ASSESSING THE CONSERVATION STATUS OF AVIFAUNA AND THE FOREST HABITAT OF NORTH

NANDI IMPORTANT BIRD AREA, KENYA

AUTHORS: Simon Musila, Alex Syingi, Nickson Sajita

A Project Funded by African Bird Club (ABC)

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FINAL REPORT: ASSESSING THE CONSERVATION STATUS OF AVIFAUNA AND THE FOREST HABITAT AT NORTH NANDI IMPORTANT BIRD AREA, KENYA Simon Musila1, Alex Syingi2, Nickson Sajita3

1 National Museums of Kenya, Mammalogy Section, P. O Box 40658, GPO 00100 Nairobi-Kenya. Tel. +254-020-3742131/61-64 ext 242/3. Fax. 3741424, 3741049. Email: surnbirds@gmail.com, surnbirds@yahoo.com

2 National Museums of Kenya, Ornithology Section, P. O Box 40658, GPO 00100 Nairobi-Kenya. Tel. +254-020-3742131/61-64 ext 242/3. Fax. 3741424, 3741049.

3 Kakamega Environmental Education Program (KEEP), Naturalist and guide-Kakamega Forest Important Bird Area, Kenya. SUMMARY: North Nandi Forest Important Bird Area is one of the most sites for the conservation of globally-threatened Chapin’s Flycatcher Muscicapa lendu in Kenya. In between July and October 2009, avian surveys were conducted in the eastern part of this forest to assess the conservation status of Chapin’s Flycatcher and other avifauna. Five different transects about 500M from each other and 3-3.5Km in Length were used. A total of 108 bird species were recorded which were 68% of 160 recorded in 1999. Out of 108 species, 33 were forest specialist (FF), 37 generalist (F) and 37 visitors (f). 21 Afro-Tropical Highland Biome species recorded in the survey represented 62 % (21/34) of 34 in the past, while 21 Guineo-congolian Forest Biome forest bird species recorded represented 88% (21/24) of the 24 recorded in this forest in 1999. The globally threatened Chapin’s Flycatcher was not recorded in this study. Five individuals of globally-threatened Turner’s Eremomela Eremomela turneri were recorded in Ngatatia-Kapkuto transect foraging on top of Croton megalocarpus tree. Threats to forest included cattle grazing, firewood collection and extraction of building/fencing poles and timber. No evidence of recent large-scale commercial logging and charcoal burning was recorded in the eastern part. The high species riches of FF, biome-restricted species in the small area (157ha) surveyed in the current study probably indicates that North Nandi Forest has faced minimal habitat degradation for the last 10 years (1999-2009). We therefore, recommend additional research on biodiversity of this forest, improved patrols by Kenya Forest Service (KFS) guards to reduce illegal forest exploitation and engagement of the surrounding local community to undertake activities which sustainably improve livelihoods and forest conservation. INTRODUCTION: North Nandi Forest Important Bird Area (IBA) is a strip of high-

canopy Forest Reserve on the edge of the Nandi escarpment, Rift Valley, Kenya.

Biogeographically, the forest is transitional between the lowland forest of west and

central Africa and montane forests of the central Kenya highlands (Bennun and Njoroge,

1999). The forest belongs to the Kakamega and Nandi forests Secondary Area of

endemism, defined by the presence of the globally threatened and restricted-range

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Chapin’s Flycatcher Muscicapa lendu (Stattersfield et al. 1998; Bird Life International,

2000). Avifauna is similar to that of the adjacent Kakamega Forest mostly comprising of

Guinea-Congo forests (24 out of 43 Kenyan species) and Afro-tropical Highland biomes

(34 out of 67 species) species; and abound 160 species have been recorded in the past

(Bennun and Njoroge, 1999; Zimmerman et al. 1996). It is one of the important sites in

Kenya for globally threatened Chapin’s Flycatcher (vulnerable). Species of regional

concern includes African Green Ibis Bostrychia olivacea, African Crown Eagle

Stephanoaetus coronatus, Red-chested Owlet Glaucidium perlatum, Thick-billed

Honeyguide Indicator conirostris, Least Honeyguide Indicator exilis, Grey-chested

Illadopsis Kakamega poliothorax, Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye Dyaphorophyia concreta

(all vulnerable) and Southern Hyliota Hyliota australis (Zimmerman et al. 1996). The

main threats to the forest habitat include illegal timber extraction, charcoal burning, forest

grazing and unsustainable removal of forest products (Ng’weno et al., 2004; Musila, et

al., 2005; Bennun and Njoroge, 1999). Such activities are likely to reduce significantly or

locally exterminate populations of avian species highly sensitive to habitat disturbance.

Overall Aim

The main goal of this study was to assess avifaunal richness and abundance, conservation

status of Chapin’s Flycatcher and threats to forest habitats of North Nandi Forest IBA.

