E-Bulletin October – December 2005

Click Here & Upgrade Expanded Features PDF Unlimited Pages CompleteDocuments BirdLife International Africa Partnership e-bulletin October – December 2005

In this e-bulletin: Launch of AZE 1 Launch of the Alliance for Zero The Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE), Extinction launched in December 2005, is a global 2-3 Regional meetings: UNCCD, initiative of 52 like-minded biodiversity Protected Areas, CMS conservation organizations that aims to 4 Avian flu prevent extinctions by identifying and 4 Climate change safeguarding key sites where species 5-6 News from the network are in imminent danger of going extinct, 7 Training opportunities i.e. those sites holding the last 7 Job opportunities remaining population of any Critically 8 Upcoming events Endangered or Endangered species. BirdLife International and a number of individual BirdLife Partners are part of this consortium. So far, 595 sites have NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM been identified worldwide that must be THE CAP CHAIR safeguarded to prevent the extinction of 794 of the world’s most threatened Dear Colleagues, birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and conifers. Of these 595 sites, 170 are All too soon another year has come to triggered by 216 bird species (i.e. these pass. As we reflect on achievements of birds are entirely, or almost entirely, 2005, I want all of us to remember that confined to one of these sites). Of these we are very special people who through our works are trying to create a world 216 bird species, 26 species are found in which all people will like to belong. in Africa and its associated islands. The That is good leadership! So therefore, top 3 African AZE sites are: Itombwe as we journey through this New Year, I IBA in the DRC, Taita Hills IBA in Kenya, wish to remind all of us that the task and Mount Oku IBA in Cameroon. ahead in our time and generation is to hand down undiminished resources to The AZE league aims to work collectively those to come after us, especially the with a broad range of partners to natural wealth and beauty. safeguard the identified sites and I therefore wish you the very best of species. By highlighting these sites, AZE strategies, innovations and above all luck to achieve the conservation hopes to raise a front-line defense objectives that we will be setting against extinction, until broader ourselves this year. conservation measures can catch up. More background can be found on the Dr Erasmus H. Owusu, Chair of CAP AZE website, www.zeroextinction.org

CONTRIBUTION OF ARTICLES We welcome contributions to the e-bulletin from the BirdLife Africa network about bird species, sites, habitats and people. We would also be happy to know about conservation-related events at global, regional and national level being organized within the network. Please send your contributions or comments to: [email protected]. Many thanks to mich for the new layout of this bulletin.

BirdLife International Africa Partnership Secretariat PO Box 3502, 00100 GPO Nairobi, Kenya T: +254-20-8562246 F: +254-20-8562259 E: [email protected] W: www.birdlife.org Click Here & Upgrade Expanded Features PDF Unlimited Pages Complete Documents BirdLife International Africa Partnership e-bulletin

see also the web press release: This network is recognized by the www.birdlife.org/news/pr/2005/ UNCCD secretariat as the coordinating 12/aze.html body for sustainable land management issues in Africa. Information on AZE sites and species (and links to BirdLife's datazone), with a It is recommended that Birdlife Partners map and a 16-page brochure is also in Africa seek to be accredited by the available at www.zeroextinction.org UNCCD secretariat and then join the RIOD network. This will enable them to So far, AZE has focused on the species share information and best practices in and site identification work. The aim combating desertification within the now is to generate resources for region. Remember also to leave a mark conserving these sites and the species in 2006, which has been dedicated they shelter. One of AZE’s basic globally as the International Year of principles is that site conservation Deserts and Desertification (IYDD). planning and action must involve national NGOs and local communities, For more information, contact the so there should be no conflict with BirdLife Africa network regional focal BirdLife’s approach to IBA conservation. point for the UNCCD, Idrissa Zeba at NATURAMA ([email protected]) or Any questions about AZE should be [email protected] directed to [email protected] or AZE focal point at the Global Secretariat ([email protected]). At the BirdLife Africa Partnership Secretariat, contact [email protected] on AZE related issues.

REGIONAL MEETINGS

Between October and December 2005, BirdLife representatives attended the following meetings that took place in (Photo: Jonathan Stacey) Nairobi, Kenya: PROTECTED AREAS IN AFRICA UNCCD The establishment and effective The seventh session of the Conference management of a Protected Area of the Parties (COP-7) for the United network is instrumental to the Nations Convention to Combat conservation of biodiversity (see also Desertification (UNCCD) was held from the proceedings of the PA workshop held 17 to 28 October 2005. In attendance in Nairobi in February 2005 – and see was a diversity of NGOs, scientific http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/200 organizations and the donor community. 5/02/africa_pa_shortfall.html). Thus, Also represented was the RIOD (Réseau accurate information on the extent of International des ONG sur la protected areas and their varying Désertification), a network of NGOs management objectives is vital if working on desertification in Africa. effective conservation of these areas is to be achieved.

