STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION OF GRAUER’S SWAMP- GRAUERI IN SOUTH WESTERN

Final Report

Submitted to

By Lydia Tushabe-Rugogamu [email protected] , +256-785-581-626 C/o NatureUganda, Kabale Office/ Plot 4, Coryndon Rd Makanga Hill - Bwindi Trust House P.O. Box 978, Kabale/ Tel: +256-0486-426-912 PROJECT SUMMARY

The Grauer’s swamp warbler ( Bradypterus graueri ) is endemic to high-altitude swamps in the Albertine Rift (BirdLife International 2015). A minimal proportion of the global population is thought to inhabit swamps in South-western Uganda, where its status and distribution are poorly known. The aim of this project was to determine the distribution and to gain further insight into the likely population size of this , the preferred habitat types and potential threats to the species in swamps across its range in south-west Uganda.

Surveys were conducted at 24 swamps in South-western Uganda (Kisoro and Kabale districts). These include the known major sites of Muchuya and Mubwindi, as well as the suspected sites and those identified as potentially suitable from satellite imagery. Ten minute point counts from accessible locations at the edge of each swamp were conducted and all heard and seen recorded. More point counts were conducted at larger swamps, giving a total of 190 counts conducted. Presence was also noted if the birds were heard or seen at any point during the visit to each swamp outside the point counts. At each point count location, grid references were obtained using a GPS. Notes on vegetation type were made and obvious threats to the swamp noted. A total of 104 birds were recorded at just four sites, although based on a simple extrapolation of the area surveyed relative to the size of each swamp, it is likely that a population of 470 birds exists in these swamps

The results of the survey identified no new sites hosting this species which could form the focus of future conservation effort. However, the sites recently discovered by Nature Uganda: Mukinombe and Kinyarushenje, are under threat because the swamps belong to the communities and have no protection measures in place. In addition, the priority sites hosting high densities of this species were also identified as being Mubwindi and Kinyarushenje swamps, though as very few birds were recorded at these sites in total, caution must be applied when interpreting this result. This information will be used to improve the proposed species action plan for the species and to guide further estimates of the species population in the wider area. Nonetheless, distance analysis estimates are required to ascertain a better estimate of the population of the species and to identify the impacts of habitat degradation, and hence draw up more conclusive conservation and management decisions.

INTRODUCTION

The Grauer’s Swamp-warbler, Bradypterus graueri , is an endangered species found primarily in the Albertine Rift area, including parts of western Uganda, Eastern DRC, and . Despite being locally common, it has a very small and severely fragmented area of occupancy within its small overall range (BirdLife International 2016). This species inhabits swamps in the mountains of central at altitudes of 1,950 to 2,600 meters, where it can be found in a range of swamp vegetation, including grasses, mosses, rushes and ferns. Its preferred habitat is under severe threat from conversion to pasture and cropland and is increasingly encroached upon by farmers (Maclean et al. 2014). Prior to this study, it is known to occur in fragmented sites found in Rwanda, Burundi, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and south-western Uganda. In Rwanda, which probably has the largest subpopulation, it occurs in Rugezi Swamp, in the marshes between the Virunga volcanos, and in Nyungwe Forest (Birdlife 2016). The density at Kamiranzovu Swamp in Nyungwe Forest, has been estimated as ~13 birds ha -1 based on surveys of singing birds, implying that 33,000 birds may be present at this site alone (BirdLife 2016). In Burundi, the national population was estimated just c.10 pairs in 1984, though a subsequent survey in 2011 recorded 30 singing birds at just one site. In the DRC, it is known from at least six locations west of Lakes Edward and Kivu. In Uganda, it is thought to occur in large numbers in Echuya Forest Reserve and Bwindi-Impenetrable National Park, with previous estimates suggesting c.400 birds present. Two of the key swamps in which Grauer’s Swamp-warbler occurs in Uganda, Muchuya and Mubwindi, form part of Important Bird Areas and are currently afforded a degree of protection. However, its occurrence at other sites and its overall status is rather poorly known.

AIM OF THE SURVEY

To contribute to the long-term conservation of Grauer’s Swamp-warbler in Uganda

OBJECTIVES

(i) To conduct a comprehensive survey of this species in SW Uganda, so as to identify new sites hosting this species.

(ii) To provide further insight into the population size estimates, both within individual swamps and across the region.

(iii) To identify the broad vegetation types with which the species is associated, thus providing a better understanding of its habitat requirements. The dominant macrophyte vegetation of wetlands in the region is variable (e.g. Cyperus papyrus, Miscanthidium and Typha spp) and a better understanding of the species’ preferred habitat could aid future search efforts, as well as help guide conservation actions designed to minimize disturbance in swamps.

