Heritage Science News

Quarterly Newsletter of the Directorate of National Repository & Research, National Museums of Issue 2: July-September, 2019

In this issue : Kenya’s Fossil A brief analysis by Prof. Kieran McNulty Department of Anthropology University of Minnesota 1. Ekembo: Kenya’s Fossil Ape

2. Citizen Science and Mobile Technology Helping Study Birds

3. Indigenous leafy vegetables: 30 years of research and promotion work in Kenya

4. Human-induced threats and mitigation strategies in Ewaso Narok wetland in Laikipia, Kenya 5. Assessing Pesticidal Activity of Pawpaw Leaves and Seeds Against Maize Weevils

Photo: Artist’s reconstruction of a forest environment discovered at R3 on . Contributors Prof. Kieran McNulty, Dr. Peter Njoroge, Dr. kembo is a genus of medium- to What we now call Ekembo was, for many Patrick Maundu, Walter Nyamolo, Nancy large-bodied ape found primarily on years, referred instead to the genus Kwamboka Rusinga and Mfangano Islands– fossil – an ape first discovered at the Kenyan locality Esites associated with the Kisingiri Volcano in of Koru, and best known from other deposits The Editorial Team: Western Kenya. Although not the first fossil in that area (Songhor, Chamtwara, Meswa ape discovered in East Africa, it is certainly the Bridge) and from Napak in Uganda. Ekembo Victor Wasonga, Peris Kariuki, Job Kibii, best known of Kenya’s hominoids, and Proconsul look similar in many respects: Lydia Nafula, Agnes Lusweti, Hellen Njagi, Linda Aketch with fossil representation for virtually every both preserve a rather primitive catarrhine Editor-in-chief- Prof. Mary Gikungu element of its skeleton. That, combined with body plan, lacking most of the orthograde the variety and quality of biological remains and suspensory traits that characterize later preserved at these fossil sites, has made ape species and especially modern . This Ekembo an important signpost for interpreting explains in part why the two groups were Designed by: Stephen Maina the early evolution of the hominoid clade. long considered to represent a single genus. for details contact [email protected] Interestingly, however, when Rusinga’s fossil

