Department of Wildlife management

Acoustic Monitoring Reveals Patterns of Insectivorous Bat Diversity and Activity in South and North Nandi Forests, Kenya

2026-03-23T13:44:38Z

Acoustic Monitoring Reveals Patterns of Insectivorous Bat Diversity and Activity in South and North Nandi Forests, Kenya Kibiwo, Sospeter; Bungei, Millicent J.; Kimanzi, Johnstone; Webala, Paul Understanding how habitat degradation affects insectivorous bats is essential for guiding tropical forest conservation. This study employed passive acoustic monitoring to investigate patterns of insectivorous bat diversity and activity across three habitat types: matrix, edge, and interior in South and North Nandi Forests, western Kenya. Recordings were collected between June 2019 and July 2020 using ultrasonic detectors, and call sequences were manually verified using Kaleidoscope Pro to the species level. A total of 24 species representing 8 families and three foraging guilds were identified from over 60,000 validated bat passes. Overall, bat activity and species richness were highest in forest interiors and lowest in matrices, indicating sensitivity to habitat simplification and anthropogenic disturbance. Edge- and open-space foragers such as Mops pumilus and Tadarida spp. dominated the degraded habitats, whereas clutter-adapted species, including Nycteris spp., Myotis tricolor, and Kerivoula spp., were confined to forest interiors. Canonical Correspondence Analysis revealed that tree density, along with indicators of disturbance such as cut stumps and footpaths, significantly influenced bat assemblage composition. These findings demonstrate that structurally complex habitats support higher acoustic activity and greater species diversity, underscoring the importance of conserving interior forest habitats within fragmented landscapes. The study provides a valuable reference for using acoustic monitoring in long-term biodiversity assessments and highlights the potential of insectivorous bats as sensitive indicators of forest ecosystem integrity across tropical forests.

ABUNDANCE AND SPECIES RICHNESS OF SMALL TO MEDIUM-SIZED MAMMALS ALONG A GRADIENT OF HUMAN DISTURBANCE AT MAU FOREST COMPLEX, KENYA

2025-04-02T06:55:58Z

ABUNDANCE AND SPECIES RICHNESS OF SMALL TO MEDIUM-SIZED MAMMALS ALONG A GRADIENT OF HUMAN DISTURBANCE AT MAU FOREST COMPLEX, KENYA ODIWUOR, OUYA EVANCE Anthropogenic influence on biodiversity results from the burgeoning human population and the associated human agricultural and infrastructural needs. The Mau Forest Complex (MFC) is a biodiversity hotspot, however, species are predicted to be declining at unprecedented rates due to the loss of habitats. Using camera traps, this study investigated the abundance and species richness of non-volant small to mediumsized mammals (including small carnivores) along a gradient of human disturbance of three treatments (adjacent farmlands – AFs, secondary forest – SFs, and primary forest – PFs) at the Transmara and Maasai Mau forest blocks of the MFC. Mammals were recorded at 181 camera-trap locations from 246 camera deployments and 5,509 sampling days. From 302,997 images, 47,345 were of wildlife species. A total of 53 species belonging to 8 mammal orders were recorded, with 20 species belonging to the order Carnivora representing seven families. Additionally, 15 species of the order Artiodactyla, 1 species of Lagomorpha, 1 species of Hyracoidea, 1 species of Proboscidea, 9 species of Rodentia, 7 species of Primates and 1 species of Tubulidentata were recorded. While Alpha diversity, as measured by Shannon’s entropy, was not significantly different between Transmara and Maasai Mau forest blocks (P > 0.05), it differed significantly among treatments, with AFs showing lower diversity than both PFs and SFs, and the former having significantly higher diversity than the latter at both forest blocks. Beta diversity differed significantly between primary and secondary forests (df = 1, P< 0.05), primary forests and adjacent farmlands, and adjacent farmlands and secondary forests, and this trend was the same for the two forest blocks. In terms of occupancy of small carnivores, overall occupancy (mean ψ) was highest in PFs and least in AFs. At the individual species level, Jackson’s mongoose (Bdeogale jacksoni), a known forest specialist, had the highest occupancy in PFs and the least in AFs. Detection rates for various functional groups were similar across treatments for Afrotherians, Carnivora, and small rodents but differed significantly for large rodents, primates, and ungulates. This study demonstrates the adverse negative influence of anthropogenic disturbance on the persistence of a range of small to medium-sized mammalian communities at the Mau Forest Complex, with different species and functional groups responding differently to human land-use practices. Particularly important is that the less-disturbed primary forests supported more habitat specialists or forest-dependent mammals and should be preserved to support overall and forest specialist species richness.

