50 ABERDARES - A Blueprint for FRONTLINES Tropical Forest Management 5 Letter from the Editor Kari Mutu reports on the conservation of Kenya's 6 Letters to the Editor Aberdares mountains to the benefit of all who live 8 Chairman’s Letter on it - man and beast - and suggests this might be a 10 Director’s Letter template for other tropical forests. 12 Opinion 14 News Roundup 56 A diamond in the rough - Hirola conservation in ijara, kenya It has the unenviable title of being the most endangered antelope in Africa. What can be done? CONSERVATION Abdullah Ali and Jacob Goheen report on the 16 Poisoning wildlife in Kenya beautiful Hirola. Paula Kahumbu sees the Kenyan government take action against the poisoning of wildlife in 57 In an era of deforestation, a a way that might blaze a trail for other African forest fragment found governments beset by the same toxic problems. How often do we hear of a piece of forest actually discovered, rather than destroyed? Lua Borghesio 20 Conservation in Tanzania and Lawrence Wagura break that trend and tell TNRF charts the pluses and minuses of us about a pristine patch in Kenya's Taita Hills. conservation in one of the world's richest biodiversities. Here is its score card. 60 gO VISIT to a Seychelles island – guilt-free 26 zAmbia - Now for something a Worried about your carbon footprint as you travel little different around looking at nature? Liz Mwambui says go Our intrepid Rhino-man Felix Patton goes in to Cousin Island reserve guilt-free under a unique search of his favourite species in Zambia and has a carbon offset scheme linking the Seychelles and fun safari with a lot of rewards: he also traces the Darfur. history of the species in Zambia. Could this have lessons for other countries? PORTFOLIO 66 AMAZING AMBOSELI 36 Community wildlife Paolo Torchio brings back a bag of gems from management - what is benefit Kenya's Ambolseli which show that the park has sharing? lost none of its lustre for the visitor. You've heard the buzzword, now learn the theory and practice from EAWLS Executive Director Nigel 70 yOUNGSTERS SHOW THE WAY Hunter. FORWARD FOR CONSERVATION The EAWLS and its partners, the Widllife Clubs of Kenya and Satima Trust, held a writing/art SPOTLIGHT competition for Kenyan students and asked them 40 AN INTERVIEW WITH RICHARD why conservation was important? Look at some of WRANGHAM their answers, and take heart. Carol Mbabazi talks to the American chimpanzee expert about how he got into the field of "chimps" and some of his discoveries and lessons learned. REAR WINDOW 76 by their bar codes shall a Ye 44 Newly-found wetland in know them trouble from young hunters Peter Von Buol updates us on a computer It's a newly-found piece of wetland in Kenya but it's programme that can identify individual Zebra already in trouble from young hunters. What can be by their stripes - and how the system might help done to protect the discovery and get the youngsters conservationists spot other animals too. to see the value in it? Martha Mutiso reports.

2 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 3

Photo:© Paolo Torchio EAWLS WORLDWIDE JANUARY - MARCH VOLUME 35, NUMBER 1 THE EAST AFRICAN REPRESENTATIVES WILD LIFE SOCIETY AUSTRALIA POLAND

2012: 01 JAN-MARCH Trevor Fernandes Grzegorz Kepski PATRONS Wildlife Safari Bialobrzeska 30/39 The President of Kenya­ (Australia) 02-341 Warsaw The President of Tanza­ nia­ 213 Railway Road Poland Subiaco WA 6008 The President of Uganda­ UGANDA BELGIUM Michael Keigwin, CHAIRMAN John Rowland Uganda Conservation Fredrick Owino 11 Rue Faider Foundation, P O Box 1050 Brussels 34020, Kampala VICE-CHAIRMEN Robby Bolleyn UNITED KINGDOM Tom Fernandes, John Emily Otekat, Jake Fotografie Prof Bryan Shorrocks Grieves-Cook Dascottelei 95 Bus 7 Environment Dept.

COVER PHOTO: FISH EAGLE AND 2 STEPPE EAGLES 2100 Deurne- University of York Photo: © Paolo Torchio TREASURER Antwerpen Heslington York Michael Kidula Mbaya CANADA YO10 5DD Dr N J C Mathews EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 12-1400 Park Street USA Nigel Hunter Pemberton Keith Tucker V0N 2L1 Chief American Representative TRUSTEES GERMANY Acacia Travel, 19985 Frederick IB Kayanja, Albert Mongi, Klaus Fenger Powers Road, Bend,

The impala is the symbol of the East African Hilary Ng’weno, Mohamed Jan Mohamed Zugspitzstr. 65 Oregon 97702 USA Wild Life Society. ‘SWARA’ is the Swahili word 8100 Garmisch- for antelope. Partenkirchen Mr & Mrs Harry Ewell MEMBERS OF COUNCIL Financial Mike Norton-Griffiths, Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Peter Jutta & Dirk Ohlerich Representatives Schutzbaumstrasse 200 Lyell Avenue Editor Waweru, Joseph Gilbert Kibe, Esmond Martin, 50 Spencerport Andy Hill Philip Coulson D-63073 Offenbach NY 14559-1839 Editorial Board PROGRAMME AREAS Nigel Hunter, Michael Gachanja, IRELAND Wil Smith Conservation Advocacy and Education, David Bockett Karen Zulauf Esmond Martin, William Pike, Paolo Species Conservation, Forests and Water 30 Zion Road Deeper Africa Torchio, Patricia Kameri-Mbote, Dublin 6 4450 Arapahoe Catchment, Wetland, Marine and Coastal Mordecai Ogada, Lucy Waruingi Avenue Reserves, Wildlife Conservation in and outside KENYA Suite 100, Boulder Design & Layout National Parks and protected areas Mark Easterbrook CO 80303 George Okello P O Box 208 www.deeperafrica. HONORARY MEMBERS Malindi com Circulation and Subscriptions Rose Chemweno Chas G Allen Jr, M Bishop, Mr & Mrs H E Suthar Kiran Kurt Leuschner Rocoveri, James H Webb P O Box 1000 70065 Sonora Road Advertising / Sales Meru #267 Gideon Bett EAWLS HEAD OFFICE Mountain Centre Netherlands CA 92561 SWARA Offices P O BOX 20110 – 00200, Stichting EAWLS Riara Road, off Ngong Road, Riara Road, Kilimani, Nairobi Ridderhoflaan 37 Lawrence A Wilson Kilimani, Nairobi Tel: 254-20-3874145 Fax: 254-20-3870335 2396 C J Koudekerk 3727 Summitridge A/D RIJN Drive P O Box 20110-00200 Nairobi, Kenya Email: [email protected] Atlanta SPAIN GA 30340 Tel: + 254 ( 20 ) 3874145 Members are requested to address any Fax: + 254 ( 20 ) 3870335 Lidia Sanchez Rugules que­ries to the Executive Director c/o Nutria 26 Gordon Crombie E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] La Moraleja 28109 2725 Park Ave Franklin Park Letters to the Editor: [email protected] SWEDEN IL 60131 Hugo Berch SWARA is a quarterly magazine owned and published­ Össjö Gård Grant & Barbara by the East African Wild Life Soci­ e­ ty,­ a non-profit­ S-266 91 Munka- Winther making­ organ­ i­sa­ tion­ formed in 1961 following the Ljungby 867 Taurnic Pl. NW amalgamation of the Wildlife Soci­ e­ ties­ of Kenya­ and Bainbridge Island Tanza­ nia­ (themselves both founded­ in 1956). It is the SWITZERLAND WA 98110 Society’s poli­cy­ to conserve­ wildlife­ and its habitat Anton-Pieter Duffhuis in all its forms as a regional and inter­ na­ tion­ al­ resource. Vollenweld Charles Kasinga

Copyright © 2012 East African Wild Life Society. No CH – 8915 Hausen Kenya.com Inc part of this publication may be reproduced by any Am Albis 16152 Beach Blvd means whatsoever without the written consent of the Suite 117 editor. Opinions­ expressed­ by contrib­ u­ tors­ are not nec­ Therese & Bernhard Huntington Beach essar­ i­ly­ the official view of the Society. SWARA ac­cepts Sorgen CA 92647-3523 the in­for­ma­tion given by con­trib­u­tors as correct. SWARA appreciates the continued support it Erlenweg 30 receives from Fauna and Flora International 8302 Kloten

4 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org Editor's Letter

Africans to take more “ownership” of Wrangham, the American chimpanzee their environment, something that expert. the late Wangari Maathai would have Regular readers will know that we try approved of. She is remembered in this to provide as much regional coverage as issue by the award-winning “Bee-man” we can. We are, after all, the magazine of Dino Martins, while his sister-in-eco- the East African Wild Life Society. For the arms, Paula Kahumbu, updates us on the first time in many years SWARA is now real threat of poisons and how Kenyan being distributed in Tanzania and Uganda government interest might light the way and se welcome readers there. You join a for other African governments to halt growing band of supporters throughout this menace. Our Executive Director Nigel the Africa, Europe and America. Hunter, whose safari boots have dust on Our hope for 2012 is that there will be them from Botswana through Tanzania to more readers of the magazine, recipients Uganda and Kenya and beyond, looks at of the EAWLS bi-monthy newsletter and o Africans care about their wild the whole notion of communities getting members of the society. Our advocacy is life and environment? Or is it some benefit from natural resources. only as strong as our resources, and we Djust a playground for the foreign Our partners and allies in the Tanzania know that the most important resource visitor with knock-on bonuses for the Natural Resource Forum have provided us in our armoury is the growing body hotel and lodge industry, plus a windfall with a stock-take of how our neighbour’s of people who care about the sound for the tax coffers? Mordechai Ogada, natural resources are faring in the early governance of our habitat. Please give in typically trenchant style, reminds part of the 21st century. It makes good someone EAWLS membership this year, us in his Opinion contribution that reading and we would encourage you to and help us even more than you do now. the Victorian “zoo” model is outdated follow their activities on www.tnrf.org. A green, prosperous and peaceful and argues for a more enlightened and There is much more in this first issue 2012 to you all. modern approach to sharing nature of 2012 too, including Felix Patton’s between man (and woman) and beast. intrepid quest for rhinos in Zambia and Andy Hill At the heart of his beliefs is a plea for an interview from Uganda with Richard Editor

www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 5 LETTERS TO THE EDIT0R

Maasai Cattle in the Maasai Mara Reserve July 1, 2011 Page 2

Since there is no drought here, there is no reason for cattle to be grazing inside the reserve. If there isn’t enough grass to feed their cattle, the Maasai need to keep fewer cattle so they can adequately graze on their own land, not in the reserve. Or use feed lots away from the reserve boundaries. Why are there no consequences for such an incursion? Are fines being levied, cattle being confiscated? Tourists pay exorbitant park fees (now $70 per day) and are restricted to the reserve. If they venture into Koiyaki to track big cats, they must pay an additional $80 daily fee, yet cattle graze in the reserve and frighten away its wildlife — which tourists are paying to see — without penalty.

If this continues, Maasai cattle will overgraze all the grassland in the area of Governors’ Camp and beyond, leaving nothing for the wildebeests and zebras to eat when the migration comes — if it comes. Why would the grazers come at all if there’s nothing to eat? They’ll stay on the other side of the river, making it impossible for tourists to see the migration without going to the other side. Many tourism-related jobs will be imperiled. One of the wonders of the natural world will be ruined. All because nobody is paying attention. Kenya can’t afford to jeopardize much-needed tourism dollars, the world can’t afford the loss of the Maasai Mara and the annual wildebeest migration. It needs to be preserved for future generations.

Sincerely,

Enclosures: 4 photos Michele Burgess, Tour Leader Travel & Wildlife Photographer cc: Kenya Wildlife Service County Council of Narok Kenya Tourist Board Swara Magazine BBC Wildlife Magazine Ari Grammaticas, Governors’ Camp Discover Kenya Safaris

professional hunting. At least when there were hunting blocks people were able to observe what was going on - nowadays it seems it is all too hard for the authorities. I look forward to a more positive edition in the future.

Charles S Kerfoot 337 Balmoral Road JARRAHDALE West Australia 6124

REPLY FROM EDITOR

Sorry you find SWARA depressing. You seem to be in a very small minority given the steady rise in sales, especially on newsstands, over the past two years and the general tenor of feedback we receive. We try to balance Dear SWARA, the positive with the less so but the articles are the views of a Who's Who of the conservation world, not our own. As a member of the EAWLS I am getting very depressed, in Flicking through recent issues on the shelf behind me fact dreading the SWARA magazine arriving. I've got to the I can see a wealth of positive news, from the salvation stage where I am expecting very negative reporting. I have of the Angolan Giant Sable to the fencing of Kenya's very recently visited Kenya, I saw some very positive things Aberdares and the creation of Beach Management Units and came across tourists who had visited the game parks and at the Kenyan coast, not to mention income-generating been thrilled with what they had seen. I have friends here in initiatives in Madagascar and the training of park Australia who see the magazine and wonder why anyone visits rangers sin South Sudan. Kenya, given the negativity of the magazine. For the sake In the current issue you are about to read (or of my sanity please try and put at least something positive - not) you'll find a good mix of positive and negative otherwise I might as well cease to be a member. developments too, from Zambia to the Seychelles to the I am person, born and bred in Kenya, return frequently, Taita hills. As for hunting, we asked an expert to write it and I would not go if I didn’t see something positive. I think up for us: see Economics of Trophy Hunting in Africa - an article on population growth and the current mood to do SWARA 2010:04). I'm not sure an article on population something would be more positive. growth would raise the spirits. Most likely the opposite. In my opinion Kenya should never have stopped AJH

6 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org CONSERVATION NEWS ROUNDUP

Uganda, Tanzania Kenya’s first easement expands and China in huge Nairobi park rail link plan Nairobi National Park has been expanded by more Uganda and Tanzania have signed a joint than 100 acres through $450 million agreement with the China the signing of Kenya’s first Civil Engineering Construction Company voluntary easement deal. To (CCECC) to conduct a feasibility study for a counter the alarming decline new proposed railway from the Tanzanian of wildlife and habitat due port of Tanga port to Musoma, on the to development and land shores of Lake Victoria and then to Uganda. fragmentation, Mr. John Uganda plans to build a new port on its Keen, 86, and his family have side of Lake Victoria to connect with a new protected their land through railway ferry link to Musoma. Uganda and the conveyance of an environmental Kipng’etich, Director of Kenya Wildlife Tanzania have also signed a Memorandum easement to the African Wildlife Service, Erna Kerst, Director of USAID of Understanding worth over $3 billion Foundation (AWF) and Kenya Wildlife and AWF, KWS and USAID staff. for the construction of the railway line and Service (KWS). “Kenya’s national parks, sanctuaries, development of the three ports. An easement is a voluntary agreement and reserves safeguard roughly eight “We hope implementation will start that restricts certain uses of the land in per cent of the country’s land for very soon and that the feasibility study will order the keep it open for wildlife. The wildlife habitat, but these protected take between three and six months and the Keens retain full ownership of the land, areas are small to support viable project completed by 2015,” Tanzania’s but are subject to the restrictions agreed populations of wildlife and not Minister of Transport, Omar Nundu, was upon between the land owner and the connected,” said Gichohi. “To secure quoted as saying. The minister described holder of the easement Kenya’s remaining wild places, we need improved infrastructure as instrumental in Keen’s land is adjacent to Nairobi creative solutions like easements.” promoting East African Community (EAC) National Park and the execution of a “The value of the property under economic integration. voluntary environmental easement adds easement will increase tremendously in His Ugandan counterpart, Chebrat over 100 hectares of habitat. Nairobi coming years and change the fortunes Slepher, said there could be no development National Park, one of Kenya’s most of the Keen family while contributing without transport. “The most interesting visited parks, is dependent upon the open to conservation for posterity. Wildlife part of this project is that it would reduce lands to the south for wildlife movement, conservation is not about competition; congestion at Mombasa port. Residents and habitat and dispersal. These private lands it’s about partnerships and cooperation traders from Tanzania or Uganda will not have become increasingly threatened by for the benefit of all,” said Kipng’etich have to worry about wasting time in long land sales, land conversion and habitat “Environmental easements have queues waiting to offload or load their good fragmentation, putting the entire Park proven highly effective in other parts now, there are many options,” he said. at risk. of the world, and we believe that they Uganda currently depends almost entirely “I want this land to remain pristine have great potential to be equally on Kenya’s congested Mombasa port for its today and in the future for wildlife and successful in Kenya,” said Kathleen H. imports and exports.Tanzania and Uganda future generations,” said Keen. “We Fitzgerald, Director for Land, AWF. have agreed that a proposed joint rail track have destroyed so much of our land and “We applaud the Keen family for their from Tanga to Arusha and Musoma and wildlife, it is time to save this country decision to place their land under an onward to Kampala, would not cut through of ours!” The agreement was signed at environmental easement and hope the Serengeti national park, ending months a ceremony at Masai Lodge, which is that their conservation leadership will of speculation and conservation concern. owned and operated by the Keen Family. inspire other landowners to do the The line to link Tanga and the Lake It was attended by the Keen Family, same.” Victoria side dock of Port Bell close to Dr. Helen Gichohi, President of the Kampala via Musoma port, would route African Wildlife Foundation, Mr. Julius Ajh nearly 100 km south of the Serengeti to protect the ecosystem, Nundu said. Transportation minister Omar Nundu We try to bring readers, especially overseas, a roundup of the latest conservation news told Tanzania’s Guardian on Sunday that affecting the region. Space is limited by the range of features we try to include in SWARA, the railway line will not touch the Serengeti and, as a quarterly, news is often out of date between the editor’s laptop and the news Park. "Rest assured that the railway line will stand. For more up to date briefings please read our bi-monthly newsletter, which is sent be constructed 100km south of the Serengeti to EAWLS members and the conservation and Safari trade and is also available on our National Park’s sprawling expanse," Nundu website: wwweawildlife.org and check out the EAWLS Facebook page too. declared. www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 7 CHAIRMAN'S letter Trans-boundary challenges in wildlife conservation

hile the East African Wild the East African Community (EAC) and between Uganda and Rwanda. The Life Society focuses on the Common Market for Eastern and managed resources in all these cases Wconservation in specific Southern Africa (COMESA) should take are focussing on the wildlife – there are countries in East Africa, it is greatly the lead in harmonising and preventing very few, if any, cases where the forest concerned with the broader trans- illegal trade plant and animal products. and tree trans-boundary resources per boundary issues that need to be There are other important trans- se are the focus of management, even urgently addressed. There are a number boundary wildlife conservation issues to if there are many places where joint of major issues of a trans-boundary and be addressed. Neighbouring countries management of forest resources shared regional nature where national wildlife share ecosystems for major wildlife by two or more countries would be conservation policies and legislation, heritage. For example, the role of relevant and justified. Future actions are or the lack of their implementation, forests in cross-boundary hydrological needed to strengthen the functioning pose serious threats conservation. In conditions, is becoming more critical as of TFCAs. Furthermore, there is need previous articles I have addressed the water supply within large “watersheds” to understand and to sustain ecological alarming levels of wildlife poaching in such as the Nile, Zambezi and Limpopo linkages between forests and national East African countries including Kenya Rivers, the Lake Victoria Basin, the parks and wildlife reserves in all the and Tanzania. Poaching and illegal Songue River Catchment, and the countries. trade in wildlife products has become Okavango Basin programmes, the Mau However, in the recent past, a major challenge with sophisticated Forest Complex etc. In all these cases, neighbouring countries have pursued cartels moving poached illegal products destabilisation of ecosystem in one conflicting developments which across countries. Large consignments country significantly alters the survival threaten the functioning of TFCAs. For of elephant tusks have recently been chances of wildlife on neighbouring example, we have just witnessed a high impounded in East Asian countries with countries. level stand-off between governments documentation of origin as Kenya, but In some cases, trans-boundary and conservation groups in Kenya presumably the product of poaching in forests and woodlands are degraded and Tanzania over a proposed road other African countries. Apparently, the through settlements of large numbers construction within Tanzania’s cartels have acquired the sophistication of refugees. For example, forests and Serengeti National Park which would that beats controls under CITES and its woodlands in the Kagera River Basin, have seriously affected the spectacular TRAFFIC mechanism. which rises in Burundi and flows annual wildlife migration between The central problem is that, while through Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania Kenya and Tanzania. While the present countries in the region are already party into Lake Victoria, are facing increasing administration in Tanzania appears to several multilateral environmental pressures and degradation as a result of to have shelved the road construction agreements (MEAs), sub-regional sudden and big increases in population, plans, there are no safeguards that protocols and project-based bilateral mainly refugees, often relying on future administrations will not revive instruments, nothing much is being unsustainable land use and natural the development. Clearly, such cases implemented within individual resources management practices. The require more formal commitments countries because the agreements basin’s land and freshwater resource under sound sub-regional agreements and instruments have not been base, and its associated biodiversity, are which can work for wildlife conservation “internalised” in country policies and threatened by a declining productive into the long-term future. In this regard, legislation. In many cases, the countries capacity of cropland, rangeland and it is commendable that the EAC is become party to agreements, with good forests. already addressing policy and legislation intentions, and then fail in follow-up Then there is the long tradition of imperatives for trans-boundary country actions largely due to lack of managing Trans Frontier Conservation management of natural resources. technical capacity. Furthermore, there Areas (TFCA) and wildlife corridors, The East Africa Wild Life Society is need for the countries to collectively particularly in Southern Africa, e.g. offers it expertise and knowledge in the address issues of orderly international the Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) Park ongoing EAC efforts. trade, and particularly how to reduce straddling Angola, Botswana, Namibia, illegal trade in products (e.g. bush meat, Zambia and Zimbabwe, Greater elephant tusks in timber, charcoal, Limpopo, Malawi-Zambia and mid- Fredrick Owino rosewood, blackwood, wild orchids Zambezi-Luangwa areas. In East Africa Chairman EAWLS etc.). Regional economic bodies, such as there is the Mountain Gorilla Project

8 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org School of Kenya; IUCN; Hoopoe Adventure (EA) Ltd; Private Safaris Zurich; Provincial CORPORATE MEMBERS: Tours; Hoopoe Adventure Tours (T) Ltd; J: Insurance (UAP); R: Rekero Camp Ltd; Robin A: Abercrombie & Kent Ltd; Across Africa Jade Sea Journeys, James Finlay (Kenya) Hurt Safaris (K) Ltd; Roy Safaris Ltd (TZ); S: Safaris; Adamji Multi Suppliers Ltd; Africa Ltd; Jascruisers ltd; K: Kenya Agricultural Sitatunga Safaris & Travel (U), Satao Elerai Expeditions Ltd; Africa Safari Specialists; Research Institute; Kenya Association of Camp; S G S Kenya Ltd; Safari Trails Ltd; African Conservation Centre; African Quest Tour Operators; Kenya Comfort Hotel; Kenya Safaris Unlimited (A) Ltd; Safaricom Ltd; Safaris; African Safari Company; African Forestry Research Institute; Kenya Tourist The Safari & Conservation Company; Sarova Secrets Ltd; African Wildlife Foundation; Board; Kenya Wildlife Service Institute; Hotels; Satao Camp; Sinyati Ltd; Solio Ranch African Wildlife Safari P/Ltd (Australia); Kenya Wildlife Service; Kestrel Capital (EA) Ltd; Sopa Lodges Kenya; Southern Cross Africa Line Adventure Kenya Ltd; Air Travel Ltd; Ker & Downey Safaris Ltd; Kensington Safaris Ltd; Sosian Lodge; Bill Stripling; and Related Studies Centre; Ashford Tours & Tours Ltd; Kicheche Mara Camp; Kiwayu Symbion Kenya Ltd; Sunworld Safaris; Travel Ltd; AON Minet Insurance Brokers Ltd; Safari Village Ltd; KAPS limited; Kilima Swedish School; T: Tanganyika Wilderness Apollo Insurance Co Ltd; Anne Kent Taylor camp L: Laikipia Wildlife Forum; Lloyd Camps; Tanzania Game Trackers Safaris; (US); Axel Henniges (Nambia); Aum Holidays Masika Ltd; Lafarge Eco Systems; Let’s Go Tamarind Management; TANAPA (TZ); The Ltd; B: Bamburi Cement; Bartkus, John; Tours; Let’s Go Travel; Liberty Africa Safaris; African Adventure Company; The Safari & Basecamp Travel Nairobi; Borana Ranch Library of Congress Office; Luca Safaris Conservation Comapny; Transnational Bank; Ltd; Bush and Beyond; C: Camp Kenya Ltd; Lino Typesetters (Kenya) Ltd; Lewa Turtle Bay Beach Club; Tusker Safaris Ltd; Ltd; Carbacid (CO2) Ltd; Cheli & Peacock Wildlife Conservancy; M: Meerten J Ubbens Tawi Lodge; The Beswick Family fund;U: Management Ltd; Chemicals & Solvents (Holland) Bobby McKenna (Kiundi);Magadi Unga Group Ltd; Unighir Ltd; Unilever Kenya (EA) Ltd; Comity Travel; Consolidated Soda Company; Makini School; Mara Limited; Unilever Tea Kenya Ltd; United Procurement (SA);CMC Holdings Ltd; Landmark Ltd; Micato Safaris; Mombasa Millers; Utalii College; V: Vintage Africa Ltd; Conservation Corporation Africa; D: Delta Air Safari Ltd; Monsanto Central Africa INC; W: Wilderness Lodges; Wilderness Trails/ Dunes Ltd; Discover Kenya Safaris; Deeper Mount Kenya Sundries; Muthaiga Country Tropical Trails (TZ); Wildland Adventures Africa (USA); Diwaka Tours & Travel Ltd; E: Club; Mpala Ranch; Mweka College of Africa (USA); Wildlife Safari Kenya; Williamson Tea Eyes on Africa Safaris, Eastern & Southern Wildlife Management (TZ); Musiara Ltd (K) Ltd; WWF Eastern Africa; Z: ZDF German Safaris; Exclusive African Treasures; F: N: Nakumatt Holdings Ltd; Niabor Camps Television Fairview Hotel; Fundi Lagoon Resort; Ltd; Nature Encounters Tours & Travel Ltd Friends of the Mau Watershed (FOMAWA) (CA); The Star; Nature Expeditions Africa; G: Gamewatchers Safaris;Gold park estates DONORS: Natural Light Films, TZ; O: Offbeat Safaris A F E W (K) Ltd; Kobo Safaris; Mr & Mrs T Don limited; Gorilla Forest Camp Ltd; Gold Park Ltd; Olonana; On Course Consultancy Ltd; Hibner; Commercial Bank of Africa; English Estates Ltd; Guerba (K) Limited; H: Harry P Ol Pejeta Conservancy; Origins Safaris; Press Ltd; Royal African Safaris; Serena Ewell; Heritage Hotels; Highlands Mineral Oserian Development Company Ltd; Osho Lodges & Hotels, Singita Grumeti Reserves Water Co Ltd; Highlight Travel Limited; Chemicals Industries Ltd; P: Pan Africa Life (T); Robin Hurt Safaris (T) Ltd; Real Insurance Southern Sun Mayfair Nairobi; Hospitality Assurance Ltd; Paws Africa Safaris; Peregrine Company Limited; Bench International Management Services (Eco Resorts); I:Ideal Adventures; Pollman’s Tours & Safaris Australia; ZOO & Aquarium Institute Tours and Travel; International Expeditions Ltd; Power Technics Ltd; Private Safaris Inc (USA); Intimate Places Ltd; International

Or join online. www.eawildlife.org www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 9 director's letter

Much to expect in East African conservation in 2012

This could be a significant this should happen, because ‘community land’. Trust land was year for conservation and corrupt land grabbing often aided so called, because local councils the EAWLS role in it across and abetted by civil servants in the held such land on trust for local Ministry of Lands has seriously communities. Alas in the majority East Africa. Let me detail undermined the sanctity of land of cases, Councils rarely honoured some of the challenges transactions as a basic premise of their role as trustees and would ahead: transparency, accountability and frequently lease ‘communal land’ democracy. for a nice inducement. This often gave rise to the privitisation of Kenya The institution set up by the community land. It has still not 2012 could, even should, prove to be constitution is the National Land really sunk into the Government’s a very significant year for Kenya. The Commision, which was meant to be mind how significant this change reform process continues but it is established almost immediately the is and how great the need is to not a straightforward, plain-sailing constitution was promulgated. Yet create a breathing space by freezing happening. Let us look at a couple of here we are nearly 18 months later transactions on community land. issues: and we still do not have a National This has led to an escalation of land Land Commission Act in place. This grabbing, particularly in counties 1. Land is largely due to a tug of war going such as Lamu. Kenyans who voted for the on in the drafting of the Act by the constitution believed they Ministry of Lands, which fears that 2. County Governments were voting for significant land its future is threatened because, lets This major change to the way reform. They believe that the face it, the majority of us feel there Kenya will be governed brings new constitution removes from is no need for a Ministry of Lands, new concerns regarding natural Government control anything to do except as a small policy unit, which resource management. Counties with issuing land titles, sanctioning is not how the Ministry see it. will have their own legislature and land transactions, and registering The other significant element is ability to make decisions regarding land. They care desperately that the replacement of ‘trust land’ by development and resource

10 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org director's letter

management within their counties. Tanzanian Natural Resources this election will be held in August, There are 42 counties. It has been Forum (TNRF) is based on a cross as set out in the Constitution, a tough road getting improved border project looking at the illegal or will be in December, if an transparency and accountability movement of timber across that amendment to the constitution into natural resource management frontier. A report highlighting the succeeds. I am convinced a great at a national level. Emulating this findings should be ready in March. majority of Kenyans woukld like approach with 42 counties is going In January we will be visiting to see the August date prevail, to be a daunting challenge, but one Arusha to explore and discuss other notwithstanding the technical that we have to face. The Society areas of collaboration arguments being promulgated has just been awarded a project to for the December date. But what address this need in four counties 4. Uganda all of us wish and ardently desire as a start. 2012 will be significant Last month the Society and the is that the election is peaceful, in monitoring how this project Uganda Wildlife Society (UWS) fair, transparent and has a clear succeeds. signed a MoU for collaboration. outcome. The need now is to meet UWS and Tanzania and Uganda again explore and discuss how we On that note may I wish you all a happy 2012 should also be the year for can get our collaboration started and successful new year. cementing our ties with these two and active. countries. Let me end by returning to Kenya. Nigel Hunter 3. Tanzania 2012 should be the year of a general Executive Director Our current partnership with the election. We are not sure whether

Z.Boskovic Air Charters Ltd

• Fleet of 15 modern aircraft including seven Cessna • An institution in East African Air charter since 1963. Grand Caravans, which carry up to 13 passengers each. • Flying in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania as well as throughout • Used by the majority of established safari companies Africa. in the region. • We pride ourselves on great services, flexibility and • We also handle freight, photographic flights, aerial providing a first class personalized service for our clients. surveys and provide aid, emergency and relief flying • We have an excellent safety record. services.

Wilson Airport P.O. Box 45646 GPO 00100, Nairobi Tel: +254 020 6006364/ 6006432/ 6001341/ 6000741 Mobile: +254 (0) 733 600208 / 0722 203 852 / +254 (0) 733 555007 / 0724 255 359 Fax: +254 020 6009619 Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Website: www.boskovicaircharters.com

www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 11 opinion Conservation conversations

By MORDECAI OGADA

t is a well- acknowledged fact that When we build an enclosure round a offering what they offered 40 years conservation is a people problem, herd of Hirola to ‘protect’ them from ago (some actually use this fact in Iyet in Kenya we resolutely practice predators like wild dog, why don’t we promotional materials!) You see the our conservation in the manner of remember the fascinating possibility Minister for tourism trying to double ‘preservation’ – the Victorian game- that the wild dog pack may have run arrival numbers, yet we aren’t offering keeper model that was first visited upon 80km to get there, kill one eat it, and anything new. Kenya is a wonderful us by the colonial authorities. run back 80km to the den with full country, but the fact is repeat visitors First it attempted to preserve the bellies to regurgitate meat for the alpha come because they love this land, not wildlife from poaching by the ‘natives’ female and little pups? This, friends is because they expect anything new. You so that the ‘sportsmen’ could shoot them what the ‘wild’ in ‘wildlife’ means. We also see wildlife conservation practices for pleasure and have their trophies cannot keep living systems in ‘glass that should have been consigned to mounted. That era obviously ended a boxes’ and say we are conserving them. history years ago. long time ago, but the mentalities that There is a lament I must make as What is it that ails us? Simple- we were developed then persist to this day, a conservation practitioner – ours is are not talking! Conservationists much to the detriment of conservation the only professional field that people (me included) have their dialogues practice in this country. They manifest enter as a form of self actualization, in exclusive clubs while the “hoi- today in all sorts of ways e.g. calls to cull so the skills that people develop over polloi” who do most of the poaching, hyenas in certain areas ‘because they years of experience in education and deforestation and pollution go are killing baby rhinos’ or to cull lions practice have to do battle with opinions without knowledge. We conservation in certain areas ‘to save Grevy’s zebras’, expressed by bankers, doctors, lawyers, biologists publish wonderful works the creation of ‘sanctuaries’ where political leaders etc (with all due respect in international journals that never the wealthy can keep wild animals to these professions) who are now reach our shores, but never think to in enclosures on their land for their ‘conservationists’. Many a time, we lose write their findings in our local dailies. pleasure, the ‘saving’ of an elephant calf out because the self actualization group The disconnects are numerous. Why, that may have been killed by lions after are always very prominent members of for example, does KWS have a fully separation from the herd. society with a lot of ‘pull’ in all spheres fledged corporate communications I use the word ‘preservation’ here of life. office, but no similar office to dispense in the context of fruit vacuum-packed The preservation attempts that information on conservation issues, in a jar to make jam, and this cannot are going on right now are targeted successes and challenges? work with living systems and species. at retaining the status quo, i.e. the Ours is a field divided into camps It is narrowness of thought that makes tourism products on sale, the profits, that snipe at each other, point fingers someone think about a rhino calf being competitive edge, etc. Banking in Kenya and only grudgingly come together killed and not the hyena cubs that will for example, has changed beyond when it is inescapable, and often share in that meal, or an elephant calf/ recognition in the last 15 years, but when it’s too late to solve the problem Grevy’s zebra being killed and not the what about tourism and conservation? at hand. The net result of this is a lion cubs being raised on that meat. You see tour and safari companies limited field of vision that is sometimes

