Kitobo Forest Expedition: Avifaunal Survey of Kitobo Forest, South Eastern Kenya

Home , Bearded woodpecker, Grey apalis, List of birds of Burundi, Northern brownbul, Rattling cisticola, Trumpeter hornbill

Report By Edson Mlamba, Amina Njoki, Vincent Otieno, Edwin Gichohi, Rogers Makau, Cynthia Opany, Domnic Chesire, Florence Karanja, Esther Mwangi and Peter Njoroge;

November 2013

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the National Museums of Kenya for granting us all the logistical issues specially the Zoology Department for the use of the Ornithology Sections vehicle, mist nets, camping gear and ringing kit. We also wish to thank Kenya Forest Service for granting us the permission to access and conduct research in Kitobo/Kitovu Forest. The local community through their Community based organization (CBO) Kitobo community forest conservation and environment association (KICOFCEA) availed their services as guides in the forest. This study was made possible by the generous funding from the African Bird Club.

Great Team Effort!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 ii

Executive Summary

The little known Kitobo forest also called Kitovu forest (E 037° 36.339' S 03° 27.071') lies in south-eastern Kenya just North of Tanzania’s North Pare Mountains and south of the Kenya’s Taita Hills. It is located within the biodiversity rich eastern arc forests of East Africa and covers 160 ha at an altitude of 725 m above sea level.

This study sought to determine the avifaunal diversity, document the different habitats and investigate the threats to the forest. Avifaunal data was collected using timed species count, point counts, mist netting and ad hoc observations. This was done between 8th and 17th November 2012 which is part of the wet seasons in Kenya. Sampling effort was mainly concentrated in the forest but we also sampled the forest edge and the farmlands around the forest.

A total of 159 bird species were recorded. Our statistical projections indicate that over 180 bird species could be recorded for the tiny forest with an extra effort. Of the species recorded only 6 were forest specialists, 22 were forest generalists and a further 20 were forest visitors. Three species White-backed Vulture (En), White-headed Vulture (Vu), Southern Ground Hornbill (Vu) recorded in the forest or in the surrounding shrubland are globally threatened while the near- threatened the Martial Eagle (NT) was also recorded. A total of 15 afrotropical migrants and 11 Palaeartic migrants were also recorded in and around the forest. Based on the presence of the 3 globally threatened bird species (category A1) the forest could qualify as an important bird area. However the regular presence of these species in the forest need to be confirmed.

Illegal logging of large trees, gazing and flooding were identified as the major threats to the forest. Flooding of the forest occurs through the numerous underground springs that are thought to originate from the melting snow on Mt Kilimanjaro. Local communities living on the edge of the forest think the frequency of flooding may have increased in recent years and may be as a result of global warming causing increased melting of snow on Mt Kilimanjaro. Increased frequency of the flooding is leading the death of many trees in the forest.

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Table of Contents Acknowledgements ...... ii

Executive Summary ...... iii

1.0. Introduction ...... 1

1.1. Aims and Objectives ...... 1

2.0. Study Area ...... 2

3.0. Materials and Methods ...... 4

3.1. The Team...... 4

3.2. Reconnaissance ...... 5

3.3. Timed species count ...... 5

3.4. Mist-netting ...... 5

3.5. Point counts and vegetation surveys ...... 6

4.0. Results ...... 7

4.1. Total number of species and species accumulation curve ...... 7

4.2. Species of interest ...... 8

4.2.1. Threatened species ...... 8

4.2.2 Biome species ...... 8

4.2.3 Migrant Species: ...... 8

4.3. Forest Dependency ...... 9

4.4. Forest birds using the farmland ...... 13

4.5. Forest structure and Threats ...... 15

5.0. Discussion ...... 17

5.1. Species Composition ...... 17

5.2. Species of Interest (Threatened Species, Biome Species, Migrant Species) and threats to the forest 17

5.3. Conservation Issues and Recommendations ...... 18 iv

6.0. Kitobo expedition in Pictures ...... 19

References ...... 21

Appendices ...... 22

1.0. Introduction

Biodiversity has drawn the world’s attention due to the fact that its conservation has been known to lead to overall ecosystem maintenance. Various Flora and fauna depend on this ecosystems wellbeing for their survival and so does Man either directly or indirectly through the ecosystem services that he draws from this ecosystems.