DIVERSITY, ABUNDANCE, DISTRIBUTION, AND CONCORDANCE OF ANURAN SPECIES IN KINGWAL SWAMP AND NORTH NANDI FOREST RESERVE, KENYA

2024-07-18T08:15:18Z

DIVERSITY, ABUNDANCE, DISTRIBUTION, AND CONCORDANCE OF ANURAN SPECIES IN KINGWAL SWAMP AND NORTH NANDI FOREST RESERVE, KENYA KABANZE, JOSEPH MUSONDA Anuran species are one of the good environmental indicators of habitat quality in ecosystems due to their amphibious life modes and sensitivity to environmental change caused by a rapid expansion of anthropogenic activities and climate change. Therefore, understanding their biodiversity and distribution patterns is crucial for the development and implementation of conservation strategies. The study aimed at assessing and comparing diversity, abundance, distribution, and concordance of anurans between a protected (North Nandi Forest Reserve) and a non-protected area (Kingwal swamp), which are among the underexplored areas in Kenya. Data was gathered both in the dry and wet season between October 2022 and June 2023 by employing standard sampling techniques for anurans (Visual encounter and pitfall traps with a drift fence). Three habitat types- farmland, intermediate, and forest were surveyed. A total of 1649 individuals from 21 different anuran species, belonging to nine genera and nine families were recorded. Ptychadenidae was the most abundant family from the recorded anurans, while Dicroglossidae, Arthroleptidae, Pyxicephalidae, and Ranidae were the least. Most species were found in the forest habitat (Protected), and least in the farmland (non-protected). The wet season had high species abundance, diversity, and richness compared to the dry season in all the habitats. Forest habitat had the highest values for Shannon diversity (H'= 2.432), and least in farmland habitat (H'= 2.048), even though species were evenly distributed. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in diversity between the habitats in the wet season, but no significant difference during dry season (p > 0.05) except for forest and farmland (p = 0.014). There was a significant difference in species abundance between seasons (p = 0.001), and between habitats (p = 0.001) in all seasons except for farmland and intermediate (p = 0.826), as well as farmland and forest (p = 0.051) during the wet season. Habitat type (p = 0.223) and season (p = 0.157) had no influence on anuran species richness. Most of the species encountered favored insects and frogs in their diet, occupied terrestrial and aquatic microhabitats, specifically stagnant water, and were predominately ground/wet terrestrial dwellers. The modest sampling indicates that Kingwal Swamp and North Nandi Forest Reserve are rich and support anuran species. However, the differences in anuran biodiversity and distribution in the 3-habitats demonstrate that conservation efforts continue to be a priority. Therefore, Nature-based organizations are recommended to engage communities along Kingwal Swamp and transform the wetland into a conserved protected area for the survival of anurans.

