Flora and Fauna: Miombo Woodland

Miombo leaves putting out their leaves

One of the more unique features of the south is the Miombo Woodland ecosystem. Miombo is actually a non-scientific vernacular term but usually references the oak-like trees, typically dominated by the genus of Brachystegia (though also Julbernardia and Isoberlinia). The trees typically shed their leaves in the dry season before producing a flush of new leaves right before or after the first rains. These leaves are a mix of yellow, gold, and red, which really look like the "fall foliage" of forests in temperate climates.

The Miombo woodlands here are characterized by having a long dry season and poor, sandy soils. Although wildlife density is low, elephants, lions, and other large mammals exist in the landscapes. There are also quite a few species of animals that are adapted to specific Miombo habitats.

We've enjoyed the visits to Miombo woodlands and they truly have a remarkably different feel. They are a bit eerie in the dry season when there are no leaves but when the rains come they are visually stunning. A well preserved Miombo woodland has a relatively clear understory so one can view wildlife from quite a distance away. Ana had worked in an area around Singida with a very nice miombo woodland and we'd hiked through a patch on the plateau in the Udzungwa mountains but I was surprised I wasn't very familiar given the vast expanse miombo woodlands cover. I suppose it's not too surprising given the low wildlife density and lack of tourism.

Typical Miombo forest