12 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org There is a lament I must make as a conservation habitat fragmentation is the greatest challenge to conservation of many practitioner – ours is the only professional field endangered species. that people enter as a form of self actualization, I was stunned when I was asked at a so the skills that people develop over years of recent talk why KWS insists on keeping Ruma National park, despite the experience in education and practice have to poverty of the people living around it do battle with opinions expressed by bankers, and the fact that it isn’t profitable. Well, doctors, lawyers, political leaders etc (with all if they de-gazetted it and ‘gave it to the people’ I can just see the ensuing chaos due respect to these professions) who are now as poor landless people converge on and ‘conservationists’. grab all our parks, including the ‘rich landless’ who will expand Karen into Nairobi National Park and Milimani into Kisumu’s Impala Sanctuary until we have nothing left. Of course, none of this is apparent if you just look at Ruma Park and the poor people in Gwassi and stunning in its narrowness. We have profit is the only measure thereof), but Sindo. ‘conservationists’ who pay monetary we miss the most important factor. The Until we in the conservation field compensation to people in one locality years of apartheid have put in place the can have the courage to step out of our for livestock depredation thinking that structures on the ground and in people’s niches and comfort zones, our natural it will have no effect whatsoever on minds that prevent all the socio-political heritage will be at the mercy of our human-carnivore coexistence in other impacts that Kenya would have. This is bickering, self interests and short term parts of the country. a fact we cannot (and should not) try to vision. This is the most important point Here is a major ‘elephant’ in the escape. One place where sport hunting of this article, and the reason why an conservation ‘room’ that I have works well is in the US, but over there animal ecologist is writing freely about spoken about, and must mention it is an activity of ‘the people’, not politics, sociology and economics. again: consumptive use of wildlife, foreigners, or the elite. Every Tom Dick Conservation is about all these things i.e. cropping for various purposes and and Harry has his gun at home or in the and for too long conservation biologists sport hunting. This is talked about in back of his truck and takes it out when have been trying to study it separately low grumbling tones in cars, homes, the deer season starts. I have never once from these other disciplines. This may clubs and other forums. Some people heard of a foreigner going on a hunting have been appropriate practice back in want it reintroduced in certain areas Safari to the US. There must be some, the 1960s and it resulted in definitive of the country, based on the fact but I think they are very few. works like ‘The African Buffalo’ that there are good, stable (some In Africa, they are ALL foreign. (Anthony Sinclair) ‘The Serengeti Lion’ say growing) populations of certain In Kenya, we cannot get gun licenses (George Schaller) and ‘The Spotted species. Furthermore, they say there (generally speaking) and most of us live hyena’ (Hans Kruuk). However, today are adequate security, monitoring our whole lives and die without ever research that doesn’t look at human and management measures in place touching a firearm (unless, of course dimensions is simply not useful. for sport hunting, and there is no you go through the police, army, KWS, Without a change of direction, we will reason to doubt that any of this is true. parliament, prisons, crime, extreme definitely not succeed in conservation, However, how about the question of wealth…). We should probably also which by definition is a long term socio-political impacts? How will KWS talk to the security agencies about pursuit. arrest local poachers killing a Grants sport hunting and hear their take on it, I may be proven wrong in my gazelle for meat to feed their children because a load of rich people with high opinions here, but to focus on that is when a wealthy foreigner is shooting quality weapons and ammunition may to miss my point. If I provoke support, buffalo for fun in another part of the well be a strong incentive for criminals opposition, change, vitriol or smiles I country? It frightens me to even think to target safari vehicles out on a hunting will have started a conversation. what politicians from the areas near trip to Marsabit, for example. parks would do or say once they took We in the conservation field must up this ‘cause’. I can just hear them say open our eyes and ears if we are to “I will mobilize my people to kill all move forward. If there was effective elephants…” dialogue between ecologists and Dr Mordecai Ogada is the Executive There is a lot of talk and even a trip ‘conservationists’ there wouldn’t be any director of Laikipia Wildlife Forum. He is a sometime in the past to South Africa by in the year 2012(!) who think a species carnivore ecologist and has been involved MPs to see proof of how sport hunting is can be saved by rounding them up into in carnivore conservation work locally and internationally for 13 years. He is also a successfully done there. I do not dispute a predator proof fenced area, because member of the KWS carnivore management that they are doing it successfully (if the latest big ecological finding is that committee and the board of Ecotourism Kenya. www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 13 OPINION

Dino J. Martins (left) and Ikal Angelei (right) join primary school students in Lodwar to plant trees in honour of Wangari Maathai.

Wangari Maathai remembered, - even in the desert

By Dino J. Martins

ven in arid northern Kenya, you know who Wangari Maathai was firm against powerful and corrupt Wangari Maathai’s name and and what she did for us?” the answer forces throughout her life. Ewhat she stood for stands out was a unanimous and resounding People across East Africa and like the silhouette of a great tree on the “Yes!” the world mourned her passing in barren desert landscape. I asked myself, “What was it about September, 2011 when she died of This is what I thought and felt as we Wangari Maathai that inspired and cancer in a Nairobi hospital. Her celebrated the life of the environmental set an example for so many different departure was recognised by tributes and human rights activist at a tree- people from so many different parts from world leaders and her obituary planting ceremony organised by of the world?” Here were hundreds of appeared on the BBC, CNN, in the Ikal Angelei and the Friends of children, citizens of the town, students New York Times and the Guardian, Lake Turkana near Lodwar (www. from the U.S. and even refugees as well as hundreds of other forms friendsoflaketurkana.org). willing to take action to plant trees and of print and digital media across the We planted trees at a primary school nurture them to honour a woman and world. Messages of condolences and and an internally-displaced people’s her example. Why was it that the world recognition came from world leaders (IDP’s) camp. As we gently lowered listened to what she had to say? including President Barack Obama seedlings into the sandy soil and Wangari Maathai won the Nobel and the UN Secretary General Ban Ki- carefully watered them, I reflected on Peace Prize in 2004 for, according to Moon. She was honoured with a state how wonderful it was that even here the Nobel committee: “her contribution funeral in Kenya. in northern Kenya’s remote deserts we to sustainable development, democracy Wangari Maathai’s example were celebrating the life and example and peace,” which she primarily did and message is one of particular of Wangari Maathai. through the Green Belt Movement that importance to Africa. Long before she When the head teacher of the she founded. She was a true heroine, was recognized and celebrated on the primary school asked the students: “Do especially for Africans, having stood global stage, she was standing up for

14 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org OPINION

human rights and the environment it was possible to stand up for what one adds a million people a year. Every in Kenya. I first heard of her as a believed in. single citizen, child, farmer, worker student in rural western Kenyan town Thus through her brave example and leader needs sufficient resources of Eldoret. Wangari Maathai was our forests represented not just to survive and prosper. But this in the newspapers for standing up ecological sanctuaries. They were also development cannot proceed apace to the Daniel arap Moi regime and the sanctuaries for our souls, hopes without taking environmental fighting, peacefully but literally, to save and dreams. Wangari Maathai inspired sustainability into account Karura Forest and other public green a whole generation of Kenyans to care Most of Kenya’s forest cover spaces from land-grabbers and illegal and to truly believe, that, as she was has been cleared in the last few development. fond of quoting Gandhi: “We MUST decades. Once permanent rivers Her example at this time, when no be the change we want to see in the are now seasonal. Lakes are on the one dared question the authority and world.” Wangari Maathai really lived brink of drying out. Large-scale land power of the state, was incredible. It up to this, as every moment of her life development threatens vast areas. Will meant that for many young Kenyans, she strived to be a force for change. we wake up and heed Wangari’s call? like myself, our view of our country and How can we in East Africa best “We owe it to the present and future how things work included a narrow honour and continue to be inspired by generations of all species to rise up and ray of hope. She was one of the only her example? walk!” truly heroic people of that time, when The task of forest conservation the regime handed out our forests as and achieving a sustainable living gifts to their slathering corrupt friends. environment remains immense, Dino J. Martins is a Kenyan naturalist, Wangari Maathai showed all of us that especially in Africa. Kenya currently artist and writer studying how insects influence both human life and the way For more information on the Green Belt Movement: the world works. He studies the intricate www.greenbeltmovement.org connections between insects and sustainable human enterprise. He asks that everyone For more information on research and conservation in the Turkana Basin: spends a few minutes a day looking at an www.turkanabasin.org insect as a means of enlightenment and inspiration.

www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 15 By Paula Kahumbu Poisoning wildlife in Kenya A chance to show the world how to prevent it

Poisoned Fulvous Whistling Ducks

16 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org conservation

t is now becoming abundantly clear that the intentional and Iunintentional poisoning of wildlife by agricultural pesticides may be the greatest threat to many species of wildlife in Kenya. Kenya’s lion population is down to 1,970 from 15,000 10 years ago and declining at a rate of over 100 per year, primarily due to poisoning. Vulture populations may be down by up to 50% countrywide, and the Egyptian vulture is on the verge of extinction locally. But it is not just lions and vultures. Hyenas, jackals and thousands of birds are also affected by pesticide poisoning annually. WildlifeDirect formed a task force in 2008 to address the issue and has been working with government since then to find a solution. It wasn’t until a joint visit to the Bunyala rice irrigation scheme with the Ministry of Agriculture, Pest Control Products Board, WildlifeDirect and the Kenya Wildlife Service that the diverse implications of wildlife poisonings were really made apparent to all. Hunters use pesticides to bait wading birds in the rice paddies leading to the deaths of tens of thousands of storks, doves, and other wading birds annually. But that’s not all that is affected by the pesticides – there is a huge complex web of impact. The paddy water is also used for bathing and drinking, and the poisoned birds are eaten by humans. Fish, frogs, snails and other invertebrates in the water are killed, kingfishers and fish eagles are secondary targets of the poisoned fish and frogs. Perhaps the most worrying to government officials is the exposure of people to these pesticides, including children who drink the contaminated water, and eat the poisoned meat. That is not to mention the actual poachers who handle the pesticides directly with bare hands. Residents of the area claim that they experience bouts of dizziness, headaches, joint aches and even miscarriages and even deaths, however none could be verified conclusively to be linked to pesticides. Neverthless, all of these are symptoms of acute or chronic exposure to pesticides. The one-week visit, which included interviews with local authorities, poachers and pesticide outlets, revealed

www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 17 conservation

Kenya’s lion population is down to 1,970 from 15,000 10 years ago and declining at a rate of over 100 per year, primarily due to poisoning. Vulture populations may be down by up to 50% countrywide, and the Egyptian vulture is on the verge of extinction locally.

TOP: Poisoned Openbills FAR RIGHT: Intoxicated Knob-billed Duck and dead Fulvous BELOW: Poisoned Openbills being packed for sale

that the pesticide poisoning of birds was an ongoing practice, and that there were certain individuals who were specialized in this activity behind the practice. These individuals claimed that the killing of birds for food was a cultural practice, and that the use of pesticides was simply a modern and more effective means of acquiring this cheap protein. The birds were being sold to a known clientele and the authorities admitted that the poaching was virtually impossible to halt due to the combination of the difficult and vast terrain, the ease of access to pesticides, and the cultural basis for the practice. During the visit the authorities had the foresight to meet poachers and really get to understand the basis for their actions and then advise them on the dangers to themselves and their communities through the exposure to pesticides in water, and in the consumption of birds that were poisoned by pesticides. The chemicals being used included pesticides that are not even meant to be in Kenya, including Furadan ,which was withdrawn by

18 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org conservation

The stakeholders include the Ministry countries in Africa including Tanzania, of health, veterinary department, the Ethiopia, Uganda and even Rwanda. In Agriculture ministry, wildlife, water and Zimbabwe, pesticides are being used the irrigation boards, local authorities, to poison large animals like elephants the police, and the ministry of internal and rhino by poisoning waterholes, security. and in doing so kill everything that Now conservationists including comes down to drink. In some lakes WWF and WildlifeDirect are working crocodiles are dispatched by hunters with government officials to create a with pesticide-laden fish, and from time the manufacturers FMC after it was communication plan and fund-raising to time people are sickened and even revealed through the popular news show proposal to address the problem of killed after eating the flesh of poisoned in CBS 60 Minutes in America that this wildlife poisoning across the country. animals. In South Africa and some west pesticide was the foremost killer of lions Our plans include site visits to several African countries, vultures are poisoned in Kenya. However, despite it’s removal other locations in the country where and then their heads eaten in traditional from Kenyan shelves, it is still available we recognize that the poisoning of medicines. in border areas as stocks were simply wildlife is a major threat. We welcome When it comes to pesticide poisoning redistributed to Kenyan neighbours any support towards this initiative to of wildlife, Kenya has this opportunity Tanzania and Uganda. stop the pesticide poisoning of wildlife to lead the way in Africa to defend The fact-finding mission to Bunyala through donations to WildlifeDirect native and migratory species of animals this year created new opportunities that will be used for further research and birds, as well as the people and for the authorities to recognize the and documentation, creation of a industries who depend on them. problem and address it. One of the communication materials, and site key outcomes was acknowledgement visits for fact finding, enforcement and that the problem is real. A follow up reporting. Dr. Paula Kahumbu works tirelessly to meeting concluded that education was It is a huge boost to Kenya that protect Kenya's wildlife and wild places. She critical to empower those in positions the government is looking for means is the Executive Director of WildlifeDirect, the of influence, power and authority, as of halting the pesticide poisoning onling blogging platform for conservationists, and the Kenya Land Conservation Trust. She well as the users of these pesticides and here and the lessons learned may be also volunteers as Chairman of the Friends of the consumers of the poached meat. equally if not more valuable to other Nairobi National Park, FONNAP. www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 19 conservation Conservation in Tanzania A treasure trove needing sound management

by the Tanzania Natural Resource Forum in consultation with experts in the natural resource sector in Tanzania.

here’s no doubt about forms the basis for the country’s communities are proficient at it – Tanzania is a special tourism sector, its number two foreign sustainably managing their natural Tcountry when it comes to all exchange earner, which, despite global resources. Instead, it seems that things natural and how it has set financial troubles, has continued to do the inexorable decline is closely about conserving and managing quite well. linked to weak governance and its natural heritage. The country However, there is sufficient the pattern of under-performance can boast of having two of the empirical and circumstantial evidence of some of its natural resource world’s 27 biodiversity hotspots to strongly suggest that Tanzania’s management institutions. So what and amongst the most diverse wildlife, forests and inshore fisheries is really happening, and what and biggest collection of large are all in decline. As one of the poorest might the future hold? mammals on earth. countries in the world, with a rapidly Village land is at the heart of In many regards, Tanzania growing population, Tanzania faces the country’s land tenure and can hold its head high as being a an array of challenges in trying to management system, and, with global conservation leader—more prevent its natural resource base from the exception of urban areas than 40% of its terrestrial surface declining further and undermining and state reserved lands, (for area is ostensibly managed for the country’s future development. example, state protected areas), conservation under a terrestrial Simply put, Tanzania’s long-term global village land comprises the vast protected area system, ranging economic advantage largely depends majority of land in the country. from strict protection, to on maintaining and innovatively re- Among its strengths, the land sustainable utilization in protected investing in its renewable natural framework underpins an integrated areas, to multiple-use community- resources. system of protected areas on state managed areas. It also has a Although the vast majority of rural lands with community-based system of marine protected areas Tanzanians rely on natural resources natural resource management on and beach management units for at least part of their livelihoods, interconnecting village lands. To (managed for and by communities), the decline of these resources cannot some, this might seem a misplaced and is in the process of improving alone be explained by population utopian dream, but in actuality this the management of its offshore growth and poverty. Indeed, there is system stands to be at the cutting fisheries. The extensive system of growing evidence worldwide that given edge of global conservation and national parks and game reserves the right enabling environment, poor business practices. With better

20 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org conservation

support, this structure could form the right environment for innovative and mutually beneficial long-term private-public business partnerships – a key ingredient for sustained success in linking conservation to rural development in Tanzania. Unfortunately, the reality belies this vision: conflicts of interest, inefficient and ineffective bureaucracy and a lack of accountability are undermining the full development potential offered by the country’s natural resources. It is little wonder that Tanzanians often rue the irony of being citizens of a resource- rich country yet stubbornly remaining some of the poorest people in the world.

Forest management and conservation The forest sector in Tanzania has long been regarded as progressive and Looking out onto a Village Land Forest Reserve in Kilwa district, Lindi Region. potentially effective legal frameworks in the region. A highlight of Tanzania’s forest law is Participatory Forest Management (PFM), which allows having contradictory definitions of forest management institutions at communities to manage forests village land. local level (i.e. village natural resource on village lands. Some 45% of the Despite this policy and legal committees) remain weak and under- country’s 35.3 million ha of forests and framework, the large area of forest still developed, with insufficient capacity woodlands are under formal protection, under open access means Tanzania and ability to realise the full benefits of representing about 527 government- suffers from a relatively high rate PFM. Some research suggests that most managed forest reserves. Roughly 12% of deforestation, estimated at 1.16% benefits go to local elites. Underlying of the protected estate is under PFM, per year (19th highest globally)1 and conflicting interests between local either as Joint Forest Management about 410,000 ha lost per year (5th government authorities, village (JFM), a community-government highest globally) . Currently, a highly governments and forest user groups partnership on state reserved land, or as sophisticated countrywide forest compound this. The approach adopted Community-Based Forest Management inventory is being undertaken to better thus far in supporting the development (CBFM) on village lands. understand the status of Tanzania’s and evaluation of PFM needs to be Evidence suggests PFM performs forests. While most biologically reviewed. If it isn’t, progress achieved in as well as or better than state forest important forest areas are under rolling out PFM will likely be lost. reserves in terms of the maintenance some form of protection (either state State forest reserves are in a of forest condition. However, 17.3 or community), concerns exist as to declining state. Management has million hectares (49%) of the country’s how effective the protection is. In been under-resourced for many years, forests exist on what is viewed by sum, the country’s forest loss is linked with government staff often admitting the government to be ‘general lands’. to the extent the forest policy and that forest reserves are becoming Most general land is regarded by local legal framework has (or hasn’t) been reserves ‘on paper’ alone. However, communities as ‘village land’, but in implemented. the forthcoming launch (in mid-2012) practice their rights to the land and the PFM has seen impressive of the Tanzania Forest Service, a fully- trees thereon remain widely unsecured achievements, yet the low local level fledged executive agency, may help to and at risk. This is despite a general earnings from CBFM and the continued rescue this situation. It will need to view in government that this land lack of a revenue-sharing arrangement secure adequate resources and wisely should become village land through a between communities and state under invest in and manage its production and process of local-level land-use planning JFM are concerning. Communities conservation forest estate. and registration. The underlying aren’t receiving the incentives and Related to this issue, the forest ambiguity arises from the two main benefits that are needed. Linked to sector has suffered from chronic pieces of land legislation in Tanzania this, there are strong indications that levels of revenue under-collection (as

1FAO 2010. Global Forest Forest Resources Assessment, FAO, Rome www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 21 conservation

much as a 95% loss) and illegality in be an effective tool for conservation. But parks (photographic tourism) and game forest resource– particularly timber REDD is a highly complex undertaking, reserves (hunting tourism). National and charcoal. For example, of the and its success should not be taken for Parks depend on dispersal areas outside 29,000 bags of charcoal estimated to granted. Immediate issues that need their boundaries to maintain ecological be entering Dar es Salaam each day, to be clarified for the success of REDD viability. Like Kenya, declines in wildlife only 20% appear to be legal and taxed. in Tanzania are tree and land tenure habitat and conversion to other uses, Additionally, there is insufficient vision rights, as well as equitable benefit such as small and large scale farming, and clarity as to how more sustainable sharing mechanisms, particularly for have had significant impacts on wildlife wood based fuel commodity chains communities. inside national parks. In addition, there (particularly charcoal) can be achieved. have been increasing levels of illegal Finally, Tanzania is preparing for an Wildlife management and wildlife off-take that have begun to have emerging new global mechanism for conservation noticeable impacts on some species conserving forests in order to Reduce The wildlife sector provides the basis for and populations. At present, there is a (Greenhouse Gas) Emissions from much of Tanzania’s tourism industry. major poaching crisis for elephant tusk Deforestation and Forest Degradation In 2007, the industry contributed USD and rhino horn. In all of Tanzania’s (REDD). This mechanism would enable 1.6 billion to the economy (11% of GDP). main wildlife areas, more species of Tanzania to be paid for proactive and Of this, USD 1.1 billion was in direct wildlife are decreasing than increasing. additional forest conservation. Enabling foreign exchange earnings - 33 per Wildlife management falls under forest owners, such as communities, to cent of the country’s exports.2 Tourism four main jurisdictions. National parks be paid for conservation efforts, could typically involves visits to national are managed by Tanzania National

A tree-climbing lion, Serengeti National Park

2Mitchell, J., Keane, J. 2009. Making tourism work for the poor: Package tourism in northern Tanzania. Report for ODI and SNV, London.