Editorial Note Western Kenya tourism circuit and a boost government development framework nce again, I am pleased to present to on the local socio-economy is not in doubt. – the Big Four. One of NMK’s flagship you the second edition of Heritage In keeping with the digital world, research at projects contributing to this agenda is on Science News, the quarterly NMK is not left behind. In this volume, we documentation, nutritional analysis and Onewsletter of the Directorate of National highlight the use of a Mobile App in crowd market value chain of Indigenous Leafy Repository & Research. In our current sourcing of distribution data for birds in Vegetables (ILVs). In addition, we also pay feature, we look at the fossil deposits in Kenya. The “Birdlaser” offers a revolutionary keen attention to ecosystems and habitats Rusinga and Mfangano Islands that have approach and an unprecedented appeal for by taking a critical look at human-induced opened new doors into research on the users and many volunteers to get involved threats in wetlands. Finally, we engage our evolution of apes in East Africa. Our in biodiversity data collection. Adopting this readers on an innovative approach on crop scientists and collaborators have made kind of technology not only enhances public pest management using locally available significant steps in piecing together the participation in research but also ensures rapid and environmental friendly solutions. For impacts of recent findings in accumulation of data for timely conservation these stories and more, read on… basin. With such growing paleontological action. Food security has remained a topical Prof. Mary Gikungu interest, the possible expansion of the agenda for Kenya as envisioned in the current DIRECTOR, DNRR apes were first presented to the public, it Ekembo is currently only well-known from E. heseloni directly within a multi-storied, was suggested that they represented a more Rusinga and Mfangano, with a single tooth closed-canopied forest (https://www.nature. advanced species than Proconsul. from Uyoma also placed in this genus. A com/articles/ ncomms4236?origin=ppub). medium-sized ape from the fossil localities However, that was based on only one small My colleagues and I reached a similar near Karungu may also belong in this group, slice of time in the long occupation of conclusion when we studied all of the but specimens are too poorly preserved Ekembo in East Africa. Ongoing studies relevant fossil material in detail (https:// for an accurate diagnosis. Two species suggest that environments in this region www.sciencedirect.com/ science/article/ (Ekembo nyanzae and Ekembo heseloni) varied considerably over time, with Ekembo abs/pii/S0047248415000767). Specimens are recognized, and both are highly sexually occupying more open and dry habitats as well from Rusinga and Mfangano had several dimorphic with males estimated to be about as warmer, wetter ones. characteristics that made them more advanced 1.3 times larger than females. Although the than specimens from Koru, Songhor, and species have traditionally been distinguished The age of the Kisingiri deposits has been Napak. These include traits like: check teeth based on body size, with E. heseloni thought of considerable importance in interpreting with expanded, bunodont cusps and wide to range from 10-20 Kg and E. nyanzae from variation within Rusinga and Mfangano, and crests; reduced molar cingulum; increased 28-40 Kg (nyu-staging.pure.elsevier.com), a in comparison with other localities. Older similarity between P3 and P4. Likewise, revised alpha-taxonomy currently underway Potassium/Argon dates were interpreted specimens of Proconsul share several features suggests that there is much more overlap in to indicate that deposits on Rusinga and that fossils from Rusinga and Mfangano species sizes. Mfangano accumulated rather quickly – do not have: upper and lower canines with hundreds of meters of sediment in less a distinctive, “blade-like” tip; mandibular Like most early Miocene catarrhines, Ekembo than 500 thousand years – with the most symphysis with a robust, internally projecting is thought to have been primarily frugivorous fossiliferous horizons dated between 17.8-17.9 shelf. We also found important statistical but practicing some folivory. There is no Ma. Our recent analyses combining Argon- differences between dental measurements evidence known for niche partitioning Argon and paleomagnetic dating have greatly in the two groups. Based on this combined between species despite the fact that they refined these dates, however, and we now evidence, we determined that the large apes almost certainly were sympatric. know that the fossil deposits accumulated over from Rusinga and Mfangano are distinctive a longer period: from ca. 20-17 Ma. Future enough to be placed within a new genus. We In locomotion, Ekembo would have more studies will focus on how the Kisingiri fauna, chose the name Ekembo, which means “ape or closely resembled a large than a living including apes like Ekembo, changed over that monkey” in the Suba language, to honor the ape – walking quadrupedally above branches timeframe. people who historically settled the Rusinga rather than hanging below them. However, area. some features of the forelimb suggest Ekembo As a scientist, it is humbling to work with may have included clambering and climbing this amazing collection of fossils – but more components in its locomotor repertoire. The so to realize how little we know about these brain size of Ekembo, only roughly estimated enigmatic ancestors. One learns quickly in from a single specimen (KNM-RU 7290), paleontology that each question answered by has been characterized as more encephalized a new discovery is matched by three or more compared to cercopithecoids, but this unanswered questions the discovery brings is disputed. Likewise, analyses of dental into focus. With so many spectacular fossils microstructures in E. heseloni found that the from Rusinga and Mfangano, we are only just timing of tooth development in this species starting to see the scope of questions we might was slower than in monkeys, but not nearly as be able to answer through rigorous, long-term slow as in apes. field and museum research. I anticipate that in Photo: Remnants of the Kisingiri volcano 5 or 10 years – with hard work and a little luck viewed from Mfangano Island. The once-giant Habitat reconstructions for Rusinga and – we will be able to provide many new details volcano has collapsed and faulted leaving behind a series of fractured hills rising out of Mfangano Islands have varied widely. The about the life and livelihood of Ekembo, Lake Victoria. most comprehensive study was able to place Kenya’s best-known fossil ape