(iv) To obtain a preliminary understanding of the threats facing swamps in which the species is found, in order to guide appropriate conservation actions.

METHODS

Study sites

Surveys were conducted in the known major sites of Muchuya and Mubwindi and in suspected sites, including Ngweru bay and smaller swamps near to Echuya Forest, Bwindi forest and Mgahinga swamp in Uganda. A full list of potential sites was drawn up with the aid of satellite, Google Earth imagery and the results of previous work in wetlands in the region were mapped from Landsat imagery (Maclean et al. 2011; 2014). Table 1 shows the sites surveyed during this research as indicated on Map 1.

Table 1: Description of the sites surveyed (Protection Status; P=Protected, N= None Protected, IBA=Important Bird & Biodiversity Area )

Region Sites Habitat Protection Status (General description) Echuya Forest Muchuya Swamp Habitat is dominated by sedges Carex and includes grasses, P, IBA Reserve shrubs, and giant lobelias lobelia mildbraedii Bwindi National Mubwindi Swamp Habitat composed of mainly sedges and reeds. P, IBA Park Mgahinga National Part of Rugezi Swamp in Vegetation is mainly Hypericum trees and short grass P, IBA Park Uganda waterlogged and then mixed sedge, giant lobelia towards the larger swamp in Rwanda Kazibakye Swamp Habitat is short grass , shrub, trees waterlogged P, IBA

Kabiranyuma Swamp Vegetation mainly composed of sedge, giant lobelia and short P, IBA grass

Bunyonyi Swamps Gweru Bay Habitat is mainly characterized by reeds and Cyperus papyrus N Mugandu Swamp Habitat mainly composed of C. papyrus and reeds. N Kakatu Swamp Habitat is mainly characterized by reeds and Cyperus papyrus N Other Swamps Nyamuriro swamp Habitat type mainly Cyperus papyrus and reeds in parts where IBA papyrus was removed. Bigger part of swamp converted into agricultural site. Kagezi Swamp Habitat is mainly characterized by Cyperus papyrus . The N swamp is totally converted into agricultural land Nyakafunjo -Bwimba Habitat is mainly characterized by reeds, shrubs and patches N Swamp Cyperus papyrus Gikangaga Swamp Habitat is composed of reeds and shrubs and is waterlogged N Chibumba Swamp Habitat is mainly characterized by Cyperus papyrus and larger N parts of swamp are being used for agricultural purposes. Mukinombe Swamp Vegetation type mainly sedge, grass and reeds, Parts of the N swamps were converted into agricultural land and play field.

Kinyarushenje Swamp Habitat mainly sedge and grass waterlogged. Swamp being N converted into agricultural fields

Igomanda/Nangara Habitat type is mainly Reeds. There is total conversion of N Swamp swamp into agricultural land

L. Murehe Swamp Vege tation type is mainly reed and Cyperus papyrus N L. Mutanda Swamp Vege tation type is mainly reed and Cyperus papyrus N

L. Chahafi Swamp Vegetation type is mainly reed, shrubs and Cyperus papyrus N

Data Collection and Analysis

The survey was conducted between July and September 2015. At each swamp visited, 10 minute point counts were conducted from accessible locations at the edge of each swamp and all Grauer’s Swamp- seen or heard, as well as the distance from the observer were noted. Counts were conducted in the mornings, avoiding the very hot hours of the day. Points were established with a radius of 100m. Opportunistic records were also noted if the bird is heard or seen at any point during the visit to each swamp, even if not during formal point counts. Other bird species in the swamps surveyed were also recorded (Appendix 1).

At each point, GPS readings were taken to establish location and altitude. Obvious observable threats to each swamp, such as evidence of vegetation clearance or edge encroachment were noted. Additional threats were assessed through discussion with local field guides. Field recording forms are attached in Appendix 2.

The data collected was collated on an excel spreadsheet, and using excel graphs and charts were produced to illustrate the results obtained. GPS points were downloaded into Mapsource software and a distribution map for the species distribution was produced using QGIS.

To derive an overall population estimate for each swamp, the density of birds, here estimated as the number of recorded per hectare surveyed, was multiplied by the total area of each swamp. Since point counts were conducted at the edge of swamps, the area surveyed by each point count was assumed to be half the area within a 100m radius and the total area surveyed assumed to be the area surveyed by each count multiplied by the number of counts. In so doing, an assumption was made that all birds present within a hundred metre radius were recorded.

Map 1: Showing the study sites for the Grauer’s Swamp-warbler survey.

RESULTS

Point count survey data

The survey was carried out in 24 different patches of swamp in South-western Uganda. A total of 190 points counts were completed throughout the survey period. Table 2 shows the number of points surveyed in each swamp. The species was recorded in 5 of the 24 swamps surveyed. The highest number of Grauer’s Swamp- warblers recorded in any given swamp was 30 individuals, in Muchuya swamp. The highest number of individual Grauer’s Swamp-warbler recorded per point count was 2, in Mubwindi and Kinyarushenje swamps. Muchuya has the highest population estimate of 352 individuals followed by Mubwindi swamp with 102 individuals. The population estimate for Rugezi swamp was not calculated as the majority of the swamp was not surveyed and is located in Rwanda.

Table 2: Number of Grauer’s Swamp-warblers recorded in the sites surveyed

Swamp Warblers Points Counted Birds/Point Area surveyed/ha Estimated population Recorded Muchuya 30 38 0.79 59.69 352 Mubwindi 18 9 2.00 14.14 102 Kinyarushej e 4 2 2.00 0.1 10 Mukinombe 2 3 0.67 0.79 6 Rugezi 6 8 0.75 12.57 - Kabiranyuma 0 3 - 4.71 - Kazibakye 0 2 - 3.14 - Chibumba 0 3 - 4.71 - Kagezi 0 8 - 12.57 - Gikangaga -Cungo 0 4 - 1.57 - Nyakafunjo -Cungo 0 4 - 1.57 - Igomanda 0 3 - 4.71 - Nangara 0 4 - 6.29 - Nyamweru 0 1 - 1.57 - Kakatu 0 9 - 14.14 - Ngweru Bay 0 4 - 1.57 - Mugandu 0 20 - 31.42 - Nyamuriro -Mine 0 14 - 21.99 - Nyamuriro -Muko 0 12 - 18.85 - Nyamuriro -Ndego 0 10 - 15.71 - L ake Chahafi 0 7 - 11 - Lake Kayumba 0 2 - 3.14 - Lake Mulehe 0 11 - 17.28 - L ake Mutanda 0 11 - 17.28 -

Total 60 190 470 Note: Population estimates for Rugezi swamp was not done as bigger part of the swamp was not surveyed.

Opportunistic data (Presence/Absence)

Opportunistic data shows the number of individuals of Grauer’s Swamp-warbler heard or seen at any point during the visit to each swamp, even if not during formal point counts. The data was collected in only four swamps were the Grauer’s Swamp-warbler was present. Table 3 shows the number of Grauer’s Swamp-warblers recorded in the different swamps

Table 3: Number of Grauer’s Swamp-warblers recorded outside the point counts in different sites

Swamp Number of Grauer’s Swamp -warblers Recorded Muchuya 23

Mukinombe 13

Kinyarushenje 4

Mubwindi 4

44

Vegetation data

The survey was carried out in 13 different habitat types. Table 4 below shows the different habitat types.

Table 4: Different habitat types.

Habitat type Description

1 Agricultural wetland Wetlands drained for cultivation and able to support clumps of mixed vegetation 2 Herbaceous and scrubby vegetation Mainly herbaceous vegetation. 3 Hypericum trees and short grass waterlogged Mainly Hypericum trees 4 Short grasses Grasses of height less than 0.50m 5 Short grasses mixed with other vegetation Minimum of 40% short grasses mixed with other vegetation (shrubs, ferns, trees etc.) but excluding sedges 6 Tall grasses Grasses of height more than 1m 7 Papyrus Mainly papyrus vegetation and includes burnt, juvenile, mature and harvested papyrus 8 Papyrus mixed with other vegetation Minimum of 40% papyrus with thin culms of other vegetation( shrubs, ferns, and grasses) 9 Sedges Mainly sedges without any other vegetation 10 Sedges and Lobelia Mixture of sedges and lobelia excluding other vegetation 11 Mixed sedges and other vegetation Minimum of 40% sedges mixed with culms of other vegetation(grasses shrubs, ferns, short trees, and reeds) but excluding lobelia 12 Reeds Mainly swamp reeds excluding other vegetation. Reeds may be harvested or burnt 13 Mixed reeds and shrubs Mixture of swamp reeds and shrubs only

The species was recorded in 7 out of 13 different habitat types. No species was recorded in the agricultural wetland, Hypericum trees and short grass waterlogged, tall grasses, papyrus, papyrus mixed with other vegetation, mixed reeds and shrubs Considering the vegetation types in which the species was recorded, it evidently exhibits a strong preference for mixed sedges and other vegetation, and to a lesser extent, grasses as compared to the other vegetation types in the area surveyed (Figure 1). The highest number of 54 individuals of Grauer’s Swamp-warbler was recorded in the mixed sedges and other vegetation

Short Grass

Sedge

Reeds

mixed sedge and other vegetation Number of Individuals of GSW

mixed sedge and lobelia

Mixed grass and other vegetation

Herbecous plants

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Figure 1: Number of Grauer’s Swamp-warblers recorded in each specific vegetation types.

