Download Case Study: Dakatcha Woodland

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Case Study: Dakatcha Woodland Dakatcha Woodland Important Bird Area in Kilifi County is the northernmost Brachystegia (Miombo or Mrihi) Woodland in Africa. Several threatened species live in this woodland – which is really a forest. The most important of them is Clarke’s Weaver (Ploceus golandi), which is only found in Kilifi County – and nowhere else in the world. Clarke’s Weaver and Sokoke Pipit, found mainly in Brachystegia forest; Sokoke Scops Owl, found mainly in Cynometra thickets in Dakatcha; and Golden-rumped Sengi (elephant- shrew); are all considered globally Endangered – in danger of extinction unless their habitat is conserved. Efforts have been made to protect this forest by Nature Kenya and Dakatcha Woodland Conservation Group together with Kenya Forest Service and A Rocha Kenya over the past 10 years but threats stills persist. Threats include conversion of the entire IBA into commercial crops, commercial charcoal production, extraction of other forest products and shifting farming, which together threaten the existence of biodiversity. In order to save the endemic Clarke’s Weaver and many others, it is critical that the remaining Brachystegia and Cynometra forests in Dakatcha Woodland Important Bird Area are conserved. This includes community land and the area that falls within the neighbouring Galana Ranch. Interventions In 2009-2011, through intense advocacy campaigns, Nature Kenya successfully stopped mass conversion of Dakatcha Woodland into Jatropha curcas plantations. The Dakatcha Woodland management plan was formulated in consultation with all stakeholders Nature Kenya supported the local community to identify seven community conserved areas to serve as nuclei for the conservation of threatened species. Publications on Dakatcha Woodland include a Checklist of the Birds, several brochures and magazine articles, and a life-cycle assessment of producing biofuels from Jatropha curcas plantations in Dakatcha Woodland. .

Copy Link

Recommended publications

Kenya Soe Ch4 A
PART 2 STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 61 CHAPTER BIODIVERSITY4 Introduction The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) defi nes biodiversity as Kenya’s rich biodiversity Lead Authors ‘the variability among living organisms from all sources including, can be attributed to a number Ali A. Ali and Monday S. Businge among others, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and of factors, including a long Contributing Authors S. M. Mutune, Jane Kibwage, Ivy Achieng, the ecological complexes of which they are part [and] includes diversity evolutionary history, variable Godfrey Mwangi, David Ongare, Fred Baraza, within species, between species and of ecosystems.’ Biodiversity climatic conditions, and diverse Teresa Muthui, Lawrence M. Ndiga, Nick Mugi therefore comprises genetic and species diversity of animals and plants habitat types and ecosystems. Reviewer as well as ecosystem diversity. Kenya is endowed with an enormous The major biodiversity Nathan Gichuki diversity of ecosystems and wildlife species which live in the terrestrial, concentration sites fall within aquatic and aerial environment. These biological resources are the existing protected areas fundamental to national prosperity as a source of food, medicines, network (national parks, reserves and sanctuaries) which are mostly energy, shelter, employment and foreign exchange. For instance, managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). However, over 70 percent agricultural productivity and development are dependent on the of the national biodiversity occurs outside the protected areas. availability of a wide variety of plant and animal genetic resources and In spite of its immense biotic capital, Kenya experiences severe on the existence of functional ecological systems, especially those that ecological and socio-economic problems.
[Show full text]
Tc & Forward & Owls-I-IX
USDA Forest Service 1997 General Technical Report NC-190 Biology and Conservation of Owls of the Northern Hemisphere Second International Symposium February 5-9, 1997 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Editors: James R. Duncan, Zoologist, Manitoba Conservation Data Centre Wildlife Branch, Manitoba Department of Natural Resources Box 24, 200 Saulteaux Crescent Winnipeg, MB CANADA R3J 3W3 <[email protected]> David H. Johnson, Wildlife Ecologist Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 600 Capitol Way North Olympia, WA, USA 98501-1091 <[email protected]> Thomas H. Nicholls, retired formerly Project Leader and Research Plant Pathologist and Wildlife Biologist USDA Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station 1992 Folwell Avenue St. Paul, MN, USA 55108-6148 <[email protected]> I 2nd Owl Symposium SPONSORS: (Listing of all symposium and publication sponsors, e.g., those donating $$) 1987 International Owl Symposium Fund; Jack Israel Schrieber Memorial Trust c/o Zoological Society of Manitoba; Lady Grayl Fund; Manitoba Hydro; Manitoba Natural Resources; Manitoba Naturalists Society; Manitoba Critical Wildlife Habitat Program; Metro Propane Ltd.; Pine Falls Paper Company; Raptor Research Foundation; Raptor Education Group, Inc.; Raptor Research Center of Boise State University, Boise, Idaho; Repap Manitoba; Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada; USDI Bureau of Land Management; USDI Fish and Wildlife Service; USDA Forest Service, including the North Central Forest Experiment Station; Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; The Wildlife Society - Washington Chapter; Wildlife Habitat Canada; Robert Bateman; Lawrence Blus; Nancy Claflin; Richard Clark; James Duncan; Bob Gehlert; Marge Gibson; Mary Houston; Stuart Houston; Edgar Jones; Katherine McKeever; Robert Nero; Glenn Proudfoot; Catherine Rich; Spencer Sealy; Mark Sobchuk; Tom Sproat; Peter Stacey; and Catherine Thexton.