22 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org conservation

Wildebeest graze near a household in Terrat, Simanjrio District.

Parks (TANAPA, an independent falling under management of its portfolio of fifteen parks. This has executive agency), likewise Ngorongoro the Wildlife Division: many of helped to improve its representational Conservation Area is managed by an these areas form the basis for the coverage and protection of the independent authority (NCAA). All country’s hunting industry. country’s ecozones, although it remains game reserves and other terrestrial 4. The ability of community and other incomplete. TANAPA’s overall success wildlife protection areas directly landholders to sustainably manage has led to the northern parks becoming fall under the Wildlife Division, and and benefit as much as possible very crowded, and efforts continue wildlife management areas on village from wildlife. to be made to develop tourism in lands are managed by ‘authorized the southern parks to improve their associations,’ which are accountable to Regional experience demonstrates economic viability. the Wildlife Division. Correspondingly, that unless a policy environment Unfortunately, TANAPA has suffered this leads to four major areas of interest is created that allows wildlife to from high levels of interference from in terms of the state of the wildlife become economically competitive the political establishment, with senior sector in Tanzania and the nature of to other competing land uses, such politicians over-riding officially agreed its governance (incentives, regulatory as agriculture, it will die out. The park management plans (for example, framework and support) underpinning: long-term adverse impacts on the in terms of hotel concessions) and also overall functioning and diversity extra-legally appropriating TANAPA’s 1. The degree to which the country’s of the ecosystems become worse as financial resources. Additionally, national parks - as the major protected areas become increasingly TANAPA, NCAA and other similar resource for the tourism industry wildlife-sparse ‘wildlife islands’. For executive agencies struggle with the - are making wise investments and example, this is already happening in levels of patronage and conflicts of management decisions in their the Tarangire ecosystem, a key part of interest in the high-level appointment estate and in the interests of their Tanzania’s northern tourism circuit, of boards that have undermined the partners (communities and the which accounts for the majority of professional management of these private sector); Tanzania’s tourism revenues. The organisations. 2. The ability of NCAA to rise to the ecosystem has shown major declines in In recent years the Ngorongoro challenges of managing a multi- migratory wildlife that depend on the Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, use conservation area, adhering increasingly fragmented dispersal areas has become mired in controversy. There to social and environmental outside the park. are general questions about how the safeguards; Despite such challenges, TANAPA area is being managed by its authority, 3. The management of the country’s has gone through a substantial with a wide range of shortcomings game reserves, game controlled rejuvenation and expansion over the last from improper siting and allocation areas and other protected areas 20 years, adding four new properties to of tourism concessions, to financial www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 23 conservation

The world-famous Great Migration, Ndutu, Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

impropriety and mismanagement, to a it has long been mired by allegations of revenues to more than double to over failure to implement multi-use natural corruption. In response, two separate USD 50 million per year. Yet it is resource management in a sufficiently parliamentary inquiries have been debateable whether the reforms will participatory and holistic manner. In launched and several reports released lead to a more sustainable industry. The theory the authority should exist to about the hunting industry in the new hunting system has increased the manage the crater on behalf of the local last five years. These have eventually number of blocks in the country, from residents who claim customary rights led to reforms. A full inventory and 158 (in 2002 there were 131 blocks), it over the area. But the reality is that assessment of hunting blocks was is understood without proportionately residents play a very little role in the carried out in 2008/2009 leading to reducing hunting quotas. Trophy fees management and governance of the a new hunting management system, could be increased by as much as a NCA. which will begin operation in the factor of four. In this regard, hunting Hunting stands to play an important 2012-2013 season. Previously hunting quotas are not scientifically set, and role in Tanzania’s wildlife sector, block prices were not categorised the mechanism for doing so is not particularly in the vast stretches of across different areas, but this has transparent. While attempting to carry woodlands where photographic tourism now changed, with five categories out overdue reforms that have been is marginal. Hunting takes place in of increasing hunting block quality, strongly advocated by a wide range hunting blocks across the country’s ranging from USD 5,000 to USD of interests, the Wildlife Division still game reserves and in game controlled 60,000 per year. has some way to go to better manage areas. However, Tanzania’s hunting The hunting industry has not the hunting industry. This is all the industry has suffered from poor been producing high enough levels of more a concern when the Wildlife management and perverse incentives; revenue, and government now expects Division remains unable to bring

24 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org conservation

only be hoped that overtime the WMA development process becomes simpler, better designed, and their management more community based and locally accountable with higher levels of performance.

Concluding thoughts Tanzania has invested heavily in conservation, and continues to do so, in terms of the land it has set aside. Yet recent and continuing developments – such as the likely soda ash factory at Lake Natron, the controversy of the Serengeti Road, Uranium Mining in the Selous Game Reserve and a planned port development in Mwambani impinging on a marine protected area – demonstrate that there will be an increasing range of interests competing with conservation for access to these resources, not to mention the significant impacts that climate change poses on A giraffe cooling off in Tarangire National Park. natural resource management as well. Nevertheless, it is all the more important that enterprise based on the wider illicit wildlife use and trade communities and tour operators as well sustainable use of forests, fisheries and under control, including the poaching as a growing number of land easements. wildlife – the business of conservation crisis, the ongoing bushmeat trade, All other factors being equal, these – become increasingly economically and controversial ‘grey’ exports of live initiatives have resulted in significant competitive and efficient, and aligned animals (including birds). success in terms of community buy- with the interests of local landholders. Over the last twenty years there in, community control, community In this regard, the land and natural has been a long and slow process of benefits and improved conservation resource rights of communities must enabling communities to benefit from outcomes. Perhaps a defining be safeguarded and strengthened. wildlife, most recently through Wildlife differentiator is that state-sponsored This means that the government Management Areas (WMAs). WMAs community wildlife initiatives tend allows – and supports – the rights have been widely critiqued for being to be driven and controlled by the of local communities in partnership bureaucratic, expensive to implement, state and local elites, with underlying with the private sector to develop poorly implemented and removing too objectives that may be at variance innovative ways of creating thriving much control from communities. The with local community interests. ‘green’ businesses, helping secure better result has been some improvement in The unofficial community wildlife conservation and livelihoods outcomes. the level of benefits being received by initiatives tend to be co-driven through The government also needs to bring communities from wildlife, but far less collaborations between communities, political interference under control and than expected. There also appears to civil society, the private sector, and improve its governance of the natural be significant levels of elite capture, sometimes, local government. These resources it holds in trust for Tanzania heightened levels of conflict between seek to align conservation incentives and the world, building on best communities (as a result of poor design with local livelihoods, and achieve as practices from across the continent. and inappropriate facilitation) and much community control as possible. unknown (or poorly documented) Importantly, they provide benefits impacts on local livelihoods (both up-front in a transparent, accountable positive and negative). Further, it is and monitored manner. Unlike The Tanzania Natural Resource Forum (TNRF) not clear whether WMAs have had a WMAs, these initiatives tend to start is a network based in Arusha that seeks to improve policy and practice on positive impact on wildlife populations simple, adaptively evolve and develop conservation through improved governance and wildlife habitat. appropriate levels of complexity over and accountability in relation to Tanzania’s As a result of the constraints posed time. natural resources. It seeks to build bridges by WMAs, a number of simpler informal Despite the challenges, WMAs between local communities’ needs and community initiatives have been remain central to the development of laws and policies governing use of natural resources. independently started. These include community-based wildlife in Tanzania direct access agreements between as the only official mechanism. It can www.tnrf.org www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 25 Conservation

Zambia Now for something a little different

By Felix Patton

or a safe, self-drive safari, Zambia has a lot to offer. If you Fhave a spirit of adventure but do not want to take unnecessary risk, travelling around the country and between wildlife areas in the dry season is ideal. Arriving at Lusaka airport by Kenya Airways from Nairobi, a double cab Toyota Landcruiser with rooftop tent and camping equipment was ready and waiting courtesy of Limo Car Hire. The rest of the day was spent stocking up with food and drink, getting used to driving the automatic car, erecting the roof top tent and identifying what more camping equipment was needed. There can be no safari to Zambia without a trip to the Victoria Falls or, as it is known locally the Mosi-oa-Tunya — 'The Smoke Which Thunders'. An early start to the 500 km trip from Lusaka on a good tar road took only a few hours allowing plenty of time to walk around and view the stunning spectacle of the cascading waters as the sun set. It is difficult to do justice to this “wonder of the world” in words, it has to be seen to be believed. The long journey from Lusaka was made even more worthwhile by a visit, the following morning, to the Mosi-oa- Tunya National Park which spreads out along about 20 km of the Zambezi river bank. The Park is split into two sections by a main road. The freely accessed south area includes tall riverine forest with palm trees, miombo woodland and grassland with plenty of birds, and animals including giraffe, zebra, warthog, sable, eland, buffalo, impala and other antelope. The north area can Crossing the river on a Buffalo Camp walking safari in North Luangwa National Park. only be accessed on an organised tour with visitors walking to view Zambia’s only free living White rhinos (see pg 27).

26 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org Conservation

With the unmissable Victoria Falls being in the far south of Zambia but the best game viewing probably in the easterly located South Luangwa National Park, a long 1000 km drive was inevitable with an overnight stop on the outskirts of Lusaka breaking up the journey. The standard of the tarred Great Eastern road was surprisingly excellent and, after 580 km, Mama Rula’s campsite in Chipata was easily reached. The additional 130 km to the Park entrance could have been made the same day but there was no rush. The 9,500 km2 South Luangwa NP needs more than one day to investigate and the Croc Valley campsite lying along the banks of the Luangwa river and only some 3 km from Mfue Main Gate, was Thornicrofts giraffe in South Luangwa National Park. an ideal place to stay. Elephants and hippos were regularly seen in the river and even coming through the camp at night. The small swimming pool was a welcome relief from the heat of the day. Apart from an amazingly placid elephant population, SLNP boats some different looking Cooksons wildebeest (with their light coloured coats), Crawshays zebra (with their thin numerous stripes extending down to their hooves) and Thornicrofts giraffe (with their dark neck pattern). Croc Valley also offer guided game drives and are allowed to remain in the Park after dark. This really is the only chance to see leopards, albeit a slim one. In the dry season it is possible to drive north on a good sandy road Cookson’s wildebeest seen on a Buffalo Camp walking surrounded by mopane woodland safari in the north area of Kafue National Park. alongside the eastern border of SLNP through the Lupande and Lumimba Game Management Areas. Between the two is a small area of SLNP known as the Nsefu sector and while passing through it two female lions were seen prowling through the bush. The road leads into the 245 km2 Luambe National Park. This park is managed on behalf of ZAWA by Luangwa Wilderness e.V. a private charitable organisation who have built Wilderness Lodge ,which also boasts a camping site overlooking the Luangwa river and with a large resident hippo pod. Although it is only 240 km between South and North Luangwa National Parks, a stop-over at the Lodge offers the self drive traveller a real feel Hippo pod in the Luangwa River at Wilderness Lodge in the Luambe National Park. of being in the wilderness. However, on driving round one of the game trails,

www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 27 Conservation

the elephants were found to be not so friendly and some rapid reaction was Victoria Falls from the Zambia side. necessary. Unlike its southern counterpart, North Luangwa National Park (NLNP) is an underdeveloped wilderness which is mostly seen on walking safaris. A full range of Zambia’s wildlife can be found but special are the huge herds of buffalo that attract both lions and hyenas. Most of the southern section of the Park has been set aside as wilderness and it is necessary to arrange to stay with one of the safari operators. Getting into the Park across the river on a pontoon was an experience! Buffalo Camp, run by Mark and Mel Harvey, comprises a number of elephant grass huts with en-suite shower and toilet. The huts Lions found in Kafue National Park. overlook the Mwaleshi river, a small tributary of the Luangwa river which has water all year round. Visitors can do self-catering or take full board. The day and afternoon walking safaris consist of a three to four hour wander along the banks of the river, sometimes crossing from one side to the other, where the wildlife come to drink. Buffalo camp’s guide, Sunday, was a mine of information on the wildlife, birds, insects, plants and animal tracks finding the Cooksons wildebeest (with their light coloured coats) but regretfully even he was unable to find a large herd of buffalo or any lions on this occasion. To go from Buffalo Camp to the north of the Park through to Mano Gate Elephant family in Luambe National Park.

28 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org Conservation

involves driving from the bottom of the valley through the North Luangwa Rhino Sanctuary up to the top of the Muchinga Escarpment. Although rarely seen, visitors may come across one of the thirty Black rhinos in the sanctuary (see pg 26). From the Gate to the town of Mpika means an undulating drive along a good dirt road across the Kalenga Mashitu Range. Having spent seven days wildlife watching there is a need for something completely different. A short drive from Mpika up the Great North Road 92 kms and then 30m kms west, is the resort of Kapisha Hot Springs. Its worth the journey in order to lie in the naturally hot clear water and come out relaxed and totally cleansed of the dust build up of the past days. First sighting of the rare Palm Nut Vulture was a bonus. Next day just over 200 kms back down the Great North Road to 2 Mutinondo Wilderness, 10 kms of The pontoon vehicle crossing into North Luangwa National Park. granite whaleback hills with extensive hiking trails. After a strenuous three to four hour walk, a dip in the ice cold river pool soothes the aching limbs. One at Kasanka National Park. Birdlife in The last leg of the safari was a long of the walks takes in a series of three abundance was promised after a 20 800 km trip back to Lusaka and west small waterfalls along the Mutinondo metre climb into the Fibwe Hide but it to Kafue National Park and McBrides river. had been destroyed by a fire. The distant bushcamp. Chris and Charlotte McBride The chance to see the rare sitatunga sighting of a group of sable antelopes established the camp on wildlife trails in the swampland means a stopover did not make up for the disappointment. so animals wander through the site.

One of the vast herds of buffalo in South Luangwa National Park.

www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 29 Conservation

The author with the transport and accommodation used for the Zambia safari.

a Kafue river sundowner clothing. Good planning and a GPS trip, elephants were closely are a prerequisite. Barely adequate observed crossing, waist deep, camping equipment and the need to from bank to bank. The last climb on the car to handle the roof top 24 hours in Kafue were based tent would put off many less flexible at the Mukambi Safari Lodge. hirers but the vehicle was technically The Lodge’s evening guided excellent albeit with a handbook only game drive was a great success in Japanese! What Zambia may still with the only sighting of the lack in quantity of wildlife, it makes up Lichtensteins hartebeest and in quality with different sub-species of a pride of lions which would wildebeest, hartebeest, zebra and giraffe not have been found by the and a do-it-yourself safari is highly Their very informal, laid back approach inexperienced. recommended. would not suit everyone. Lions are Three weeks self drive exploring their passion and can often be heard Zambia was well worth the effort. at night with a chance to follow the The revelation was the good road tracks next day on foot. Poaching is a conditions even on the less well FELIX PATTON problem in the Park and three lions travelled dirt roads. The essential is a rhino ecologist, who writes and broadcasts about the species from Africa were found with snare wounds that was the need for good tsetse fly and and Europe. He is a frequent contributor to needed veterinary treatment. During mosquito repellent and appropriate SWARA.

30 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org CONSERVATION

www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 31 Black rhino Twashuka in North Luangwa National Park, Zambia.

