Bird Conservation in Kenya

In May, the world celebrated World Migratory Bird Day with the theme “save migratory birds in crisis – every species counts”. You can read more about the theme on Bird Life International and the official site.

Kelvin, Tripbod in Kenya, was involved in co-ordinating events in his home town Mombasa which included a lecture and a free film on Birds at Nguuni nature sanctuary auditorium with both school children and adults from around the suburbs.

World Migratory Bird Day in Mombasa

Clockwise from top left: African Jacana; Grey Heron; Great Egret; Broad-billed Roller; Common Greenshank; Golden Palm Weaver; African Spoonbill

Poster Competition

Registration

At the Nguuni Sanctuary

I asked Kelvin a few questions about Bird Conservation in Kenya…

What are the main endangered birds in Kenya?

Main endangered species in Kenya include Sharpe’s Longclaw,Pypyrus Gonolek,Ross Turaco, Amani Sunbird, Clarke’s Weavers, Sokoke Scops Owl, Sokoke Pipit, East coast Akalat, Great Egret this constitute the critical category that drives the birds consevation efforts in Kenya with the biggest threath being loss habitats due to human encroachment as a result of lack of legal protection,change on land use and lack of awareness on conservation importance. Nature Kenya ( the Birdlife International ) co-ordinates all Birds conservation needs in the country working with both the government and the communities. ( www.naturekenya.org )

What are main bird conservation projects?

Main conservation projects include: Arabuko Sokoke Forest project at the Kenya Coast where communities are benefiting from eco-tourism and butterfly farming instead of harvesting timber and firewood from the only remaining rain-forest at the coast. The other project is at Kinangop plains in the Aberdares mountain plains where Sharpe’s Longclaws are the flagship species in recovering lost grasslands dues to rapid agriculture expansion. There are visitor camp sites as part of eco-tourism initiative for the youths. The third project is at Kakamega forest western Kenya where efforts are made to conserve another remaining equitorial rain forest which forms part of the Congo belt.

Where is the best place to see endangered birds?

Arabuko sokoke forest – ( coast ) , Kakamega forest -( western ),Kinangop plians ( central Kenya )

How can tourists best contribute to the bird conservation projects?

Tourists can contribute to our consevation projects by visiting this sites. There are trained bird guides at each site and are very knowledgable.

Kelvin is a Tripbod in Kenya

To find out more information about visiting conservation projects and to plan your trip to Kenya, contact Kelvin Rua, Tripbod in Kenya