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In the context of the UNEP-WCMC Migratory species threatened with Strengthening African Protected Areas extinction are listed on Appendix I of the Network Project, a workshop was held Convention. CMS Parties strive towards at the IUCN office in Nairobi from 12 to strictly protecting these animals, 14 November 2005, which brought conserving or restoring the places where together over 28 people from a variety they live, mitigating obstacles to of NGOs. The major outcomes from this migration and controlling other factors workshop included a consensus on the that might endanger them. Besides need to develop a proposal for the establishing obligations for each State second and larger phase of the joining the Convention, CMS promotes Strengthening African PA Networks concerted action among the range Project, agreement on the necessity to states of many of these species. During develop the World Database on COP8 the following African bird species Protected Areas and specifically the were approved for inclusion in Appendix updating of the data for Eastern and I: Madagascar Squacco Heron, Red Southern Africa. It was noted that the Knot, Basra Reed Warbler and Spotted available data were either incomplete, Ground Thrush. inaccurate or both. Of course this is a major impediment when formulating appropriate conservation decisions and policies. A general call was made for all countries to familiarize themselves with this database (see also: www.sea.unep- wcmc.org/wdpa) and to make a strong commitment to this process, which once completed will ensure that all gaps in the current database are filled.

For more information, please contact [email protected] (Spotted Ground Thrush – photo Nico Myburgh)

UNEP/CMS Migratory species that need or would During the Conference of Parties (COP) significantly benefit from international of the Convention on the Conservation co-operation are listed in Appendix II of of Migratory Species of Wild Animals the Convention. For this reason, the (CMS), which took place from 20 to 25 Convention encourages the Range November 2005, 15 bird species of States to conclude global or regional which 6 are known from Africa were Agreements. COP-8 agreed to list the approved for inclusion in CMS following African bird species under CMS Appendices. Appendix II: Rock Pratincole and African Skimmer. CMS (also known as Bonn Convention) aims to conserve terrestrial, marine and For a summary of outcomes of COP8, avian migratory species throughout their see http://www.iisd.ca/cms/cop8/ range. The COP is the CMS decision- making body. It meets every three For more information, contact John years, and among other functions O’Sullivan at [email protected] amends Appendix I and II. or [email protected]

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To stay up-to-date on avian flu SCIENCE, POLICY, INFORMATION outbreaks, check the BirdLife website:

Two global issues that have kept us http://www.birdlife.org/action/sci busy over the last few months are Avian ence/species/avian_flu/index.html Influenza and Climate Change. Here is some more background information Also read the special report on Avian flu about these two topics: in the World Birdwatch Vol. 27, No 4 (December 2005). WILD BIRDS AND AVIAN FLU There has been a lot of panic recently For more information and updates, regarding a possible spread or contact [email protected] “pandemic” of avian H5N1 flu. This has Protocols for monitoring and sampling been accompanied by a whole range of are also available from the Africa media coverage aimed at creating Secretariat. awareness and stimulating alertness in the event of such a catastrophe. CLIMATE CHANGE There is a growing scientific consensus This period has also been characterized that climate change, unless checked, by a lot of speculations on the possible will have serious ramifications on causes of the spread of the disease, biodiversity. The impacts of this which pointed at migratory birds as the phenomenon are already becoming real main vectors. However, there is very in areas such as the rise in sea level and little evidence that backs the view that the corrosion of coral reefs. Africa will migratory birds are spreading bird flu. not be spared, as computer models of Other possible causes for spread of this the global climate show the Sahel region virulent disease include, but are not and southern Africa drying substantially limited to, importation of infected over the course of this century. To poultry or poultry-related products and some, it sounds like an exaggeration or the global trade in wild bird species. a fallacy, yet more studies and “The hypothesis that wild birds are to projections indicate that unless concrete blame is far from proven,” said Mike measures are taken, climate change will Rands, the BirdLife International make dry regions of Africa drier still in Director and Chief Executive during an the near future. Read more about interview with Reuters in December findings from two recent studies on: 2005. “Wild birds occasionally come into http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/447 contact with infected poultry and die: 9640.stm they are the victims not the vectors of H5N1 bird flu.” A project to monitor IBAs using remote sensing is currently being implemented In Africa, although there have been across Africa (see previous e-bulletins). erratic cases of panic following deaths of It is envisaged that results from this wild birds due to other causes, no HPAI project will provide details on the impact H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks have of climate change (beside other been confirmed. However, many of the anthropogenic factors) on IBA sites. African countries have already established National Taskforces which Contact [email protected] are putting in place some mechanisms for more information. on how to detect and deal with the pandemic if it ever happens.