Citizen Science and Mobile Technology Helping Study Birds

By: Dr. Peter Njoroge [email protected] itizen science or the involvement of people who are not professional scientists in gathering data or contributing to research is not a new phenomenon but its potential is only Cnow being realised in Africa. With a range of constraints that hamper the speedy collection and availing of critical biodiversity data to policy makers, citizen science is invaluable. At the Ornithology Section, we appreciate the usefulness of citizen science in accumulating large amounts of data and bridging information gaps such as the timing of key life stages/events in birds. It is therefore not surprising that only one out of 1100 bird species that occur in Kenya is listed as Data Deficient unlike other vertebrates. We have had a long history of using citizen scientists to collect useful data. For example, since 1991, we have Photo: Long-crested used citizen scientists to count water birds annually in the Rift Eagle at Mount Mtelo - Valley soda lakes. These datasets have been used in supporting Photo by S. Shema

2 Heritage Science News designation of some of these lakes as Ramsar most importantly, offers internal validation the data was used to develop bird sensitivity Sites under the Ramsar Convention and/or system once data is submitted. maps for the wind energy project, a national World Heritage sites by UNESCO. red list for birds and control of the invasive The data is captured in an online database- Indian House Crows. Besides, there is growing In 2013, we launched an ambitious project to http://kenyamap.adu.org.za/, where it is freely demand by national planners, policymakers map all the 1100 bird species known in Kenya accessible. For the field user, the mobile app and environmental managers to provide a to update their distribution and conservation comes in handy because the data can be sent support system for the complex reporting status. The obvious approach was to mobilise direct via email to the coordinating office in a requirements of various MEAs such as the our huge base of citizen scientists. spreadsheet format! Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild . Tour companies have Since the last Kenyan bird distribution map also found it a useful tool for the planning of was published over 30 years ago, many their bird tourism itineraries. invasive bird species have upset the natural balance, some native species populations have Through IT experts and statisticians, we are severely dwindled; besides growing concerns using two web-based collaboration platforms, on the impacts of climate change. A freely Github (https://github.com/) steered by accessible interactive online bird database with software developers and Slack https://( a user protocol was set-up. It later emerged slack.com/intl/en-ke/), led by a range of that the protocol was a bit cumbersome for professionals and businesses to develop many citizen scientists and was subsequently data analysis tools for the bird map. For the replaced by a mobile app (‘Birdlaser’). The Photo: Volunteers enthusiatic citizen scientists, they get the app is more appealing to young users and is During Bird mapping satisfaction of having done something for inspiring a new generation of ornithologists. in Kora National the conservation of nature while indulging in Reserve - S. Shema their favourite adventures! The ‘BirdLaser’ automates the entire mapping protocol - the user simply logs in all the So far we have registered over 1000 citizen The Kenya Bird Map is a collaborative project birds heard and seen and their abundance. scientists out of which only a third are active, between the National Museums of Kenya, The app captures the exact location geo( covered 16% of the country and received Tropical Biology Association and Arocha coordinates), timing and validates the data. over 250,000 observation records. There is Kenya. The funding partners include the EU’s This simplifies an otherwise complex data still a long way to go but matching forward, Marie Skdowska-Curie actions programme collection protocol, secures the data instantly, the achievements of the project cannot be and the Natural History Museum of Denmark, eliminates the need for papers and pens in overlooked. Data from the platform has Swiss Embassy in Kenya, Minara Foundation, field, enhances accuracy in data collection and recently been used for EIAs. For instance, Imarisha and National Research Fund

Indigenous leafy vegetables: 30 years of research and promotion work in Kenya

By: Patrick Maundu [email protected]