32 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org Conservation The History of Rhinos in Zambia

By Felix Patton

itman 1934 reported that no 50 rhinos a year were thought to be survey in just the 212 km2 Nsefu sector evidence of White rhinos north of poached. of South Luangwa National Park yielded Pthe Zambezi in historical times. Permits to capture two alive for an estimate of 66 29 rhinos. Black rhinos were in urgent need of zoological gardens were issued in 1968. By the mid-1980s, some 100,000 protection being killed for meat and the The high cost of a rhinoceros permit elephants and all rhinos had been value of their horns with security hard (K 400.00, = £200) brought a killed by poachers. Civil and liberation in some habitats. There was a plentiful realisation of their value, resulting in wars were factors in the decimation of population in the Luangwa Valley, a heavier sentences for poaching—up to rhino population in Africa. The wars wildlife area of some 63,000 sq km two years' imprisonment compared led to influx of refugees from many containing four national parks (NPs) with the previous inadequate fines. neighbouring countries. The refugees and seven game management areas At the beginning of the 1970s, an came with illegal firearms, which (GMAs), to the east of the river while estimated 4,000 to 12,000 rhinos still were used in killing wildlife. Efforts the population was sparing to the west. lived in Zambia. The country was, to save this charismatic and highly Rhinos became protected in 1946 and in 1980, home to the third largest endangered animal through the late by 1952 the decline in the population population of Black rhino on the 1970s and early 1980s failed to stem was thought to be halted with some 350 continent. In Zambia's main wildlife the demand for its horn and the species individuals in the Luangwa Valley Game areas, such as the Luangwa Valley and was declared nationally extinct in 1998. Reserve and Munyamadzi Controlled the Kafue National Park, the Black Also since the 1970s, Zambia has had Area. Elsewhere there were only rhinoceros populations were stable inadequate trained manpower and rhino remnant populations of betwee and in some places even increasing. management plans to guide the design six and 10. A breeding population of around 20 and implementation of conservation Some areas were completely individuals survived in the Mweru strategies. protected while in others a special Marsh Game Reserve area. In 2003, Zambia formulated licence was required for hunting, but by It became clear in 1979 that a national policy on rhinoceros 1957 even this had been withdrawn. Key commercial poaching was drastically management and rehabilitation. The rhino areas were Kafue National Park, reducing the numbers of rhino in policy provided guidelines and strength Mweru Marsh Game Reserve and the Luangwa Valley and the Zambian to the rhino conservation fraternity and Luangwa Valley Game Reserves. Government, through its National Parks a framework to guide the reintroduction Exact rhino population data was and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the of rhinos in Zambia's established private not available but was thought to be at World Wildlife Fund, responded by and state owned wildlife sanctuaries. least 400-500 in Luangwa Valley and setting up Save the Rhino Trust (SRT). The working paper indicated that 130 in Kafue National Park in the late Following a low intensity multi-species political will had been lacking in rhino 1960s with some 20 rhinos in Mweru aerial survey covering North and South management, citing political patronage Marsh Game Reserve. Populations and Luangwa NP and Luambe NP plus of those involved in the rhino horn their locations were distorted by tsetse some adjacent GMA on a 2000- km trade and corruption within the law control activities including the erection flight path, intended primarily to count enforcement agencies. of fences, fly-around controls and some elephants, an estimate of 867 250 rhinos needing to be shot. As many as rhinos was recorded. A high intensity www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 33 Conservation

Twatemwa and Twatasha, Black rhino mother and calf in North Luangwa National Park.

The re-introduction of Black rhino to Zambia

The North Luangwa Conservation Program (NLCP) flown in individual crates, in batches of five, to an was started during 1986 by the Frankfurt Zoological airstrip in North Luangwa - 2 males:3 females in May Society (FZS) to support and strengthen the Zambia 2003, 3 males:7 females in June 2006 and 2 males:3 Wildlife Authority (ZAWA), enabling effective females in May 2008. management of the park and surrounding Game The first five were released into a 55sq km fenced Management Areas. FZS and ZAWA signed long- area with the next 10 into a 150 sq km sanctuary term management agreements and, after 17 years adjacent to the first. During March 2009, the fence of support, wildlife numbers had increased and separating rhinos released during 2003 and 2006 poaching was under control. Re-introduction of the was removed. Survival of the rhinos was relatively Black rhinoceros was an obvious next step in the high and no rhinos were poached. By January 2010 conservation of the park. numbers increased with five births exceeding the ZAWA, FZS and South Africa's SANParks joined three deaths. However, the release phase of the forces to organise a rhino exchange programme. project was incomplete, because the number of The objective was to re-establish a viable, breeding, surviving founders was less than the 20 required free-ranging population of Black rhino (Diceros and most of the rhinos were confined to the fenced bicornis minor) in North Luangwa National Park sanctuaries and not free-ranging. in north-eastern Zambia. The effective project The final five individuals needed to complete the management area is almost 17,000 sq km including founder population were introduced in May 2010 the Park and surrounding Game Management Areas. with four females and one male translocated from the Important was security against poaching and proper Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and Ithala Game Reserve in park management in North Luangwa; a costly affair. South Africa. Preparations included identifying a sanctuary, Today, the population stands at over 30, following recruiting security personnel, training a rhino nine births, in a 3000 sq km sanctuary split into 4 security team, and building staff houses, holding areas with an overall carrying capacity estimated pens and the sanctuary fence. at 40 to 45 rhinos. However the Project will only Twenty rhinos were obtained from reserves be deemed a success when the fences are removed in South Africa: Kruger National Park, Marakele and the rhino once more roams free in the Luangwa National Park, Pilanesberg National Park and Great Valley, on Zambian soil. Fish River Reserve in the Eastern Cape. They were

34 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org Conservation

White rhino mother and calf in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

The introduction of White rhinos to Zambia

In 1934 Captain Pitman reported that there was no the male Lewis. Later that year, in a deal brokered evidence that White rhinos had inhabited Northern by Government through the Ministry of Tourism, Rhodesia, (the pre-independence name for Zambia), Environment and Natural Resources, four White north of the Zambezi river in historical times. In fact rhinos and 10 Black rhinos were obtained from South there was scant evidence to even suggest they had Africa in exchange for wetland species of antelopes been in the area south of the Zambezi. destined for the Namibian government. A calf was However in 1964, as part of a destocking project born in August 2010 but it died but this was quickly in Umfolozi Game Reserve, Zululand, South Africa, followed by the birth of two female calves, one in two male and two pregnant female White rhinos were December 2010 and the other in January 2011. delivered to Livingstone Game Park. Some records The rhinos are kept in the north of the 66 sq km suggest that one pair went on to Kafue National Park Park under 24 hour a day monitoring utilising a but when the male died the female was moved back rhino ranger force numbering 20. During daylight to Livingstone. In 1973, a pair from the Park was hours, the rhinos are physically observed while at relocated to the Presidential Palace. Nonetheless by night their GPS location is transmitted. The grass in 1981 the population had risen to 13 but poaching saw the area is supplemented in times of shortage with their decline to six in 1985. The last one was killed in hay and lucerne. 1989. The new and soon to be opened Lusaka National In 1993, the Zambian government acquired six Park received two White rhinos donated by the South White rhinos from Sable Ranch in South Africa. African government as part of its ongoing re-stocking One died and there were no conceptions leaving exercise. The fully fenced 46 sq km park is located just 5 in 2001 all in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, south of Lusaka and is seen as central to tourism Livingstone. This was reduced to two by 2005. development. It is to be stocked with a minimum In January 2010, poachers shot these last two of 500 animals of different species, particularly White rhinos, killing one and wounding the other, antelopes, before its official opening.

www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 35 conservation Community wildlife management what is benefit sharing?

By NIGEL HUNTER

urning participatory (CWM) represents with particular People will seek to manage the management of wildlife resources regard to the differences that exist environment when the benefits Tfrom theory into practice is between the community-based and of management are perceived to a formidable task. It requires the benefit sharing approaches to CWM. exceed its actual or perceived costs. following: A lack of understanding of these differences is the cause of many of the 2. Differential inputs must result • Policy and implementation to misunderstandings about CWM. in differential outputs. Benefits be linked through a feedback Therefore understanding the should be directly related to the process; different philosophies underlying level of investment input. The best • Government institutions and the community-based and benefit measures to use are labour, land or rural communities to negotiate as sharing approaches is critical for field costs because the wildlife itself is partners; and implementation unevenly distributed and a mobile • A complex set of interest groups resource. Emphasis needs to be to collaborate and participate The Community –Based placed on the costs of maintaining honestly in the process. Approach the wildlife which can be measured Community–based conservation means as crop and livestock damage or The purpose of this article is to rural people making decisions about the the opportunity costs of other facilitate that requirement by appraising sustainable management of areas which land uses noting that these costs the current understanding of what they share with wildlife. In assuming are not evenly shared among the Community Wildlife Management this management responsibility, they population. derive benefits from wildlife. The aim is to promote the development of rural 3. There must be a positive correlation communities. between management and In order to achieve this aim, benefit. Improved conservation, community-based conservation is management and marketing should based on a set of principles outlined return greater benefits. by Murphree (1993) and called the “OPTIMUM CONDITIONS FOR 4. The unit of proprietorship, RESOURCE MANAGEMENT UNDER management and benefit should A COMMUNAL PROPERTY REGIME”. be the unit of production. The This highlights that community-based people who live on the land should conservation is about communal manage it and also be the major property resource rights. beneficiaries. Proprietorship The five principles of the community- concerns who participates and make based approach are as follows: the decisions.

1. Effective management is best 5. The unit of proprietorship should achieved by giving wildlife a focused be as small as practicable within value for those who live with it. ecological and socio-political

36 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org conservation

constraints. A communal property Benefit sharing is aimed at improving the management regime is enhanced if it is small enough for all members relationship between a Protected Area (PA) and to meet face to face, to enforce the people living around its borders, or in some conformity with rules through instances within a PA. peer pressure, and to create a long standing identity.

The Benefit Sharing Approach Benefit sharing is aimed at improving as addressing their real needs in lease sites, enter into contracts with the relationship between a Protected terms of rural development. This is entrepreneurs and realize income. Area (PA) and the people living around potentially the most passive form of Policies and legislation together its borders, or in some instances within benefit sharing model. with PA management plans set out a PA. Benefit sharing approaches focus conditions and provide guidance on extension work and awareness 2. Problem Solving Model on the limits of environmental raising in association with the sharing This model aims at building trust parameters such as carrying of benefits, which may include and tolerance, even appreciation, capacities, sustainable off-takes and “revenue sharing”, in recognition of by having the local communities level of tourist use. Experience is the difficulties communities experience represented on advisory committees still fairly limited in this version. from living next to the PA and its where they are recognized as wildlife, or in acknowledgement of past stakeholders in the management Conceptualising these models as cultural ties to the area. However, the of the PA. The management discrete and separated is useful for level of participation tends to be passive responsibility, however, remains clarifying the issues, but it is important or consultative, the type of benefits (e.g. with the relevant agency. The to keep in mind that actual schemes revenue versus resources) and form rationale underpinning community are developed in response to a variety they are shared in (e.g. cash versus involvement is that management of constraints which tends to produce social services) are rarely determined issues are not normally confined to amalgams. The land, policy and by the communities and the approach the PA and, therefore, by creating legislative factors are notable examples is synonymous with the wildlife agency a forum for dialogue, potential of such constraints for they are country retaining control over the land and the conflicts can be identified and specific and generally result in schemes resources within the PA. mutually beneficial solutions found. which aspire to being community- The benefit sharing approach has The process has a strong educational based rather than actually achieving not been examined or debated to the intention and communities and community based conservation. same degree as the community-based agencies encourage one another to Administrative Management Design approach. However, it is possible to understand and reconcile national (ADMADE), in Zambia, is an example distinguish three principal types of and local objectives. A clear example of a programme which aims to be model, while recognizing that each of a management issue pertinent community-based but which contains tends to contain elements of the other to this approach is that of problem very clear elements of benefit sharing. two: animal control on PA boundaries. In It is better, therefore, to envisage this case the benefits derived would projects as lying along a continuum 1. The Good Neighbor Model relate to reducing hostile attitudes with the community-based and In an effort to improve neighborly towards the PA and wildlife at the benefit sharing models lying towards relationships and create tolerance of same time as reducing the costs the extremes of the spectrum. At the the PA, the management authority incurred by local communities in the community-based end, the initiatives assigns a percentage of revenues for form of crop and livestock damage. should be viewed as aiming for distribution, usually in the form of wildlife management which is an social services which are perceived 3. business Development Model alternative land use option because to be good for the community. This version is the most active its origins lie in common property A variant of this model involves one, since it seeks to establish resource management. In contrast, the private operators working in the the PA as an opportunity for benefit sharing models are essentially tourism sector in or around the PA income generation by the rural strategies to improve conservation aiming to improve their relationship communities. Essentially the PA goals and, although conflict mitigation with local communities in similar remains under agency management, is encouraged, management is not fashion. Experience suggests that but the development of tourist devolved, nor is there any intention to the linkage between the “benefit” infrastructure and business devolve it. and conservation objectives remain opportunities, for example, In practice, benefit sharing projects weak, and that the communities are provided to neighbouring have proved to be less controversial and do not always perceive the benefits communities through the ability to more politically safe for government www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 37 conservation

The community-based approach, however, is proving networks and they are closely associated with them because they do not involve more controversial to implement. Community-based changes in authority or responsibility conservation depends upon empowering people and with regard to the resources. specifically it hinges on giving people authority However, benefit sharing approaches are subject to problems due to lack of and management control over the wildlife community participation, failure to resources on their land (or land which they may realize community expectations and have usufruct rights over) and creating the fiscal an inability to bridge the conceptual gap between benefits realized and the policy which enables them to realize tangible management of the resources. Benefit benefits. sharing projects are often promoted, facilitated and managed by NGO’s keen to enter the CWM area yet assume quasi government responsibilities. Under these circumstances, there is agencies. Variations on this theme are relationship is characteristic of that minimal change in government policies also proving increasingly attractive of the sponsor and recipient where and legislation affecting wildlife to private companies. They do not the sponsor determines the terms of management and there is no necessity necessitate any shifts in power or the relationship, although they are to adapt the function of government authority over the resource and neither described in terms of partnership. They structures. As a consequence, when do they aspire to them. Instead the marry easily with the notion of PA this type of project cycles ends, this

38 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org conservation

approach leaves little CWM trace. creating the fiscal policy which enables the initiative. Therefore, the linkages This critique is not intended to imply them to realize tangible benefits. The between land tenure and wildlife that the benefit sharing approach is promotion of the development goals management, community and agency redundant and has no role to play. On of community-based conservation is authority and areas of responsibility the contrary it may prove to be the only a sensitive issue and it is especially must be clear to both parties from the viable option in some circumstances, sensitive when the PAs are also beginning. These linkages, authorities but it does highlight that its limits involved. Paradoxically, PAs are usually and responsibilities can only be worked need to be recognized. The potential part of the rationale for beginning out by extensive dialogue between the strengths of the benefit sharing schemes CWM projects. Combining PAs and two parties. lie in attention to extension work, the community-based approach adds a focus on the level of participation confusion if it originates from the References realized, the type of benefits realized erroneous notion that community- Murphree, M.W. (1993). Communities and the degree to which problems are based conservation can be used as a as Resource Management Institutions. actually solved. These points should conservation strategy. International Institute for Environment clarify why it should not be confused Community-based conservation and Development, London. Gatekeeper with the community-based approach. can only rightly apply to the land areas Series No. 36. 13pp. The community-based approach, under the control of the communities. however, is proving more controversial While the location of community to implement. Community-based wildlife areas next to or within a PA conservation depends upon tends to be an advantage because it empowering people and specifically it helps maintain the sustainability of Nigel Hunter is the Executive Director of hinges on giving people authority and the resources, it can also mean that East African Wild Life Society. management control over the wildlife the communities’ authority over their resources on their land (or land which land may be limited by estate control they may have usufruct rights over) and over the PA and this will undermine

www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 39 INTERVIEW WITH RICHARD WRANGHAM

40 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org By Carol Mbabazi

How did you become interested seriously, blinded by hope (as I interpret least informative, is a travesty. We in science and nature? their reaction) that natural selection have to be careful to use animal I was a naturalist as a kid, couldn't have favored intense aggression behavior well, but we ignore it at following my parents' interests. in one of our closest relatives. It was our peril. The good thing, I believe, Bird-watching and adventure took obvious to me that the nay-sayers is that much of the problem me to the wild, but it was when I were wrong, because the patterns of stems from mistrust about the encountered essays on evolutionary chimpanzee violence fit so clearly into information, so ultimately, the theory in SA Barnett's 'A century their ordinary lives. The way to test best thing we can do is simply of Darwin', in my early teens, that that idea was to see how often violence show the facts. As the data from the wild became truly intriguing. I would turn up in other populations. So the wild build up, I'm convinced found a way to Zambia and spent I looked for somewhere where I could the academy will become more 9 months in a savanna park before study chimpanzees (and take my family realistic. The big question is going to university. That was 1967, while doing so), and began in Kibale in whether the interest in great apes and I've done fieldwork in Africa western Uganda in 1987. will swell to the point where the every year since then (except one - world can commit to protecting the year my eldest son was born). Since then, we've had chimpanzees them in the wild in time to do so. killing other adults in two separate How did the study of chimps and areas in Kibale, as well as in Budongo, How important was Jane human evolution come about? another Uganda site. So as time goes on Goodall and the work you did I was always interested in human the role of killing among chimpanzees at Gombe in your career as a behavioral evolution but it was is becoming clearer. Of course that primatologist? chance that got me studying doesn't mean that natural selection Jane Goodall gave me the chimpanzees - a recommendation has necessarily been relevant to the opportunity to study primates in from my tutor Harold Pusey at evolution of human aggression, but the first place. Even though she Oxford, based on his daughter it does give us the opportunity to was working mostly in Serengeti Anne's experience. I expected to understand how it works in another more than in Gombe during my study them for a short time, and species, and in practice, the evidence three years there, she was a huge then move on to other animals. And for parallel patterns of aggressive influence. She taught me the I did - after a PhD based on work evolution in chimpanzees and humans critical importance of thinking all at Jane Goodall's site, I studied looks stronger all the time. There's still the time one is observing: why did vervet monkeys, then people in the this old social-science view around the individual do that? Congo. But once you're confronted that says our own dear blank-slate with chimpanzees, it's hard to species couldn't possibly have a history What other chimp behavioral ignore the questions that they force of natural selection for anything as traits have you documented on us about our place in nature. nasty as aggression. It seems to me a since you and colleagues These seemed much more than dangerous idea because it leads people observed Imoso, a male chimp causal intellectual interest, though to be naive about the real-life dangers at Kibale, using a tool as a amazingly that's often how they're - for instance, the way that under the weapon by beating up Outamba, treated. They make us think in a "right" circumstances, men are so prone a female chimp, a trait previously realistic way about what it means to the excitement of opportunities to use thought to be exclusively to be a species that's evolved, and violence for personal satisfaction. human? what it means to be an individual In December 2010 Sonya made of the same essential matter We're still at a very early stage of Kahlenberg and I published data as another great ape. understanding the human genetic showing that juvenile females and RICHARD and endocrinological predisposition males tend to use sticks in different What particular aspect of chimp to violence. The apes offer richer ways. If someone is carrying a stick behavior fascinated you the hypotheses than most other species, to no apparent purpose, they are most? because we have so much in common more like to be a female. Because A big question was about the role of with them. Simply to declare, as the they occasionally treat sticks as violence. There was unambiguous late great Stephen Jay Gould did for if they are caring for them, such evidence from Gombe that example, that the similarities between as patting them or making a nest WRANGHAM chimps sometimes kill each other, chimpanzee violence and human for them, this behavior looks like but many people didn't take it violence are too superficial to be in the a form of doll-play. On the other

www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 41 SPOTLIGHT

hand males are more likely to use sticks as weapons when they are older, and the few observations that we have of juveniles using sticks as weapons by throwing them or hitting with them suggest that male juveniles do it more often than females.