Threats to swamps observed during the survey

The major threat that was observed in most of the swamps was cultivation. The main crops that are being grown in the swamps are mainly Irish potatoes and Cabbages. Planting of Eucalyptus is also happening in some of the swamps. Other threats observed during the survey include burning of grass, grazing of cattle and harvesting of C.papyrus. The table 5 shows the main threat observed for each swamp surveyed.

Table 5 : Main threats to each swamp

Swamp name Main threat observed Muchuya Grass harvesting, Burning of grass Chibumba Cultivation Kagezi Cultivation Mukinombe Cultivation Kinyarushenje Cultivation Nyakafunjo-Cungo cultivation and harvesting of grass Gikangaga-Cungo Cultivation Igomanda Cultivation Nyamweru Cultivation Nangara Cultivation Nyamuriro Cultivation and harvesting of papyrus Mugandu cultivation and harvesting of papyrus Ngweru Bay harvesting of papyrus Kakatu Cultivation and harvesting of papyrus Mubwindi L.Chahafi Harvesting of papyrus L.Kayumba Cultivation Rugezi Bamboo forest colonizing the swamp Kazibakye Forest taking over the swamp Kabiranyuma L.Mulehe Cultivation L.Mutanda Cultivation

Other bird species recorded during the survey.

During the Grauer’s Swamp-warbler survey in the different swamps in South Western Uganda, other bird species seen or heard were also recorded. A total of 116 species were recorded during the survey. The highest number of 54 species was recorded in Nyamuriro swamp. Appendix 1 shows the different species recorded in the different swamps. DISCUSSIONS

Three of the sites surveyed where the Grauer’s Swamp-warbler was recorded are sites well known for this species and are accorded some protection through the Uganda Wildlife Authority and National Forestry Authority. These are Muchuya swamp (700ha) in Echuya Forest, Mubwindi (80ha) in Bwindi National Park and Rugezi swamp in Mgahinga National Park. Rugezi swamp is located between Mt. Gahinga and Mt. Sabinyo and the majority of it (90%) lies in Rwanda. The Grauer’s Swamp-warbler individuals observed in this swamp were mainly in the Rwanda part of the swamp as the vegetation in the Ugandan side is suitable for sustaining the bird. The vegetation of the Rugezi swamp on the Ugandan side is mainly Hypericum trees and short grass which is not favorable habitat for Grauer’s Swamp-warbler.

Mukinombe and Kinyarushenje swamps were recently (2013) discovered by Nature Uganda as sites hosting Grauer’s swamp warbler. During this survey, the Grauer’s Swamp-warbler was also recorded as present in these swamps. The two swamps are about 4 km from Muchuya swamp and located near a stream (Kashasha River) draining out of Muchuya swamp. Kinyarushanje swamp is very small and measures about 0.25 ha, while Mukinombe swamp is relatively bigger measuring about 2ha.

The findings from this survey suggest that there was significant vegetation effect on the distribution of the Grauer’s Swamp-warbler. Undisturbed sections of the wetland having sedge mixed with other vegetation (grasses, bushes and reeds) hosted the highest number of individuals of the species and hosted more birds than in areas encroached upon by burning, agriculture and harvesting of grass. Degradation of habitats likely reduces food availability thus low reproductive/survival rates and consequently resulting in reduced genetic variability, increased inbreeding and reduced populations.

The threats of harvesting and burning of grass are under control in Mubwindi, Muchuya and Rugezi swamps as these are under government protection and so these activities are illegal. However, Mukinombe and Kinyarushenje swamps are not currently accorded any form of protection and are thus under threat from conversion to agricultural land by the local community.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The Grauer’s Swamp-warbler is restricted to montane forest swamps (Urban et al 1997) with short grasses and medium sized sedge, this obviously supports the finding indicating the large numbers recorded within those sites.

Continued conversion of swamps into cultivation sites and burning of swamp poses the greatest challenge to the survival of this species owing to its restricted habitat requirements. Destruction of these habitats reduces food availability thus low reproductive/survival rates for the species. Therefore these threats have to be controlled.

Efforts by Uganda Wildlife Authority, National Forestry Authority and Nature Uganda have been instrumental in conserving the habitat for the species in Mubwindi and Muchuya Swamps. More efforts are required to conserve the habitat of Kinyarushenje and Mukinombe Swamps. The communities around these swamps need to be sensitized about the importance of birds to their community and also the importance of keeping the habitat of the swamps intact.

