Scientific research

What makes conservation in Kenya so important?

Golden-rumped Elephant-shrew is one of the endangered mammals living in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest

Colin Jackson (left), Director of A Rocha Kenya, giving training in bird-ringing

Roseate Terns on Whale Island in the Watamu Marine Park

Colin Jackson, Director of A Rocha Kenya, holding a Spotted Ground Thrush in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest

Many areas of the world today are experiencing rapid environmental change as a result of pressures from human activity. This presents an urgent need to protect the remarkable inheritance of biodiversity for which we are responsible. The extremely rich flora and fauna of Kenya is no exception. Although most famous for its large mammals, Kenya is also renowned for its diversity of bird species. There are currently 1,092 known bird species in Kenya, many of which are rare or have restricted ranges. Understanding these populations and their conservation status requires the provision of high quality data gained through systematic research.

How is A Rocha Kenya making a difference?

By encouraging, training and resourcing a small but growing number of Kenyan field workers, A Rocha Kenya is making a unique contribution to the conservation of the country's natural resources. Skilled amateur observers as well as conservation professionals are helping to collect vital data about national biodiversity. By interpreting this information and sharing it with those in local communities who are interacting with the environment, effective land management strategies can be developed to ensure that Kenya's rich biodiversity is appreciated by future generations.

Research and monitoring

A Rocha Kenya is committed to ensuring the long-term survival of the five Malindi-Watamu Important Bird Areas (IBAs), designated because of their international importance. The five IBAs include Arabuko-Sokoke Forest; Mida Creek, Whale Island and Malindi-Watamu Coast; Gede Ruins National Monument; Sabaki River Mouth; and the Dakatcha Woodland. These are all found along or near to the coast, just 100 km north of Mombasa.

One of these IBA's, Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, is considered to be one of the most important forests for bird conservation on mainland Africa. It is rich in rare and endemic wildlife, especially its fauna. Six Globally Threatened bird species are found there, as well as three rare, near-endemic mammals. Preliminary research at another of the IBAs, Mida Creek, suggests that it is one of the most productive mangrove ecosystems on earth, with seven out of nine East African mangrove species found there. Sixty-five species of aquatic bird are regularly recorded on the Creek and reach numbers of over 6,000 individuals. Crab-plovers Dromas ardeola are also found on the creek in numbers exceeding one thousand, giving the site international importance. The Crab-plover is the logo of A Rocha Kenya.

The five Watamu-Malindi IBAs together provide an unusually high diversity of habitats ranging from dry coastal forest, coast scrub and thicket, seasonal freshwater pools, estuarine sand flats, and mangrove forest to beach, reef and off-shore rocky islands. A significant proportion of these habitats are designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve or form part of the Watamu National Marine Park and Reserve, the oldest marine park in Africa.

The table below lists some of the key species that can be found within the Important Bird Areas and gives their corresponding conservation status: