L. Forró szerk.: Miscellanea Zoologica Hungarica 8. 1993 (Budapest, 1993)

Merkl, O.: Zoological collectings by the Hungarian Natural History Museum in Africa: a report on the Elgon Expedition, 1992

Kenya side) but the higher parts are much steeper. Its caldera is 8 kilometers in diameter and surrounded by a rim consisting of a number of peaks. The highest summit is in Uganda (Wagagai, 4320 m). Of the Kenya part, the highest point is Koitoboss, 4215 m, which is the second highest peak in Kenya (data are from Hamilton & Perrott 1981 and Hedberg 1951). Mt. Elgon is one of the seven East African mountains, which are high enough to harbour afro-alpine vegetation in their upper reaches. The vegetation belts are well-developed (Fig. 3). Up to about 2100 m, there is Acacia-Combretum woodland, extensive area of which is occupied by smallholdings and large farms. Above this region, the following belts can be observed: 1-5000 Â Fig. 3. Altitudinal zonation of vegetation on Mt. Elgon and Mt. Kenya. Dotted line in montane forest belt of Mt. Elgon indicates distribution of bamboo patches (after Hedberg 1951, modified) 1. Montane forest belt. On the Mt. Elgon, it is divided into three further zones. I.A. Dry, evergreen montane forest (2400-2650 m). The term "mountain rainforest" can hardly be applied on the Mt. Elgon since the gymnosperms (Podocarpus, Juniperus) and arborescent Euphorbia species indicate a dry type of forest. l.B. Bamboo zone (2600-3000 m). The bamboo (Arundinaria alpina) does not constitute continuous belt on the Kenya side but considerable patches were seen. 1. C. Hagenia-Rapanea-Hypericum forest (3000-3200 m). This forest, called moist montane forest, is rich in epiphytic mosses and lichens. The most characteristic tree species are Hagenia abyssinica, Dombeya goetzenii, Prunus africana, Rapanea rhododendroides, Afrocrania volkensii and, in lesser number, Hypericum keniense. Because of earlier human disturbance (burning and pastoralism), these forests are now withdrawn in favour of ericaceous vegetation and grassland and are usually restricted to the narrow valleys. 2. Ericaceous belt (3200-3500 m). Microphyllous trees and shrubs (Erica arborea, Philippia excelsa, Stoebe küimandscharica) form patches of thicket ("elfin forest"). Hamilton & Perrott (1981) regard this formation a successional phase of montane forests as the burned spots and the forest patches are fringed by Philippia and Stoebe indicating the re-afforestation.