continuous forest are likely to be around 5 pairs/10 ha, and the overall population
in the study area (in 12001400 ha of forest) must be at least 6700 pairs, probably more as
narrow riparian strips and scrub forest are not really included in this calculation.
Black-headed Apalis, Apalis melanocephala. Eastern endemic. Very common in forest canopy at all
altitudes, from 1200 m (and likely lower) to 1900 m. Pairs occupy small patches on Muretha, with
territories of 11.5 ha. Also in patches of Syzygium cordatum forest at 1200 m. Readily reacts to
tape playback of the song of White-winged Apalis (see above), perhaps competing with it.
Bleating Bush Warbler, Camaroptera brachyura. Common in forest understorey at low altitude, up
to c.1400 m.
[Southern Black Flycatcher, Melaenornis pammelaina. One record only (Demey) of one in old
cultivation with scattered trees below the Malema bridge.]
[Spotted Flycatcher, Muscicapa striata. Palaearctic migrant, recorded at low altitude by Ryan et al.]
Dusky Flycatcher, Muscicapa adusta. The odd pair in riparian forest, from 12501550 m, just below
Ukalini.
[Ashy Flycatcher, Muscicapa caerulescens. A species of riparian forest recorded by Ryan et al. at
c.1250 m.]
Lead-coloured Flycatcher, Myioparus plumbeus. One singing in open, secondary forest (Syzygium
cordatum, Trema etc.) on a slope at 1400 m on the Ukalini path. No previous record.
Cape Batis, Batis capensis. Afromontane near-endemic. Common in forest, from 1270 m to the top.
On Muretha one pair in a round patch of 1 ha, but 2 pairs present in two patches of 1.4 and 1.5 ha
(comparable to densities on the Nyika Plateau). Vincent found them common from 1370 m.
Mozambique Batis, Batis soror. A few pairs at 12001300 m in Syzygium cordatum woodland and at
forest edges.
Black-throated Wattle-eye, Platysteira peltata. A few pairs in riparian forest at 12001300 m.
White-tailed Crested Flycatcher, Elminia albonotata. Afromontane endemic. Common species of
forest understorey, from 1250 m (Malema) to the top. On Muretha, single pairs occupy patches of
11.5 ha.
African Paradise Flycatcher, Terpsiphone viridis. Pairs in riparian forest at 12001300 m, possibly a
little higher. Also in Syzygium woodland or forest.
Dapple-throat, Modulatrix orostruthus. Vulnerable. Afromontane endemic, the nominate race being
confined to Namuli. The underparts are much less clearly dappled than in the Tanzanian races
(amani, sanjei) whose populations are respectively in the East Usambaras (rare) and Udzungwas
(common; Keith et al. 1992). Confined to montane forest above 1500 or 1600 m, up to 1870 m.
Common in Manho and Ukalini; rather marginal in fragmented forest on Muretha (one pair
occupying two contiguous patches of closed forest totalling 2.5 ha). Feeds on ground, hopping and
turning leaves like a thrush. Sings low down on small saplings, fallen logs or just a bump on the
ground. The literature contains nothing on how this bird feeds or behaves (Keith et al. 1992), yet it
is less difficult to watch than Spot-throat M. stictigula, as the latter prefers impenetrable thickets.
The alarm-call is a striking modulated whistle, also given with songs by birds counter-singing with
neighbours. Individuals have at least 23 song types; the Tanzanian populations produce slightly
different motifs, as is to be expected of distant populations. The timbre and style of song are
reminiscent of the melodious song of another montane babbler, the Grey-chested Illadopsis
Kakamega poliothorax, but the voice of Spot-throat is more varied, although also loud and
melodious.
Does not occupy the whole forest as it is partial to areas with high densities of saplings under
fairly closed canopy; seems to avoid Mimulopsis thickets (unlike Spot-throat M. stictigula
elsewhere) and is thus more readily observed than its congener. Densities in the large forest blocks
(1000 ha) could be of the order of 300 to 500 pairs, based on an estimate of 35 pairs/10 ha.
Vincent collected a single male at an altitude of c.1464 m. There is no forest of any size today
at that altitude that might be suitable for this species; he failed to find any more, but at this low
level he might have come across an altitudinal wanderer. New to science when he collected it in
1932, it was originally placed in the bulbul genus Phyllastrephus. However, Vincent's assistant
told him that he saw this bird produce a modulated whistle quite unlike that of bulbuls and
reminding him rather of a robin.
Rufous-bellied Tit, Parus pallidiventris. Zambezian near-endemic. Occurs in Syzygium cordatum
woodland near the Nanchili. Vincent did not collect any, but saw some in park-like clearings at
1400 m.
Violet-backed Sunbird, Anthreptes longuemarei. A few seen on flowers of Syzygium cordatum and
Eucalyptus near the Nanchili bridge.
Collared Sunbird, Anthreptes collaris. Common in riparian forest at 12001300 m.
Olive Sunbird, Nectarinia olivacea. Common in riparian forest at medium altitude and in Ukalini,
slightly less common in Manho, rare on Muretha (but at least one male singing in a patch of c.1
ha, and 12 wanderers elsewhere). Unlikely to occur above 1870 m. On pink flowers of
Loranthaceae, but largely insectivorous.
Miombo Double-collared Sunbird, Nectarinia manoensis. Zambezian endemic. A few birds at
medium altitudes (up to 1400 m), on flowers of Syzygium cordatum, Protea welwitschii. The
complete absence of sunbirds in bracken scrub at higher levels may seem surprising, but is
probably due to the floristic poverty of this habitat with hardly any sunbird-favoured flowers.
Vincent saw some higher up at c.1600 m. On Mulanje this species is common up to 2130 m.
Eastern Double-collared Sunbird, Nectarinia mediocris. Afromontane endemic. Normally a very
common bird in montane forest, but uncommon in Manho (pairs in widely separated territories,
500 m or more apart) and on Muretha (1 or 2 wanderers, no song). Less uncommon in Ukalini.
Seen on flowers of Syzygium cordatum, Albizia gummifera and on blue Streptocarpus. In July
1932 Vincent found them all in "full breeding activity". Definitely not recorded from lower levels
in November, but Demey saw some on Rio Malema in June, the result of altitudinal movements in
cold months.
Yellow-bellied Sunbird, Nectarinia venusta. On Erythrina, Syzygium etc. at medium altitudes (1200
1400 m). In late July Vincent saw it much higher, up to perhaps 1800 m, in bracken with wild
flowers.
Yellow White-eye, Zosterops senegalensis. Common species in any forest, secondary formations and
tall bracken scrub, up to at least 1900 m.
Southern Puffback, Dryoscopus cubla. Common in Syzygium woodland and mid-altitude forest. In
montane forest only in Ukalini (up to at least 1750 m), but absent from cooler Manho and
Muretha.
Marsh Tchagra, Tchagra minutus. Elusive species heard in dense bracken scrub (song, alarm-calls)
in 3 places, from 13001850 m.
Brown-headed Tchagra, Tchagra australis. In dense bracken scrub and Syzygium cordatum
woodland at 12001400 m.
Tropical Boubou, Laniarius aethiopicus. Fairly common in dense bracken scrub and at forest edges
from low altitude to 1800 or (locally) 1870 m.
Many-coloured (Black-fronted) Bush Shrike, Malaconotus multicolor. Common in forest canopy
and mid-stratum, from 12001820 m in Manho and Ukalini. Absent from fragmented forest on
Muretha patches. Vincent collected 11 specimens, two of which were the melanistic morph.
[Orange-breasted Bush Shrike, Malaconotus sulfureopectus. Normally a species of dry riparian
forest or woodland. One recorded by Demey from disturbed habitat with overgrown cultivation
and scattered trees, below Malema bridge at c.1200 m. Also listed by Ryan et al. for low altitudes.
Normally separated from M. multicolor and likely to be no more than very marginal in the area.]
[Grey-headed Bush Shrike, Malaconotus blanchoti. Vincent collected one female in forest at 1430 m
and considered it "no doubt a straggler from the woodland below".]
Square-tailed Drongo, Dicrurus ludwigii. Common in riparian forest at medium altitudes, with strong
disputes between displaced pairs following recent deforestation around the Nanchili bridge. Less
common but widespread in Manho and Ukalini Forests, up to 1750 m, especially under closed
canopy.
White-necked Raven, Corvus albicollis. Common on the mountain at all levels, around rocky hills.
Up to 12 birds eating Myrica fruit on the edge of the Muretha Plateau on 2122 Nov 07, some
flying off with small broken branches (with fruit).
African Red-winged Starling, Onychognathus morio. Common around rocky formations, usually in
pairs; nests in rocky cracks. Often feeds in canopy of nearby forest, on insects or fruit (e.g.
Aphloia).
[Amethyst Starling, Cinnyricinclus leucogaster. Only records are from Ryan et al. who found some
at lower levels, c.1250 m or lower. An intra-African migrant that may breed some years in
montane or mid-altitude forest and adjacent woodland, depending on the amount of fruit, but
usually avoids the wetter side of mountains.]
Bertram's Weaver, Ploceus bertrandi. Afromontane endemic. Uncommon: one pair in riparian forest
near the Nanchili bridge; one pair in secondary growth among scattered trees below the lip of
Ukalini Forest at 1580 m. A nest from the previous year was clearly visible at a height of 2.5 m
hanging on afrond of a tree fern Cyathea dregei. Noted by Demey and Melo et al. but not by Ryan
et al.
Spectacled Weaver, Ploceus ocularis. At forest edges and in bracken scrub at medium altitude, 1200
1400 m.
Dark-backed (Forest) Weaver, Ploceus bicolor. Common in riparian forest and higher in the larger
blocks of montane forest (Manho and Ukalini) up to 1800 m.
Black-winged Bishop, Euplectes hordeaceus. Several small flocks (non-breeding dress) in the
Malema area, 1415 Nov 07.

