Tourism puts Zanzibari reserve at a crossroads | Science

Large humid forests on the coasts of Tanzania and Kenya and on nearby archipelagos such as Zanzibar are very fragmented hot spots in plant and animal diversity (1). On Pemba, the northernmost island 988 km2 in Zanzibar, the largest forest area and remaining main forest reserve of 14.4 km2 Nggezi-Vumawimbi. The integrity of the forest is imminently threatened by the development of Mantuli Luxury Estate, a complex which should convert around 17% of the forest reserve into a sprawling complex of villas and swimming pools (2). Zanzibar should reconsider the location of the station to protect its vulnerable forests.