[Show full text]
Raptors in the East African Tropics and Western Indian Ocean Islands: State of Ecological Knowledge and Conservation Status
j. RaptorRes. 32(1):28-39 ¸ 1998 The Raptor ResearchFoundation, Inc. RAPTORS IN THE EAST AFRICAN TROPICS AND WESTERN INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS: STATE OF ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE AND CONSERVATION STATUS MUNIR VIRANI 1 AND RICHARD T. WATSON ThePeregrine Fund, Inc., 566 WestFlying Hawk Lane, Boise,1D 83709 U.S.A. ABSTRACT.--Fromour reviewof articlespublished on diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey occurringin Africa and the western Indian Ocean islands,we found most of the information on their breeding biology comesfrom subtropicalsouthern Africa. The number of published papers from the eastAfrican tropics declined after 1980 while those from subtropicalsouthern Africa increased.Based on our KnoM- edge Rating Scale (KRS), only 6.3% of breeding raptorsin the eastAfrican tropicsand 13.6% of the raptorsof the Indian Ocean islandscan be consideredWell Known,while the majority,60.8% in main- land east Africa and 72.7% in the Indian Ocean islands, are rated Unknown. Human-caused habitat alteration resultingfrom overgrazingby livestockand impactsof cultivationare the main threatsfacing raptors in the east African tropics, while clearing of foreststhrough slash-and-burnmethods is most important in the Indian Ocean islands.We describeconservation recommendations, list priorityspecies for study,and list areasof ecologicalunderstanding that need to be improved. I•y WORDS: Conservation;east Africa; ecology; western Indian Ocean;islands; priorities; raptors; research. Aves rapacesen los tropicos del este de Africa yen islasal oeste del Oc•ano Indico: estado del cono- cimiento eco16gicoy de su conservacitn RESUMEN.--Denuestra recopilacitn de articulospublicados sobre aves rapaces diurnas y nocturnasque se encuentran en Africa yen las islasal oeste del Octano Indico, encontramosque la mayoriade la informaci6n sobre aves rapacesresidentes se origina en la regi6n subtropical del sur de Africa.
[Show full text]
Old Conifer Forests of North America
Old Conifer Forests of North America 1. Ancient forest of western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) and western redcedar (Thuja plicata), Olympic National Park, western Olympic Peninsula, Washington. Such stands are habitat for the Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) but in recent years also have been invaded by the Barred Owl (Strix varia). The Barred Owl is fast becoming coexistent with, and in many cases replacing, the less aggressive Spotted Owl. 2. Fragmentation of western hemlock forests in southeast Alaska, Tongass National Forest, from timber harvesting (clearcutting). Such harvesting locally opens forest canopies and eliminates habitat for Boreal (Tengmalm’s) Owls (Aegolius funereus) and other species. 3. Selective cutting of western hemlock forests in southeast Alaska. If such cutting does not greatly reduce canopy closure or nesting substrate (including snags and cavity-bearing trees), then it may be compatible with conserving habitat for some of the old-forest owl species. Studies are needed, however, to assess the response of each species. Hume and Boyer (1991) and Amadon and Bull (1988) list the Lesser Sooty Owl, previously considered a subspecies of the Sooty Owl, as a separate species. Hume and Boyer note that both species inhabit patches of rain forest and wet eucalyptus forests containing old trees with hollow trunks suitable for nesting and roosting, and that the Lesser Sooty Owl favors extensive tracts of rain forests. Both owls have recently taken to roadsides and clearings as foraging habitat, however. 5 Soumagne’s Owl-Soumagne’s Owl is found only in large, dense, evergreen forests of northeastern Madagascar. It has been sighted only in 1929 and 1973 (Clark and others 1978).