Red-collared Whydah, Euplectes ardens. A male turning into breeding dress in a wet peaty meadow,
1880 m, 22 Nov 07. Likely to breed in this habitat, but no previous records.
Red-faced Crimsonwing, Cryptospiza reichenovii. Afromontane endemic. Very discreet species of
forest understorey, locally encountered in pairs: Muretha Plateau, Manho, riparian forest lower
down; overall 12501870 m.
[Lesser Seedcracker, Pyrenestes minor. Eastern endemic. One record of this very discreet bird by
Demey of a pair in secondary growth below the Malema bridge, 4 Jun 07.]
Blue-billed Firefinch, Lagonosticta rubricata. A few pairs in dense bracken scrub and at forest edges,
12001600 m, possibly higher.
Swee Waxbill, Estrilda melanotis. Afromontane near-endemic. A few pairs at medium altitudes, in
bracken scrub, near rocks at forest edges, up to 14001500 m.
Common Waxbill, Estrilda astrild. Common in peaty meadows on Muretha, in pairs or small groups,
feeding on grass seeds; also lower down in grassland.
Red-backed Mannikin, Spermestes bicolor. Small flocks in bracken scrub at 12001350 m.
Pin-tailed Widow, Vidua macroura. A male displaying in short grassland on ridge at 1350 m, 2627
Nov 07 (also seen lower down), nearly in full dress; birds seen in June (Demey) were still in full
dress.
[Indigobird, Vidua sp. Demey saw one in breeding dress near the Malema bridge on 3 Jun 07. The
only likely species is Variable Indigobird V. funerea, as the only firefinch present (which it
parasitizes) is L. rubricata.]
African Citril, Serinus citrinelloides. Afromontane near-endemic. A few at forest edges and in
secondary growth with scattered trees, medium elevations up to 1580 m (lower edge of Ukalini).
[Bully Canary, Serinus sulphuratus. One record of 12 pairs by Demey near the Malema bridge, in
secondary growth.]
Cabanis's Bunting, Emberiza cabanisi. A few singing at forest edges, in Syzygium cordatum
woodland and wooded grassland at medium altitude (12001400 m).
A few more species recorded below 1200 m are likely to wander occasionally a bit higher, such as
Bronze Mannikin Spermestes cucullata. Red-throated Twinspot Hypargos niveoguttatus, recorded
by Melo et al. on the Malema, was probably below 1200 m.
Species to be deleted from previous lists or in need of confirmation
Hottentot Teal, Anas hottentota. Vincent flushed 3 ducks from a forest stream at 1550 m in the
Ukusini forest. He thought they were small enough to be this species, but other than size his short
description agrees equally well with African Black Duck. As the habitat is abnormal for Hottentot
Teal and that Black Ducks certainly occur, this record is best considered as unproven. It was listed
without comment in a summary table by Ryan et al.
African Hawk-Eagle, Hieraaetus spilogaster. Listed by Vincent in a summary table (Ibis 1934: 159)
for both Namuli and Cholo (Thyolo). But the text does not mention this species at all, and I
suspect it was dropped through the lack of specimens. This bird is unlikely at both localities, being
a bird of woodland rather than forest, absent from the wet slopes of forested mountains. If a hawkeagle were to occur on Namuli, it would be far more likely the forest species Ayres's Hawk Eagle
H. ayresii. It is indeed the latter which is or was recorded from Thyolo Forest (Dowsett-Lemaire
& Dowsett 2006). Listed without comment by Ryan et al. (1999a) based on Vincent.
Red-tailed Flufftail, Sarothrura affinis. Afromontane near-endemic. Apparently recorded by Ryan et
al. (1999a, b) based on a bird seen by P. Ryan alone on Muretha Plateau (C. Cohen, pers. com.)
during a day visit to the area. Most flufftails seen would be in flight, when it is difficult to see
plumage details, and there is no tape-recording in support. The author was perhaps unaware that
Red-chested Flufftail may occur at high altitudes as well, and may have assumed it was S. affinis
because of the altitude. As this is a biome species, it appears also in the IBA account for Namuli
(Parker 2001). The habitat of S. affinis in the tropics is dry montane grassland, which is hardly
present on Namuli. Were the Red-tailed Flufftail to occur, it should be singing spontaneously at
