ABSTRACT
The intensively cultivated zone borders the montane forest belt between 1600 and 1800 m in the southern and eastern parts of the study area and at 1300 m in the western parts. Closed tall forests extend to about 3100 m, surrounding the whole mountain. This chapter addresses the following questions: Which are the most fire-affected vegetation zones on this mountain? How does biodiversity change? What is the consequence for the position and structure of the treeline ecotone? The impact of fire on vegetation depends largely on the type of vegetation. Savannas have been influenced by fire for millennia while at the same time remaining stable ecosystems containing many fire-adapted species. Fire influences vegetation on Mt. Kilimanjaro to a great extent and in different ways. It promotes, to some extent, biodiversity and species with specific physiological and morphological adaptations, driving the distribution of both plants and plant communities.