ach of the 60 communities in Kenya has a set of vegetables that it regards as traditional. Cumulatively, the Ecountry has a huge diversity of edible leafy vegetables. A database of traditional leafy vegetables at the Kenya Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge (KENRIK) in the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) has up to 210 species. Ninety percent of these are picked solely from the wild. Research on traditional vegetables at the NMK began in earnest in 1989 with the start of the Indigenous Food Plants Programme (IFPP; 1989 – 1992). IFPP, which would later evolve to become KENRIK, laid the foundation for the current research on traditional foods at NMK. By early 1990s, this huge diversity of vegetables and the knowledge that is associated with it including indigenous recipes, had come under great threat. Eating traditional vegetables had been stigmatized, often being associated with poverty and ‘not modern’ - a vestige of the colonial and post-colonial legacy, where many Kenyans had a poor attitude towards their traditions. The diversity of leafy vegetables in diet had been narrowed considerably, typically to three vegetables –cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata), kale (B. oleracea var. acephala) locally known as sukuma wiki and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris, Cicla-Group) locally called spinach. [email protected] markets. year of promotion work in Kitui Central, a Phase I By 2006, consumption of ALVs had increased marked different was noticeable. Attitudes in creating an unprecedented demand. Most Kitui Central had changed. More traditional The efforts to bring back African leafy supermarkets were now selling the vegetables. vegetables were being cultivated in Kitui vegetables (ALV) to the Kenyan menu started Attitudes had changed from that of stigma Central. Other factors like dietary diversity in 1995; mainly through a consortium of about to pride and the once neglected traditional and diversity of marketed species had also eleven institutions. In the forefront was the vegetables were a centre of interest for been influenced. Vegetables like managu National Museums of Kenya and Bioversity development workers and researchers. (Solanum spp.), amaranth and spiderplant, International (then IPGRI). The latter played Production and marketing slowly moved from previously looked down upon, became the role of coordination. The first phase, city suburbs into rural areas and soon the mainstream traditional vegetables. 1995-1999, saw the documentation of local traditional vegetables could be seen in even production systems, associated indigenous the smallest of markets in rural areas. The outcome from this project is a clear knowledge and local use of the ALVs. This demonstration that with the right approach - a phase not only laid a baseline for future work Up to 17 traditional vegetable species were now multi-disciplinary research and development but also selected 24 priority vegetables for regularly sold in local markets. Restaurants team, awareness and promotion - neglected further research and promotion. started to include the vegetables in their menu. and underutilized species can become part of An impact assessment conducted in 2006 and local diets, contributing to nutrition, health Phase II 2007 positively attributed increased activity and incomes particularly among women and In a meeting convened in Nairobi by to the work of the consortium (see Gotor, the youth. International Plant Genetic Resources E.; Irungu, C. (2010). Weekly gross value of Institute (IPGRI) in September 1998 at the traded vegetables in 2006 was US$1.1 million. Several outputs and outcomes have been end of the first phase, key areas of follow- realized from the project. Currently, KENRIK up were identified including: to change Later years maintains a garden for seed multiplication and peoples’ perceptions by increasing awareness The following years saw many organizations basic research on traditional vegetables. of the nutritional and health benefits of the including NGOs and Universities come to vegetables; collecting germplasm of priority the scene and implement projects on ALVs. The centre also maintains a database of all leafy vegetables and improvement through From 2008-2011, Bioversity International the 210 species of vegetables and also a recipe selection; improving seed systems; developing in partnership with NMK and other local database with over 1000 entries. Information protocols for cultivation; linking farmers to organizations initiated a similar research and on where to get seeds and how to grow and markets; documenting recipes and nutritional promotion approach in Kitui County. prepare the vegetables is also available. In analysis. This guided the preparation of the addition, various publications on ALGs are Mboga second phase which was launched in 2001. One area (Mwingi South) was chosen as available at NMK including books (e.g. za watu wa Pwani, Traditional food plants of In this phase, partners were expanded to the control site and Kitui Central chosen as Kenya, How to grow and use traditional leafy include the relevant government ministries, the intervention site. A baseline situation vegetables) national research institutions, NGOs, CBOs was established before intervention. After a and comprehensive reference databases and universities.

Human-induced threats and mitigation strategies in Ewaso Narok wetland in Laikipia, Kenya.

