Kilimanjaro Flora and Fauna The lower slopes of the mountain are heavily cultivated, in particular those to
the south which receive plenty of rainfall. Elsewhere lower rainfall coupled
with the porosity of the lava soils makes conditions less suitable for
cultivation. The forest belt which completely encircles the mountain and
extends from about 1800m. to 2900m. provides the best conditions for plant
life. Above the forest belt the porous soils and lower rainfall result in much
sparser vegetation with semi-desert conditions prevailing above 4000m. The cultivated belt contains many small holdings (shambas) where bananas and
various vegetables are grown. The area is also suitable for coffee and there
are several major plantations. The southern, wetter forests contain camphor, podocarpus, fig and other trees;
lush undergrowth contains many giant ferns and Usnea (old man's beard) drapes
everything. Vines, mimulopsis and a multitude of flowers can be found in
valleys and in clearer areas. The northern, drier forests contain podocarpus,
junipers and olives. In contrast to Mount Kenya few large animals are found in
this zone, though colobus and blue monkeys can often be seen but other
inhabitants such as smaller antelopes and leopards are very shy. Many colourful
birds are found here, the most noticeable being the Hornbill and the Turaco
with its dark red wing markings. In the more extensive western forest areas the
fauna is richer and elephant and buffalo are sometimes seen here. The forests end abruptly without a bamboo zone as found on most other East
African mountains. Above, the rapidly thinning giant heather zone leads to the
upper moorlands; here the giant groundsels and altitude tropical mountain zones
can be found. There are few animals other than rodents though leopard spoor can
often be seen. Eagles and buzzards soar high above and smaller birds such as
the alpine chat and streaky seed eater can also be seen. In the higher moorland
and a pine zones only a few tufts of grass, mosses and lichen are found,
together with occasional flowers such as the everlasting helichrysums and
senecios.
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