[Show full text]
Home Range and Activity Patterns of Sunda Scops Owl in Peninsular Malaysia
Najmi-Hanis et al.: Home range of Sunda scops owl Conservation & Ecology RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY 64: 28–32 Date of publication: 29 January 2016 http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:9C1D5339-13C3-4708-BDF7-AFEAF8B3DE1F Home range and activity patterns of Sunda scops owl in Peninsular Malaysia Z. Najmi-Hanis1, Chong Leong Puan1, 2*, Mohamed Zakaria1 & Badrul Azhar1, 2 Abstract. The Sunda scops owl Otus lempiji is commonly found in many wooded habitat types in Malaysia. However, as with other owl species in Southeast Asia, there is a lack of published ecological studies. We examined the home range and activity patterns of six adult Sunda scops owls based on radio-telemetry in an isolated forest, namely Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia from December 2012 to June 2013. Mean minimum convex polygon and harmonic mean home range areas of the owls were 2.40 ± 0.28 SD ha and 4.00 ± 0.78 SD ha, respectively. The birds exhibited territorial behaviour with little overlapping of home ranges. Movements (the means of inter-fix speed) were not associated with lunar illumination nor with time. This study provided baseline information on the spatial requirements of the Sunda scops owl in a lowland forest. Key words. Sunda scops owl, Otus lempiji, home range, territorial behaviour INTRODUCTION Otus mantananensis). The Sunda scops owl Otus lempiji is a common owl species in Malaysia, found in many habitat The Oriental region has a high diversity of owl species, types, including suburban areas, plantations and forests (Lok particularly in the case of genus Otus (Strigidae; Konig & et al., 2009; Puan, 2013).
[Show full text]
ABA Kenya Coastal & Tsavo Extension 16Th to 24Th February 2022 (9 Days)
ABA Kenya Coastal & Tsavo Extension 16th to 24th February 2022 (9 days) Sokoke Scops Owl by Rich Lindie A number of Kenya’s most well-known birding sites and reserves are covered on this incredible extension. We start out exploring two coastal sites, the lush Shimba Hills and Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, that hold several highly localized and range-restricted species. Here we will endeavor to find some of the rarest birds in Africa, including the diminutive Sokoke Scops Owl, Sokoke and Malindi Pipits, stunning Fischer’s Turaco, Mombasa Woodpecker, highly prized Green-headed Oriole, Chestnut- fronted Helmetshrike, Green Tinkerbird, East Coast Akalat, Little Yellow Flycatcher, Scaly Babbler, Amani Sunbird and Clarke’s Weaver. RBL ABA Kenya Coastal & Tsavo Extension Tour Itinerary 2 The second half of our extension is spent exploring the exceptional Tsavo reserves which hold a wonderful assortment of dry country species and a plethora of big game including more opportunities to see a variety of antelope species, African Elephant and Big Cats such as Lion, Leopard and Cheetah. On the birding front the list of quality species is numerous and includes Scaly Chatterer, Red-naped Bushshrike, Pringle’s Puffback, Tsavo Sunbird, Taveta Weaver, Golden-breasted and Fischer’s Starlings, White-throated Robin, the rare and little known Friedmann’s Lark, Hartlaub’s Bustard and Grey-headed Silverbill to name a few. We also take time to visit the Taita Hills where three extremely localized Kenyan endemics can be found - Taita Thrush, Taita White-eye and Taita Apalis. THE TOUR AT A GLANCE… THE ITINERARY Day 1 Nairobi flight to Ukunda to Shimba Hills Day 2 Shimba Hills to Watamu Bay via Mida Creek Days 3 & 4 Arabuko-Sokoke Forest and Sabaki River Mouth Day 5 Arabuko-Sokoke Forest to Tsavo East Day 6 Tsavo East Day 7 Tsavo East to Tsavo West via Taita Hills Day 8 Tsavo West Day 9 Tsavo West to Nairobi and depart TOUR MAP: RBL ABA Kenya Coastal & Tsavo Extension Tour Itinerary 3 THE TOUR IN DETAIL… Day 1: Nairobi to Shimba Hills.