ABUNDANCE AND SPECIES RICHNESS OF SMALL TO MEDIUM-SIZED MAMMALS ALONG A GRADIENT OF HUMAN DISTURBANCE AT MAU FOREST COMPLEX, KENYA

2024-02-22T07:14:45Z

ABUNDANCE AND SPECIES RICHNESS OF SMALL TO MEDIUM-SIZED MAMMALS ALONG A GRADIENT OF HUMAN DISTURBANCE AT MAU FOREST COMPLEX, KENYA OUYA, EVANCE ODIWUOR Anthropogenic influence on biodiversity results from the burgeoning human population and the associated human agricultural and infrastructural needs. The Mau Forest Complex (MFC) is a biodiversity hotspot, however, species are predicted to be declining at unprecedented rates due to the loss of habitats. Using camera traps, this study investigated the abundance and species richness of non-volant small to medium-sized mammals (including small carnivores) along a gradient of human disturbance of three treatments (adjacent farmlands – AFs, secondary forest – SFs, and primary forest – PFs) at the Transmara and Maasai Mau forest blocks of the MFC. Mammals were recorded at 181 camera-trap locations from 246 camera deployments and 5,509 sampling days. From 302,997 images, 47,345 were of wildlife species. A total of 53 species belonging to 8 mammal orders were recorded, with 20 species belonging to the order Carnivora representing seven families. Additionally, 15 species of the order Artiodactyla, 1 species of Lagomorpha, 1 species of Hyracoidea, 1 species of Proboscidea, 9 species of Rodentia, 7 species of Primates and 1 species of Tubulidentata were recorded. While Alpha diversity, as measured by Shannon’s entropy, was not significantly different between Transmara and Maasai Mau forest blocks (P > 0.05), it differed significantly among treatments, with AFs showing lower diversity than both PFs and SFs, and the former having significantly higher diversity than the latter at both forest blocks. Beta diversity differed significantly between primary and secondary forests (df = 1, P< 0.05), primary forests and adjacent farmlands, and adjacent farmlands and secondary forests, and this trend was the same for the two forest blocks. In terms of occupancy of small carnivores, overall occupancy (mean ψ) was highest in PFs and least in AFs. At the individual species level, Jackson’s mongoose (Bdeogale jacksoni), a known forest specialist, had the highest occupancy in PFs and the least in AFs. Detection rates for various functional groups were similar across treatments for Afrotherians, Carnivora, and small rodents but differed significantly for large rodents, primates, and ungulates. This study demonstrates the adverse negative influence of anthropogenic disturbance on the persistence of a range of small to medium-sized mammalian communities at the Mau Forest Complex, with different species and functional groups responding differently to human land-use practices. Particularly important is that the less-disturbed primary forests supported more habitat specialists or forest-dependent mammals and should be preserved to support overall and forest specialist species richness.

Anthropogenic effects of habitat modification on anuran species diversity in a swamp forest area, Kenya

2024-04-18T08:28:53Z

Anthropogenic effects of habitat modification on anuran species diversity in a swamp forest area, Kenya Kabanze, Joseph; et al. Anuran species are some of the good environmental indicators of habitat quality and condition in ecosystems. This is due to their amphibious life modes and sensitivity to environmental change caused by rapid expansion of agricultural activities, advancement of forest destruction, climate change and emerging infectious diseases. Understanding their diversity and distribution patterns is crucial for the development and implementation of effective species and habitat conservation strategies. The study aimed at assessing and comparing anuran biodiversity and distribution patterns between a protected (North Nandi Forest Reserve) and a non-protected area (Kingwal swamp) to provide additional baseline information, both being among the underexplored areas in Kenya. Data were gathered in both dry and wet seasons, between October 2022 and June 2023 by employing standard sampling techniques for anurans(Visual encounter and pitfall traps with a drift fence) to maximise detection. Three habitat types-farmland, intermediate land and forest were exploited. A total of 1649 individuals from 21 different species, belonging to nine different genera and nine different families were recorded. Ptychadenidae was the most abundant family from the recorded anurans, while Dicroglossidae, Arthroleptidae, Pyxicephalidae and Ranidae were the least. High biodiversity was observed in the forest habitat (Protected) and least in the farmland (non-protected). The wet season had high species abundance, diversity and richness compared to the dry season. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in diversity between the habitats in wet season, but no significance difference during dry season (p > 0.05) except for forest and farmland (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in species abundance between seasons (p < 0.05), and between habitats (p < 0.05) in all seasons except for farmland and intermediate (p > 0.05), as well as farmland and forest (p > 0.05) during the wet season. Habitat type and season had no influence (p > 0.05) on species richness. Anuran biodiversity is a function of habitat diversity and season, with the associated differences in microhabitat structure providing diverse niches and ways of exploring resources. The modest sampling indicates that Kingwal Swamp and North Nandi Forest Reserve are rich and support anuran species, and the differences in anuran biodiversity between the 3 habitats demonstrates that conservation efforts continue to be a priority.