By: Walter Nyamolo [email protected] or [email protected] waso Narok wetland serves poor rural communities, mainly squatters whose livelihoods mostly revolve Earound subsistence farming, wage labour Traditional vegetables had and extracting various wetland products made a come-back by 2003 with most supermarkets stocking for sale. Anthropogenic threats to the them wetland include cultivation, settlements, and livestock grazing, among other socio- The data generated revealed the untapped economic activities. potential of the benefits of ALGs. Most of these vegetables are highly nutritious, a fact These activities are intensifying pressure that proved helpful during promotional Wetland riparian Crop cultivation on the wetland and its natural resources. campaigns. Over the next 6 years (2001-2006), in Mathira village, Thome High dependence and over exploitation the project gathered germplasm and improved of natural resources of the wetland could it using facilities at the World Vegetable Centre subsequently lead to negative impacts on biodiversity, environmental sustainability and in Arusha. Improved seeds were distributed to ultimately the poor livelihoods of people. farmers and seed companies. Farmers around Nairobi city got agronomic support and This research assessed impacts of such activities on the wetland ecosystem by identifying were also linked to formal markets, initially socio-cultural user profiles, socio-economic activities, determined impacts of such activities, Uchumi supermarkets. Promotion was done and established conservation challenges and mitigation measures. Combinations of interview through series of field days and cooking schedules, ground transects, focus group discussions and water sample analysis were used for demonstrations, media programmes and primary data collection. This was complemented with secondary data review. street campaigns. By 2003, a wind of change was noticeable. Traditional vegetables had The survey design covered 220 households representing 10.1% of total households in the study started to flood both formal and informal area. Activities with high degradation potential included; burning of the wetland vegetation, overgrazing, over-exploitation of macrophytes and other wetland vegetation. Some of the negative

4 Heritage Science News impacts included; reduced water supply, low The results confirmed on-going anthropogenic and biodiversity management regulations and water quality, increased soil erosion, increased degradation in the ecosystem and revealed policies and well as international conventions siltation and flooding, wetland conversion to strong relationships between the pressures and and protocols are necessary to achieve long- farmlands, pollution from agro-chemicals and wetland degradation. Our analysis revealed term conservation and management. Some that agriculture had the most significant of the community-based mitigation habitat impact on water availability, vegetation restoration activities could include tree cover, food production and soil fertility. planting, bamboo zoning, water retention Very low species diversity and richness was pans, canals and rehabilitation of earth roads. documented, while water quality tests yielded results below recommended health thresholds Overall, management interventions aimed based on WHO standards. at reversing rampant degradation and Logging for charcoal pollution trends are needed to ensure production in Sosian From the results, it is considered that human sustainable utilization. This will enhance increased pest challenges. The growing human activities significantly contributed to the optimum ecosystem structure and function population also led to increased sanitary and degraded state of the wetland. To address the to support high productivity while ensuring solid wastes disposal constraints, and disease pressures leading to prevailing unsustainable sound ecological balance. Considering that outbreaks. Uncontrolled land conversion for utilization and poor management of Ewaso Narok wetland is outside protected settlement and cultivation also resulted in the wetland, community participation area network, community participation in human-wildlife and human-human conflicts in restoration and landuse planning is restoration efforts is key in the successful due to loss of vegetation diversity and cover, recommended. Besides, enforcement and implementation of Ewaso Narok wetland grazing habitats and wildlife dispersal areas. implementation of relevant national wetland restoration programme

Assessing Pesticidal Activity of Pawpaw Leaves and Seeds Against Maize Weevils

By Nancy Kwamboka [email protected] or [email protected]

This project evaluated pesticidal activity of crude extracts of leaves and seeds of Carica papaya (Pawpaw) as an alternative approach for control of maize weevil. Traditionally, natural pesticidal plants have widely been used prior to the introduction of synthetic pesticides. These naturally derived pesticides have little to no chemical alteration whereas synthetic pesticides involve chemical alteration.

Laboratory testing of pesticidal Logging for charcoal activity of paw paw leaves and fruits production in Sosian

gricultural sector is the backbone control pests and disease carriers involves use This study involved application of indigenous of Kenyan economy, contributing of pesticides. knowledge to complement modern science to 35% of the GDP and constitutes seek local solution for control of the weevil A40% of the export earnings. However, this Conventional pesticides, mostly synthetic, are which can cause huge damages to farmers sector is facing serious threats such as pest a mixture of chemical substances. These are and grain handlers. This is because farmers invasion and diseases which significantly used in agriculture as insecticides, herbicides, use pesticides to: protect crops from insect reduce crop production leading to low yields. rodenticides, bactericides, fungicides and pests, weeds and fungal diseases in the field Studies have estimated annual yield losses larvicides to control insects, weeds, rodents, and contamination while in storage in order of about 50% - i.e. 35% and 14% in the field bacteria, fungi and larvae respectively. to safeguard human health. Pesticidal activity and storage respectively. As a result, half of Unfortunately, synthetic pesticides are of crude leaves and seeds extracts of pawpaw the Kenyan population is considered food- generally more expensive, non-environmental and synthetic pesticides in the control of deficient. This has led to high prevalence of friendly and some and potentially cause maize weevils was compared. Paw paw leaves hunger, malnourishment and poverty in many deadly diseases such cancer and respiratory and seeds were separately dried and ground counties in Kenya, particularly in arid and conditions. into powder which was used to dust infected semi-arid areas. The most common practice to grains at varied application rates in various experimental treatments.