this time of year, but I did not hear any. Repeated searches for the species (with the help of tape
playback) met with complete failure, whereas Red-chested Flufftail was found to be common
throughout the peaty meadows of Muretha Plateau. Although one cannot altogether dismiss the
1998 record, as it is conceivable that the species occurs very locally (it is present on Mt Mulanje,
but there is much suitable habitat), it would be wise to consider it as unproven, and the species
should be deleted from the Afromontane biome list for Namuli. S. affinis is known from the
montane grassland of the Chimanimani Mountains (Masterson & Child 1959). Melo et al. mention
a Sarothrura affinis with a question mark: this is based on a flufftail flushed on Muretha Plateau,
which they could not identify (K. Dijkstra, pers. comm.). The species "S. affinis" appears on their
list perhaps because it was the only flufftail mentioned earlier, by Ryan et al.
Purple-crested Turaco, Tauraco porphyreolophus. Shown as occurring on the Nanchili (camp 2, 1250
m) in Ryan et al. (1999a: 327), but this is in error. The bird was seen at lower levels near Gurue
town and not on Namuli (J. Graham & P. Ryan, pers. comm.). Indeed this species is normally
absent from mid-altitude forest occupied by Livingstones Turacos.
Bearded Woodpecker, Thripias namaquus. Vincent did not collect any, but thought he heard its call
from the forest canopy at 1430 m. This is so unusual for this woodland species that the record is
best dropped (moreover, the call described does not correspond to the typical calls of this
woodpecker). No-one else who visited the area has found the species, and indeed the large
woodland trees favoured by it are lacking. Listed without comment by Ryan et al. (1999a), based
on Vincent.
Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Bradypterus cinnamomeus. Afromontane endemic (from Ethiopia to
Malawi). A warbler of bracken scrub and forest edges of the highest mountains in eastern Africa,
where it can be very common. It remains unknown from Mozambique (its inclusion in Dowsett
1993 is in error), and the southern limits of range are reached in Malawi. South of the Nyika and
North Viphya Plateaux there is an isolated, relict population on Mt Mulanje, which it ascends to
2840 m near the summit (Dowsett-Lemaire & Dowsett 2006). Demey thought he might have heard
it on Namuli. Aware of the possibility, I paid more than usual attention to the songs and calls of
Bradypterus warblers on Namuli (it is difficult to see these birds and also to distinguish the two
species on sight, especially in dark understorey); after listening to hundreds of songs, I identified
only B. lopezi. The latter has three main song types on Namuli (all tape-recorded on this visit), and
the fastest could conceivably be confused with the fast trill of B. cinnamomeus. However, at all
times, the songs of B. cinnamomeus can be identified by the presence of one to a few thin whistles
preceding the trill (absent in B. lopezi), and by the fact that the main song is given without a
crescendo (present in B. lopezi). The contact or alarm calls also differ, those of B. lopezi being one
or a few hard "thac", those of B. cinnamomeus a soft rolled purr or "trrr". Again, all the
Bradypterus I came across, including in bracken scrub, were alarm-calling like B. lopezi. The fact
that B. lopezi extends its niche into secondary growth outside forest is also strongly suggestive of
the absence of its congener. Wherever the two species coexist B. cinnamomeus occupies
secondary growth, or even some types of small, secondary forest patches, and prevents B. lopezi
from leaving the forest undergrowth (some cases of counter-singing have been observed on the
Nyika, Dowsett-Lemaire 1983). My conclusion is that it is very unlikely that B. cinnamomeus
occurs on Namuli, and in the absence of tape recordings, this tentative record should be dropped.
All specimens collected by Vincent and K. Cook are of B. lopezi, including in bracken scrub.
ANNEX 5. Birds caught in nets, Namuli November 2007 (Katrina Cook).

