Tamarinds' (Tamarindus indica L.) niche tree species diversity characterisation reveals conservation needs and strategies

Recently, farmers in East Africa and some other African countries, with technical and research support from government, FAO and World Agroforestry Centre, prioritized tamarind conservation and product development to support livelihood diversification. Just like for most tropical trees; because of past low priority and research neglect, no conservation strategies were yet in place for tamarind. Knowledge on tamarind basic biology, including its niche-tree species diversity required to guide identification of appropriate holistic-economic-ecologically sound conservation strategies was lacking. The goal of this study was to generate East Africa tamarind-niche-tree species diversity knowledge. Specific objectives were to (1) determine tree species which grow in the same niche with tamarind on-farm and in wild (woodlands and riverbank) habitats and (2) assess species diversity in those niches. We therefore hypothesized similarity of species and diversity indices in tamarind-niches among habitats within and among countries in East Africa. The result show regional similarity of species but with significant variation of diversity indices among different habitats within and among similar habitats among countries; Shannon Wiener diversity index H is highest on-farm and poorest in riverbanks (P < 0.05). Evidently, farmer commitment to conservation of tamarind and its niche-tree species on-farm would cause sustainability and mitigate for poor diversity in wild habitats. However, diversity restoration in the wild habitats regionally and in all habitats in Uganda would be needed to ensure persistence and connectivity of species essential for long term conservation. Habitat type and country unique diversity indices observed also imply that localised habitat specific and not regional diversity restoration strategies will be applicable for tamarind-niche tree species conservation in East Africa. Wild habitat tree species diversity could be improved among others by enrichment planting with area specificsuitable tree species. Suitable tree species for conservation with tamarind in different habitats within and among countries are documented in this paper.

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