Biodiversity Surveys Create an inventory of an areas biodiversity and the information generated can form a baseline for reference in assessing an ecosystems well being. Similarly one can take a single taxa to make inferences on the ecosystems well being. Kitobo/Kitovu Forest in south east Kenya is an example of an ecosystem which we discovered as being of conservation importance. Kitobo/Kitovu forest located in Taita- Taveta District in Coast Province is part of the Eastern Arc Mountains that are known to have a large number of endemic species. The little known Kitobo/Kitovu forest lies in south-eastern Kenya just North of Tanzania’s North Pare Mountains and south of the Kenya’s Taita Hills (Fig 1). The Eastern Arc Mountains are one of the WWF’s (World Wildlife Fund) global 200 priority ecoregions and contain at least 19 endemic bird species (Burgess et al., 2003).By the time we carried out this survey, little was known about Kitobo/Kitovu forest’s biodiversity.

1.1. Aims and Objectives

The overall aim of the expedition was to conduct a comprehensive bird survey of the little known Kitobo forest and surrounding areas, as part of documenting the forest’s avifauna and assessing its conservation status. The specific objectives of this research were to:-

 Asses and document the bird species diversity and composition of Kitobo forest.  Assess the conservation status of the bird species of Kitobo forest and surrounding areas.  Determine the presence or absence of bird species of conservation importance(endemics, IUCN red data List species, regionally threatened species e.t.c)  Assess the current and potential threats of the forest.

 Record any observations of other fauna of conservation importance.

2.0. Study Area

The study was carried out in Kitobo forest located in Taita- Taveta District, Coast Province in the southeastern part of Kenya (Fig 1). It is owned and protected by the Community under the Kenya forest service community conservation programme. It lies between latitude 3°25´E and longitude 38°20´S and at an altitude of 717m to 735m. The area receives an average annual rainfall of 1332-1910mm with average temperature of 23˚C.The study was conducted during a wet season; we experienced 3days of heavy rainfall and the rest of the days were dry.

Kitobo forest is located between the Usambara Mountains in Tanzania and Taita hills in Kenya on the border between the two countries (Fig 1). It is a lowland forest that lies between the Taita hills and the North pare mountains which are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains that are known to have a large number of endemic species. The Eastern Arc Mountains are one of the WWF’s (World Wildlife Fund) global 200 priority eco-regions (Burgess et al., 2003).

This forest existence is supported by Njoro Springs as well as other small ones inside the forest that are believed by the locals to originate from the Volcanic Mt. Kilimanjaro. This springs develop into a permanent stream that flows through the forest. As the river leaves the forest, it is directed into water canals for use in growing rice, onions, maize , bananas, tomatoes , mangoes as well as citrus (Malonza & Bwong 2011).

The forest is surrounded by small holder farms where they grow a wide variety of crops. The most dominant crops planted around the forest include, maize, beans, rice (on the western side of the forest) and bananas. Agroforestry is practiced around the forest with the most preferred tree species being mangifera Indica.

Figure 1. Map showing location of Kitobo/Kitovu forest

3.0. Materials and Methods

3.1. The Team

The team comprised of 10 individuals lead by Edson Mlamba and Amina Njoki, other team members were Vincent Otieno, Edwin Njuguna, Rogers Makau, Cynthia Atieno, Dominic Chesire, Florence Karanja, Esther Mwangi being supervised by Dr. peter Njoroge, Alfonce, Charles and Chairman of Kitobo aldso joined the team . The team used the National Museums of Kenya Ornithology Section’s Land Rover. In addition, the National Museums of Kenya’s ornithology section supported the team in kind with mist nets, binoculars, ringing gear, tents, camping gear, Checkered board, baltimore stick, tape measure, cooking utensils, 3 GPS’s, 2 cameras as well as other assorted items that we used in the field.

3.2. Reconnaissance One day was spent in and around the forest familiarizing with the terrain, vegetation, habitat types, identifying net lines, different foot paths and birds. The level of human disturbance was also assessed during this period.

3.3. Timed species count Timed species-counts (TSCs) method is ideal for building complete species lists quickly, and to establish the relative abundance of canopy and mid-level bird species. At least 5 40-minute TSCs were conducted every day within Kitobo forest and surrounding areas by the team. Each TSC was separated by at least 100 m or 10 min walk from the next. This method involves essentially repeated species lists, on which each species is recorded the first time it is positively identified by either sight or sound (Bennun & Howell, 2000, Bibby & Marsden 1998). For each count, species encountered were recorded and scored according to when they were first recorded to give a ‘commonness index’ (4 if in the first ten minutes, 3 if in the next ten minutes and so on ).

In addition to Timed Species counts, opportunistic observations were made during other activities in the forest to help build up the species checklist. The team also recorded species heard in the song repertoire of any robin species as probable present species.