Species
Coll. no. Ring no.
Date
Locality
GPS S
GPS E
Altitude
Time
Age
Sex
Wing [mm]
Tarsus [mm]
Tail [mm]
Specimen
Weight [g] location
17-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
14:00
Ad.
174
19
124
79
36
23-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
12:00
Ad.
111
95
10.5
BMNH
Motacilla clara
15-Nov-07
Rio Malema base camp
15 24'
37 04'
1188m
05:00
Juv.
79
21
95
18.5
BMNH
Pycnonotus barbatus
17-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
08:00
Ad.
96
23
80
41
BMNH
Andropadus virens
15-Nov-07
15 24'
37 04'
1188m
05:00
Ad.
91
22
86
25.5
BMNH
Andropadus virens
MAPUTO
Cuculus solitarius
Psalidoprocne pristoptera
15-Nov-07
15 24'
37 04'
1188m
07:00
Juv.
82
21
77
21.5
Andropadus virens
FA93701
15-Nov-07
15 24'
37 04'
1188m
07:00
Juv.
84
22
75
26
Andropadus virens
FA93702
15-Nov-07
15 24'
37 04'
1188m
07:00
Juv.
86
21
82
24.7
BMNH
Andropadus virens
45
25-Nov-07
Ukalini Forest
15 22'
37 03'
1615m
Juv.
80
20
72
22.8
Andropadus virens
46
25-Nov-07
Ukalini Forest
15 22'
37 03'
1615m
1st yr.
83
19
70
23.1
BMNH
Andropadus nigriceps
34
22-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
13:00
Ad.
93
26
86
36.9
BMNH
Andropadus milanjensis
17-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
08:00
Ad.
91
22
83
36
BMNH
17-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
08:00
87
24
80
36
BMNH
11
18-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
07:00
86
22
84
33.2
17
19-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
08:00
87
24
82
31.2
BMNH
29
22-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
08:00
Ad.
98
25
89
37.4
BMNH
37
MAPUTO
GA94399
Pogonocichla stellata
Juv.
BMNH
MAPUTO
23-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
12:00
Ad.
95
24
88
35.4
20-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
17:00
Ad.
75
23
56
19.3
Ad.
81
25
58
16.4
BMNH
Ad.
80
25
60
18.2
MAPUTO
Ad.
82
26
59
15.6
MAPUTO
BMNH
22
20-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
40
23-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
42
23-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
44
17:00
25-Nov-07
Ukalini Forest
15 22'
37 03'
1615m
17:00
Ad.
83
24
64
17.4
Alethe choloensis
26-Nov-07
Ukalini Forest
15 22'
37 03'
1615m
08:30
Ad.
103
31
72
47
Alethe choloensis
26-Nov-07
Ukalini Forest
15 22'
37 03'
1615m
09:00
Ad.
99
31
68
44
Cossypha caffra
16-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
17:00
Ad.
86
30
74
29
MAPUTO
Cossypha caffra
10
18-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
07:00
Ad.
88
28
85
27.4
MAPUTO
Cossypha caffra
12
18-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
08:00
Ad.
83
28
82
26.8
BMNH
Cossypha a. anomala
20
19-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
10:00
Ad.
75
31
53
24.8
BMNH
Cossypha a. anomala
23
20-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
Ad.
80
39
61
22.6
BMNH
Turdus olivaceus
17-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
10:00
Ad.
120
32
89
76
BMNH
Turdus olivaceus
39
23-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
17:00
Ad.
120
32
89
71
BMNH
Species
Coll. no. Ring no.
Date
Locality
GPS S
GPS E
Altitude
Time
Age
Sex
Wing [mm]
Tarsus [mm]
Tail [mm]
Specimen
Weight [g] location
Zoothera gurneyi
26
20-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
Ad.
110
34
63
54
BMNH
Zoothera gurneyi
41
23-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
Ad.
109
34
67
53
MAPUTO
Modulatrix orostruthus
43
23-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
Ad.
87
28
74
29.9
Bradypterus lopezi
19
19-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
10:00
68
24
70
20.8
BMNH
Bradypterus lopezi
27
22-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
08:00
Ad.
61
23
63
17.7
BMNH
Cisticola lais
14
19-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
07:00
Juv.
56
21
46
13.4
BMNH
Cisticola lais
28
22-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
08:00
Ad.
51
20
50
10.4
BMNH
Apalis lynesi
24
20-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
Ad.
52
22
52
10.8
MAPUTO
Apalis lynesi
32
22-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
Imm.
50
23
44
11.5
BMNH
Batis capensis dimorpha
25
20-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
1st yr.
62
21
46
12.2
BMNH
30
22-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
10:00
Ad.
60
19
40
10.6
MAPUTO
31
22-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
10:00
1st yr.
59
20
40
11.5
MAPUTO
35
22-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
14:00
Ad.
63
19
44
11.8
BMNH
Elminia albonotata
13
18-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
08:00
Ad.
Elminia albonotata
18
19-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
10:00
Juv.
Elminia albonotata
21
20-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
17:00
Ad.
Elminia albonotata
33
22-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
12:00
Elminia albonotata
38
23-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
14:00
retrap *
10:00
BMNH
60
19
65
7.6
BMNH
59
17
67
8.2
BMNH
64
18
70
BMNH
61
17
66
8.3
MAPUTO
Ad.
60
17
65
8.5
MAPUTO
19-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
08:00
Ad.
61
16
43
11.4
Zosterops senegalensis
15
19-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
08:00
Ad.
56
16
38
10.6
BMNH
16
19-Nov-07
Muretha plateau
15 23'
37 02'
1860m
08:00
Ad.
60
16
39
9.5
BMNH
Nectarinia olivacea
47
26-Nov-07
Ukalini Forest
15 22'
37 03'
1615m
05:00
Juv.
59
15.5
43
BMNH
Nectarinia olivacea
48
26-Nov-07
Ukalini Forest
15 22'
37 03'
1615m
08:00
Ad.
65
16.5
53
10.5
BMNH
Specimens without a collecting number were ringed and released.
ANNEX 6. List of small mammal species collected or recorded from the Namuli massif (S = sight
record). Bat records from netting at two altitudes in 2008 by Kopp & Curran are also shown here
(some identifications still to be confirmed). Nomenclature follows Kingdon (1997), and Taylor
(2001) for bats.
Family / Species
Primates: Galagonidae
Galagoides granti
Primates: Cercopithecidae
Cercopithecus nictitans mitis
Chiroptera: Pteropodidae
Eidolon helvum
Epomophorus cf. crypturus
Epomophorus wahlbergi
Lissonycteris goliath
Rousettus aegyptiacus leachi
Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae
Rhinolophus cf. blasii
Rhinolophus clivosus zuluensis
Rhinolophus sp.
Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae
Eptesicus hottentotus
Hipposideros ruber centralis
Miniopterus fraterculus
Miniopterus inflatus
Myotis bocagii
Myotis tricolor
Neoromicia africanus
Neoromicia nanus
Pipistrellus hesperidus
Pipistrellus rusticus
Scotophilus dinganii
Insectivora: Soricidae
Crocidura luna
Crocidura mariquensis
Crocidura silacea
Macroscelidea: Macroscelidinae
Petrodomus tetradactylus
Rhynchocyon cirnei
Lagomorpha: Leporidae
Pronolagus rupestris
Rodentia: Sciuridae
Heliosciurus mutabilis
Paraxerus vincenti
Rodentia: Dendromurinae
Dendromus melanotis
Dendromus mystacalis
Rodentia: Otomyinae
Otomys angoniensis
Rodentia: Muridae
Aethomys namaquensis
Dasymys incomtus
Mus minutoides
Monadejm,
Guru 2006
Bayliss,
June 2007
Bayliss,
Nov 2007
Kopp & Curran,

