SUA Botanical Garden (Birding Area)
In Morogoro town, beneath the watchful gaze of the Uluguru Mountains, stands the SUA Botanical Garden, a place where nature, learning, and peace come together. Managed by the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), this garden is more than just a collection of plants -it’s a living classroom, a sanctuary for biodiversity, and a peaceful retreat for anyone who steps inside.
The SUA Botanical Garden and Morogoro region are a paradise for bird lovers, hosting a variety of forest, migratory, and water birds. Notable species include the Uluguru Violet-backed Sunbird, African Paradise Flycatcher, Black-headed Oriole, Palm-nut Vulture, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Narina Trogon, the vibrant Green Pigeon, and the striking Livingstone’s Turaco, as well as various Barbets, Pipits and Woodpeckers tapping through the trees. Migratory visitors like the European Bee-eater, Barn Swallow, and Common Sandpiper are common in season. Around the nearby wetlands, you can also spot the Hadada Ibis, Little Egret, and African Jacana.
Water Depletion and Invasive Species.
Agricultural irrigation is a significant threat to the dam that plays a crucial role in the SUA Botanical Garden’s ecosystem, directly impacting water quality and availability.
The overuse of water for farming has reduced the flow, affecting not only the garden’s plants but also the animals and birds that rely on the dam. This has resulted in the death of several bird species and animals that depend on the water for survival.
In addition, the invasive Indian Crows have become a destructive force in the area, outcompeting native species for food and nesting sites, further disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
These environmental threats highlight the urgent need for sustainable practices and the protection of the garden’s water sources to preserve its biodiversity.