Specific Objectives were;

1. Determine the current status of globally threatened and restricted-range Chapin’s

Flycatcher.

2. Investigate the bird species richness and abundance.

3. Investigate the current threats to the avifauna and forest habitats.

4. Recommend the appropriate conservation strategy to conserve birds and their habitats.

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METHOD AND MATERIALS

Study area. This project was conducted in North Nandi Forest which occurs in between

00°00’ S 35° 00’E in Rift Valley Province of Kenya at an altitude of 1700-2130m (Fig 1).

This area receives about 1500mm of rainfall annually, and has soils which are well

drained. The forest is an Important Bird Areas and legally protected as a Forest Reserve

in Kenya under the management of Kenya Forest Service (KFS). This study was

conducted in the eastern part of the forest in between July and October 2009, during the

wet season in Kapchepkok area of North Nandi Forest. In 1999, the gazetted forest area

covered 10,500ha which included 8000ha of indigenous close-canopy forest and 2,500 ha

of cultivation, grasslands, plantation and tea fertile (Bennun and Njoroge, 1999).

Figure 1: Map of Kenya and the study area from Bennun and Njoroge (1999)

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Bird Surveys: Birds were surveyed using transects, which were routes used by the locals

grazing in the forest, collecting firewood or accessing the western part of the forest. Five

transects (Kamokuywo-Chesombe-3.5Km; Ngatatia-Kipsamoite-3.0Km; Kamokuywo-

Epeso Hill-3.0Km; Ngatatia-Kapkuto-3.0Km & Singoro-Irewa-3.2Km) were established

on the eastern side of North Nandi Forest on the side of Kapsisiywa (Fig 1), identified in

four villages (Kamokuywo, Chesombe, Ngatatia and Singoro) in Kapchepkok Sub-

location. The transects were about 500M from each other and 3-3.5Km in Length into

the forest. The start of each route was marked using GPS. Three observers surveyed birds

from dawn (6:30am) and ended at 10:00am, when bird activities declined. All bird seen

or heard calling within 50 M from observes from both sides of the transect were recorded

including the species, number and type of contact (Bibby, et al.,1998; and Bibby. et al.,

1992). To compile a comprehensive checklist of birds from the forest we recorded any

new spices encountered in the forest after the end of transect surveys and beyond 50M

from observers. Human activities such as cattle grazing, logging and firewood collection

were noted along each transect and some locals were interviewed about utilization of

forest products and their participation in the conservation of North Nandi Forest.

Data analysis: Data for the two surveys (July and October) for the five transects was

combined and analyzed because it covered the same section of the North Nandi Forest. A

checklist of birds was prepared reflecting avifaunal composition of the IBA. Bird species

were categorized into their dependence (forest specialist, generalist and visitors) on the

forest following classifications provided by Bennun et al., (1996). Densities of Forest

Specialists (FF) and Forest Generalists (F) were calculated by dividing the total number

of individuals of each species recorded by the total area of the five transects. The total

area surveyed was 157ha (transect width (50M one side *2=100M)* total length of five

transects 15.7KM (15700M) =1,570,000M2/10,000 M2 (1ha-10,000M2). Out of 10,500ha

of North Nandi Forest in 1999 we estimated visually that 6000 ha (25% (2000 ha lost

since 1999) was the remaining undisturbed primary habitat suitable for forest specialists

birds. We also estimated that 8000ha of existing forest in 2009 was suitable for forest

generalist birds. The population size of forest specialist and generalist birds was

estimated by multiplying the calculated density of each species with the remaining

primary (6000ha) and secondary (8000ha) habitats.

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RESULTS

Species richness: A total of 108 bird species were recorded in the five transects inside

North Nandi Forest in July and October 2009 surveys (Appendix 1). A total of 68 species

were recorded in Ngatatia-Kipsamoite transect, 57 in Kamokuywo-Chesombe, 55 in

Ngatatia-Kapkuto, 51 in Kamokuywo-Epeso Hill and 41 in Singoro-Irewa. A total of 33

forest specialist (FF), 37 generalist (F) and 37 visitors (f) birds were recorded in the five

transects (Table 1).

Table 1: Summary of different forest birds recorded in North Nandi Forest.

FOREST BIRD CATEGORY

TOTAL

SPP

PERCENTAGE

(%)

1 Forest Specialist (FF) 33 31

2 Forest Generalist (F) 38 35

3 Forest Visitors (f) 37 34

TOTAL 108 100

Species Abundance: Using bird densities per ha. as indicators of bird abundance in the

forest: Cabanis Greenbul Phyllastrephus cabanisi a forest specialist was the most

abundant followed by Buff-throated Apalis Apalis rufogularis, Stuhlmann's Starling

Poeoptera stuhlmanni, Olive Sunbird Nectarinia olivacea, Dusky Tit Parus funereus and

Brown-chested Alethe Alethe poliocephala (Table 2). Yellow-whiskered Greenbul

Anthropadus latirostris was the most abundant forest generalist, followed by Yellow-

rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus bilineatus, Black-collared Apalis Apalis pulchra, Ludher's

Bush-shrike Laniarius luethderi, Grey-throated Barbet Gymnobucco bonapartei,

Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater Merops oreobates and Chubb's Cisticola Cisticola chubby

(Table 3).