Are we able to distinguish between chimp behavior learned from humans and chimp behavior independantly developed? I am not aware of any convincing examples of wild chimpanzee behavior that have been learned from humans, but there are some suggestions. Most or all chimpanzee populations west of the Ivory Coast sometimes smash nuts with natural hammers of wood or stone. Conceivably a group of chimpanzees learned to do this after seeing humans doing something similar, or more likely after finding a place where humans had left hammers and some broken nuts with edible bits easily noticeable. But a hammering action is common among chimpanzees, such as when they hold a hard-shelled fruit and hit it against an anvil to open it. It seems much more likely that chimpanzees have invented their various tool-using techniques independently of humans, partly because it is hard to imagine them watching humans (rather than running away) and partly because most tool-using is very different from anything that humans can be seen doing. In Kibale, for example, the commonest form of tool-use is wiping the penis with leaves after copulation!

Have researchers reached a point where it's possible to speak of chimp cultures in the same way we talk about human cultures? We can certainly talk confidently about chimpanzees showing social learning, and about learned traditions in the wild that vary among populations. So 'chimpanzee culture' is a common-place concept nowadays. However chimpanzee cultures are very different from human cultures because chimpanzees have no social norms that we know of.

Are you still involved with the Great Ape World Heritage species project and if so what progress have been made over the past couple years in making the great apes the world's first World Heritage species? The Great Ape World Heritage Species Project ran for several years with the aim of bring the plight of the great apes to the world's attention, and in the hope of making them into a new category of protected species, 'World Heritage Species'. Eventually we were persuaded that the political challenges of creating that new category may be overwhelming. GAWHSP works closely with UNEP's Great Ape Survival Project (GRASP), and helped set up GRASP's Scientific Commission which now monitors the status of great apes worldwide. GAWHSP's role has shifted mostly into practical aims of helping to increase the conservation status of specific populations.

42 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org SPOTLIGHT

How did the chimp research in Kibale figure into your theory that cooking kickstarted the evolution of modern humans? I have always been interested in the food choices and feeding behavior of chimpanzees, and try to sample all their foods for myself. Many of their foods are sufficiently palatable to be edible, but there are very few one can fill one's stomach with. And even if you can, you will be hungry very soon. Eventually I realized that the gap between what they eat and what we eat actually means something.

What are some of thee conservation challenges facing chimpanzee populations at Kibale, Bugondo forest and other chimp areas in other parts of africa? In Uganda there is little hunting of chimpanzees except for their being caught incidentally in snares set for game animals. So the big threat is loss of forest to the growing human population. Uganda has one of the world's fastest population growth rates, so it is easy to imagine the future possibility of political pressures to degazette protected land.

And how are those challenges being met by yourself and other primatologists? In Kibale, as in Budongo, Kalinzu and several other forests, there are eco-tourism facilities that benefit the central government as well as local people. When President Yoweri Museveni opened the International Primatological Congress in Entebbe in 2006, he praised the contribution that primate ecotourism is making to national development. Like other primatologists, I have been involved in initiating and supporting these projects. But they are worth little without conservation education. I work with Elizabeth Ross on the Kasiisi Schools Project that has invested in raising the quality of education in general for schools around Kibale, including a focus on conservation education. A recent study found that around Kibale, most households felt that they benefit from the Park, and although environmental services were appreciated in general, the single benefit most cited by local committee chairmen was the improvement in school classrooms and staff houses. Continuing investment in education by researchers working in the forest seems a promising way to help people realize the benefits of maintaining forests for future generations.

Carol Mbabazi studied environmental science in Masindi, Uganda and is a member of Nature Uganda where she has been active in highlighting the conservation of Uganda's wetlands as important birding areas.

www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 43 SPOTLIGHT Newly-found wetland in trouble from young hunters

Coordinates: S 00º01.082 ; E 035º56.757 Elevation: 5259 ft

44 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org SPOTLIGHT

By Martha N. Mutiso

awaitii swamp is an unexplored small wetland Sin the Northern Rift. The recently discovered swamp is just one of many unexplored swamps in the area. Like many of East Africa’s wetlands, it is hidden, unpolluted and until recently, unthreatened. The Chief Warden of Lake Bogoria National Reserve, William Kimosop, discovered the swamp and has since been marketing it as a conservation area. A recent trip to the swamp was a real eye-opener. In May, the swamp, with the waters low due to the dry weather, was full of waterfowl and livestock also grazed by the shores of the swamp. The swamp was teaming with ducks, geese, egrets, herons, cranes and other waders. The main commercial activity around the area is large-scale sisal farming and livestock keeping. Sadly, illegal waterfowl hunting currently threatens the swamp and its biodiversity. As we were birdwatching we spotted people inside the swamp. At first we thought they were fishing or swimming. As we walked along the swamp, a closer look revealed them to be boys between 10-14 years old. They emerged from the water and one thing was clear: they were not swimming nor were they fishing; they were hunting! They were carrying birds. The first and older of the boys came out of the swamp, briefly stopping in a nearby pool to take a final rinse in the water. The boy, who also seemed like the leader of the group, had only his hunting stick. The second boy followed, in his hands a hunting club, a Knob-billed Duck and a Red knobbed Coot, his dog closely following him behind. Three more boys followed closely behind, one carrying two Red-knobbed Coots and a Common Moorhen and the other carrying a Knob-billed Duck,

www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 45 SPOTLIGHT

1. African Spoonbill-Platalea alba, whose population is seriously threatened by destruction of breeding grounds. 2. Saddle billed Stork-Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis. 3. Madagascar pond Heron-Ardeola idea, an intra-African migrant, is listed as Endangered . 4. A pair of Dancing Jewels-Platycypha caligata. 5. African Common White Butterflies -Belenois creona. 6. Lesser Moorhen and Red-knobbed Coots-hunted and killed.

46 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org SPOTLIGHT

TOP & BELOW: The boys and girls, after an informal awareness creation.

There is a glimmer of hope for this swamp and the birds and hit them on the heads, or pierce them with the sticks. Many birds its amazing birds. Community members have come are surprised and taken at their nests. together and established a group that will The dogs run after the birds that escape work towards protection of the swamp. They are injured. They hunt moorhens, coots, Knob-billed ducks, jacanas, ibises, working with the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya to create storks and egrets. Eggs from nesting awareness about wildlife, particularly birds. birds are not spared. Jackson Komen, the Conservation and Education Officer in Lake Bogoria, spoke to the boys, and we realized that they were not aware that hunting which was still alive, though its wing was actually wrong. Asking them why feathers had been plucked. Two more they were hunting, they said that they dogs followed closely behind. As we were hunting for food, even though talked to the boys, two more emerged this is not an area with food shortages. from a different section of the swamp, We gave the boys an hour's informal one carrying a Red knobbed Coot, education about the importance of the hunting stick and his shoes; while the swamp and its biodiversity. We further youngest of the group followed closely explained the dangers of hunting behind accompanied by another dog. waterfowl, telling them that they could The boys use brutal means to hunt contract sicknesses from handling the birds. Armed with sticks and clubs the birds (avian flu) or water related and accompanied by dogs, they walk illnesses. This, we hoped, helped them into the marshes, undeterred by the recognize that wildlife, including birds leeches in the swamp. They use hand is a national heritage and a fundamental made clubs and sticks and sneak up to component of Kenya’s biodiversity and www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 47 SPOTLIGHT

The Kenya Wildlife Service from Kabarnet and the local authorities agreed to work together to protect the wetland and the biodiversity. BELOW: Boy, with clubs, Red Knobbed Coot and Knob billed Duck and his dog.

that it is the cornerstone of Kenya’s seven from Africa and seven from tourism sector and an essential source Eurasia had ratified and since then, of foreign exchange. the Agreement is an independent Birds, especially waterfowl, international treaty. To prevent this are valuable economically and from happening, we informed William recreationally and have been widely Kimosop, who later informed the area recognized since the Agreement on councilor, Mr. Kilinga. It was agreed the Conservation of African-Eurasian that the area councilor was going to talk Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), to the schools near the swamp. (http://www.unep-aewa.org) an However, a second visit to the international agreement aimed at the swamp in July bore disappointing conservation of migratory waterbirds. results. We found out that the number The AEWA covers 255 species of birds of the boys hunting had increased, as ecologically dependent on wetlands students were now on school holidays. for at least part of their annual cycle, We then informed the Kenya Wildlife including but not limited to many Service officials in the area. We made species of grebes, pelicans, cormorants, another quick visit the following day, herons, storks, ibises, spoonbills, accompanied by KWS and again found flamingos, ducks, geese and cranes. The the boys hunting. The boys hid in the agreement was concluded on 16 June marshes, but we talked to the area Chief 1995 in the Hague, the Netherlands and some administration policemen, and entered into force on 1 November who admitted that it was not the first 1999 after the required number of at time the boys were hunting and that the least fourteen Range States, comprising hunting had been going on for a long

48 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org The area is a potential ecotourism area, rich in There is also urgent need to get the swamp and its wildlife protected. culture and diversity including birds, mammals, This small wetland is a glimpse of invertebrates, reptiles and plants. A large python what is happening to innumerable also comes to drink of the swamp’s waters in the wetlands across East Africa. Wetlands are often ‘invisible’ and being swampy evening. and inaccessible easily overlooked by conservation efforts. Wetlands are among the most diverse and important habitats in the region as they hold time. This is a sad truth of many parts easier. Other rare bird species that are not just biodiversity, but also serve as of Kenya: birds are increasingly being found at the wetland include the Lesser vital giant ‘sponges’ holding precious hunted where there is no policing and Jacana-Microparra capensis, Lesser rainwater for many months thereby many communities only view wildlife as Moorhen-Gallinula angulata, Meyer's keeping humans, livestock and wildlife a source of food. Parrots-Poicephalus meyeri, Eurasian alive. The area is a potential ecotourism Marsh Harrier-Circus aeruginosus, area, rich in culture and diversity Pallid Harriers-Circus macrourus, including birds, mammals, African Fish-eagle-Haliaeetus vocifer, invertebrates, reptiles and plants. A Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus and Martha N. Mutiso works for the Insect large python also comes to drink of Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca. Committee of Nature Kenya and her work the swamp’s waters in the evening. It will also act as a community project, entails both administration and fieldwork There is a proposal to construct a which will create jobs for the local duties. She is also a part time third year student at Moi University, undertaking a first boardwalk across the swamp, as a people and act as a source of income for degree in Tourism Management. Photography tourist attraction and to make birding the community. and traveling are her passion.

www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 49 SPOTLIGHT

50 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org SPOTLIGHT

A Blueprint for Tropical Forest Management

www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 51 SPOTLIGHT

By Kari Mutu

hen retired school teacher, Peter Kibuka, watches school Wchildren in Bondeni Location of Kenya’s Rift Valley run marathons on the slopes of the Aberdares, he knows that life has come full circle. For such an event would have been nigh impossible during his childhood, or that of his children. For years, the Aberdares youngsters trod a treacherous path to school through the mountain forests, dodging elephants and ill-tempered buffaloes that frequently raided neighbouring farms. School attendance was erratic, dropout rates high and literacy levels low. “Many people remained semi- illiterate and unemployable.” Kibuka recalls. The quandary continued over the decades, multiplying with a growing population reliant on the forest for food, water, timber and grazing. The once indomitable forests of Aberdares retreated mile by mile, and all within it suffered including the large mammals, poached for their meat, hides and horns. Ironically, it is the Aberdare Black rhino, an animal not partial to farm Top: Farmers crops and their own safety are now secure from elephants which now live in produce, which saved the Aberdares, harmoniously inside the Rhino Ark fence (centre foreground of picture). and Kenya, from the demise of an entire BELOW: Wildlife numbers have increased and poaching better under control. Leopard are easily spotted. mountain ecosystem. When the Rhino Ark charity was founded 1988, its primary aim was rhino by fencing the eastern salient of “It is a true success story that will to raise funds to save endangered the mountain, under pressure from be shared at the Earth Summit next poaching and an expanding population. year,” UNEP Executive Director, With time it became obvious that the Achim Steiner, said at the launch. entire 2,000km2 forest ecosystem, “The Aberdares conservation efforts one of Kenya’s five water towers, was underline the extraordinary and wide- threatened from forest excisions, illegal ranging returns possible when a more logging, charcoal burning and livestock creative, decisive and sustainable grazing that was de-stabilising rainfall approach to managing nature is patterns and water flows. undertaken.” Consequently, the fencing of The Environmental, Social and Aberdares marked the beginning of Economic Assessment (EASA) of the turned fortunes – for rhinos, trees and fence around the Aberdare Conservation humans alike. Indeed, the 21-year, Area was requested by Rhino Ark and 400km Aberdare fencing project has co-funded by UNEP, the Government of turned fortunes to the tune of Ksh Kenya and the Kenya Forests Working 39.3 billion annually for the local Group (KFWG). The Kenya Wildlife communities and the country as a Service (KWS), the Kenya Forest Service whole. This finding is according to a and the Greenbelt Movement supported study launched by the United Nations the study whose primary aim was to Environmental Programme (UNEP) on assess the impact of the fence as a the 5th of September, 2011. management tool.

52 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org Men at work building the final section of 400 kms of Fence on Mount Kipipiri, Western Aberdares.

The fence and its management have raised the and plantation schemes. Wildlife populations have generally improved forest cover by 20.6% from 2005 to 2010, and and, although data is incomplete, all reduced open areas by 54% due through ecosystem indications are that Aberdares’ river recovery and plantation schemes. Wildlife systems are now more stable than those of Mt. Kenya. populations have generally improved and, although The study considered effects beyond data is incomplete, all indications are that the mountain range: domestic water to Aberdares’ river systems are now more stable than supply to Nairobi and most of central Kenya, irrigation waters to the Tana and those of Mt. Kenya. Ewaso Ngiro rivers and Lake Naivasha, the 58% water contribution to hydro- power generation on the Tana River, and contribution to commercial-use waters, tourism and agriculture. The study employed a basket of to environmental projects analysed the According to the study, the techniques, including remote sensing economic benefits. restored biodiversity has immense and Geographic Information Systems EASA findings show that implications for soil erosion and carbon (GIS) to study land cover variation communities have experienced sequestration of excess atmospheric over the years. Communities in the elimination of human-wildlife conflict, carbon to counter global warming. five Aberdares districts participated improved crop offtake, food security, Add on the biodiversity benefits valued in socio-economic surveys via and elevation of land values – by over at Ksh 20 billion and the Aberdares questionnaires, group discussions 300% in some cases. Poaching, illegal contributes Ksh 59.3 billion annually. and key-informant interviews. Major logging and cattle rustling in the It’s a very comprehensive study stakeholders were interviewed including unprotected forest are also considerably with impressive findings, but what are the KWS, Foresters and Aberdares- reduced. observations of the estimated 40,000 dependant corporations such as The fence and its management have families along the fence-line? electricity generating company KenGen raised the forest cover by 20.6% from Kibuka agrees with the verdict. “In and the Nyayo Tea Zones Corporation. 2005 to 2010, and reduced open areas one night a farmer could loose his entire Cost-benefit analysis methods specific by 54% due through ecosystem recovery crop to elephants. Many people use www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 53 to spend nights in the cold outdoors daily with communities along the guarding their harvest. Not any more.” 400km fence. “The CFAs have taken The EASA confirms a vast decline in ownership of their section of the fence. cold-nights related morbidity. “School They plant wood lots in their farms performance is better and there are and protected forest land, monitor the more children going to school now,” fence, and report damage or suspicious Kibuka adds. activities to the authorities.” Catherine Kinyanjui is the Undeniably, public/private chairlady of the ‘Karui 91,’ one of partnership that incorporates the forest- more than twenty Community Forest edge communities has been at the heart Associations (CFA) formed by the of the Aberdares conservation success. fence-line residents. For her, the biggest As the benefits of diminished human- transformation has been the changed wildlife conflict and increased farm mind-set and behaviour of people income became apparent, community plagued by years of wildlife conflict, after community around the mountain dried-up rivers and generally hard was convinced to actively support the living. project, including donating free labour “Why spend hours hustling cows up for fence-building. steep hillsides to graze, risking danger And, it seems, word has gone out from wildlife and receiving poor milk to other montane forest communities returns when you can practice zero- of Kenya, namely Mt. Kenya and Mau grazing?” she says. “When there are no Eburu, where concerned communities more trees for charcoal burning, what have approached Rhino Ark with the TOP: School children were once prevented will our children eat? The fence has hope of securing their forests. “Eburu from attending school when elephant opened up people’s minds.” is hugely infiltrated by illegal logging were marauding shambas. School girls in The Aberdares farmers have come and in Mt. Kenya, the communities Bondeni, Mweiga on their way to class. to understand the forest as once their are faced with deforestation and BELOW: Fencing allows farmers to make full ancestors did. “We now know which animals destroying their crops,” says use of their land. trees are good for beekeeping, and Colin Church, Chairman of Rhino which are good for water preservation,” Ark. Consequently, Rhino Ark is set to adds Kinyanjui. commence similar fencing projects in James Githui, Rhino Ark’s Mt. Kenya and Mau Eburu in 2012. Community Fence Manager, liaises Fencing the 2,000 km2 Mt. Kenya,

