This field guidebook, which is handy, exhaustive, inexpensive, portable and user-friendly, identifies 338 plant species, found in 75 families from Tanzania and neighbouring countries. This first edition will act as a platform for understanding and conserving our biological diversity thus, helping more people in identifying plants for the purpose of conservation, sustainable use and greater appreciation of biodiversity.
The guidebook is unique as the identification keys are based on coloured photographs, to enable users make positive identification, minimize time and effort in identifying plants, as well as enjoyment from using it. Plants are identified by local names, Kiswahili (the national language of Tanzania), English and Latin names. The guidebook is furnished with glossaries of botanical terms, with illustrations of leaf types, shapes, phyllotaxis, and types of inflorescence and fruits.
The author of this field guidebook holds a Master of Science in Climate Change and Sustainable Development from the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Environmental Disaster Management from the University of Dodoma, Tanzania. He also studied Wildlife Management Courses. Mr. Makunga is currently pursuing a PhD in Disaster Risk Management at Ardhi University, Tanzania.
Mr. Makunga is an experienced wildlife conservationist and enthusiastic in Botanical studies. He is a researcher and lecturer; he has taught Botanical studies at Pasiansi Wildlife Training Institute (under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism) for many years. He is also a licenced professional consultant in the fields of Disaster Risk Management, Climate Change and Conservation. Mr. Makunga is a reputable expert in flora assessment, in particular, plant identification, providing consultancy to registered environmental companies and other interested clients.