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NEWS FROM THE NETWORK *** HOT NETWORK NEWS *** The BirdLife Global Council has Species approved the upgrade of AAO Tunisia to Full Partner and the entry of SCNL SSG helps to unravel the secrets of Liberia as an Affiliate to the network. the White Winged Flufftail Read more about this in the next The Site Support Group in Berga, BirdLife Africa/Afrique Newsletter… Ethiopia, has recently extended the scientific knowledge available about the little known and Endangered White Sites Winged Flufftail Sarothrura ayresi. It discovered a third breeding site in 'First complete coastal waterbird Ethiopia and with this discovery, they census in Sierra Leone' also found that the birds breed well into In January-February 2005, the Working the dry season (as opposed to previous Group International Waterbird and belief), and may very well wander Wetland Research (WIWO) together with around within Ethiopia rather than the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone migrate to other countries after the (CSSL) and the Government Wildlife main breeding season. Conservation Branch (WCB) conducted a waterbird census in all coastal wetlands of Sierra Leone. In former years parts of the coast were counted, but for the first time ever a more or less complete midwinter census was carried out.

The good news is the discovery of new species recorded for Sierra Leone as well as better information on occurrence and threats of birds. Most spectacular was the identification of two new Important Bird Areas (IBAs) each holding international important numbers of waders and terns. In addition with (White Winged Flufftail - Photo: Alistair McInnes) two others, four wetlands in coastal Sierra Leone now meet the international For more information, contact EWNHS: criteria for Important Bird Areas (IBAs) [email protected] or for Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention). In Visit the news flash on: total 92,451 waterbirds were counted, http://www.birdlife.org/news/n divided over 87 species. Three observed ews/2005/12/flufftail.html species have never been recorded before in Sierra Leone: Eurasian This major discovery had not been possible Spoonbill, Eurasian Shoveler and Terek without the continuous and generous support Sandpiper. from Wetlands International, the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund, the Maurice Laing See also http://www.projects.wiwo.org/ Foundation, Finnida through BirdLife Finland, DGIS/LNV (Dutch Government), NC-IUCN and for the report, or contact CSSL at the Middelpunt Wetland Trust. [email protected] and/or WIWO at [email protected]

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Habitats

The miombo/mopane is a very interesting (though largely neglected) savannah habitat. For instance, did you know…

… the miombo/mopane woodlands hosts 4,600 endemic plants and 170 endemic vertebrates? … they cover about 1.2 million km2 of southern Africa spread over 11 countries, and form arguably the single largest block of contiguous tropical dry woodlands in the world? … there are 109 IBAs within the ‘miombo/mopane belt’ spread over these 11 countries? … the miombo/mopane biome includes 938 different bird species, including 67 biome- restricted species, and that out of these, eleven are of global conservation concern? … six of the eleven miombo/mopane countries are included in the list of the world’s top 50 ranking counties for bird biodiversity, the so-called ‘mega-biodiversity countries’? … 24 out of the “top-100 unprotected IBAs for globally threatened species” are located in the 11 countries that form the miombo/mopane ecoregion? … there are BirdLife NGOs in six miombo/mopane countries, while the five non-Partner countries are in the top 16 of the list of “Relative importance in Globally Threatened Birds of African countries that do not have BirdLife Partner organisations”?