54 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org SPOTLIGHT

another prime ‘water tower’ requires Ksh. 1billion and could be completed within four years. Together, Mt. Kenya and Aberdares feed four of Kenya’s seven largest river systems supplying water and energy throughout Kenya. Mau Eburu in Rift Valley forms part of the Mau Forest complex, the largest water catchment area in Kenya. Fencing the 80 km2 Mau Eburu requires Ksh. 100million of which Ksh. 46.2million has already been secured, including Ksh. 30million worth of materials from the Kenyan Government through KWS. The Aberdare blueprint for mountain habitat management underlines a fundamental aspect for conserving indigenous forests: Securing the socio- economic success of local communities is integral to stabilising and reviving habitats that are over-extracted from human pressure. Community-driven forest protection will be replicated in Mt. Kenya and Eburu, creating sufficient economic incentive for forest- TOP: Good rainfall is vital to Kenya's primary export commodity - tea. Background is Mt Kinangop peak in Southern Aberdares. edge residents to adopt sustainable BELOW: Northern Mathioya river flows clear - a primary feeder stream for Kenya's massive methods of utilising forest resources. hydro power dams on the Tana River downstream. Additionally, a fence helps to redefine state lands and support their protection from excision or illegal activities. Despite the tremendous The Assessment echoes Church’s recently, the Kirui 91 members proudly achievements in the Aberdares, Rhino sentiments. It recommends pointed out acres of forest they had Ark and partners are not quite out of controlling ecosystem degradation replanted in 2010 with 25,000 tree the woods. There are still loopholes both in the forest and downstream, seedlings. The ground is scattered with in the long-term management of the whilst improving fence management zebra and antelope dung and across fence. “The fence is still porous due to through stronger gate supervision, the valley, large brown shapes are inadequate funds for maintenance and continuous ecology monitoring, better seen meandering through the trees. lack of a fully transparent and enforced personnel and logistical support, and “Elephants,” remarks one a member, fence access policy,” says Church. incorporating more representation from and we all stop to watch. the private sector and civil society. A few years ago one could never have Without this multi-faceted approach, imagined such a scenario - farmers the ramifications are immense: pausing to watch wildlife and co- increasing water shortages in Nairobi existing peacefully in close proximity that relies almost entirely on the to elephants. Through creative public/ Aberdares, decreasing electricity private partnership, harmony has supply, jeopardy to over Ksh. 130billion been restored between the Aberdare worth of agriculture and floriculture, communities, the environment and and a perilous future for thousands of wildlife, and a home-grown blueprint smallholder farms. developed for securing the future of Additionally, the study stresses the other tropical mountain forests. role of local communities that need more sensitisation on the importance of conservation, and further capacity- building through improved road, water, agricultural and social infrastructure KARI MUTU is a Marketing and Sales Manager to minimise their dependence on the at Great Plains Conservation, a conservation protected forests. and ecotourism organisation. She has Bsc. As I walked along a section of in Botany and Zoology from the University of Nairobi and is a freelance writer focusing the fence in the Northern Aberdares mostly on tourism and conservation topics. www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 55 SPOTLIGHT A Diamond in the Rough Hirola conservation in Ijara, Kenya

By Abdullahi H. Ali and Jacob R. Goheen

he Hirola (Beatragus hunteri) in Somalia, although a small number is a poorly-known antelope may persist in extreme southwestern Tendemic to the Horn of Africa, Somalia. Hirola have been legally from southeastern Kenya northward protected in Kenya and Somalia since to southern Somalia. For decades, its the 1970s, but their numbers have taxonomic classification has vexed declined by more than 80% since 1976. scientists: it was initially classified as Remaining populations occur almost a subspecies of Hartebeest, and then solely on pastoral lands with no formal as a subspecies as Topi, before being protection, while the few conservation recognised as distinct enough to merit areas that do exist within the Hirola’s its own genus. native range (e.g., the Arawale National In 1965, Louis Leakey discovered Reserve and the eastern part of the fossil remains of a congener—Beatragus Tana Primate National Reserve) lack antiquus—in Tanzania’s Olduvai Gorge, adequate protection and attention and work by Leakey, Gentry, and others from the international conservation concluded that Hirola were probably community. Thus, ironically, the common ancestors of both Hartebeest Hirola ranks among Africa's greatest and Topi. Subsequently, Kingdon conservation concerns, but public proposed that the evolution and knowledge regarding its plight is almost expansion of Hartebeest throughout entirely lacking outside of Kenya. East Africa over a million years ago Because of historic, political might have led to the Hirola being instability in this area, it has been restricted to its current range, north and difficult to pinpoint the reasons east of the Tana River to a transitional underlying Hirola declines, although it by trees. Because Hirola are pure region along the Kenya-Somali border, is likely that many factors underlie this grazers that rely on grasses like Chloris, where grasslands give way to thick bush. population crash. From the 1960s to Cenchrus, and Digitaria throughout In addition to its unique taxonomy, the 1980s, Butynski, Kock, and others the year, these results imply that the the Hirola also has the unfortunate documented a series of disturbances— chances of Hirola recovery are low, so distinction of being one of the most—if overgrazing, fire suppression, and long as their preferred forage remains not the most—endangered antelope local extinctions of Elephants and rare in Ijara. In addition, the increased in sub-Saharan Africa. Indeed, the Black rhino—that occurred in Ijara, cover afforded by trees and shrubs Hirola has been identified as one of Fafi, and Garissa Districts. All three of might result in more efficient killing of the highest-ranking mammals on the these factors tend to favour the growth Hirola by predators relative to historic Zoological Society of London’s EDGE of trees and shrubs at the expense of levels of predation in open, grassy (Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally understory plants, particularly grasses. expanses. Endangered) of Existence Programme, Indeed, a recent analysis of satellite In 2011, and along with a team which seeks to promote understanding imagery demonstrates a slow but steady representing the Hirola Management and conservation of globally- conversion of savanna grassland to Committee, the Kenya Wildlife Service, endangered species that have few living Acacia refeciens-dominated bush over and the Northern Rangelands Trust, relatives. the past 30 years we initiated work to answer the Although they have never been The geographic range of Hirola has following questions that are critical to common, Hirola have dwindled in contracted with this shift in vegetation understanding and (hopefully) curbing numbers from roughly 10,000 in 1973 types, such that itnow persist only in the declining numbers of Hirola. These in Kenya to fewer than 500 today. It is small fraction of its historic range that questions were identified by Butynski likely that Hirola have been wiped out is relatively open, and not dominated over 10 years ago as knowledge gaps

56 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org SPOTLIGHT

that were necessary to fill to successfully negative effects of tree encroachment by local communities. We appointed conserve the animal. on Hirola, while simultaneously and trained three community scouts in First, what is the relative importance permitting livestock production through each area as part of our team to assist in of range degradation, competition with traditional pastoral practices? Because Hirola research as a part of community livestock, and predation in driving the both Hirola and cattle are pure grazers capacity building. continued decline of hirola in Ijara? that depend on high-quality, open Through our work, we hope to better Answering this question requires range, Hirola declines can be regarded understand and thus curb declines conducting a series of repeated surveys, as the proverbial “canary in the coal of this wonderful animal. Our work over many years, to document the mine”: they indicate chronic range is supported through the following birth and death rates for male, female, degradation under which both Hirola generous organizations: Association of juvenile, and adult Hirola in herds populations and cattle grazing will be Zoos and Aquariums, Denver Zoo, the inhabiting areas with different levels of very difficult to maintain over the long- Haub School of the Environment and grass cover, livestock, and predators. term. Potential solutions that might Natural Resources at the University From this data, we can build population enhance the long-term compatibility of of Wyoming, Idea Wild, International viability analyses (PVAs), tools that can Hirola and livestock include, but are not Foundation for Science, Mohamed project the future status of populations limited to, ripping and reseeding large bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, under various environmental scenarios. areas of range, prescribed burning, and National Museums of Kenya, St. Louis Currently, we are conducting such work holistic livestock management. Zoo, and the Rufford Foundation. in Arawale National Reserve, Gababa Finally, and most importantly, the Community, and Ishaqbini Conservancy success of our work hinges on close to construct the building blocks collaboration with Somali pastoralists, necessary for PVAs. Armed with this whose involvement is absolutely key Abdullahi H. Ali has been working on knowledge, we will be able to 1) assess to the long-term conservation of this wildlife conservation in eastern Kenya for the last seven years. Mr. Hussein has extensive how important predation, for example, species in its native range. In 2010, we experience in community conservation around is, versus range quality in driving administered a structured questionnaire his hometown of Garissa. He is a member declines of Hirola; 2) estimate which to homesteads in Arawale, Gababa, of the University of Wyoming’s Program herds of Hirola have the best chance and Ishaqbini. We made inquiries as in Ecology, where he is carrying out his of persisting 10, or 50, or 100 years to historical Hirola distribution in dissertation work on the conservation of hirola in Ijara. into the future; and 3) inform which the region, attitudes toward Hirola, management solutions will provide the threats to livestock of humans from Jacob R. Goheen is an assistant professor best “bang for our buck” to maximize Hirola, threats to Hirola from people, in the Departments of Zoology/Physiology chances for Hirola recovery. and the future of wildlife in the areas. and Botany at the University of Wyoming who Second, what range management We were pleasantly surprised by the works on ecosystem responses to declines and extinctions of wildlife. practices can be taken to offset the enthusiasm and support for our work

In an era of deforestation, a forest fragment found

By Luca Borghesio and Lawrence Wagura

he Taita Hills are a small the Taita form the northernmost entirely cloaked by thick rainforest. mountain massif located in end of the Eastern Arc, a range of Unfortunately, stable climate and Tsouthern Kenya, not far from the mountains stretching from Northern high rainfall are also favourable to Tanzanian border. The unimpressive Mozambique through Tanzania and agriculture, and rates of deforestation maximum elevation, about 2250m, Southern Kenya. Old age, estimated to have been high in the last century. In belies the high biological importance more than 20 million years, isolation the Taita, it is estimated that more of these small mountains, which host and climatic stability are the causes of than 95% of the original vegetation has several endemic species of vertebrates, the outstanding biological richness of been lost, and currently less than 500 invertebrates and plants. Geologically, the Eastern Arc, which was originally hectares of forest remain, scattered in www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 57 SPOTLIGHT

Figure 1. Aerial photograph of Msidunyi forest, from Google Earth (image taken on 18/10/2001). The image shows the indigenous forest patch completely surrounded by plantations of exotic trees (Cupressus lusitanica, Eucalyptus spp, Acacia mearnsii). BELOW: Psychotria petitii, a Taita endemic

twelve small fragments, some of which biological value and hosts populations Syzygium micklethwaitii and are less than one hectare in size. of unique species, many of which have Tabernaemontana stapfiana. The mid Most of the endemic flora and fauna not yet been described by scientists. strata and lower layers are characterized of the Taita Hills is highly threatened In October 2011, while performing by abundant ferns, and by Euphorbia due to the very small amount of habitat an ornithological survey in the Taita engleri, Dracaena steudneri, Turraea left, and therefore each bit, however Hills, we were surprised to discover a holstiii, Pauridiantha paucinervis, small, of indigenous forest has a high so far unknown fragment of forest. The Chassalia parvifolia. Endemic and site, called Msidunyi by local people, narrowly distributed plant species apparently escaped detection up to were also represented: we observed now as it is completely surrounded and Psychotria petitii and Impatiens hidden by a large plantation of non- teitensis subsp. teitensis (Taita indigenous trees. endemics), as well as the tree Dasylepis Based on a reconnaissance that integra, endemic to a small range in the we did on October 3, 2011, Msidunyi northern sector of the Eastern Arc. contains about 7.2 hectares of Among the fauna, we observed two indigenous forest showing no traces Taita endemic butterflies (Papilio of logging and few signs of human desmondi teita and Cymothoe teita), disturbance. The tree canopy is and two of the three endemic birds, the continuous, 15-20m tall, and elevation Taita White-eye (Zosterops poligaster ranges between 1830 and 1980m. sylvanus) and the Taita Apalis (Apalis Preliminary observations show fuscigularis). Msidunyi’s might be a the existence of a diverse forest flora, particularly important stronghold for with a canopy composed by trees such the apalis, whose global population is as Strombosia scheffleri, Schefflera rapidly decreasing and now probably volkensii, Podocarpus sp, Xymalos reduced to less than 500 individuals. monospora, Albizia gummifera, Other forest birds included Stripe-

58 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org SPOTLIGHT

TOP: Taita apalis (Apalis fuscigularis) Right: A view of the undergrowth of Msidunyi forest.

cheeked and Cabani’s Greenbul, of a diverse flora and fauna, including have been carved along the forest edges White-starred Robin, Lemon Dove, endemic and globally threatened in the last few years. The remaining African Goshawk, Hartlaub’s Turaco species, already suggest that Msidunyi forest might not survive for long without and Yellow-throated Woodland is an important refuge for rare species active protection. Warbler. and a stepping stone for preserving Our preliminary data suggest biological connectivity between the that Msidunyi might be one of the isolated forest remnants of the Taita biologically richest forest fragments of Hills. LUCA BORGHESIO is an Italian biologist, the Taita Hills. It is surprising that it Actions are urgently needed to natural history consultant and a Research escaped detection up to now considering preserve Msidunyi from destruction. Associate of the National Museums of Kenya. His main research interest in Africa focuses that several biological surveys have been Currently, the private owners of the on the ecology and conservation of montane carried out in the area in the last 15 land currently seem not interested to forest biological communities. years. Based on size alone, Msidunyi is exploit their land and turn it into exotic the sixth largest forest in the hills. More plantations or cultivation, but there is LAWRENCE WAGURA is an intern of the detailed biological surveys are needed no guarantee that this will last in the Zoology Department, National Museums of Kenya, who has been attached to several to confirm the conservation value of future. Already, aerial photographs ornithological research projects in the Taita this small forest patch, but the presence show that two small cultivated fields hills over the last five years

Acknowledgements Our research in the Taita Hills was funded by Mohammed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, CEPA (Conservation des Especes et Populations Animales), ZGAP (Zoologische Gesellshaft fur Arten und Populationsschutz), BirdLife International, Ghent University, North of England Zoological Society, and BirdFair/RSPB Research Fund for Endangered Species. We thank Quentin Luke for help in the determination of plant specimens.

www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 59 a Seychelles island – guilt-free

An aerial view of Cousin Island Special Reserve.

60 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org By Liz Mwambui

ousin island in the credits purchased from a project in such gas-guzzling and carbon- Seychelles is the Darfur, Sudan. emitting journeys. Cperfect place for the Nature Seychelles Chief Executive One campaign in Germany in environmentally conscious to visit. Officer, Nirmal Jivan Shah, explains 2008 had as title "Sylt instead Go there, bask, bird and enjoy, and why his organisation went to these of Seychelles." Sylt is an island you’ll be helping save the planet lengths: "We wanted our eco-visitors in northern Germany. Such from greenhouse gas emissions. to come to Cousin guilt- free, knowing campaigns can have a serious effect In 2010, Cousin made their carbon footprint has been on ecotourism locations such as international news when it became neutralised," he says. Most visitors Cousin Island and they rang alarm the world's first carbon neutral to the island reserve arrive via long bells with Nature Seychelles. nature reserve. The Cousin Island haul flights particularly from Europe "As the organisation managing Special Reserve got this standing followed by boat trips. For the Cousin Island Special Reserve, when Nature Seychelles, the non- climate-conscious visitor this could be applauded as one of the best governmental organisation that off-putting. long term examples of the manages it, carried out a rigorous But travel to distant locations has successful marriage of tourism assessment of the island's footprint also become the target of media and and conservation, we became and offset it by investing in carbon green campaigns, which discourage concerned about the impact of such

www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 61 media campaigns. Our main concern was the possible negative effect they could have on tourism revenues that go towards conserving Cousin and towards other environmental projects we carry out," Shah says. The island has close to 40 resident Aldabra Giant Tortoises. Cousin is self-financed through eco-tourism. One hundred percent of revenues go into reserve management, conservation and research activities, education and public awareness programmes, and training for wardens and practitioners. Cousin Island became a Nature Cousin is self-financed through eco-tourism. One Reserve in 1968 and was declared hundred percent of revenues go into reserve a Special Reserve in 1975 by the management, conservation and research activities, Government of Seychelles. The Reserve is 27 hectares, including the education and public awareness programmes, and surrounding marine area up to 400 training for wardens and practitioners. metres offshore. It is an Important Bird Area (IBA), a distinction given by BirdLife International to identify areas vital for bird conservation, and an IUCN

Protected Area Category 1a, which is turning point for the warbler," says a strict nature reserve where people's Shah, whose organisation took over visits and their impacts are controlled. management of the island in 1998, and In the 1960s the island was a loss- is the Seychelles BirdLife Partner. making coconut plantation. Then it was After its purchase, Cousin's 1968 discovered that the Seychelles Warbler, regenerating coconuts were Year Cousin Island became a on the brink of extinction with only 26 continuously cut back, old trees Nature Reserve. individuals left, lived there in a small allowed to die off naturally, and native patch of mangrove. The International vegetation encouraged to regenerate, Council for the Protection of Birds Shah explains. The Seychelles Warbler (now BirdLife International) started numbers increased and quickly reached a campaign to rescue the "rarest bird carrying capacity. 1975 in the world” as the warbler was then "From here the warbler was re- Year Cousin Island became a known, and in 1968 bought the island introduced to the islands of Cousine Special Reserve. for £17000. "This became the flagship and Aride to boost its population. The species for the island and Cousin's goal of its rescue plan was to have purchase became the triumphant 5000 individuals flourishing on five