Nov 2008
1220m 1650m
S
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
S
S
S
S
S
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Mus triton
Praomys delectorum
Carnivora: Herpestidae
Herpestes sanguinea
Mungos mungo bororensis
Carnivora: Viverridae
Genetta tigrina
Hyracoidea: Procavidae
Heterohyrax brucei
Artiodactyla: Cephalophini
Cephalophus monticola
X
X
X
X
X
X
S
X
ANNEX 7. Butterfly species collected on Mt Namuli by Julian Bayliss (20052008), Colin

Congdon, Ivan Bampton & Martin Hassan (Nov 2008). Identifications confirmed by Steve Collins
(African Butterfly Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya).
Species arrangement and nomenclature follows Carcassons African Butterflies (Ackery et al. 1995), taking
account of some recent changes. 'New to Mozambique' means not listed as occurring in Mozambique
according to Ackery et al. (1995), Cabral (2000), dAbrera (1980), Alan Gardiner (unpublished records),
Kielland (1990), Libert (1999, 2004), Pringle et al. (1994) and Williams (2007).
FAMILY
Species
Subfamily
HESPERIIDAE
Pyrginae
Tagiades flesus (Fabricius, 1781)
Eagris sabadius (Gray, 1832)
Sarangesa maculata (Mabille, 1891)
Hesperiinae
Metisella abdeli (Krger, 1928)
Metisella medea Evans, 1937
Kedestes mohozutza (Wallengren, 1857)
Teniorhinus harona (Westwood, 1881)
Acada biseriata (Mabille, 1893)
Acleros mackenii (Trimen, 1868)
Semalea pulvina (Pltz, 1879)
Chondrolepis niveicornis (Plotz, 1883)
Artitropa erinnys (Trimen, 1862)
Monza punctata (Aurivillius, 1910)
Platylesches tina Evans, 1937
Zenonia zeno (Trimen,1864)
Borbo perobscura (Druce, 1912)
Parnara naso (Fabricius, 1798)
Gegenes niso (Linnaeus, 1764)
PAPILIONIDAE
Papilioninae
Papilio dardanus tibullus Kirby, 1880
Papilio demodocus Esper, 1798
Papilio desmondi usambarensis (Koak, 1980)
Papilio echerioides shirensis (Hancock, 1987)
Papilio pelodurus Butler, 1896 subsp. ?nov.
Papilio phorcas nyikanus Rothschild & Jordan, 1903
Graphium angolanus (Goeze, 1779)
Graphium policenes (Cramer, 1775)
PIERIDAE
Coliadinae
Catopsilia florella Fabricius, 1775)
Colias electo (Linnaeus, 1773)
Eurema(Eurema) brigitta (Stoll, 1780)
Eurema(Eurema) desjardinsii (de Boisduval, 1833)
Eurema (Eurema) mandarinula (Holland, 1892)
Eurema (Terias) hapale (Mabille, 1882)
Eurema(Terias) hecabe (Linnaeus, 1758)
Pierinae
Colotis euippe omphale (Godart, 1819)
Belenois creona (Cramer, 1776)
Appias epaphia (Cramer, 1779)
Appias sabina (Felder & Felder, 1865)
Mylothris agathina (Cramer, 1779)
Mylothris rueppellii rhodesiana (Koch, 1865)
Mylothris sagala dentatus Butler, 1896
NYMPHALIDAE
Acraeinae
Acraea (Acraea) acrita Hewitson, 1865
Acraea(Acraea) calderena Hewitson, 1877
Acraea(Acraea) egina areca Mabille, 1889
Acraea (Acraea) natalica De Boisduval, 1847
Acraea (Acraea) oncaea Hopffer, 1855
Notes
New to Mozambique
New to Mozambique
New to Mozambique
New to Mozambique
New subspecies
New to Mozambique
Danainae
Satyrinae
Argynninae
Nymphalinae
Limenitinae
Charaxinae
LYCAENIDAE
Lipteninae
Theclinae
Acraea (Actinote) cabira (Hopffer, 1855)

Acraea (Actinote) conradti Oberthur, 1893
Acraea (Actinote) eponina (Cramer, 1780)
Acraea (Actinote) goetzei (Thurau, 1903)
Acraea (Actinote) johnstoni (Godman, 1885)
Acraea (Actinote) ?parei Henning & Henning, 1996
Danaus chrysippus aegyptius (von Schreber, 1759)
Amauris albimaculata latifascia Talbot, 1940
Aphysoneura pigmentaria Karsch, 1894
Bicyclus campina (Aurivillius, 1901)
Bicyclus safitza (Westwood, 1850)
Henotesia ubenica Thurau, 1903
Ypthima impura Elwes & Edwards, 1893
Neocoenyra bioculata Carcasson, 1964 subsp. nov.
Lachnoptera ayresii Trimen, 1879
Phalanta phalantha (Drury, 1773)
Issoria smaragdifera (Butler, 1895)
Precis archesia (Cramer, 1779)
Precis octavia (Cramer, 1777)
Precis tugela Trimen, 1879
Junonia oenone (Linnaeus, 1758)
Junonia orithya madagascariensis Guene, 1865
Junonia sophia infracta Butler, 1888
Cynthia cardui (Linnaeus, 1758)
Antanartia dimorphica Howarth, 1966
Antanartia schaeneia (Trimen, 1879)
Neptis alta Overlaet, 1955
Neptis gratiosa Overlaet, 1955
Neptis laeta Overlaet, 1955
Neptis swynnertoni Trimen, 1912
Cymothoe sp. nov.
Pseudacraea boisduvali (Doubleday, 1845)
Pseudacraea eurytus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Pseudathyma sp. nov.
Euryphura achlys (Hopffer, 1855)
Hamanumida daedalus (Fabricius, 1775)
Pseudargynnis hegemone (Godart, 1819)
Charaxes achaemenes Felder & Felder, 1867
Charaxes acuminatus Thurau, 1903
Charaxes brutus (Cramer, 1779)
Charaxes cithaeron Felder & Felder, 1859
Charaxes dilutus Rothschild, 1898
Charaxes druceanus proximans Joicey & Talbot, 1922
Charaxes ethalion (de Boisduval, 1847)
Charaxes macclounii Butler, 1895
Charaxes xiphares woodi van Someren, 1964
Charaxes sp. aff. margaretae Rydon, 1980
Pentila pauli Staudinger, 1888