ANTILEISHMANIAL ACTIVITY AND TOXICITY OF Momordica foetida SCHUMACH AND THONN EXTRACTS AGAINST Leishmania major

2023-06-19T08:14:20Z

ANTILEISHMANIAL ACTIVITY AND TOXICITY OF Momordica foetida SCHUMACH AND THONN EXTRACTS AGAINST Leishmania major KOECH, JOAN CHEPKEMEI Human leishmaniasis is a spectrum of diseases caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. About 350 million people are at risk of infection, 15 million clinical cases, 1.5million annual incidence and 20- 30 thousand deaths occur annually. Treatment of leishmaniasis has traditionally relied on pentavalent antimonials which are toxic, expensive and are complicated by the variation in sensitivity of the Leishmania species and increasing levels of antimonial resistance. They also require protracted administration, and there is no vaccine at the moment, therefore, there is need for research for alternative and cheaper remedies including plant based drugs. The current study was to evaluate methanolic and aqueous extracts of Momordica foetida for antileishmanial activities and toxicity in Leishmania major infected BALB/c mice and in cell culture plates. The extracts were dried and re-dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) 1% solvent before subjecting to L. major infected mice and cultures. Parasites inhibitions were then tested with serial concentration (0.07 to 19.9 mg ml-1) of the extracts. The lesion progression and body weight measurements were recorded weekly. Mice were sacrificed by injecting pentabarbitone sodium, the spleen of each mouse was weighed and splenic impression smears made on slides for microscopy evaluation of parasites. Data was analyzed using Statgraphic software and antileishmanial activities within and between all groups, the t-test and ANOVA being used respectively. The aqueous and methanolic extracts of M. foetida inhibited the parasites after 48 hrs incubation against L. major Amastigotes and promastigotes, demonstrating MIC of 125 ± 0.01 and 250 ± 0.03 mg/ ml and IC50 of 15.6±0.05 and 23.4±0.53mg/ml, respectively. The MIC of Pentostam and Amphotericin B was at the concentration of 62.5 ± 0.02 and 31.3 ± 0.01µg/ml with IC50 of 11.7 ± 0.054 and 7.8±0.053 mg/ml respectively. The Minimum inhibition concentration for aqueous extracts (125µg/ml) demonstrated higher inhibitory factor than that of methanolic extracts (250µg/ml) by 125 units. Increased concentration of M. foetida extracts did not stimulate the macrophages to produce sufficient amount of nitric oxide, hence the extracts could be having active compounds that acted directly on parasites. Considering M. foetida with no toxicity effects in BALB/c mice and vero cells it’s an indication that it’s safe for use in the chemotherapy of L. major. By showing antileishmanial activities with no toxicity, M. foetida extracts, therefore, supports its traditional use as an antileishmanial remedy and it should also be tested against other species of the parasite such as L. donovani, L. tropica and L. aethiopica.

BAT SPECIES DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION IN A DISTURBED REGIME AT THE LAKE BOGORIA NATIONAL RESERVE, KENYA

