Our study focused on the effects of
wood poaching on the vegetation structure and composition in Mukuvisi Woodland,
Zimbabwe. Mukuvisi Woodland, located within the precincts of Harare urban area,
Zimbabwe, suffers from high illegal wood utilization
pressure stemming from the need to fulfill alternative energy demands created
by persistent electricity shortages and an unstable economic environment,
particularly between 2000 and 2008. This results in a continuous flux of
vegetation and a disturbed animal habitat driven mainly by anthropogenic
activities. Due to the heterogeneity in vegetation utilisation trends, we used
the stratified systematic random sampling technique, where the site was divided
into two strata, central and boundary. Twelve 30 × 20 m permanent plots were
established in which species name, species diversity, height, basal area, plant
status, fire evidence, number of stems and saplings were recorded and assessed
in April and May 2012. A total of 968 woody plants were assessed representing
47 woody plant species. All woody vegetation variables recorded and assessed
showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the two strata, i.e.,
central and boundary, in Mukuvisi Woodland, except sapling density (P = 0.022). Principal Component Analysis
indicated evidence of fire impacts on vegetation structure. The study concludes
that illegal wood harvesting in Mukuvisi Woodland has not yet reached alarming
proportions and can be contained. The study recommends collaborative
arrangements with key stakeholders, promotion of the use of alternative energy
sources and increased environmental education and awareness campaigns.