Cigaritis trimeni Neave, 1910
Iolaus (Epamera) sidus Trimen, 1864
Iolaus (Epamera) sp. nov.
Iolaus (Philiolaus) ?sp. nov.
Hemiolaus caeculus (Hopffer, 1855)
Leptomyrina hirundo (Wallengren, 1857)
Leptomyrina handmani Gifford, 1965
Capys disjunctus Trimen, 1895
Polyommatinae Anthene amarah (Gurin-Mneville, 1849)
Anthene definita (Butler, 1899)
Anthene kersteni (Gerstaecker, 1871)
New to Mozambique
New to Mozambique if confirmed
New to Mozambique
Possibly ssp. latilimba Le Cerf, 1919.
New to Mozambique
New subspecies; species new to
Mozambique
New to Mozambique
New to Mozambique
New to Mozambique
New to Mozambique
New species
New species
New to Mozambique
New to Mozambique
New to Mozambique
New to Mozambique
New species
New species
New to Mozambique
New to Mozambique
Anthene lasti (Grose-Smith & Kirby, 1894)

Anthene lunulata (Trimen, 1894)
Anthene princeps (Butler, 1876)
Pseudonacaduba sichela (Wallengren, 1857)
Lampides boeticus (Linnaeus, 1767)
Uranothauma antinorii (Oberthur, 1883)
Uranothauma falkensteini (Dewitz, 1879)
Uranothauma poggei (Dewitz, 1879)
Uranothauma sp. nov.
Cacyreus tespis (=palemon) (Herbst, 1804)
Cacyreus virilis Stempffer, 1936
Leptotes pirithous (Linnaeus, 1767)
Zizina antanossa (Mabille, 1877)
Actizera lucida (Trimen, 1883)
Zizula hylax (Fabricius, 1775)
Eicochrysops hippocrates (Fabricius, 1793)
Euchrysops malathana (de Boisduval, 1833)
Euchrysops osiris (Hopffer, 1855)
Euchrysops subpallida Bethune-Baker, 1923
Cupidopsis cissus (Godart, 1824)
Azanus moriqua (Wallengren, 1857)
Azanus jesous (Gurin-Mneville, 1849)
Chilades trochylus (Freyer, 1843)
New to Mozambique
New species
New to Mozambique

Namuli Report FINAL

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Namuli Report FINAL

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Darwin Initiative Award 15/036: Monitoring and Managing

Biodiversity Loss in South-East Africa's Montane Ecosystems

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 2 of 115

Front cover: Namuli peaks with Ukalini forest below (JT).

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 3 of 115

DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA................................................................................ 10

HISTORY AND EARLY COLLECTING ...................................................................... 15

OTHER VERTEBRATES & INVERTEBRATES.......................................................... 57

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 4 of 115

BIBLIOGRAPHY & REFERENCES............................................................................. 73

Participants on Mt Namuli expedition, May/June 2007..................................... 79

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 5 of 115

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 6 of 115

Figure 13. Manho forest (montane) and peaks......................................................................... 29

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 7 of 115

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 8 of 115

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 9 of 115

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 10 of 115

2. DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA

Figure 1. Location of Namuli area.

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 11 of 115

Figure 2. Panorama of the Namuli Hills from the southwest (JB).

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 12 of 115

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 13 of 115

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 14 of 115

brown sandy loam,

Topsoil-subsoil Soil depth Drainage

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 15 of 115

3. HISTORY AND EARLY COLLECTING

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 16 of 115

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 17 of 115

3.4 Early Explorers and Collectors

Figure 5. The first published

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 18 of 115

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 19 of 115

Figure 7. Joseph Last (from

Figure 8. First detailed map of the Namuli mountains

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 20 of 115

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 21 of 115

Figure 9. Sketch map of Namuli massif (Vincent 1933a).

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 22 of 115

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 23 of 115

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 24 of 115

plants (Mt Namuli, date given as 1887)

bird ringing, Odonata

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 25 of 115

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 26 of 115

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 27 of 115

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 28 of 115

fulva, Prunus africana, Rapanea melanophloeos, Schefflera umbellifera and

Figure 12. Montane forest, Manho (JT).

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 29 of 115

Figure 13. Manho forest (montane)

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 30 of 115

Figure 15. Bracken scrub under patch of

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 31 of 115

Figure 16. Mt Pesse across Muretha plateau

Figure 17. Grassland, Muretha plateau

Figure 18. Mts Pesse and Pilane

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 32 of 115

Figure 19. Grassland, Nachona

Biodiversity of Mt Namuli, Mozambique, 2009, page 33 of 115

Figure 20. Rocky slopes with Coleochloa and

Figure 21. Rocky slopes with Xerophyta