2023-06-19T08:14:57Z

BAT SPECIES DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION IN A DISTURBED REGIME AT THE LAKE BOGORIA NATIONAL RESERVE, KENYA WECHULI, BARASA DAVID Rapid population growth in many parts of Kenya, has led to increased demand for land for agriculture and settlement. This invariably leads to loss, degradation and fragmentation of forests and other natural habitats. While many studies have assessed impacts of habitat loss on many wildlife species, especially the megafauna, little is known of its impact on small mammals). In Kenya’s Rift Valley, human impacts on bat species diversity and distribution have not been evaluated. Using standard mist nets and the Baun-Blanguet method in the sampling protocol, this study assessed bat species diversity and distribution along a gradient of human disturbance among dif ferent vegetation types in and around Lake Begonia National Reserve. The study was conducted from November, 2012 to July, 2013. Cluster analysis and Detrended Corre spondence Analysis (DCA) grouped the vegetation into two broad categories on the basis of cover-abundance estimates. The assemblages were: Acacia wood land/Acacia–Commiphora woodland and riverine vegetation. Two hundred and thirty three bats representing eleven genera in seven families were recorded. These were: Epomophorus minimus, Rhinolophus landeri, Hipposideros caffer, Cardioderma cor, Lavia frons, Nycteris hispida, Chaerephon pumilus, Mops condylurus, Neoromicia capensis, Scotoecus hirundo and Scotophilus dinganii. Species richness estimators indicated sampling was exhaustive: the abundance-based Cover Estimate mean was 11.34±0.42 while the Jack 1 mean was 11.94 ±0.94. Species richness (S = 10) and di versity (D =5.72) were highest in the Acacia woodland while the more homogenous farmlands recorded the lowest species richness (S = 5) and diversity (D =1.94). No significant differences were exhibited in interaction of bat diversity and plant diversi ty among the four vegetation formation (r = 0.52, P =0.658, n=16). One way ANOVA (F=0.34, df=15, P=0.81) showed no significant differences in relative bat abundance in the four vegetation types. The low species richness and increased dominance of a few generalist species on farmlands may be indicative of different levels of disturb ance, including historical grazing by cattle and vegetation clearance that may have resulted in a relatively homogenous habitat. Future studies should focus on use of state-of the-art equipment, especially acoustic monitoring, in combination with mist netting to provide more accurate and unbiased surveys. This information will strengthen the scientific basis for the management of the Lake Bogoria National Re serve and other related savanna habitats in Kenya.

The multilevel society of a small brained bird

2023-06-19T07:54:41Z

The multilevel society of a small brained bird Papageorgiou, Danai; et. al... Animal societies can be organised in multiple hierarchical tiers [1]. Such multilevel societies, where stable groups move together through the landscape, overlapping and associating preferentially with specifi c other groups, are thought to represent one of the most complex forms of social structure in vertebrates. For example, hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) live in units consisting of one male and one or several females, or of several solitary males, that group into clans. These clans then come together with solitary bachelor males to form larger bands [2]. This social structure means that individuals have to track many different types of relationships at the same time [1,3]. Here, we provide detailed quantitative evidence for the presence of a multilevel society in a small-brained bird, the vulturine guineafowl (Acryllium vulturinum). We demonstrate that this species lives in large, multi-male, multi-female groups that associate preferentially with specifi c other groups, both during the day and at night-time communal roosts