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Table 2: Forest specialist birds-their densities and estimated population size

BIRD SPECIES

NUMBER RECORDED

BIRD DENSITY(bird/ha)

POPULATION ESTIMATE

1 Grey Cuckoo-shrike 1 0.006 382 Mountain Greenbul 1 0.006 383 Red-tailed Ant Thrush 1 0.006 384 Brown Illadopsis 2 0.013 765 Cameroon Sombre Greenbul 2 0.013 766 Fine-banded Woodpecker 2 0.013 767 Grey-headed Negrofinch 2 0.013 768 Hartlaub's Turaco 2 0.013 769 Mountain Illadopsis 2 0.013 76

10 Pink-footed Puff Back 2 0.013 7611 Red-tailed Bristle-bill 2 0.013 7612 Slender-billed Greenbul 2 0.013 7613 Chestnut Wattle-eye 3 0.019 11514 Petit's Cuckoo-shrike 3 0.019 11515 White-tailed Ant Thrush 3 0.019 11516 African Hill Babbler 4 0.025 15317 Shelly's Greenbul 4 0.025 15318 White-headed Wood-hoopoe 4 0.025 15319 Turner's Eremomela 5 0.032 19120 Brown-capped Weaver 7 0.045 26821 Equitorial Akalat 7 0.045 26822 Jameson Wattle-eye 7 0.045 26823 Scaly-breasted Illadopsis 8 0.051 30624 Black-faced Rofous Warbler 10 0.064 38225 Honeyguide Greenbul 10 0.064 38226 Uganda Woodland Warbler 12 0.076 45927 White-tailed Crested Flycatcher 14 0.089 53528 Brown-chested Alethe 17 0.108 65029 Dusky Tit 19 0.121 72630 Olive Sunbird 23 0.146 87931 Stuhlmann's Starling 39 0.248 149032 Buff-throated Apalis 40 0.255 152933 Cabanis Greenbul 110 0.701 4204

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Table 3: Forest generalist birds-their densities and estimated population size

BIRD SPECIES NUMBER

RECORDED

BIRD DENSITY (bird/ha)

POPULATIONESTIMATE

1 Black-white Casqued Hornbill 1 0.01 512 Brown-eared Woodpecker 1 0.01 513 Great Sparrow hawk 1 0.01 514 Narina Trogon 1 0.01 515 Snowy-headed Robin Chat 1 0.01 516 Yellow-crested Woodpecker 1 0.01 517 African Emerald Cuckoo 2 0.01 1028 African Goshawk 2 0.01 1029 Dusky-crested Flycatcher 2 0.01 102

10 Yellow Throated Leaflove 2 0.01 10211 Yellow-billed Barbet 2 0.01 10212 African Dusky Flycatcher 3 0.02 15313 Black-throated Wattle-eye 3 0.02 15314 African Dusky Flycatcher 3 0.02 15315 African Green Pigeon 4 0.03 20416 Collared Sunbird 4 0.03 20417 Ross's Turaco 4 0.03 20418 White-spotted Flufftail 4 0.03 20419 Green-headed Sunbird 5 0.03 25520 Joyful Greenbul 5 0.03 25521 Red-chested Cuckoo 6 0.04 30622 Western Black-headed Oriole 6 0.04 30623 Southern Hyliota 8 0.05 40824 Dark-backed Weaver 9 0.06 45925 Grey-green Bush-shrike 9 0.06 45926 Blue-shouldered Robin Chat 10 0.06 51027 Red-headed Bluebill 10 0.06 51028 White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher 10 0.06 51029 White-chinned Prinia 13 0.08 66230 Tambourine Dove 16 0.10 81531 Northern-double Collared Sunbird 19 0.12 96832 Chubb's Cisticola 24 0.15 122333 Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater 24 0.15 122334 Grey-throated Barbet 25 0.16 127435 Ludher's Bush-shrike 30 0.19 152936 Black-collared Apalis 52 0.33 265037 Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird 55 0.35 280338 Yellow-whiskered Greenbul 186 1.18 9478

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Status of globally threatened species and other species of regional concern: The

globally threatened (Vulnerable) Chapin’s Flycatcher was not recorded in this study.

However, five individuals of globally threatened (Vulnerable) Turner’s Eremomela

Eremomela turneri were recorded in Ngatatia-Kapkuto transect foraging on top of Croton

megalocarpus tree. 21 Afro-Tropical Highland Biome species were recorded, which

represented 62 % (21/34) of 34 afro-tropical highland biome species recorded in this

forest in North Nandi Forest in the past (1999). There were 21 Guineo-congolian Forest

Biome bird species recorded in this survey, which represented 88% (21/24) of the 24

biome species recorded in this forest in 1999 (Appendix 1). Southern Hyliota

(endangered) was the only regionally threatened birds in this survey.

