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Insights on the dynamics of Miombo woody vegetation in Niassa Special Reserve, northern Mozambique
Abstract
Background: Fire is a key ecological factor in the Miombo woodlands of southern Africa, but its role on tree dynamics has not been fully explored. Aim: Investigate relationships between fire and forest dynamics and predict Miombo diameter structure for the year 2033. Methods: Tree data (growth, recruitment and mortality) were collected (2005, 2009, 2015 and 2019) along a fire frequency (ff) and severity (fs) gradient in 50 permanent plots in Niassa Special Reserve (NSR). A transition matrix was used to forecast forest structure for the year 2033. Main Results: ff and fs classes (low, medium and high) were associated with different tree species assemblages. High ff and fs had varied effects on tree mortality, recruitment, growth and Carbon stocks. Julbernardia globiflora had higher mortality rate in high ff plots, compared to other tree species. Projections indicated that, despite the regular distribution of diameter, high ff may reduce tree density in young cohorts. Conclusions: moderate fire regime is determinant to sustain the Miombo dynamics in NSR. Implications: fire management action through early dry season controlled burning to prevent the impact of intense late dry season fire is needed.
WF24060 Accepted 24 March 2025
© CSIRO 2025