Future surveys of the Grauer’s Swamp-warbler will exploit use of distance analysis estimates to ascertain a better estimate of the population of the species and to draw up more conclusive conservation and management decisions. These conclusions will be used to update the species Action Plan.

ACKNOWLEDEMENTS

I am grateful to the African Bird Club (ABC) for the financial support through its conservation grants programmme which enabled successful implementation for this study and to Nature Uganda for their administrative support.

Special thanks to the following people for their support and guidance throughout this study. Dr Ilya Maclean, a Lecturer in Natural Environment at the University of Exeter who, helped to guide the process of survey design and provided additional advice for the duration of the project, including in the identification of potentially suitable sites from satellite imagery, the design of appropriate survey methodology and in the analyses and reporting of survey results. Dr Dianah Nalwanga Wabwire , a Research and Monitoring Coordinator at Nature Uganda for the support and supervision while carrying out the survey and also guided me with report writing. Ms. Lynda Donaldson , a PhD student at University of Exeter who provided me with initial training in field survey techniques and guided me in report writing.

Thanks to the Nature Uganda staff especially the Kabale Office for helping with whatever information that was required throughout this survey. Thanks to the field guides that worked with me tirelessly to accomplish this survey.

REFERENCES

BirdLife International (2016) Species factsheet: Bradypterus graueri.Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 01/03/2016.

Byaruhanga, A., Sande, E., Plumptre, A., Owiunji, I. and Kahindo, C. (2006) International Species Action Plan for the Grauer’s Swamp-warbler Bradypterus graueri . BirdLife International, Nairobi, .

Del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. and Sargatal, J. (2006) Handbook of the Birds of the World. Vol. 11: Old World Flycatchers to Old World Warblers . Lynx Edicions, Barcelona.

Maclean IMD, Bird JP, Hassall M (2014) Papyrus swamp drainage and the conservation status of their avifauna. Wetlands Ecology and Management, 22: 115-127.

Maclean IMD, Wilson RJ, Hassall M (2011) Predicting changes in the abundance of African wetland birds by incorporating abundance–occupancy relationships into habitat association models. Diversity and Distributions, 17: 480-490.

Urban, E. K.; Fry, C. H.; Keith, S. 1997. The birds of Africa vol. V. Academic Press, London.

APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Other bird species observed in the swamps during the survey

Key: Muc=Muchuya,Chi=Chibumba,Kag=Kagezi,Muk=Mukinombe,Kiny=Kinyarushenje,Nyak=Nyakafunjo,Gik=Gikangaga,Igo=Igomando,Nan=Nangara, Nyam=Nyamuriro,Mug=Mugandu,Ngw=Ngweru,Kak=Kakatu,Mub=Mubwindi,Rug=Rugezi,Kaz=Kazibakye,Kab=Kabiranyuma,Cha=L.Chahafi,Mul=L.Mulehe,Mut=L.Mutanda

Atlas COMMON NAME Scientific Name ID No. (Alternative Name) Threat Habitat Muc Chi Kag Muk Kiny Nyak Gik Igo Nan Nyam Mug Ngw Kak Mub Rug Kaz Kab Cha Mul Mut GREATER CORMORANT Phalacrocorax 5 5 carbo (White-breasted Cormorant) W 1 1 LONG-TAILED CORMORANT Phalacrocorax 6 6 africanus (Reed Cormorant) W 1 1 PINK-BACKED PELICAN Pelecanus 9 9 rufescens W 1 1 1

14 14 SQUACCO HERON Ardeola ralloides W 1

17 17 CATTLE EGRET Bubulcus ibis G 1 1 1 STRIATED HERON Butorides striatus 18 18 (Green-backed Heron) R-NT W 1

24 24 PURPLE HERON Ardea purpurea R-NT W 1 BLACK-HEADED HERON Ardea 26 26 melanocephala w 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

28 28 HAMERKOP Scopus umbretta w 1 1 1

29 29 YELLOW-BILLED STORK Mycteria ibis W 1 1 1 1 1

39 39 HADADA IBIS Bostrychia hagedash w 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

42 42 SACRED IBIS Threskiornis aethiopicus W 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

57 57 YELLOW-BILLED DUCK Anas undulata W 1 1

58 58 AFRICAN BLACK DUCK Anas sparsa R-NT W 1

75 75 BLACK KITE Milvus migrans pA 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

88 88 BATELEUR Terathopius ecaudatus NT G 1

111 111 MOUNTAIN BUZZARD Buteo oreophilus R-NT FF 1 1

114 114 AUGUR BUZZARD Buteo augur 0 1 1 1 RED-CHESTED FLUFFTAIL Sarothrura rufa 170 170 (Red-chested Pygmy-crake) W 1