3.4. Mist-netting Mist-nests were used to sample understory species and other skulking species. Two 18m and two12m standard mist-nets were laid in the forested area along small paths and trails as far as possible to avoid habitat destruction. Mist netting sessions run daily from 0600hrs to 1000hrs during the morning and from 1500hrs to 1800hrs in the evenings. To avoid stressing the birds as well as increase the catch-ability of more and diverse understory and skulking species, mist nets were shifted to new locations after every two days. All birds species caught were identified, ringed and various biometric measurements taken. Identifications were done aided by the use of Zimmerman et al (1996) and Stevenson & Fanshawe (2002) in addition to the experience in identification skills that the team possessed. All bird species caught were photographed.

3.5. Point counts and vegetation surveys Fixed width point counts (with distance sampling) are not as comprehensive as TSCs in building species lists but are ideal for future monitoring purposes and for making comparisons with habitat variables around each point. The team systematically set up 37 point counts along permanent transects, set at least 400m from the next. Transects were 2 km long and run in an east-west direction. Along each transect, point counts were conducted at intervals of 200 m. At every point observers we waited for 1 minute (settling-in period) before counting all the birds seen or heard within a 25m radius for the next 9 minutes. At each point count station the following vegetation variables were measured: visibility i.e. number of squares visible on a checkered board from 10 m, percentage canopy cover at each corner of a10x10m square plot; number of cut stems and the number of live stems of diameters at breast height (dbh) of various intervals i.e. dbh <10cm, 10-20cm, 20-60cm and >60cm; number of cut shrubs and number of seedling/saplings in a lm x 1m plot. Opportunistically, all signs human or animal disturbance resources e.g. fuel wood collection; charcoal burning, grazing etc were recorded whenever encountered.

4.0. Results

4.1. Total number of species and species accumulation curve A total of 159 bird species were recorded over the 10-day survey period (see appendix i for a full checklist) in Kitobo and its environs. The highest number of species were recorded using the TSC method (96 species), while 61 species were recorded using the Point count method while 17 species were caught in mist nets. Of the 160 bird species recorded in Kitobo and its environs 67 were recorded in only one of the three methods; 13 were recorded using point counts only, 14 using TSC only, 40 were recorded opportunistically while none was recorded using the mist nets only. A species accumulation curve for Kitobo forest based on the successive TSCs predicts the number of species expected for the forest to be between 160 and 180 (see Figure 2).

Figure 2: Species accumulation curve based on an asymptotic model using non-linear regression procedures for successive Timed Species Counts (TSCs) at Kitobo Forest

4.2. Species of interest

4.2.1. Threatened species Two species listed as globally threatened in the IUCN list of threatened species were recorded in Kitobo forest or surrounding areas. White-backed Vulture (En) was recorded in 3 times during TSCs in the forests while the White-headed Vulture (Vu) was recorded on one occasion overflying the forest. A flock of five Southern Ground Hornbill (Vu) was also recorded in the scrubland surrounding Kitobo forest. The Martial Eagle (NT) was also recorded on one occasion in the farmland adjacent to the forest.

4.2.2 Biome species Only six biome species were recorded during the survey (Table 1.0). Two East African Coastal Biome species were recorded in the forest and 4 Somali-Masai Biome species were recorded in the adjacent farmland.

Table 1.0. Biome species recorded in Kitobo forest during the survey

Common Name Scientific name Biome Green Tinkerbird Pogoniulus simplex East African coastal Biome White-bellied Go-away- Corythaixoides leucogaster Somali-Masai Biome bird

White-headed Mousebird Colius leucocephalus Somali-Masai Biome

Red-fronted Barbet Tricholaema diademata Somali-Masai Biome

Grey Wren Warbler Calamonastes simplex Somali-Masai Biome

Brown-breasted Barbet Lybius melanopterus East African coastal Biome

4.2.3 Migrant Species: A total of 15 afrotropical migrants were recorded in the forest and the surrounding farmlands while a total of 11 Palaeartic migrants were recorded (Table 2.0)

Table 2.0. Afrotropical and Palaearctic migrant species recorded in Kitobu forest during the survey

Common Name Scientific Name Status Knob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos am Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis am Wahlberg's Eagle Aquila wahlbergi am Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus am Diederik Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius am Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudatus am Grey-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala am African Pygmy Kingfisher Ceyx pictus am Black Cuckooshrike Campephaga flava am African Paradise Terpsiphone viridis am Flycatcher Red-capped Robin Chat Cossypha natalensis am Chestnut Weaver Ploceus rubiginosus am Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea am Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus am, mm Black-crowned Night Nycticorax nycticorax am, pm Heron Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo PM European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus PM Common Buzzard Buteo buteo PM Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus PM Eurasian Bee-eater Merops apiaster PM Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica PM Common House Martin Delichon urbicum PM River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis PM Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus PM Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia PM Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos PM Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata PM