62 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org improvements in other species notably the Seychelles Magpie Robin. The first step in the rescue of the this bird, also once on the brink of extinction, was the establishment of a population on Cousin. Other bird transfers to and from islands have been carried out. "The methods for re-introduction themselves have become the blue print for other island bird rescue. It involves the restoration of whole islands by planting forests and removal of alien predators such as rats - all mammals to Seychelles, apart from bats, were introduced and all became predators and destroyed birds - and bird introduction. This is the way we have been able to save some of the rarest birds in Africa ," explains Shah. islands and to have it down-listed in The island boasts a huge number the Red Data list. Nature Seychelles of species and habitats. The previous subsequently undertook a fourth coconut plantation is now mainly a translocation to Denis Island in 2004 native forest. There are wetlands where THIS PAGE TOP: Lesser noddies descend on and the population is flourishing fresh water attracts dragonflies and the island in large numbers during breeding season. there. A fifth translocation has just moorhens; a hill creates ideal nesting INSERT TOP: Seychelles Magpie Robins been undertaken to Fregate Island. sites for Shearwaters and Bridled Terns; were originally only found on Fregate "Hopefully, we will be able to take the on the seashore, crabs and shorebirds island and were saved from extinction after species off BirdLife International’s abound. It is home to a number of populations were established on Cousin and list of threatened birds of the world, reptiles such as giant tortoises and other islands. the first time this would happen for five endemic lizards, giant millipedes INSERT BOTTOM: White-tailed tropicbirds, a species once classified as Critically and hermit crabs. Seven species of one of seven Seabirds found on Cousin, nesting seabirds, in numbers exceeding adults nest on ground. Endangered," Shah says. BELOW: White tern, a seabird found on The success registered with 300,000 individuals call Cousin home. Cousin. the warblers was followed up by Nature Seychelles coordinates a local www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 63 SPOTLIGHT

stakeholders group, the Seychelles 1972, Cousin has what is believed to be continue to emerge until late February Seabird Group, that monitors seabirds the longest-running turtle monitoring or early March. Beaches are periodically across Seychelles. programmes in the Western Indian patrolled. A complete patrol involves Some 300 species of fish are found Ocean. In 2010, new analysis of data a full circuit of each of the 4 beaches in the island's marine area and prior to collected from this programme revealed on the island and varies in duration the coral bleaching of 1998, it had the a phenomenal eight-fold increase in the from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Females largest fish biomass of any reserve in abundance of nesting hawksbill turtles emerging are individually tagged, and the granitic Seychelles. It is the most since the programme was started. The nesting data collected from nesting important nesting site for Hawksbill increase is directly attributed to the attempts observed through tracks and turtles in the Western Indian Ocean. ongoing turtle conservation programme. actual turtle sightings. One of the biggest conservation "These findings are a validation "All this work would not be possible successes of the island has been of the important work carried out on without the human resources paid for recorded with the Hawksbill. Started in Cousin." says Shah. "It is long awaited by revenues received from visitors," proof that conservation works even for says Kerstin Henri, the organisation's long lived and critically endangered Chief Economist. Cousin is managed species like marine turtles." entirely by local people who live on the Turtle populations are notoriously island. The staff comprises an Island TOP: Local school children visit the Reserve. difficult to census, relying upon long- Coordinator, a Conservation Officer, INSERT TOP: Red hermit crabs. Crabs play term monitoring of females at their and six Wardens. Cousin's success an important role as scavengers - Cousin nesting beaches. This makes the has come through deliberate efforts wardens call them the vacuums of the monitoring on Cousin a mean feat. to provide an excellent ecotourism island. Monitoring commences each product and its operations are aligned RIGHT TOP: Wright's skink are one of 5 season when wardens observe the first to international ecotourism standards. endemic species of skinks of Seychelles. evidence of a turtle emerging onto the Visitor numbers are controlled by beach to lay her nest. This generally allowing visits during prescribed times occurs around late August, and turtles only - limited to half days, four days

64 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org SPOTLIGHT

may stop anyone suspected of violating Reserve regulations. Distance is kept from nesting birds and turtles. Mooring buoys have been installed for boats anchoring offshore. About 11,000-14,000 tourists visit the island each year. Thousands of visitor comments left behind are a testimony to the island's unique experience: "National Geographic live!... Fantastic island, fantastic birdlife, fantastic guide... Keep doing your great work!" they say. "Our challenge is to keep maintaining the integrity of the island as a cradle of biodiversity and popular tourism site, so that we can keep carrying out the important work we do." Shah concludes.

Liz Mwambui worked at at the Kenya Forests Working Group as outreach officer a week. Local tour operators from the Visitor safety is of high priority and for over seven years, and was part of the nearby island of Praslin take visitors to visitor facilities are provided. high profile campaigns for forests KFWG Cousin where they are then transferred A Code of Ethics is circulated to runs. She is now Communications Manager with Nature Seychelles, a leading NGO all visitors and operators. Wardens to the island's boats, the only ones in the Western Indian Ocean and BirdLife allowed to land on shore to prevent the ensure that adherence to regulations is Partner in Seychelles. Liz holds an MA in accidental introduction of pests onto the complied with, so quality of experience Communications for Development but was Reserve. Once on Cousin, a guided tour and low impact are maintained. To initially trained as a Graphics Designer at the is given to all visitors by the trained and reduce impact there is no picnicking, University of Nairobi and worked in marketing and advertising before falling for conservation multi-lingual wardens ensuring visitors overnight accommodation, or taking work. She was born in wildlife-rich Taita, increase their appreciation of nature. of specimens or souvenirs. Wardens Kenya

Why is this a green initiative?

The Cousin initiative is an example advised by Carbon Clear, a leading indoor air pollution and improves of one enterprise recognising how European carbon management health for the participating families. much carbon dioxide it generates company. Each year carbon credits This programme is administered by (its “carbon footprint”) and are purchased through investment local women’s cooperatives. supporting a parallel reduction in in verified projects in poor and Two other projects in Indonesia carbon dioxide by supporting a developing countries. and Brazil have been recipients project elsewhere. It could be tree The cooking stove project of the carbon offsets funds so far. planting in Kenya or Tanzania, in Darfur, Sudan is an energy The Brazilian project prevents but in this case it involves energy- efficiency project. It provides deforestation and protects the sensitive initiatives in Darfur, modern stoves to low-income Cerrado Biome by using agricultural whose conflict is often termed the families to replace their traditional waste in place of deforested wood world’s first Climate Change war 3-stone fires that rely on to fire community based ceramic because of the disputes between unsustainable wood sources. The kilns. The Indonesian project made pastoralists and nomads over modern stoves reduce greenhouse a number of vital upgrades to an fast-dwindling grazing and land. gas emissions by moving away existing conventional coal-fired (Editor). from wood and charcoal to more power to help it switch to geo- Keeping Cousin carbon neutral efficient fuels and cook-stoves. The thermal. is an on-going programme switch to efficient fuels also reduces

www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 65

PORTFOLIO

AMAZING AMBOSELI By Paolo Torchio

66 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org

PORTFOLIO

www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 67

PORTFOLIO

68 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org

PORTFOLIO

www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 69 THE YOUTH SHOW THE WAY FORWARD FOR CONSERVATION Thousands of Kenyan students were asked the question: “Why save Kenya’s wildlife and forests.” Their answers came in the form of compelling words and pictures. The question was the central point of a newly-relaunched competition which EAWLS helped sponsor and organize together with the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya. The 2011 contest was a merger of an art and essay contest previously organized by the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya and an essay and Public Speaking contest by the Satima Trust. This organization was founded to promote the work, thinking and life of Imre Loefler, a former Chairman of EAWLS, a writer, pilot and surgeon.

It attracted thousands of entries, proving that the keys to conservation in East Africa lie in the hands of the young. Some of the art work is reproduced here. The winners were presented with their awards in a ceremony at the African Wildlife Foundation Headquarters in Nairobi attended by dignitaries, parents and organisers and shortly afterwards headed off for a six-day all-expenses paid tour of lake Nakuru National Park and the Rift valley lakes and tourist attraction sites.

The competition was generously supported by the University of Nairobi, Lewa Conservancy, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, The Star Newspaper, Lino Typesetters, Kenya Wildlife Service, African Wildlife Foundation, Highlands Mineral Water Ltd, African Fund for Endangered Wildlife and the Text Book Centre. We are deeply grateful for their support.The competition will be held again in 2012 – details to be announced in The Star and other media.

Richard Rono - East African Wild Life Society

70 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org CONSERVATION COMPETITION

Hussein Palkhi, 11 years old, std 4, Al Madrasa Tus Saifiya Burhaniyah, Nairobi www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 71 CONSERVATION COMPETITION

Husain Aziz Hebatullah, 8 years, std 1, Al Madrasa Tus Saifiya Burhaniyah, Nairobi

Ramya Gowry, 11 years, std 6, Arya Vedic, Nairobi

72 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org CONSERVATION COMPETITION

Tushar Grupta, 9 years, std 4, Arya Vedic, Nairobi

Michael Daman, form 3, Makueni boys high, Makueni

www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 73 BOOK REVIEW

Buffaloes by my learning that his company’s pension scheme no longer existed. All bedroom that time and effort wasted. Wasted!'' Tales of Tanganyika If that bang-the-table, kick-the-chair frustration with Africa By Dennis Herlocker sounds familiar, then much of Dennis Herlocker’s thoroughly Published by iUniverse, Inc, likeable memoir will also resonate with readers familiar with the New York continent, both young and old. It is still a beguilingly beautiful but ISBN-978-1-4401-4724 maddeningly difficult place to work. Herlocker balances the two (paperback) extremes in an engaging and sympathetic way, and tells his story compellingly. It is full of anecdotes about people, which give it ''Picking up the mail, I depth and personality, but the landscape that is the backdrop to found that two rolls of film this adventure is the main character. containing fabulous scenes, This is a book about things that happened when the author was unlikely to be encountered Assistant Conservator (Forests) in the Ngorongoro Conservation again (including a pack of area of what was then Tanganyika more than 45 years ago. Sent wild dogs – Cape hunting to this country-in-waiting as a Peace Corps volunteer (with three dogs – bringing down a years of forest expertise), he became a forester in Ngorongoro. gazelle), had returned from the developer overexposed. Then Herlocker’s sense of wonderment remains intact, despite the I discovered to my dismay that most of the plant specimens I lapse of time between the event and its commitment to paper. The had collected over the last several months for the Conservation book is full of brushes with people and animals and places that Unit’s reference herbarium were useless. I hadn’t changed the can only be described as an adventure, and the reader lives that newspapers between plants often enough and the plants never adventure with him. A very satisfying read for those whose own dried out. Plant after plant was either mouldy or just disintegrated sense of wonderment at the continent remains intact. into little pieces when picked up. I felt like an old employee upon Reviewed by: Andy Hill

Field Guide to Common are reduced in size. This does not detract as more, and in many Trees and Shrubs of East cases, better photos are used together with detailed photos of Africa flowers and in some 70 species there are photos of their distinctive By Najma Dharani bark. Struik Nature Cape Town As for the first edition it remains a mystery as to why it was South Africa thought necessary to have separate sections for the trees and 2nd Edition 2011, 328 shrubs as the dividing line between the two is never clear. Does the pages, A5 Format height of the plant influence the decision or its growth habit? Why put Ehretia cymosa in the shrub section and describe it as a shrub or small tree growing 12 m. The indigenous cycad, Encephalartos The first edition of this hildebrandtii, is included in the Tree Section! book was published in Keeping up with the changing of the botanical names of plants 2002 and was favorably has always been a problem and is more so today than ever due reviewed in the natural to the frequency of the influence of DNA analyses. This second history press for being a addition has done its best to be up to date with names but why use most useful publication the very outdated name of Aloe bainesii when it was recognised filling a needed gap but pointed out there were quite a number of many years ago that it was correctly Aloe barberae? errors and omissions. Many countries in the world these days suffer from alien In reviewing the 2nd edition ,it has been compared with its invasive species, including Kenya. It would have been good if predecessor and after just turning a few pages it was immediately this book could have taken the opportunity to strongly warn noticeable that this is a considerably improved book. against planting species that are currently recognised as causing a In the Tree Section some 58 additional species have been problem. There is mention in some cases of species being “almost included of which only THREE are exotics, which is excellent news naturalised” when it should say that these species have become for those indigenous tree enthusiasts. Similarly in the Shrub very invasive with a warning not to plant. Section there are 37 additional species and they are all indigenous. As for the first edition, this book contains many exotic species The Palm and Mangrove sections remain the same but the but these are well outnumbered by indigenous. All in all this Illustrated Glossary has been improved with the diagrams in colour. second addition is a big improvement on the first and is well worth The format has been changed so that all the additional having. information could be fitted into a book that is only eight pages longer than the original version. This has meant instead of one Reviewed by: Barry Cameron page per species there is now two and subsequently the photos

74 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org To advertise in SWARA call Gideon on 0720 369 432

A certain curve of horn By John Frederick Walker Grove press

In A Certain Curve of Horn, SWARA contributor John Frederick Walker tells the story of one of the most revered and endangere beasts of Africa: the Giant sable antelope of Angola, a majestic, coal-black quadruped with breathtaking curved horns over five feet long. As he follows the trail of this mysterious animal, Walker interweaves the stories of the adventurers, scientists, and warriors who have come under the thrall of the beast, and how their actions would shape the fate of the Giant sable antelope and the history of the war-torn nation that is its only home. First published in 2002, Walker’s account of his quest for Angola’s legendary animal was called ‘riveting,’ ‘fascinating,’ and ‘compelling’ by reviewers, who compared it to Peter Matthiessen’s classic, The Snow Leopard. Walker joined the first post-war expedition that found evidence that the iconic creature had survived the country’s horrific 27-year- long civil war, but years passed before it could be photographed and discovered to be on the brink of extinction. Now Walker brings the story full circle, taking the reader on a last-chance expedition to find Africa’s most magnificent antelope and the heart-pounding conservation triumph of its rescue. John Frederick Walker's writing has appeared in The New York Times, National Geographic Traveler, Africa Geographic, SWARA (2010:03)and numerous other publications. He has been travelling to and reporting on Africa since 1986 and is also author of Ivory’s Ghosts: The White Gold of History and the Fate of Elephants. A Certain Curve of Horn (Revised & Updated E-book Edition) is available for purchase at Amazon, B&N, Apple, and Kobo.

Visit his website at: www.johnfrederickwalker.com

Reviewed by: Andy Hill

www.eawildlife.org SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 75 REAR WINDOW

By their bar codes shall a YE know them

By Peter von Buol

nternational scientific researchers are developing a computer programme which uses the stripes and spots of Iindividual animals to quickly identify individual Plains Zebras and which may soon be used to identify other wildlife species, including Grevy’s Zebras, giraffes and snow leopards. StripeSpotter, was developed jointly by researchers at Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Princeton University’s Equid Research and Conservation Laboratory and the University of Illinois-Chicago’s Computational Population Biology Laboratory. According to Tanya Berger-Wolf, one of the programme’s co-developers and an associate professor of computer science at the University of Illinois-Chicago, her research team believed it was important to make the programme free and easily accessible. “It was important to us to have it available as an open- source, free programme to be used for scientific and conservation purposes. This is about science and not about then the program analysed each of photographs. We didn’t business,” said Berger-Wolf, whose team began their research know it would work! After the results came in, I was happy with Plains Zebras and later started a database to identify and surprised,” said Berger-Wolf, whose own work with individual Grevy’s Zebras. zebras started about eight years ago. “There had already been a computer-assisted program for Until the advent of StripeSpotter, collecting the Grevy’s Zebras but it was very expensive and a human also information needed to study the zebra social-networks had needed to spend 10 minutes to outline an individual animal,” been time-consuming and tedious. said Berger-Wolf. “Ideally, we would collect the information on the The program developed by Berger-Wolf’s team uses an interactions among zebras, create a social network out them, algorithmic approach to automatically and accurately identify analyse it, and, hopefully, gain an insight into why zebras individual animals. hang out with each other, how leadership emerges among “Imagine a line going across the side of a zebra's body, them, and how and why some individuals are more from shoulder to the rump. We read blocks of white and black important than others for the population as a whole. along that line and record their lengths (in pixels). In fact, we However, to really collect data on zebra populations we record their relative length ratios, which do not change with needed to track many individual zebras over long periods distance and slight rotations and angles. We then draw 10 of of time. We tried GPS collars but they are too expensive those imaginary lines and the total sequence of numbers along and intrusive. They were also dangerous, unreliable and those lines comprises a StripeCode. For a new photograph inaccurate for the interaction data we needed. A better source to be identified, we compare its computed StripeCode to the of data is the many human eyes (field assistants, scouts, StripeCode of each already identified and stored zebra in the nature preserve visitors, scientists and others) with cameras database. We use an algorithmic approach similar to the one to get used to compare two DNA information on where each zebra is found and with whom. sequences to each other. The programme returns the But to do that, we must be able to identify each individual top-ranked matches for the human to verify. Once the zebra in those photographs efficiently and accurately [and identification is verified, the photograph is added to the StripeSpotter was found to do that],” said Berger-Wolf. database with the zebra identity,” said Berger-Wolf. Development of the programme began as a graduate Peter von Buol student’s project during a field-ecology course in Kenya in is an adjunct professor of journalism at Columbia College-Chicago. He has been writing for East African publications January 2010. Mayank Lahiri, now a Ph.D, began work on since 1998 when he wrote an article about the rediscovery of a cave a programme for automatic identification of zebras from described as the the Tsavo Man-eaters den by a joint-team from the photographs and which formed the basis of StripeSpotter. Kenya Wildlife Service and Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History. “Our original data-set started with 6,000 photographs of He contributed an article about the post-Tsavo career of Colonel John 196 individual zebras. Rosemary Warungu, of the Ol Pejeta H.Patterson's to the current issue of Kenya Past and Present. He is also Conservancy, sat and identified all the individual animals and a regular contributor to BBC Focus on Africa as well as numerous other publications.

76 SWARA JANUARY - MARCH 2012 www.eawildlife.org