178 178 BLACK CRAKE Amaurornis flavirostris W 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 GREY CROWNED CRANE Balearica 185 185 regulorum VU,R-NT WG 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

193 193 JACANA Actophilornis africana W 1 1 AFRICAN WATTLED LAPWING Vanellus 221 221 senegallus (Plover) W 1 1 1 1 1 1

250 250 COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos PM PW 1 OLIVE PIGEON Columba arquatrix 277 278 (Rameron Pigeon) FF 1 RED-EYED DOVE Streptopelia 282 283 semitorquata f 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Atlas COMMON NAME Scientific Name ID No. (Alternative Name) Threat Habitat Muc Chi Kag Muk Kiny Nyak Gik Igo Nan Nyam Mug Ngw Kak Mub Rug Kaz Kab Cha Mul Mut

287 288 DUSKY TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia lugens f 1 RWENZORI TURACO Ruwenzoromis 300 301 johnstoni R-RR FF 1 1

308 309 RED-CHESTED CUCKOO Cuculus solitarius AF 1 DIDRERIC CUCKOO Chrysococcyx caprius 319 320 (Diederik or Didric Cuckoo) 0 1 WHITE-BROWED COUCAL Centropus 322 323 superciliosus 0 1 1 1 1 BLUE-HEADED COUCAL Centropus 325 326 monachus W 1 1 1 1 1 1 SWAMP NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus 340 341 natalensis (White-tailed Nightjar) Wg 1

368 369 SPECKLED MOUSEBIRD Colius striatus 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

379 380 MALACHITE KINGFISHER Alcedo cristata W 1 1 1

382 383 PIED KINGFISHER Ceryle rudis W 1 1 1 1 1 CINNAMON-CHESTED BEE-EATER Merops 386 387 oreobates R-RR F 1 1 1 1 YELLOW-RUMPED TINKERBIRD Pogoniulus 430 431 bilineatus F 1

458 460 DWARF HONEYGUIDE Indicator pumilio R-NT FF 1 CARDINAL WOODPECKER Dendropicos 471 473 fuscescens 0 1 1 BLACK SAW-WING Psalidoprocne 495 497 prisoptera (Black Rough-wing) f 1 1 1 WHITE-HEADED SAW-WING Psalidoprocne 496 498 albiceps (White-headed Rough-wing) R-RR f 1 1 1 1 LESSER STRIPED SWALLOW Hirundo 503 505 abyssinica 0 1 1 1 1 1 ROCK MARTIN Ptyonoprogne fuligula 505 507 (African Rock Martin) 0 1

510 512 SWALLOW Hirundo angolensis w 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

514 516 CAPE WAGTAIL Motacilla capensis W 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

518 520 AFRICAN PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla aguimp w 1 1 1

532 534 GREY CUCKOO-SHRIKE Coracina caesia FF 1 YELLOW-WHISKERED GREENBUL 540 542 Andropadus latirostris F 1 COMMON BULBUL Pycnonotus barbatus 560 562 (Yellow-vented Bulbul) f 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 WHITE-STARRED FOREST ROBIN 563 565 Pogonocichla stellata F 1 1 1 1 WHITE-BROWED ROBIN-CHAT Cossypha 574 576 heuglini f 1 1 1 1 1

590 592 COMMON STONECHAT Saxicola torquata 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

610 612 AFRICAN THRUSH Turdus pelios f 1 1 1 1 WHITE-WINGED WARBLER Bradypterus 613 615 carpalis R-RR W 1 1 1 617 619 Bradypterus cinnamomeus F 1 1 1 1 AFRICAN REED WARBLER 624 626 baeticatus (African Marsh Warbler) R-NT w 1 Atlas COMMON NAME Scientific Name ID No. (Alternative Name) Threat Habitat Muc Chi Kag Muk Kiny Nyak Gik Igo Nan Nyam Mug Ngw Kak Mub Rug Kaz Kab Cha Mul Mut GREATER SWAMP WARBLER Acrocephalus 628 630 rufescens W 1 1 1

636 638 RED-FACED CISTICOLA Cisticola erythrops w 1 1

637 639 SINGING CISTICOLA Cisticola cantans 0 1 1 1

640 642 CHUBB'S CISTICOLA Cisticola chubbi Fw 1 1 1 1 1 1

645 647 WINDING CISTICOLA Cisticola galactotes w 1 CARRUTHERS'S CISTICOLA Cisticola 646 648 carruthersi R-RR W 1 1 1

656 658 TAWNY-FLANKED PRINIA Prinia subflava fw 1 1 MOUNTAIN MASKED APALIS Apalis 667 669 personata R-RR FF 1 1 GREY-BACKED CAMAROPTERA 675 677 Camaroptera brachyura f 1 1 1 1 RED-FACED WOODLAND-WARBLER 697 699 Phylloscopus laetus R-RR FF 1 1

699 701 GREY-CAPPED WARBLER Eminia lepida R-RR fw 1 1 1 ASHY FLYCATCHER 717 719 caerulescens (Blue-grey Flycatcher) F 1 1

718 720 SWAMP FLYCATCHER Muscicapa aquatica W 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 AFRICAN DUSKY FLYCATCHER Muscicapa 721 723 adusta F 1 1 1 1 AFRICAN BLUE-FLYCATCHER Elminia 730 732 longicauda f 1 WHITE-TAILED BLUE FLYCATCHER Elminia 731 733 albicauda F 1 1

746 748 RWENZORI BATIS Batis diops R-RR F 1 GREEN-HEADED SUNBIRD Cyanomitra 779 781 verticalis F 1 1 1 1 1 BLUE-HEADED SUNBIRD Cyanomitra 781 783 alinae RR,R-RR FF 1 SCARLET-CHESTED SUNBIRD Chalcomitra 785 787 senegalensis f 1

788 790 BRONZE SUNBIRD Nectarinia kilimensis f 1 1 1 1 1

791 793 MALACHITE SUNBIRD Nectarinia famosa F 1

792 794 COLLARED SUNBIRD Hedydipna collaris F 1 RUWENZORI DOUBLE-COLLARED SUNBIRD 796 798 Cinnyris stuhlmanni F 1 1 NORTHERN DOUBLE-COLLARED SUNBIRD 797 799 Cinnyris preussi F 1

798 800 REGAL SUNBIRD Cinnyris regius RR,R-RR F 1 1 1 1 RED-CHESTED SUNBIRD Cinnyris 801 803 erythrocerca R-RR W 1 AFRICAN YELLOW WHITE-EYE Zosterops 809 811 senegalensis f 1 1

810 812 COMMON FISCAL Lanius collaris G 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 GREY-BACKED FISCAL Lanius 813 815 excubitoroides Afw 1 1 DOHERTY'S BUSH SHRIKE Telophorus 827 829 dohertyi R-RR F 1 Atlas COMMON NAME Scientific Name ID No. (Alternative Name) Threat Habitat Muc Chi Kag Muk Kiny Nyak Gik Igo Nan Nyam Mug Ngw Kak Mub Rug Kaz Kab Cha Mul Mut NORTHERN PUFFBACK Dryoscopus 834 836 gambensis F 1 SOOTY BOUBOU leucorhynchus 835 837 (Lowland Sooty Boubou) FF 1 MOUNTAIN BLACK BOUBOU Laniarius 836 838 poensis 0 1 1

847 849 MONTANE ORIOLE Oriolus percivali FF 1

853 855 PIED CROW Corvus albus 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 WHITE-NAPED RAVEN Corvus albicollis 855 857 (White-necked Raven) 0 1 NORTHERN GREY-HEADED SPARROW 879 881 Passer griseus 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

890 893 BAGLAFECHT WEAVER Ploceus baglafecht f 1 1

892 895 LITTLE WEAVER Ploceus luteolus 0 1 1 HOLUB'S GOLDEN WEAVER Ploceus 897 900 xanthops w 1 1 1 1 NORTHERN BROWN-THROATED WEAVER 899 902 Ploceus castanops R-RR fW 1 1 1 1 BLACK-HEADED WEAVER Ploceus 905 908 cucullatus (Village Weaver) 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 YELLOW-BACKED WEAVER Ploceus 907 910 melanocephalus (Black-headed Weaver) W 1 1 1

928 931 YELLOW BISHOP Euplectes capensis G 1 1 1 1 1 1 GROSBEAK WEAVER Amblyospiza 934 937 albifrons (Thick-billed Weaver) fW 1 1 WHITE-COLLARED OLIVEBACK Nesocharis 940 943 ansorgei R-RR fw 1 RED-BILLED FIREFINCH Lagonosticta 956 959 senegala 0 1 1 1 1 1 1

966 969 COMMON WAXBILL Estrilda astrild wG 1 1 1 1 BLACK-CROWNED WAXBILL Estrilda 967 970 nonnula f 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 BLACK-HEADED WAXBILL Estrilda 968 971 atricapilla F 1 1

976 980 BRONZE MANNIKIN Lonchura cucullata 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 BLACK-AND-WHITE MANNIKIN Lonchura 977 981 bicolor (Red-backed Mannikin) f 1 1

