Tembo Chanyanga

I have been working in the Malawi National Tree Seed Centre since 1990, responsible for the management of seed sources. I am working on " Influence of fragmentation on the seed production, (viability), dispersal and subsequent natural regeneration of Widringtonia whytei - pauw & linder (mulanje cedar) on Mulanje mountain in Malawi."

W. whytei is endemic on Mulanje mountain in Malawi and the species has been over-exploited through harvesting and the population is highly fragmented and declining. Low seed productivity and scarcity of naturally regenerating seedlings has been observed over the years. This prompted me to look at the influence of fragmentation on the seed production, dispersal and subsequent natural regeneration of Mulanje cedar on Mount Mulanje

I am currently in a second year of data collection for a PhD which is funded by MSBP. Specifically, I am collecting data on seed production (seed yield and viability per cone); seed fall pattern and seasonality and natural regeneration on three sites on the mountain.

This would assist in development of seed collection calendar of the species; determination of ideal sites for the regeneration sites which would eventually lead to the development of a sound management plan for the species on the mountain

Climbing Mulanje Mountain is not easy but I have enjoyed every moment when I am on the mountain. It’s fun.