4.3. Forest Dependency We explored forest dependency by classifying bird species as forest specialist (FF), forest generalist (F), forest visitors (small f) or non-forest (nonf) species following Bennun et al. (1996). FF species are forest specialists and are characteristic of undisturbed forest and F species

are forest generalists and may occur in undisturbed forests but also regularly recorded in forest strips, edges and gaps. These two groups require forests for breeding and are very much dependent on forests. Small f species are forest visitors, which are often recorded in forest but are almost always more common in non-forest habitats. Only 6 species recorded were forest specialists, 22 were forest generalists and a further 20 were forest visitors (Table 3.0). The proportion of each species category that were recorded for both sites are shown in Figure 3.0.

Table 3.0 List of forest specialists (FF), forest generalists (F) and forest visitors (f) recorded in Kitobu forest during the survey

Common Name Scientific Name Forest Dependancy 1 Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus FF

2 Green Tinkerbird Pogoniulus simplex FF

3 Blue-mantled Crested Trochocercus cyanomelas FF Flycatcher 4 Grey Apalis Apalis cinerea FF

5 Olive Sunbird Cyanomitra olivacea FF

6 Green-backed Twinspot Mandingoa nitidula FF

7 Crested Guineafowl Guttera pucherani F

8 Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo F

9 European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus F

10 Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria F

11 African Green Pigeon Treron calvus F

12 African Wood Owl Strix woodfordii F

13 Narina Trogon Apaloderma narina F

14 Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater Merops oreobates F

15 Trumpeter Hornbill Bycanistes bucanitor F

16 Silvery-cheeked Hornbill Bycanistes brevis F

17 White-eared Barbet Stactolaema leucotis F

18 Black-throated Wattle-eye Platysteira peltata F

19 Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla F

20 Grey-olive Greenbul Phyllastrephus cerviniventris F

21 Eastern Nicator Nicator gularis F

22 Red-capped Robin Chat Cossypha natalensis F

23 Bearded Scrub Robin Cercotrichas quadrivirgata F

24 Ashy Flycatcher Muscicapa caerulescens F

25 African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta F

26 Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris F

27 Peters's Twinspot Hypargos niveoguttatus F

28 Crested Guineafowl Guttera pucherani F

29 Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor f

30 Scaly-throated Honeyguide Indicator variegatus f

31 Greater Honeyguide Indicator indicator f

32 Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens f

33 Bearded Woodpecker Dendropicos namaquus f

34 Black Cuckooshrike Campephaga flava f

35 African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis f

36 Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava f

37 Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brachyura f

38 Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus f

39 Northern Brownbul Phyllastrephus strepitans f

40 Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus f

41 White-browed Robin Chat Cossypha heuglini f

42 Lead-coloured Flycatcher Myioparus plumbeus f

43 Amethyst Sunbird Chalcomitra amethystina f

44 Bronze Sunbird Nectarinia kilimensis f

45 Purple-banded Sunbird Cinnyris bifasciatus f

46 Variable Sunbird Cinnyris venustus f

47 Grosbeak Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons f

48 Black-and-white Mannikin Spermestes bicolor f

Figure 3.0. Proportions of Forest specicialists (FF), forest generalists(F), forest visitors(f) and non-forest species recorded in Kitobo and surrounding areas

4.4. Forest birds using the farmland Forty-four bird species were recorded in both the forest and the surrounding farmland (Table 4.0). Only 7 forest dependent bird species (FF and F) were recorded using the surrounding farmland. On the other hand 11 opportunistic species (f) and 25 non forest species (non-f) were recorded in the forest.

Table 4.0. Birds species and their forest dependency categories recorded both in the forest and the surrounding farmland

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAMES Forest Dependancy

African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta F

African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer Non-F

African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus Non-F

African Pygmy Kingfisher Ceyx pictus f

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Non-F

Bearded Woodpecker Dendropicos namaquus f

Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla F

Black-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris nectarinioides Non-F

Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala Non-F

Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens f

Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris F

Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus f

Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild Non-F

Crested Francolin Francolinus sephaena Non-F

Emerald-spotted Wood Dove Turtur chalcospilos f

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Non-F

Green Tinkerbird Pogoniulus simplex FF

Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brachyura f

Grey-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala f

Grey-olive Greenbul Phyllastrephus cerviniventris F

Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash Non-F

Hamerkop Scopus umbretta Non-F

Kenya Rufous Sparrow Passer rufocinctus Non-F

Lesser Striped Swallow Cecropis abyssinica Non-F

Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudatus Non-F

Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus Non-F

Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus Non-F

Northern Brownbul Phyllastrephus strepitans f

Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis Non-F

Purple-banded Sunbird Cinnyrisbifasciatus Non-F

Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala Non-F

Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea Non-F

Red-capped Robin Chat Cossypha natalensis F

Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata f

Spot-flanked Barbet Tricholaema lacrymosa Non-F

Taveta Golden Weaver Ploceus castaneiceps Non-F

Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava f

Trumpeter Hornbill Bycanistes bucanitor F

Variable Sunbird Cinnyris venustus f

White-browed Coucal Centropus superciliosus Non-F

White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata Non-F

White-winged Widowbird Euplectes albonotatus Non-F

Yellow-spotted Petronia Petroniapyrgita Non-F

Zanzibar Greenbul Andropadus importunus Non-F

4.5. Forest structure and Threats

The mean canopy cover was 19.0; mean visibility 16.49; number of cut stems 17.35; and the number of cut stems averaged 1 per 100m2 as shown in table 5.0.

Table 5.0. Means of various forest characteristics

Forest characteristic Per 100m2 Mean Percent canopy cover 19.00

Mean visibility 16.49 Mean Number of cut stems 17.35 Mean Number of cut shrubs 1.00

From the sampling plots of 10m by 10m, it was observed that trees with a DBH between 11-20 followed by those of DBH 21-30, DBH >40, DBH 5-10 in that order. It was also observed that the number of samplings in a plot of 1m by 1m was less than 1.

Figure 4.0 Number of individuals of various class sizes per 25 m2 in Kitobo forest.

5.0. Discussion

5.1. Species Composition A total of 159 bird species were recorded over the 10-day survey period (see appendix i for a full checklist) in Kitobo and its environs. The bird species composition in this forest was higher than expected. We recorded 159 bird species and the projected number was even higher (160-180). This is because of the different habitat types that we encountered in the forest. Kitobo forest does not have a pure tree stand as there are shrubs, climbers, thickets as well as woodlands. This ensures that there are different bird species utilizing food at different niches. The neighboring farmlands also provide a different habitat for birds that visit the farmlands and seek refuge in the forest as was the case with the Lizard Buzzard (Kaupifalco monogrammicus) and Verreaux's Eagle Owl (Bubo lacteus) that were seen to forage in the farmlands and roost in the forest.

It was observed that only6 species recorded were forest specialists, 22 were forest generalists and a further20 were forest visitors. Forest specialists are indicative of undisturbed forests (Bennun and Howell, 2002) and it can thus be assumed that Kitobo Forest with the low number of true forest species is heavily disturbed. For specialist birds require less disturbed habitat section for their survival and usually disappear first when a forest is disturbed. However Kitobo forest does appear to be a refuge or roosting site for many bird species from the surrounding shrubland as evidenced by the presence of the two globally threatened vulture species which are typically savanna specialists

5.2. Species of Interest (Threatened Species, Biome Species, Migrant Species) and threats to the forest Due to its proximity to the Coastal forests of EA and Eastern Arc endemic bird areas it was suspected we would record species characteristic of this EBAs in Kitobo forest and surrounding areas. However none of these species were recorded and only two East African coast biome species were recorded. This is because the forest lies at the extreme edge of the coastal forests to have any significant number of coastal forest species while on the other had it too low in altitude for eastern arc species to occur. The only Kenyan record of Kretschmer’s Longbill Macrosphenus k. kretschmeri (restricted to Usambara Mountains in Northern Tanzania) was in

Kitobo forest in 1920 (but was not recorded in Kitobo during our survey. Its absence is attributed to the severe extirpation of the forest habitat in Kitobo (Zimmerman et al, 1996). Due to the forest being an island in a sea of agricultural land within a densely populated region we had anticipated to record migrant species. We recorded a total of 15 afrotropical migrants in the forest and the surrounding farmlands while a total of 11 palaeartic migrants were recorded meaning that the forest is likely to be a stopover for any bird species moving between the Taita Hills in Kenya and North Pare and the Usambara mountains which fall within the eastern arc mountains (Bennun and Njoroge 1999) Though not yet listed as an IBA in Kenya (Bennun and Njoroge 1999), the presence of 3 globally threatened bird species qualifies Kitobo forest as an IBA. Though small Kitobo forest appears to be a significant refuge for birds.