COOPERATIVE BREEDING IN THE VULTURINE GUINEAFOWL (Acryllium vulturinum) AT MPALA RESEARCH CENTER, LAIKIPIA COUNTY KENYA

2023-06-19T08:15:31Z

COOPERATIVE BREEDING IN THE VULTURINE GUINEAFOWL (Acryllium vulturinum) AT MPALA RESEARCH CENTER, LAIKIPIA COUNTY KENYA NYAGAH, BRENDAH NYAGUTHII Cooperative breeding is widely reported across the animal kingdom. In birds, it is thought to be more common in altricial species (where chicks are dependent in the nest after hatching), with few described cases in precocial species (where chicks move independently straight after hatching). The study examined cooperative breeding in a precocial species, the vulturine guineafowl (Acryllium vulturinum), at the Mpala Research Centre, Laikipia Kenya. The aim of the study was to investigate whether vulturine guineafowl breed cooperatively, and, if so, how help is distributed among group members. To achieve this, the study determined who breeds, quantified the investments by females during incubation, and observed who is closely associated to the chicks. The study determined whether non-breeders provide care at same levels to parents, and whether they pay any costs to helping. By following colour-banded females, the study found that multiple females can breed within each group, with each female attending to her own nest. Data from sixteen incubating females fitted with solar-powered high-resolution GPS tags revealed high female attendance, with females spending 97.6% of the incubation period on the nest. In one social group of vulturine guineafowl where all individuals were colour-banded, males were over-represented among the individuals that were detected with clutches more than expected by chance, and detailed observations found that these individuals exhibited cooperative breeding behaviour including caring for the chicks by covering them, calling them if they find a food resource and guarding them. In three focal clutches from this group, the study found no overlap among individuals that were significantly associated with each clutch, suggesting that helpers specialized on specific clutches. Focal follows of clutches found that helpers provide a substantial amount of care, and as a result none of the mothers provided the majority of the care to the chicks. Finally, helping was costly, focal follows showed that helpers expressed a significant reduction in time spent foraging while providing allo-parental care (P<0.01). In conclusion, vulturine guineafowl are cooperative breeders, and express cooperative breeding that is combined with an unusual plural- breeding social system. Future research on this system could focus on determining the factors that drive helpers to specialize on specific clutches, which could reveal important insights into the fine-scale drivers of cooperative breeding

POPULATION STATUS AND HABITAT SUITABILITY FOR MOUNTAIN BONGO (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci, Ogilby, 1837) IN CHERANGANI HILLS, KENYA

2023-06-19T08:16:02Z

POPULATION STATUS AND HABITAT SUITABILITY FOR MOUNTAIN BONGO (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci, Ogilby, 1837) IN CHERANGANI HILLS, KENYA Kimitei, Kenneth Kimeli Mountain bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) is one of the critically endangered large forest antelope currently endemic to mountain forests of Kenya. Its population status in some of these forests, including Cherangani hills, is unknown. Mountain bongo population is on decline due to poaching for meat and degradation of their fragile habitats. Forest in Cherangani hills has faced degradation. The study sought to determine the population status of mountain bongo and suitability of the Cherangani hills for mountain bongo survival. To achieve this, four methods were used. First, remote sensing tools and GIS were used to analyze the habitat suitability based on five parameters: land cover, slope, altitude, saltlicks and security that favour mountain bongo survival. Second, structured questionnaires were used to collect information on the relationship between local community and the conservation and management of forest resources where 100 respondents were systematically selected and interviewed. Third, reconnaissance walks were carried out for direct or indirect sightings and to assess human disturbance in Kapolet and Kipkunur forests. Lastly, 18 camera traps were mounted and left for three months in Kapkanyar and Kipkunur forests. The results showed that the majority of local communities (98.6%) were aware that mountain bongo had seriously declined in Cherangani hills with forest destruction (56.8%) and poaching (35.8%) being the major drivers. Despite the local community’s admitting of mountain bongo presence (73.76%, n=95) in the area, camera trapping or reconnaissance walks did not indicate the presence of mountain bongo. However, the suitability assessment showed that good (197.37 km2) and optimum (261.79 km2) habitats still exist in Cherangani hills that can support up to 114 mountain bongos. It is regrettable that indigenous forest had significantly declined in coverage (R2=0.690, P=0.041) between 1973 and 2011, despite this land cover type making a good portion of good habitat (80.98%) and optimum habitat (100%). In relation to this, a significant loss of good mountain bongo habitat (R2=0.708, P=0.036) has been experienced between 1973 and 2011. Nevertheless, forests in Cherangani hills are still rich in biodiversity. The study concludes that: (i) the local communities had ample knowledge on mountain bongo and forest status, (ii) no presence of mountain bongo was confirmed in Cherangani hills and (iii) a suitable mountain bongo habitat exists. Since the locals relied on natural forest products, the study recommends that the locals be provided with alternative source of income. More research needs to be undertaken to explore on the feasibility and requirements for re-introduction of the mountain bongo in Cherangani