[Show full text]
Diet Composition of Sokoke Scops Owl Otus Ireneae in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest
Scopus 27: 6-9, January 2008 Diet composition of Sokoke Scops Owl Otus ireneae in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Munir Z. Virani Food and nest site availability are the two principal factors that influence the distribution and abundance of birds (Newton 1998). A scientifically sound understanding about these provides the basis for the practical management and conservation of wild populations. For example, it is vital to know the diet of a critically endangered species if conservation action calls for captive breeding. This paper examines the diet composition of the Sokoke Scops Owl Otus ireneae, an endangered species found only at Arabuko-Sokoke Forest in coastal Kenya and the foothills forests of the East Usambara Mountains in Tanzania (Hipkiss et al. 1994, Virani 2000). In the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, the species is mainly confined to the Cynometra woodland habitat (Britton & Zimmerman 1979, Kelsey & Langdon 1984, Virani 2000), although there is also a small population in Brachylaena woodland to the north of the (C. Jackson pers. comm.). The only data regarding the scops owl’s diet (based on stomach contents of an unspecified number of individuals) suggested that invertebrates are an important component of the owl’s diet (Ripley & Bond 1971). Forest owls present a challenge because they are particularly difficult to study due to their nocturnal habits and the nature of the habitat in which they occur. Owls of the genus Otus (scops owls) are the largest and most widespread group of owls with at least 21 different species occurring in the Old World (Kemp & Calburn 1987). This group of owls is unique in that the range of prey, habitats and climates in which they have radiated make the evolutionary relationships between species difficult to unravel (Kemp & Calburn 1987).
[Show full text]
Herpetofauna in the Arabuko-Sokoke ^ \ and Gede Coastal Forests of Kenya
1 (f ECOLOGICAL STUDY OF HERPETOFAUNA IN THE ARABUKO-SOKOKE ^ \ AND GEDE COASTAL FORESTS OF KENYA BY MUTUGI /CHIRA A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN THE UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI 1993 im-'f-r - i i - DECLARATION This thesis is my original work and has not been presented for any other degree to the best of my knowledge. C h i r a R . H . Date This thesis has been submitted for examination with my approval as University supervisor. Dr. Ian Gordon Date IV TABLE OF CONTENTS Title................................................... i Declaration............................................. ii Acknowledgement......................................... iii List of Figures......................................... vi List of Tables.......................................... viii Abstract................................................. ix 1. CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION AND LITERATURE REVIEW........ 1 1:1 Introduction ............................... 1 1:2 Literature review........................... 2 1:2:1 Lizards..................................... 2 1:2:2 Snakes..................................... 6 1:2:3 Amphibians.................................. 9 1:2:4 Coast herpetofauna.......................... 10 2. CHAPTER 2. STUDY AREA, MATERIALS AND METHODS........ 19 2:1 Description of study area ................. 19 2:1:1 Climate..................................... 22 2:1:2 Topography and soils ...................... 22 2:1:3 Vegetation ................................. 25 2:1:4 Fauna .....................................
[Show full text]
Owls of Old Forests of the World Bruce G
Owls of Old Forests of the World Bruce G. Marcot Cover The cover illustrates a flew selected species of owls found in old forests of the world. Clockwise from upper left: in conifer forests of North America is the North- ern Spotted Owl (Strix accidentalis caurina); in dense evergreen forests of South- east Asia is the Bay Owl (Phodilus badius); in rain forests of Australia is the Rufous Owl (Ninox rufa); in dense evergreen rain forests of Madagascar is the Soumagne’s Owl (Tyto soumagnei); and in Neotropical lowland forests of South America is the White-Chinned or Tawny-browed Owl (Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana). Author BRUCE G. MARCOT is a wildlife ecologist, Ecological Framework for Manage- ment Research Development, and Application Program, Pacific Northwest Research Station, P.O. Box 3890, Portland, OR 97208-3890 Abstract Marcot, Bruce G. 1995. Owls of old forests of the world. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW- GTR-343. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 64 p. A review of literature on habitat associations of owls of the world revealed that about 83 species of owls among 18 genera are known or suspected to be closely associated with old forests. Old forest is defined as old-growth or undisturbed forests, typically with dense canopies. The 83 owl species include 70 tropical and 13 temperate forms. Specific habitat associations have been studied for only 12 species (7 tropical and 5 temperate), whereas about 71 species (63 tropical and 8 temperate) remain mostly unstudied. Some 26 species (31 percent of all owls known or sus- pected to be associated with old forests in the tropics) are entirely or mostly re- stricted to tropical islands.