5.3. Conservation Issues and Recommendations Environmental education, especially of the people leaving around the forest on the role the forest plays would be important for its conservation. Empowering trainers of trainers would ensure that most of the people leaving around the forest become aware of the importance of this forest.

There is need to construct gabions about 1km through the drainage channels before they get into the forest to reduce siltation and flooding mainly from flash floods. Some of the tress that lie on the floodplain were observed to be drying off and the gabions or deep rooted trees would play a great role in reducing effects related to floods.

Further research needs to be done especially during the dry season as this was done during the wet season. This will be for purposes of comparing effects of seasons to the birds populations found in Kitobo forest. In addition, this will give a clearer picture of the birds found in this forest all year round. For monitoring purposes, having a clear picture of the birds found in this forest would form basis for future monitoring purposes.

6.0. Kitobo expedition in Pictures

The team and two local community guides who undertook the expedition(l) and a local community guide practices using a pair binoculars (r).

Kitobo forest as seen from nearby hills (l) and inside of the forest (r)

Some of the threats facing Kitobo forest- encroachment (l) and illegal tree harvesting (r)

Red-capped robin Chat Grey-Olive Greenbull

The old Ornithology section land rover had a few hiccups during the expedition but as always made the journey safely!

References

Bennun, L. A and Njoroge, P. (1999). Important Bird areas of Kenya. Nairobi: Nature Kenya. pp 318

Bibby, C. J. and Marsden, S (1998). Expedition Field techniques: Birds Surveys. London: Royal Geographic Society.pp 134.

Bennun, L. and Howell, K. (2002). Birds. In African Forest Biodiversity; A Field Survey Manual for Vertebrates, PP 121-161. G. Davies (ed.). Cambridge, United Kingdom: Earthwatch Insititute.

BirdLife International (2012) Species factsheet: Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 11/06/2012.

Burgess, N., Butynski, T., Gordon, I., Sumbi, P., Like,Q. and Watkin, J (2003). East Arc Mountains and coastal forests of Tanzania and Kenya Biodivesity Hotspots. Washington

Fanshawe, J.F. and Bennun, L.A. (1991). Bird conservation in Kenya: creating a national

strategy creating. Bird conserve. Internl. 1: 293-315.

Patrick K. Malonza & Beryl A. Bwong (2011). Herpetofauna diversity in kitobo forest, kenya Herpetotropicos vol. 6(1-2):27-33

Pomeroy, D.E and Tengecho, B. (1986). A method of Analysing bird distributions. African Journal Ecology

Stevenson T. & Fanshawe J. (2002) Field Guide to the Birds of East Africa – Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. Christopher Helm London Zimmerman, D. A., Turner, D.A. and Pearson D, J. (1996). Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania. Halfway House: Russel Friedman Books.pp 575

Appendices Appendix 1: List of bird species recorded in Kitobo forest and surrounding farmland during the survey (Status: am-afrotropical migrant; pm-palaeartic migrant;mm-malagasy migrant; EN-Endangered; VU-Vulnerable; NT-Near-threatened, Forest dependency: FF-forest specialist; F- forest generalist; f- forest visitor; non-f – non-forest species)

Common Name Scientific Name Status For.Dep. Feeding Guild Numididae: guineafowl Crested Guineafowl Guttera pucherani F Granivore

Phasianidae: quails, francolins, spurfowl and allies Crested Francolin Francolinus sephaena non.f Granivore

Anatidae: ducks and geese White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata non-f Insectivore Knob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos am non-f Insectivore African Pygmy Goose Nettapus auritus non-f Insectivore

Ciconiidae: storks Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus non-f Mulluscivore Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus non-f Mulluscivore

Threskiornithidae: ibises and spoonbills Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus non-f Mulluscivore Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash non-f Mulluscivore

Ardeidae: herons, egrets and bitterns Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax am, non-f Insectivore pm 22

Common Name Scientific Name Status For.Dep. Feeding Guild Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala non-f Insectivore Black Heron Egretta ardesiaca non-f Insectivore Yellow-billed Egret Egretta intermedia non-f Insectivore Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis am non-f Insectivore

Scopidae: Hamerkop Hamerkop Scopus umbretta non-f Insectivore

Pelecanidae: pelicans Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens non-f Piscivore

Falconidae: falcons Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo PM F Raptor