Threats to forest habitats: There were four main habitat types which were recorded in

North Nandi Forest. These included a wetland, open grasslands, indigenous forest

habitats and plantations. The wetland inside the forest which extended to the outside of

the forest into Kapchepkok was about 300 ha. The wetland had reeds and other aquatic

vegetation and a permanent stream flowing outside the forest (Fig 2). The indigenous

forest habitat comprising of the primary and the secondary habitat was the largest and

possibly covered about more than 8000 ha (Fig 3), with the primary undisturbed habitat

covering about 6000ha . The plantation forest of exotic trees was probably more than

1500 ha. Small glades and large grassed open areas (like the one in Epeso hill) occurring

inside the forest covered approximately 500ha. It was not possible to establish how much

forest cover had been lost since the last survey in 1994. The start of each transect and

about 50-100M into the forest had been heavily logged in the past about 5 years ago

(2004). The remaining habitat in the edge comprised of an open canopy with a few

scattered tall (20-40M high) indigenous trees and an undergrowth of thick shrubs (c. 5M

high) dominated by pioneer species such as Solanum mauritanium, Neobotonia

macrocalyx among others. More than 200M from the edge into the interior of the forest,

the under-story lacked Solanum mauritanium, Neobotonia macrocalyx plants; had thick

mid and high canopy characterized by tall indigenous trees indicating that this section of

the forest was in good condition to support sensitive birds and other mammals.

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Evidence of cattle grazing such as grazing animals, hoof prints of domestic cattle were

recorded in all five transects. The forest was the main source of forage for locals keeping

at most five animals in their farms. The locals were allowed grazing rights in the forest

and the activity did not seem regulated by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) managing the

forest. The forest was the main source of firewood to the locals. Locals used the different

routes to extract firewood from the forest for domestic use. Firewood collection was

regulated by KFS by issuance of firewood permits to women to collect wood once per

day. Illegal subsistence extraction of building logs and fencing poles was recorded in all

transects. The loggers targeted old dead felled trees which were split and moved away for

domestic use or commercial purposes. A section of Ngatatia-Kapkuto transect was

heavily logged between January-February 2007 during the post-election violence in

Kenya, when large trees of indigenous hardwoods were felled using saws and transported

from the forest using tractors. No evidence of large-scale commercial logging and

charcoal burning was noticed.

Human settlements and crop (maize, beans, tea) cultivation extended up to the forest

edges in some parts of Singoro-Irewa and Kamokuywo-Epeso Hill transects where a

barrier of Nyayo Tea Zone was unavailable/lacking. Nyayo Tea Zone is a 50M wide strip

of area planted with tea around forests in Kenya to act as a barrier against encroachment

of human settlements or cultivation into protected forest reserves (Fig 6). However, it

was not possible to establish how much of human encroachment was happening in the

same manner around the entire forest.

DISCUSSION: A total of 108 bird species were recorded in this forest, this represents

about 68% (108/160) of 160 recorded in North Nandi Forest in the past (Zimmerman, et

al, 1996). Additional bird species from this site can be recorded by using long term

surveys which combine different methods in different seasons both day and night (Bibby,

et al., 1998). The current work also covered a very small area (about 157 ha) of 10,500ha

of the entire area of North Nandi Forest. Additional species could also be recorded by

covering different habitats found in the forest such as wetlands, grasslands and

plantations.

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A total of 33 forest specialists were recorded in this survey. Forest specialists are the true

forest birds, rarely occurring in non forest habitat, but characteristic of the interior of

little-disturbed forest, where they breed (Bennun and Howell, 2002). Forests with large

number of forest specialist birds have relatively good habitat conditions as a result of

minimal human habitat disturbance. A total of 21 Afro-tropical highland bird species

were recorded, which represented 62 % (21/34) of 34 individuals recorded in the IBA in

the past (Bennun and Njoroge, 1999). Additionally, the 21 Guineo-congolian Forest

Biome bird species recorded represented 88% (21/24) of the 24 biome species recorded

in this forest in past. Therefore, the record of large number of biome-restricted species in

the small area in the current short study probably indicates that North Nandi Forest has

faced minimal habitat degradation for the last 10 years (1999 Bennun and Njoroge,

1999)-2009). Even though, the forest was facing habitat threats such as uncontrolled

cattle grazing, subsistence extraction of building and fencing poles; firewood collection

etc the section surveyed appeared to be healthy and capable of supporting sensitive

avifauna and other biodiversity. No evidence of large-scale commercial timber extraction

and charcoal burning recorded in the past (Bennun and Njoroge, 1999) were noticed in

the section surveyed in the current study.