[Show full text]
Dakatcha Woodland 1
DAKATCHA WOODLAND HOME OF CLARKE’S WEAVER, THE BIRD OF KILIFI COUNTY An internationally recognized Important Bird Area A mix of superb forests, eroded sand depressions, seasonal wetlands, farmlands and homesteads of the Giriama and Watha people. It’s where Clarke’s Weaver, a bird that’s only found in Kiliﬁ County (nowhere else in the world), was discovered nesting in seasonal wetlands in 2013. Dakatcha Woodland is for anyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors – the person who wants to walk, hike, discover the world of nature, landscapes and the people. Dakatcha Woodland Important Bird Area covers nearly 2,000 square kilometres in the rolling hills of Magarini sub-county of Kiliﬁ County. The beautiful spreading trees called Mrihi (Brachystegia spiciformis) are the main forest type. In the dry season many Mrihi trees lose their leaves; when the new leaves unfold they may be red, pink or orange in colour. It is the most northern Brachystegia spiciformis forest in Africa. This forest gives Dakatcha Woodland its signature bird – the Clarke’s Weaver. Dakatcha Woodland RARE COASTAL ANIMALS Three bird species considered so rare that they are in danger of extinction are found in Dakatcha Woodland: Clarke’s Weaver, Sokoke Pipit and Sokoke Scops Owl. Clarke’s Weavers live only here and in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest to the south. There’s also a mammal found only at the Coast and which is globally threatened: the Golden-rumped Sengi (Elephant-shrew). More than 220 kinds of birds can be seen here, including the spectacular Fischer’s Turaco and international migratory birds such as Eurasian Rollers, Eurasian Golden Orioles, Nightingales and Spotted Flycatchers.
[Show full text]
The Avifauna of Sokoke Forest, Kenya P.L
JOURNAL OF THE EAST AFRICA NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY AND NATIONAL MUSEUM 10th AUGUST 1979 No. 169 THE AVIFAUNA OF SOKOKE FOREST, KENYA P.L. Britton P.O. Box 90163, Mombasa and D.A. Zimmerman Dept. of Biological Science, Western New Mexico University, Silver City, N.M. 88061, U.S.A. INTRODUCTION The Sokoke (or Arabuko-Sokoke) Forest, situated just inland from the Kenya coast, between Kilifi Creek and the Galana River, is one of East Africa's few surviving areas of lowland forest of any appreciable size. In Ripley & Bond (1971), A.D. Forbes-Watson stated that 'about half of the Sokoke Forest has been destroyed by man in the last ten years', and that all the areas in which he collected birds in 1964-66 'are now no longer forest, but desolate areas of sandy soil and straggly crops' Based on extensive ground coverage and a flight over the forest, Britton (1975) reported that most of the 400 km2 forest reserve was still intact. Areas referred to by Forbes-Watson are south and east of the gazetted forest reserve; similar areas to the west continue to be cut and settled, and must be dis• regarded in any long term evaluation of the status of forest birds. The interesting avifauna of Sokoke Forest has been documented by Ripley & Bond (1971), and there are notes on selected species by Williams (1957), Clancey & Williams (1959), Ripley(1966), Britton & Britton (1977, 1978) and Britton & Rathbun (1978). Including species flying over the forest or living along its borders, Ripley & Bond (1971) listed 173 species, apparently regarding the forest as a uniform biome despite the vegetative differences which they mention.
[Show full text]
Pdfbirdlife International, Dangered Species: the Bearded Vulture Gypaetus Barbatus As an Example
Biological Conservation 227 (2018) 390–402 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Biological Conservation journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/biocon State of the world's raptors: Distributions, threats, and conservation T recommendations ⁎ Christopher J.W. McClurea, , James R.S. Westripb, Jeff A. Johnsonc, Sarah E. Schulwitza, Munir Z. Virania, Robert Daviesd, Andrew Symesb, Hannah Wheatleyb, Russell Thorstroma, Arjun Amare, Ralph Buijf, Victoria R. Jonesb, Nick P. Williamsg, Evan R. Buechleyh,i, Stuart H.M. Butchartb,j a The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID 83709, USA b BirdLife International, David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK c University of North Texas, Department of Biological Sciences, Advanced Environmental Research Institute, 1155 Union Circle, #310559, Denton, TX 76203, USA d Habitat Info, Rookwood Studios, Llanunwas, Solva, Pembrokeshire SA62 6UJ, UK e FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa f Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3A, 6708 PB Wageningen, Netherlands g Coordinating Unit of the CMS Raptors MoU, Convention on Migratory Species Office - Abu Dhabi, United Nations Environment Programme, c/o Environment Agency- Abu Dhabi, PO Box 45553, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates h HawkWatch International, 2240 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84106, USA i Department of Biology, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA j Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Keywords: Raptors provide critical ecosystem services, yet there is currently no systematic, global synthesis of their con- Ornithology servation status or threats.
[Show full text]