So, all in all, the miombo/mopane habitat is an area of extreme regional and global biodiversity importance. For more details, contact [email protected]

People

Water for Life at Arabuko Sokoke Forest IBA in Kenya At the Kenyan coastal IBA of Arabuko Sokoke Forest, NatureKenya works together with NABU (BirdLife Germany) and Kindernothilfe (a German poverty alleviation NGO) to carry out eco- tourism activities and to improve the livelihood of forest dwelling people. In this context, NatureKenya, in close cooperation with the local communities constructed a pipeline of 11.5 km length with 7 water kiosks which help ca. 4.000 people to become more independent from the now unpredictable rains. Besides piped water, water collection and water harvesting components have been included in the project, which will allow local farmers to irrigate their fields with rain water over a long lasting period. NABU president Olaf Tschimpke visited the project in order to attend the launch of the water pipe in November. NatureKenya CEO Paul Matiku shares water with NABU President Olaf Tschimpke (photo Werner Schroeder, NABU)

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People from at least 3 villages no longer Belgium – Tervuren: African Zoology have to compete with wildlife in the and Wood Biology Arabuko Sokoke Forest for water. At the Application deadline is 15 February same time, encroachment into the forest will be reduced. Conservationists and The Royal Museum for Central Africa politicians, as well as governmental and (RMCA) from Belgium is pleased to non-governmental organisations who announce a new call for scholarships for attended the launch (BirdLife was scientific study visits on biodiversity in represented by Dr Hazell Shokellu African Zoology and Wood Biology. The Thompson, Head of the Africa programme targets African scientists Secretariat) emphasized the link and doctoral students. Scholarships are between conservation, development and awarded for research projects that fit the sustainable use of forest resources. the development cooperation obligations Olaf Tschimpke who became honorary following the CBD, involve RMCA chief of Songera (the umbrella collections and/or staff experience and organisation of the three villages) contribute to identification, conservation expressed his respect and thanks to the and sustainable use of biodiversity. See: participants for the successful work www.africamuseum.be/research/cooper which has already been done. ation for more information.

For more info, contact NatureKenya at [email protected] JOB OPPORTUNITIES

USA – New York: Program Officer, TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES Africa Program WCS Application deadline is 31 January UK – Cambridge: Chevening Application deadline is 24 March The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has been dedicated to preserving the UNEP-WCMC in collaboration with FCO is earth's wildlife and ecosystems since its offering six Chevening Scholarships in establishment in 1898. WCS’s Africa Program includes over 100 field projects Biodiversity, beginning in October 2006. in 18 countries in Africa and Successful candidates will have the Madagascar. The successful candidate opportunity to spend a year at the will assist the Director, the Program Cambridge-based World Conservation Manager and the Assistant Directors for Monitoring Centre, where they will work the regional program based in the New alongside experts to build the York headquarters at the Bronx Zoo. knowledge base on biodiversity. They Duties include: assistance in general will provide information products and admin, information management and services to decision-makers ranging daily operation of the Africa Program, from environmental organizations to the coordinating activities of the New York private sector. As with all Chevening unit, supporting associated Program scholarships, candidates are expected to field projects, facilitating communication be of a high academic calibre. For more among projects and between WCS and its collaborators. Please go to information, check: http://www.unep- http://www.wcs.org/getinvolved/careers wcmc.org/latenews/jobs/chevening/Adv /58127 for more info and application ert06.htm procedures.

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June-July (dates tbc): Ethiopia UPCOMING EVENTS Council for the Africa Partnership Meeting (CAP) 2006 24-27 January: Leipzig, Germany Conference on Management of Conflicts 13-19 August: Hamburg, Germany between Wildlife and Human Resource The 24th International Ornithological Use. Contact: Mr. Carsten Nesshoever, Congress – see http://www.i-o-c.org Centre for Environmental Research. for programme and registration E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.frap- October: everywhere project.ufz.de/conference.html World Bird Festival – the global BirdLife event to celebrate birds! Contact 30 January – 2 February: St Lucia, [email protected] for more South Africa information about the festival in 2006, or have a look at the BirdLife website http://www.birdlife.org/action/awarenes s/world_bird_festival/index.html to see what happened in 2004 - and get some inspiration...

The next e-bulletin

The next e-bulletin will be a “Species Special”! So please send us all your special species stories: e.g. what is your favourite species and why? Have you ever made a major discovery and what (who?) was it? What has been your greatest success in terms of species conservation? How many and which species do you see from the window of your office? … Share your stories with the rest of the Partnership and send them to:

Web: www.wetlands.org [email protected] (see also previous e-bulletin) ** before 28 February 2006 ** 20 - 31 March: Curitiba, Brazil 8th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. Contact: Mr. (Advert) Hamdallah Zedan, Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the Your advert could have been here! Convention on Biological Diversity E-mail: [email protected] Contact us if you are sorry it isn’t… Web: http://www.biodiv.org

October – December 2005