The globally threatened Chapin’s Flycatcher was not record even though this IBA is one

of the most important sites (Bennun and Njoroge, 1999) for it in Kenya. The species is a

scarce resident (Zimmerman et al. 1996) of the Kakamega Forest Important Bird Area.

The lack of obvious detection cues in this species such as audible calls, large sizes,

plumage coloration and flocking makes it challenging to detect in the forest (Musila, et

al, 2004). However, the existing healthy habitat condition in the surveyed section is likely

to support the flycatcher. The globally threatened Turner’s Eremomela (Vulnerable) was

recorded in this survey. This species has been recorded in adjacent South Nandi Forest

(its stronghold) and Kakamega Forest (Bennun and Njoroge, 1999). A regionally

endangered Southern Hyliota was also recorded in this survey. Eight individuals of the

hyliotas were recorded feeding in the forest canopies. Other regionally threatened bird

species such as African Green Ibis, African Crown Eagle, Red-chested Owlet, Thick-

billed Honeyguide, Least Honeyguide, Grey-chested Illadopsis and Yellow-bellied (all

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vulnerable) were not recorded. Long-term surveys in different section of the indigenous

forest habitat in future can determine the status of the regionally and the two globally

threatened bird species.

Overall the forest habitat in the part of the North Nandi Forest surveyed appeared to be in

good habitat condition. However, the uncontrolled allowance of cattle grazing in the

forest might interfere with the rate of forest regeneration. This might be happening

through trampling of young germinating tree seedlings by animals as well as feeding and

damaging of young saplings by grazing animals. Additionally, even though firewood

collection seemed to be controlled through issuance of permits, the continuous removal

of dead wood by the surrounding community might affect the density and distribution of

cavity nesting bird species (eg wood peckers) due to the decline in quantity of holes and

food (invertebrates which they feed on) Waiyaki, 1995). The extraction of fencing poles

illegally by locals targeting dead trees might in the future go for the live hard woods

when the dead trees are completely exploited

To address some of the conservation challenges facing North Nandi some conservation

interventions have been implemented. A community based organisation group (Pyramid

Youth Group) based near the forest in partnership with the Kenya Forest Service official

has been involved in re-afforestation program. At total of 7000 indigenous tree seedlings

were planted in logged and open areas in 2009. This was a positive conservation measure

aimed at mobilising the community to participate in the conservation of the forest which

provides important ecosystem service and resources to locals such as water, firewood,

forage and medicinal plants.

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has intensified security operation in this forest. Three

security posts for increasing policing for illegal activities of the forest have been set up.

These are located around the forest in Chomisha, Kipsamoite and Septonok. Regular

patrols and apprehending of culprits has reduced dramatically the levels of wildlife

hunting and illegal extraction of forest products. The KFS forest guards together with

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home guards (community guards-locals recruited to assist the government in the

provision of security) located around the forests also assist in weeding re-afforested areas

and prevent grazing animals from accessing areas where 7000 seedlings were planted.

The Nyayo Tea Zone a Kenyan Government Parastatal has been active in establishing

strips of tea in between the forest edge and local communities in North Nandi Forest. The

tea zone is a forest conservation strategy in Kenya (Fig 6) which aims to prevent

encroachment of human settlements and cultivation into the protected forest areas.

Evidence of on-going establishment of the Nyayo Tea Zone were witnessed in all

transects surveyed. However, some sections Kamokuywo-Epeso Hill and Kamokuywo-

Chesombe transects lacked this barrier. It was not possible to establish how much of the

entire North Nandi Forest lacked the barrier, but sections having the tea barrier in place

were secure and unlikely to be encroached by human activities which directly convert the

forest area into different land-uses in future.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: North Nandi Forest is rich in

avifauna. The forest section surveyed appeared to be in good habitat condition. It had a

rich potential for eco-tourism which has not been exploited. The thick forest canopy was

rich in interesting birds and many mammals (Black and White Colobus Monkey Colobus

guereza, Blue Monkey Cercopithecus mitis, Red-tailed Monkey C. ascanius, African

Giant Squirrel Protoxerus stangeri (all seen in this survey) and Potto Perodicticus potto,

Lord Derby’s Anomalure Anomalurus derbianus and African Palm Civet Nandinia

binotata, (not seen in this survey). The Epeso Hill in the middle of the forest with a few

rock outcrops provide a very fantastic view of the forest canopy for bird and mammal

watching and camping site (Fig 4 and 5). Even though the section of the forest surveyed

appeared to be in relatively good habitat condition, there is need to build the capacity of

the increasing human population living adjacent to the forest to actively participate in

activities which will simultaneously improve forest conservation and address their

livelihoods. The following interventions are therefore proposed;

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1. More surveys should be extended into the western parts of the forest in order to

understand the status of that section of the forest.

2. More detailed biodiversity surveys and ecological researches are required to

enable better understanding of North Nandi forest biodiversity and human

interaction.