Accipitridae: diurnal birds of prey other than falcons European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus PM F Raptor Lizard Buzzard Kaupifalco f Raptor monogrammicus Common Buzzard Buteo buteo PM non-f Raptor Augur Buzzard Buteo augur non-f Raptor Wahlberg's Eagle Aquila wahlbergi am non-f Raptor Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus NT non-f Raptor Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis f Raptor African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer non-f Raptor Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus non-f Raptor African Hawk Eagle Aquila spilogaster non-f Raptor White-headed Vulture Trigonoceps occipitalis VU non-f Raptor

Common Name Scientific Name Status For.Dep. Feeding Guild White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus EN non-f Raptor Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis non-f Raptor African Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus non-f Raptor African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro F Raptor African Marsh Harrier Circus ranivorus non-f Raptor African Harrier Hawk Polyboroides typus f Raptor Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar non-f Raptor

Scolopacidae: sandpipers and relatives Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus PM non-f Insectivore

Pteroclidae: sandgrouse Black-faced Sandgrouse Pterocles decoratus non-f Granivore

Columbidae: pigeons and doves African Green Pigeon Treron calvus F Frugivore Emerald-spotted Wood Dove Turtur chalcospilos f Frugivore Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis non-f Frugivore Namaqua Dove Oena capensis non-f Frugivore Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata f Frugivore Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria F Frugivore

Musophagidae: turacos White-bellied Go-away-bird Corythaixoides leucogaster non-f Frugivore

Cuculidae: cuckoos and coucals Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus am FF Insectivore 24

Common Name Scientific Name Status For.Dep. Feeding Guild Klaas's Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas f Insectivore Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus PM non-f Insectivore Diederik Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius am non-f Insectivore White-browed Coucal Centropus superciliosus non-f Insectivore

Strigidae: typical owls African Wood Owl Strix woodfordii F Raptor Verreaux's Eagle Owl Bubo lacteus non-f Raptor

Apodidae: swifts Little Swift Apus affinis non-f Insectivore White-rumped Swift Apus caffer non-f Insectivore African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus non-f Insectivore African Black Swift Apus barbatus non-f Insectivore

Coliidae: mousebirds Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus non-f Frugivore White-headed Mousebird Colius leucocephalus non-f Frugivore Blue-naped Mousebird Urocolius macrourus non-f Frugivore

Trogonidae: trogons Narina Trogon Apaloderma narina F Frugivore

Coraciidae: rollers Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudatus am non-f Insectivore Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus am, f Insectivore mm

Common Name Scientific Name Status For.Dep. Feeding Guild Alcedinidae: kingfishers African Pygmy Kingfisher Ceyx pictus am f Insectivore Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima non-f Piscivore Brown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris non-f Insectivore Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata non-f Insectivore Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti non-f Insectivore Grey-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala am f Insectivore

Meropidae: bee-eaters Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus non-f Insectivore Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater Merops oreobates F Insectivore Eurasian Bee-eater Merops apiaster PM f Insectivore

Phoeniculidae: wood-hoopoes Green Wood-hoopoe Pheoniculus purpureus non-f Insectivore Common Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus non-f Insectivore cyanomelas

Bucerotidae: hornbills Silvery-cheeked Hornbill Bycanistes brevis F Frugivore African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus non-f Frugivore Trumpeter Hornbill Bycanistes bucanitor F Frugivore Crowned Hornbill Tockus alboterminatus f Frugivore

Bucorvidae: ground hornbills Southern Ground Hornbill Bucorvus leadbeteri VU non-f Raptor

Common Name Scientific Name Status For.Dep. Feeding Guild Capitonidae: barbets and tinkerbirds White-eared Barbet Stactolaema leucotis F Frugivore Brown-breasted Barbet Lybius melanopterus f Frugivore D'Arnaud's Barbet Trachyphonus darnaudii non-f Frugivore Red-fronted Barbet Tricholaema diademata non-f Frugivore Spot-flanked Barbet Tricholaema lacrymosa non-f Frugivore Green Tinkerbird Pogoniulus simplex FF Frugivore Red-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus pusillus non-f Frugivore

Indicatoridae: honeyguides Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor f Insectivore Scaly-throated Honeyguide Indicator variegatus f Insectivore Greater Honeyguide Indicator indicator f Insectivore

Picidae: wrynecks and woodpeckers Nubian Woodpecker Campethera nubica non-f Insectivore Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens f Insectivore Bearded Woodpecker Dendropicos namaquus f Insectivore

Platysteiridae: batises, wattle-eyes and relatives Black-throated Wattle-eye Platysteira peltata F Insectivore

Malaconotidae: helmetshrikes, bushshrikes, tchagras and puffbacks Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla F Insectivore

Campephagidae: cuckooshrikes

Common Name Scientific Name Status For.Dep. Feeding Guild Black Cuckooshrike Campephaga flava am f Insectivore

