Butterfly demonstration farm and participants involved in the training.

The small, diurnal dwarf gecko, Lygodactylus williamsi is endemic to two small forests in the eastern central Tanzania. The species is territorial and exclusively dwells on screw pines (Pandanus rabaiensis).

This critically endangered gecko is on the verge of extinction due to habitat loss and the pet trade. Recent studies show that the species occupancy has shrunk to only 8km2. Threats arise from recurrent forest fires, illegal logging and the invasion by Cedrela odorata. Also, it is estimated that about 15% of the gecko’s population was illegally collected for the pet trade.

This proposed project seeks to support the conservation of L. williamsi through the restoration of the degraded Kimboza Forest Reserve. We intend to reduce forest fires through the establishment of firebreaks in sections with history of recurrent fires. Reduced fire incidences will reduce the invasion by C. odorata and promote the regeneration of indigenous plant species, but in particular that of P. rabaiensis. Also, we will promote ecotourism and butterfly farming as alternative sources of income for communities living around the forest reserve. We believe that sustainable sources of income for the local people will reduce their reliance on illegal logging, mining and pet trade while at the same time positively enhancing the local people's perception of the forest.