981 985 PIN-TAILED WHYDAH Vidua macroura G 1 1 1 AFRICAN CITRIL Serinus frontalis (Western 987 991 S frontalis and Southern S hypostictus) f 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

988 992 PAPYRUS CANARY Serinus koliensis W 1 1 1 YELLOW-FRONTED CANARY Serinus 991 995 mozambicus 0 1 1

995 999 STREAKY SEEDEATER Serinus striolatus f 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

996 1000 THICK-BILLED SEED-EATER Serinus burtoni FF 1

Total 39 24 28 20 19 26 17 18 17 54 35 19 23 22 17 8 6 26 22 16 Appendix 2: Field Recording Forms

FIELD RECORDING FORM FOR POINT COUNTS

Swamp Name______Date______Time______Initials______

WP______Eastings______Northings______Altitude______

Point Count no.______Weather______Visibility______Distance to Swamp______

Band (m) Number of birds seen/Heard Vegetation Type Threat to swamp Other Species

seen call

0-19

20-49

50-99

FIELD RECORDING FORM FOR PRESENCE/ ABSENCE

SWAMP NAME PRESENT/ABSENT TIME OF GPS RECORDING Distance from Observer HABITAT TYPE RECORDING

Date Start End Seen Call time time

Appendix 3: Photos from field survey

Vegetation types surveyed

Herbaceous Plants Mixed Sedge and Lobelia Sedge

Papyrus and other vegetation Reeds Papyrus

Mature Reeds Short Grass

Short Grass

Threats to the Swamps

Cultivation in the swamp

Harvesting of reeds and papyrus in swamps

Training in field methods with Lynda Donaldsons

Field team carrying out survey

Photo with Grauers’swamp warbler in the grass.

Appendix 4: Expenditure for the survey

Item Units Unit Cost Quantity Total (UGX) Total (GBP) 1GB=4886UGX July Muchuya Swamp Fuel ( hired Vehicle) Litre 3,800 36 140,000 28 Vehicle Hire for field work Day 100,000 4 400,000 80 Accommodation/subsistence cost (1 pax) Night out 100,000 4 400,000 80 Guide Fees -Field assistance Day 20,000 4 80,000 16 Sub-total 1,020,000 204 Nyamuriro Fuel ( hired Vehicle) Litres 3,800 39 150,000 30 Vehicle Hire for field work Day 100,000 4 400,000 80 Accommodation/subsistence cost (1 pax) Night out 100,000 4 400,000 80 Guide Fees -Field assistance Day 20,000 4 80,000 16 Sub-Total 1,030,000 206

August Other Swamps Fuel ( hired Vehicle) Litres 3,800 67 255,000 51 Vehicle Hire for field work Day 100,000 6 600,000 120 Accommodation/subsistence cost (1 pax) Night out 100,000 6 600,000 120 Guide Fees -Field assistance Day 20,000 6 120,000 24 Sub-total 1,575,000 315

Mubwindi Swamp Fuel ( hired Vehicle) Litres 3,800 31 120,000 24 Vehicle Hire for field work Day 100,000 4 400,000 80 Accommodation/subsistence costs (2 pax) Night Out 100,000 8 800,000 160 Guide Fees -Field assistance Day 20,000 4 80,000 16 Park Entrance Fees Pax 15,000 2 30,000 6 Park Guided walk fees Pax 10,000 1 20,000 4 Sub-Total 1,450,000 290

September Bunyonyi Swamps Fuel ( hired Vehicle) Day 100,000 4 400,000 80 Subsistence Cost (2 pax) Day 50,000 8 400,000 80 Boat Hire and Fuel Day 80,000 4 320,000 64 Guide Fees -Field assistance Day 20,000 4 80,000 16 Sub-total 1,200,000 240

Kisoro/Mgahinga Fuel ( hired Vehicle) Day 3,800 79 300,000 60 Vehicle Hire for field work Day 100,000 7 700,000 140 Accommodation/subsistence costs (2 pax) Night Out 100,000 14 1,400,000 280 Boat Hire and Fuel Day 70,000 3 210,000 42 Guide Fees -Field assistance Day 20,000 6 120,000 24 Park Entrance Fees Pax 15,000 2 30,000 6 Birding Fee Pax 75,000 2 150,000 30 Sub-total 2,910,000 582 Others Stationary Pair 5,000 10 30,000 6 GPS Batteries Pair 5,000 10 50,000 10 Communication (internet) Lumpsome 100,000 1 100,000 20 Communication (airtime) 10,000 6 60,000 12 transport (kampala-kabale) 70,000 2 140,000 28 Sub-total 380,000 76

Sub-total 9,565,000 1960 Bank charges/NU over heads 100,000 20

Grand Total 9,665,000 1,977