17 vegetation plots on formerly cultivated land in the afromontane forest region of south-west Uganda were studied to analyse the dynamics of early secondary succession. Beside other phenomena, the resilience of the afromontane flora versus neophytes, the diversification of life form spectra and the importance of endozoochoric plant species with time were demonstrated. Several mechanisms of secondary succession in the study area were determined.

Mgahinga vulcanoes, with formerly cultivated land in the foreground

The regeneration potential of the soil seed bank was found to be limited, as it contained no primary forest species. However, early secondary succession could be sped up artificially by enrichment planting. A study of the avifauna and the buffalo population as seed-dispersers demonstrated the importance of the animal - plant-interaction on secondary succession.

With a focus on restoration ecology of afromontane ecosystems some advice for the management of deforested areas is given. The evaluation of sustainable use activities within multiple-use zones revealed their incompatibility with the conservation of the only two habitats of the endangered mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei).

Note: thesis in German. Further details on website University of Bonn