3. Mapping of the North Nandi Forest to establish the actual sizes of the different

habitat such as indigenous forest, wetland, glades and other open areas and

plantations.

4. Local people around the forest reserve need to be engaged in livelihood activities

which have minimum impact on the forest habitat such as;

• Practise conservation agriculture-growing crops using agricultural

techniques which conserve biodiversity and maximise yields.

• Plant woodlots in the households to be source of firewood, building and

fencing poles.

• Locals should be assisted with marketing of agricultural products such as

maize, milk, tea, vegetable in order to prevent exploitation by middle men.

• Bee-keeping and fish-farming as being championed by Pyramid Youth

Group should be developed in the area to increase household income.

5. There is need to build the capacity of Members of Pyramid Youth Group

(operating in Kapchepkok Sub-location) to participate in biodiversity monitoring

and strengthening of their environmental education program in order to reach

many members of the community (Fig 4).

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REFERENCES

Bennun, L., Dranzoa, C. and Pomeroy, D. (1996). The Forest Birds of Kenya and Uganda. J. E. Afr. Nat. Hist. 85: 23-48. Bennun, L. and Njoroge, P. (1999). Important Bird Areas in Kenya. East Africa Natural History Society, Nairobi, Kenya. Bibby, C. Jones, M.and Marsden, S. (1998). Bird Surfeys. Expendition Field Techniques. Expendition Adfisory Center, London. Bibby. C.J., Burges, N.D., & Hill, D.A. (1992). Bird Census Techniques. Academic Press. London. Birdlife International. (2000). Threatened Birds of the World. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. pp 2403. Musila, S. N., Ngweno, F., Matiku, P., Bennun, L., Kanyanya, E., Mulwa, R., Mwema, M., Kiragu, A., Siele, J., Musina, J., Buckley, P., Machekele, J.and Njihia, S. (eds) (2005). Important Bird Areas (IBAs) Status and Trends Report 2005. Unpublished Report. Nairobi: Nature Kenya. pp 60.

Musila, S. N., Muchane, M. and Ndang’anga, K. (2004). The distribution and population status of Chapins’ Flycatcher Muscicapa lendu in Kakamega Forest. National Museums of Kenya. Center of Biodiversity Report. Nairobi.

Ng’weno, F., Otieno, N. and Matiku, P. eds.( 2005). Important Birds areas Status and Trends 2004. East Africa Natural History Society, Nairobi, Kenya. Stattersfield, A.J., Crosby, M.J., Long, A.J. & Wege, D.C. (1998). Endemic bird areas of the world: priorities for biodifersity conserfation. BirdLife Conserfation Series no. 7. Cambridge: BirdLife International. Waiyaki, E. (1995). Effects of Forest Fragmentation, Isolation, and Structure on the Richness and Abundance of Bird Communities in Major Coastal Forests of South coast, Kenya. Unpublished MSc. Thesis, university Kent at Canterbury. pp 75. Zimmerman, D.A, Turner, D.A. & Pearson, D.J. (1996). Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania. Halfway House, South Africa: Russel Friedman Books.

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ANNEXES

Appendix 1: List of bird species recorded in the five transects in the eastern side of North Nandi Forest IBA

BIRD SPECIES

NUMBER

RECORDED

FOREST BIRD

CATEGORY

HIGHLAND-

TROPICAL

FOREST

BIRDS

(ATHBS)

GUINEO-

CONGOLIANS

FOREST

BIRDS (GCBS)

1 African Blue Flycatcher Elminia longicauda 11 F

2 African Citril Serinus citrinelloides* 5 F ATHBS

3 African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta 3 F

4 African Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx cupreus 2 F

5 African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro 2 F

6 African Green Pigeon Treron calva 4 F

7 African Hill Babbler Pseudoalcippe byssinica 4 FF ATHBS

8 African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis 16 f

9 African Thrush Turdus pelios 2 f

10 Baglafecht Weaver Ploceus baglafecht 3 F ATHBS

11 Bearded Woodpecker Dendropicos namaquus 1 f

12 Black Saw-Wing Psalidoprocne holomelas 4 f

13 Black-collared Apalis Apalis pulchra 52 F ATHBS

14 Black-crowned Waxbill Estrilda nonnula 2 f

15 Black-cuckoo Shrike Campephaga flava 1 f

16 Black-faced Rofous Warbler Bathmocercus rufus 10 FF

17 Black-throated Wattle-eye Platysteira peltata 3 F

18 Black-white Casqued Hornbill Bycanistes subcylindricus 1 F GCBS

19 Blue-shouldered Robin Chat Cossypha cyanocampter 10 F GCBS

20 Bronze Sunbird Nectarinia kilimensis 2 F ATHBS

21 Brown Illadopsis Trichastoma fulvescens 2 FF GCBS

22 Brown-capped Weaver Ploceus insignis 7 FF ATHBS

23 Brown-chested Alethe Alethe poliocephala 17 FF

24 Brown-eared Woodpecker Campethera caroli 1 F GCBS

25 Buff-throated Apalis Apalis rufogularis 40 FF GCBS

26 Cabanis Greenbul Phyllastrephus cabanisi 110 FF

27 Cameroon Sombre Greenbul Andropadus curvirostris 2 FF GCBS

28 Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens 1 f

29 Chestnut Wattle-eye Dyaphorophyia castanea 3 FF GCBS

30 Chubb's Cisticola Cisticola chubby 24 F ATHBS

31 Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater Merops oreobates 24 F ATHBS