[email protected] Treatments were monitored against controls Wildlife Service (KWS), University of Nairobi  7th October 2019: PEER plants project for several weeks to establish the plant’s (UoN), African Conservation Centre (ACC) -Senior Management Data Communication pesticidal activity on the maize weevils and and Kenya Marine & Fisheries Research Workshop, Serena Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya data collected for analysis. Findings confirmed Institute (KEMFRI) completed the course. pesticidal activity of pawpaw leaves and Trainers included Lidia Swart (University of Recent Research seeds on maize weevils. The phyto-chemical Pretoria, South Africa) and Technical Director composition of the leaves and fruits was BHL Africa Lawrence Monda (NMK). Publications therefore tested. The leaves yieled saponins, tannins, phenols, alkaloids and sterols while  8th August 2019: First meeting of the advisory  Ndithia,H., Versteegh, A.M., Muchai, M. the seeds had alkaloids and sterols. These committee on the partnering with business and Tieleman, I.B. 2019. No downregulation compounds worked best by inhibiting the for the restoration of Mt Kenya Ecosystem of immune function during breeding in weevils from affecting the maize. Services. Norfolk Hotel, Nairobi two year‐round breeding bird species in an equatorial East African environment’ Journal The plant extracts showed significant  29th - 30th August, 2019: Kenya Climate of Avian Biology. https://doi.org/10.1111/ antifeedant activity whereas the other Smart Agriculture Project (KCSAP) Proposal jav.02151 compounds acted as natural grain protectants development Workshop.. Jumuia Hotel,  Spawls S, Wasonga D V and Drewes R C, by suppressing reproduction in weevils 2019. The Amphibians of Kenya. Norwich throughout the experiment. Based on City College Print Shop, Norwich. these results, pawpaw leaves and seeds are  29th August - 4th September 2019: Workshop  John H. Boyle, Dino Martins, Paul M. recommended as alternative for control of on International Inventories Program (IIP), Musili, Naomi E. Pierce (2019) Population maize weevils, with leaves more preferable to in Frankfurt & Cologne, Germany – Lydia Genomics and Demographic Sampling of the the seeds. They are naturally abundant, cheap, Nafula & Juma Ondeng’, represented NMK Ant-Plant Vachellia drepanolobium and Its healthy and environmental friendly. Symbiotic Ants From Sites Across Its Range  2nd - 5th September 2019: Workshop in East Africa. Frontiers in Ecology and Staff Updates to develop Draft Natural Resources Atlas Evolution. Doi: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00206 organized by FAO/National Land Commission  Solomon Kipkoech, David Kimutai • Mr Dominic Kimani, Assistant Research in Machakos Melly, Benjamin Watuma Mwema, Geoffrey Scientist at the Ornithology Section has left Mwachala, Paul Mutuku Musili, Guangwan the position to take up a similar role at Kipeto  3rd – 6th September 2019: Workshop on Hu, Qingfeng Wang (2019) Conservation Wind Energy Ltd Cultural Heritage For Inclusive Growth In priorities and distribution patterns of vascular Kenya, at Mount Kenya University. plant species along environmental gradients Dr. Henry Ndithia, completed his PhD in • in Aberdares ranges forest. eco-immunology at the University of  19th September 2019: Stakeholders Groningen, the Netherlands. Workshop on the National Art Gallery at the Phytokeys 131. 91 – 113. https://doi.org/10 • Dr. Henry Ndithia was nominated to NMK, Old Board Room 4th October 2019: 3897/phytokeys. 131.38124 represent the National Museums of Kenya in The USA Ambassador to Kenya visited the  Kirika, P.M., Divakar, P.K., Crespo, the Multi-institutional stakeholder Advisory National Museums of Kenya He had rescued A. and Lumbsch, T. (2019) Molecular and Committee on Partnering with Business and brought an injured immature Black Kite to phenotypical studies on species diversity of for the Restoration of Mt. Kenya Ecosystem the Ornithology Section. The bird is in stable Hypotrachyna (Parmeliaceae, Ascomycota) Services in August 2019 condition and being attended to by staff before in Kenya, East Africa. The Bryologist, 122(1): delivery to a Vet for treatment. He was warmly 140-150; https://doi.org/10.1639/0007-2745- Recent Events welcomed into the Ornithology Section by Dr. 122.1.140 18th -19th July 2019: Wildlife Hazard Oliver Nasirwa and Mr. Titus Imboma. Management Symposium. Kisumu Kenya  Mbuni YM, Zhou Y, Wang S, Ngumbau  August, 2019:[confirm date] Staff from VM, Musili PM, Mutie FM, Njoroge B, Kirika 23rd July 2019: Meeting of the Technical Research directorate attended meeting PM, Mwachala G, Vivian K, Rono PC, Hu Working Group on the Development of a convened by DNRR to discuss and develop G, Wang Q (2019) An annotated checklist of National Program for Payment for Ecosystem multi institutional proposals for KCSAP call vascular plants of Cherangani hills, Western Services in Kenya” held at the Kenya Water 2019, a number of the proposals have been Kenya. PhytoKeys 120: 1–90. Towers Agency, Ministry of Environment and awarded. Forestry.  Watuma, B.M., Wei, N., Melly, D.K.,  19th – 22nd August, 2019: ‘Documentation, Kipkoech, S., Kirika, P.M., Hu, G-H & 24th - 25th July 2019: Use of DNA barcoding Digitization & Standardization of Museums’ Wang, Q-F (2019). Zehneria tuberifera to combat wildlife crime. Workshop held at Research Collection and Database Workshop’ (Cucurbitaceae), a new species from Taita the Natural Science Seminar Room held at NMK, Nairobi Hills, Kenya. Phytotaxa 411 (3): 215–22

24th -26th July 2019: 1st Meeting of the  6th – 20th September 2019: ‘International  Muchane Nyawira Muchane (2019) AEWA Grey Crowned-Crane International Symposium on Tropical Mycology Parakou Population Status, Distribution Patterns and Working Group. Entebbe, Uganda (Benin) and Meeting at Parakou University, Conservation Needs of Endangered Croton attended by Dr. Jefwa alienus Pax in Kenya. International Journal of 5th-8th August, 2019: BHL Africa training Natural Resource Ecology and Management. workshop held at Nairobi National Museum  5th July 2019: Botany departmental seminar, Vol. 4, No. 5,, pp. 120-128. doi: 10.11648/j. on use of Metadata Collection and Workflow ‘Climate Change adaptations in Wajir County’, ijnrem.20190405.1 (Macaw) system and standards for digitizing presented by Dr. Ahmed Abdi, Ford Hall, biodiversity heritage literature and making NMK  Ke-Wang Xu, Cheng-Wei Chen, Peris them freely available online. Twenty trainees Kamau , Wen-Bo Liao, & Li-Bing Zhang from National Museums of Kenya (NMK),  23th – 27th September 2019:, ‘Heritage (2019). Four new species of the fern genus South African National Biodiversity Institute Studies workshop’, held at NMK Old Hymenasplenium (Aspleniaceae) from Africa (SANBI), International Centre of Insect Boardroom, NMK and Asia. Phytotaxa 416 (1): 034–042 https:// Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Kenya doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.416.1.4

6 Heritage Science News  Otieno, N.E., 2019. Economic impact of Africa: Provided by the Marsh Christian Trust others predatory piscivorous birds on small-scale and administered by the BES, this is awarded Enhanced Use of DNA Technology in aquaculture farms in Kenya. Aquaculture for an outstanding current research record, Combating Illegal Wildlife Trafficking in Reports, 15, p.100220. largely completed in Africa, which is having a Selected Countries in Eastern and Southern significant impact on the development of the Africa, multi-institutional, funded by PEER-  Otieno, N.E., Pryke, J.S., Butler, M. and science of ecology or its application. USAID, 2019-2020 Dr. B. Khayota and others Jacobs, S.M., 2019. Top-down suppression of Herpetological Research, Linkages & arthropod herbivory in intercropped maize Enhancing the Conservation of Cultural Capacity Development– HerpLink. A National and organic farms evidenced from δ 13 C and sites in Northern Kenya to Safeguard the Museums of Kenya-Kunming Institute of δ 15 N stable isotope analyses. Agronomy for Integrity of Cultural and Natural Heritage Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences (NMK/ Sustainable Development, 39(4), p.39. in Isiolo and Marsabit Counties, Funded by KIZ-CAS) collaborative project. PI Dr. Patrick Christensen Fund through the Silicon Valley Malonza Foundation, Contact: Dr Peris Kariuki, [email protected] Up-Coming Events Kenya Afromontane Seed Conservation Project, Funded by the Royal Botanic • 22-25 October 2019: The 2nd workshop Gardens-Kew, 2017-2019, lead Dr. Musili of Citizen Science for Conservation in Africa Developing a Freshwater Biodiversity (CISCA) programme will be held at the Information System for the Tana River Basin, National Museums of Kenya. Theme “Making Kenya, for Improved Ecosystem Management an impact with citizen science projects” and Development Planning, JRS Biodiversity Foundation, 2018-2021, Dr. Masinde and Dr. Kamau • October 2019: Launch of online platform Flora of Kenya, Sino Africa Joint Research of digitized collections and stories, as part of Centre, funded by Chinese Academy of Google Arts & Culture Project Sciences-CAS, 2016-2020, lead, Dr. Mwachala Cancer care project, funded by NRF-Kenya, • 29th November 2019: Launch of Invisible 2018-2021, lead Dr. P. Musili Inventories Project, funded by Goethe- Sustainable management of Arbuscular Institut Nairobi & Kulturstiftung des Bundes Mycorrhiza fungi in Kenyan Agro-ecosystems, 2016-2019, lead Dr. Muchane Inventory and monitoring of fungi diversity • November, 2019: Regional Training in the using Citizen Science programs and open data Use of DNA technology in Combating Illegal kit, funding by National Geographic, 2018- Wildlife Trafficking in Selected Countries in 2019, lead Dr. Nyawira Eastern and Southern Africa, Biodiversity, Socio-economic and Development options in Ngong hills Forest Ecosystem project, multi-institutional, funded Awards/Grants by NRF-Kenya, 2018-2020, Dr. B. Khayota and

Dr Esther N. Kioko, National Museums of Kenya won a Marsh Award for Ecologists in

[email protected]