Monarchidae: monarch flycatchers Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher Trochocercus cyanomelas FF Insectivore African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis am f Insectivore

Hirundinidae: saw-wings, swallows and martins Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica PM non-f Insectivore Lesser Striped Swallow Cecropis abyssinica non-f Insectivore Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica non-f Insectivore Common House Martin Delichon urbicum PM non-f Insectivore Plain Martin Riparia paludicola non-f Insectivore

Cisticolidae: cisticolas and allies Red-faced Cisticola Cisticola erythrops non-f Insectivore Rattling Cisticola Cisticola chiniana non-f Insectivore Winding Cisticola Cisticola galactotes non-f Insectivore Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava f Insectivore Grey Apalis Apalis cinerea FF Insectivore Grey Wren Warbler Calamonastes simplex non-f Insectivore Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brachyura f Insectivore

Pycnonotidae: bulbuls Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus f Frugivore Zanzibar Greenbul Andropadus importunus non-f Frugivore Grey-olive Greenbul Phyllastrephus F Frugivore cerviniventris

Common Name Scientific Name Status For.Dep. Feeding Guild Eastern Nicator Nicator gularis F Frugivore Northern Brownbul Phyllastrephus strepitans f Frugivore

Sylviidae: Old World warblers Lesser Swamp Warbler Acrocephalus gracilirostris non-f Insectivore River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis PM non-f Insectivore Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus PM f Insectivore Banded Parisoma Parisoma boehmi non-f Insectivore

Sturnidae: starlings and oxpeckers Yellow-billed Oxpecker Buphagus africanus non-f Insectivore

Muscicapidae: chats, wheatears and Old World flycatchers Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia PM non-f Insectivore White-browed Robin Chat Cossypha heuglini f Insectivore Bearded Scrub Robin Cercotrichas quadrivirgata f Insectivore Red-capped Robin Chat Cossypha natalensis am F Insectivore Lead-coloured Flycatcher Myioparus plumbeus f Insectivore Pale Flycatcher Bradornis pallidus non-f Insectivore Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata PM non-f Insectivore African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta F Insectivore Ashy Flycatcher Muscicapa caerulescens F Insectivore Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos PM non-f Insectivore

Nectariniidae: sunbirds Amethyst Sunbird Chalcomitra amethystina f Nectarinivore Black-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris nectarinioides non-f Nectarinivore 29

Common Name Scientific Name Status For.Dep. Feeding Guild Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris F Nectarinivore Bronze Sunbird Nectarinia kilimensis f Nectarinivore Variable Sunbird Cinnyris venustus f Nectarinivore Olive Sunbird Cyanomitra olivacea FF Nectarinivore Purple-banded Sunbird Cinnyris bifasciatus f Nectarinivore

Passeridae: sparrow weavers, Old World sparrows and petronias White-browed Sparrow Weaver Plocepasser mahali non-f Granivore Grey-headed Sparrow Passer griseus non-f Granivore House Sparrow Passer domesticus non-f Granivore Kenya Rufous Sparrow Passer rufocinctus non-f Granivore

Ploceidae: weavers, bishops and widowbirds Grosbeak Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons f Granivore Taveta Golden Weaver Ploceus castaneiceps non-f Granivore Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus non-f Granivore Chestnut Weaver Ploceus rubiginosus am non-f Granivore Black-winged Red Bishoop Euplectes hordeaceus non-f Granivore White-winged Widowbird Euplectes albonotatus non-f Granivore Yellow-spotted Petronia Petronia pyrgita non-f Granivore Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea am non-f Granivore

Estrildidae: waxbills Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild non-f Granivore Crimson-rumped Waxbill Estrilda rhodopyga non-f Granivore Bronze Mannikin Spermestes cucculatus non-f Granivore 30

Common Name Scientific Name Status For.Dep. Feeding Guild Black-and-white Mannikin Spermestes bicolor f Granivore Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu Uraeginthus bengalus non-f Granivore Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala non-f Granivore African Firefinch Lagonosticta rubricata non-f Granivore Green-backed Twinspot Mandingoa nitidula FF Granivore Peters's Twinspot Hypargos niveoguttatus F Granivore

Viduidae: Parasitic Weaver, indigobirds and whydahs Eastern Paradise Whydah Vidua paradisaea non-f Granivore

Motacillidae: wagtails, longclaws and pipits African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp non-f Granivore

Fringillidae: canaries, citrils, seedeaters and relatives Brimstone Canary Crithagra sulphurata non-f Granivore Reichenow's Seedeater Crithagra reichenowi non-f Granivore