32 Collared Sunbird Anthreptes collaris 4 F

33 Common Bulbul hycnonotus barbatus 88 f

34 Common Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis 3 f

17

CONT. BIRD SPECIES

NUMBER

RECORDED

FOREST BIRD

CATEGORY

HIGHLAND-

TROPICAL

FOREST

BIRDS

(ATHBS)

GUINEO-

CONGOLIANS

FOREST

BIRDS (GCBS)

35 Common Stonechat Saxicola torquatus 2 f

36 Common Wattle-eye Platysteira cyanea 5 f

37 Crowned Hornbill Tockus alboterminatus 3 f

38 Dark-backed Weaver Ploceus bicolor 9 F

39 Diedrick Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius 3 f

40 Dusky Tit Parus funereus 19 FF GCBS

41 Dusky-crested Flycatcher Elminia nigromitrata 2 F

42 Equatorial Akalat Sheppardia eaquatorialis 7 FF ATHBS

43 Fine-banded Woodpecker Campethera tullbergi 2 FF ATHBS

44 Grassland Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus 4 f

45 Great Sparrowhawk Accipiter Melanoleucus 1 F

46 Green-headed Sunbird Nectarinia verticalis 5 F, GCBS GCBS

47 Grey Cuckoo-shrike Coracina caesia 1 FF, ATHBS ATHBS

48 Grey-backed Cameroptera cameroptera brachyura 69 f

49 Grey-backed Fiscal Lanius excubitoroides 4 f

50 Grey-capped Warbler Eminia lepida 2 f

51 Grey-headed Bush-shrike Malaconotus blanchoti 9 F GCBS

52 Grey-headed Negrofinch Nigrita canicapilla 2 FF

53 Grey-throated Barbet Gymnobucco bonapartei 25 F

54 Hartlaub's Turaco Tauraco hartlaubi 2 FF ATHBS

55 Honey-guide Greenbul Baeopogon indicator 10 FF GCBS

56 Jameson Wattle-eye Dyaphorophyia jamesoni 7 FF GCBS

57 Joyful Greenbul Chlorocichla laetisssima 5 F ATHBS

58 Klaas's Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas 1 f

59 Lesser Honeyguide indicator minor 4 f

60 Little Rock Thrush Monticola r. rufocinereus * 2 f

61 Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis 3 f

62 Luhder's Bush-shrike Laniarius luethderi 30 F

63 Mountain Greenbul Anthropadus nigriceps 1 FF ATHBS

64 Mountain Illadopsis Trichastoma pyrrhopterum 2 FF ATHBS

65 Narina Trogon Apaloderma narina 1 F

66 Northern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis ardesiacus 1 f

67 Northern-double Colored Sunbird Nectarinia preussi 19 F ATHBS

68 Olive Sunbird Nectarinia olivacea 23 FF

69 Petit's Cuckoo-shrike Campephaga petit 3 FF GCBS

70 Pink-footed Puff Back Dryoscopus angolensis 2 FF

71 Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura 5 f

72 Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitaries 6 F

73 Red-headed Bluebill Spermophaga ruficapilla 10 F

74 Red-tailed Ant Thrush Neocossyhpus rufus 1 FF

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CONT. BIRD SPECIES

NUMBER

RECORDED

FOREST BIRD

CATEGORY

HIGHLAND-

TROPICAL

FOREST

BIRDS

(ATHBS)

GUINEO-

CONGOLIANS

FOREST

BIRDS (GCBS)

75 Red-tailed Bristle-bill Bleda syndactyla 2 FF GCBS

76 Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola 2 f

77 Ross's Turaco Musophaga rossae 4 F

78 Scaly-breasted Illadopsis Illadopsis albipectus 8 FF GCBS

79 Shelly's Greenbul Anthropadus masukuensis 4 FF ATHBS

80 Singing Cisticola Cisticola cantans 4 f

81 Slender-billed Greenbul Andropadus gracilirostris 2 FF

82 Snowy-headed Robin Chat Cossypha niveicapilla 1 F

83 Southern Hyliota Hyliota australis 8 F

84 Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus 14 f

85 Streaky Seed-eater Serinus striolatus 8 F ATHBS

86 Stuhlmann's Starling Poeoptera stuhlmanni 39 FF ATHBS

87 Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria 16 F

88 Tropical Boubou Laniarius aethiopicus 6 f

89 Turner's Eremomela Eremomela turneri 5 FF GCBS

90 Uganda-woodland Warbler Phylloscopus budongoensis 12 FF GCBS

91 Variable Sunbird Nectarinia venusta 23 f

92 Violet-backed Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster 12 f

93 Western Black-headed OrioleOriolus brachyrhynchus 6 F GCBS

94 White-bellied Tit Parus albiventris 5 f

95 White-chinned Prinia Prinia leucopogon 13 F

96 White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher Melaenornis fischeri 10 F ATHBS

97 White-headed Saw-Wing Psalidoprocne holomelas 1 f

98 White-headed Wood-hoopoe Phoeniculus bollei 4 FF

99 White-spotted Flufftail Sarothrura pulchra* 4 F GCBS

100 White-tailed Crested Flycatcher Trochocercus albonotatus 3 FF ATHBS

101 White-tailed Ant Thrush Neocossyphus poenis praepectoralis 14 FF GCBS

102 Willow Warbler Phyllscopus trochilus 5 F

103 Yellow Throated Leaflove Chlorocichla flavicollis 2 F

104 Yellow White-eye Zosterops senegalensis 121 f

105 Yellow-billed Barbet Trachylaemus purpuratus 2 F GCBS

106 Yellow-crested Woodpecker Dendropicos xantholophus 1 F

107 Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus bilineatus 55 F

108 Yellow-whiskered Greenbul Anthropadus latirostris 186 F

Legend: f-forest visitor, F-forest generalist, FF-forest specialist, ATHBS-Afro-Tropical Highland Biome Species, GCBS-Guineo-congolian Biome Specie, * species recorded through opportunistic bird surveys.

19

Appendix 2: Photo galleries of North Nandi Forest Expedition

Fig 2: Wetland in North Nandi Forest which goes out of the forest in Ngatatia

village in Kapchepkok Sub-location

Fig 3: Thick forest canopy in North Nandi Forest-a view from Epeso Hill a potential site for bird and mammal watching and camping.

20

Fig 4: Children from neighboring school visiting Pyramid Youth Group as part of environmental education program conducted by the members.

Fig 5: Members of North Nandi Forest survey team at Epeso Hill. Notice the mist and the thick forest canopy in the background.

21

Fig 6: Nyayo Tea Zone (much greener strip) in between the protected forest and community to prevent human encroachment. QUOTING THE REPORT Musila, S., Syingi, A. M. and Sajita, N. (2010). Assessing the conservation status of avifauna and the forest habitat of North Nandi Important Bird Area, Kenya. National Museums of Kenya. Nairobi.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT: We would like to acknowledge the financial support provided by the African Bird Club (ABC) to conduct this survey. Permission to conduct this work in North Nandi Forest was provided by Director-Kenya Forest Service in Nairobi and supported on the ground by Mrs. R. J. Seroney-District Forest Officer North Nandi Forest. We are also very grateful to Francis Rono-Chairman of Pyramid Youth Group a community group based at Kapchepkok about 500M from the forest for the warm welcome and facilitation during the fieldwork period. Members of pyramid group were also very supportive; of particular mention is Kimila-Zephania who was our daily forest guide, Simon Birgen for providing traditional herbs to sort out our illness, Marcellar Jebitok for organizing purchase of our foods and other field logistical arrangements and Kipchirichiri-chiri our cook. Finally we would like to acknowledge the support provided by our employers the National Museum of Kenya and Kakamega Environmental Education Program (KEEP). For all we say ‘Nothing is impossible-yes we can-yes we made it’

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SUMMARY BUDGET; 1 £ =120 KES

BUDGET PARTICULARS SUBSISTENCE & ACCOMODATION

NUMBER

COST/DAY

DAYS

TOTAL

Research Scientist 1 20.8 15 312.5Research Assistants 2 12.5 15 375.0Local Guide 2 5.8 10 116.7Sub-totals 804.2 TRANSPORTATION Nairobi-North Nandi (Kapsabet) 2 10.0 1 20.0North Nandi-Nairobi (Kapsabet) 2 10.0 1 20.0Kakamega-North Nandi (Kapsabet) 1 8.3 1 8.3North Nandi-Kakamega (Kapsabet) 1 8.3 1 8.3TAX (Nairobi & Kapsabet) 2 12.5 1 25.0Sub-totals 81.7 COMMUNICATION Credit (Safaricom& Zain) 1 25.0 1 25.0Sub-totals 25.0 STATIONERY Stationery 1 16.7 1 8.3Toner Purchase 1 41.7 1 41.7Colour Printing and Posting of Reports 1 8.3 1 8.3Guide Book (mammals) and Cooking Equipment 1 24.2 1 24.9Sub-totals 83.3 FUND BALANCE 5.9GRAND TOTAL 994.1