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A RAPID SURVEY OF BIRDS AND MAMMALS IN MERU NATIONAL PARK, KENYA
Simon Musila1, Alex Mutati2 & Niklas Hangvist3
1Mammalogy Section, National Museums of Kenya, P. O Box 40658, GPO 00100 Nairobi-Kenya. Tel: +254-020-3742131/61-64 ext 2399/2340. Fax: 3741424, 3741049. Email:
[email protected] & [email protected] Section, National Museums of Kenya, P. O Box 40658, GPO 00100 Nairobi-
Kenya. Tel: +254-020-3742131/61-64 ext 2243. Fax: 3741424, 3741049. Email: [email protected]
3Murera Springs Eco-Lodge, Meru National Park; [email protected]
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY....................................................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................3
Specific objectives were..........................................................................................................................4
Method and Materials...................................................................................................................4
Study area................................................................................................................................................4
Field Methods..........................................................................................................................................5
Birds....................................................................................................................................................5
Timed species counts (TSCs)..............................................................................................................5
Bird mist netting..................................................................................................................................5
Opportunistic observations..................................................................................................................5
Mammal Surveys.................................................................................................................................5
RESULTS.......................................................................................................................................6
Mammals.................................................................................................................................................6
Habitat modification/destruction by elephants.......................................................................................13
BIRDS...........................................................................................................................................15
Bird species richness and abundance.....................................................................................................15
DISCUSSION...............................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES............................................................................................................................18
ANNEXES....................................................................................................................................19
Annex 1: Total number of bird species observed using a combination of different methods.................19
Annex 2: Relative abundance of bird species observed in Time Species Count (TSC) inside Meru National Park.........................................................................................................................................25
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS...........................................................................................................27
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A rapid survey of birds and mammals in Meru National Park, Kenya
Simon Musila1, Alex Mutati2 & Niklas Hangvist3
1Mammalogy Section, National Museums of Kenya, P. O Box 40658, GPO 00100 Nairobi-Kenya. Tel: +254-020-3742131/61-64 ext 2399/2340. Fax: 3741424, 3741049. Email:
[email protected] & [email protected] Section, National Museums of Kenya, P. O Box 40658, GPO 00100 Nairobi-
Kenya. Tel: +254-020-3742131/61-64 ext 2243. Fax: 3741424, 3741049. Email: [email protected]
3Murera Springs Eco-Lodge, Meru National Park; [email protected]
SUMMARY
In between 25-27th November 2013, a rapid survey of birds and mammals was conducted in Meru National Park and Murera Springs Eco-Lodge. Timed Species Counts (TSCs) were mainly used to survey birds while mammals were recorded opportunistically. A total of 131 bird species and 28 mammal species were observed. These included 16 palearctic bird species. Hinde’s Babblers (Endangered), Grevy’s Zebra (Endangered) and White Rhino (Near-Threatened) were among the globally threatened species recorded in this survey. The habitat inside Meru National Park is being rapidly modified by the large population of elephants in the park through their feeding.
Key words: Meru National Park, birds, mammals
INTRODUCTION
Meru National Park is one of the Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Kenya. The main vegetation in
ridges is Combretum wooded grassland, dominated by Combretum apiculatum. This grade into
Acacia wooded grassland to the east, with Acacia tortilis and A. senegal on the rocky ridges, in
riverine thickets and dotted over open country; and Doum Palms Hyphaene coriacea in the
numerous swampy areas near the rivers. Chloris gayana is the dominant grass in many places,
with Cyperus species in the swamps. The south and south-east is an open, semi-arid plain with
red lateritic soil, which is dominated by Acacia-Commiphora bushland. Meru is part of a
complex of protected areas (now known as Meru Conservation Area) along the Tana River that
includes the adjacent Bisanadi and North Kitui National Reserves (to the east and south,
3
respectively), Kora National Park and Rahole National Reserve. Fifty-seven Somali-Masai
biome species occur out of the 92 recorded in Kenya. The park’s avifauna is generally diverse,
with around 400 species recorded. The park holds good populations of large mammals, including
the threatened African Elephant Loxodonta africana, Cheetah Acinonyx jubatus and Grevy’s
Zebra Equus grevyi. Black Rhinoceros Diceros bicornis and the introduced Square-lipped or
White Rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum (was introduced back) had been eliminated by poachers
(Bennun and Njoroge, 1999).
The main goal of this rapid fauna survey was to document the species found in the park
particularly around the Murera Gate as far as 10 Km as well as those found in Murera Springs
Eco-Lodge, a privately managed tourist’s camp site located about 1Km from Murera Gate.
Specific objectives were1. Document bird species occurring in Meru National Park and Murera Springs Eco-Lodge
2. Document mammals species occurring in Meru National Park and Murera Springs Eco-
Lodge
Method and Materials
Study area
This rapid survey was conducted in Meru National Park, which is legally protected and managed
by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) through Murera Gate to as far as 15KM from this gate.
Survey was also conducted inside Murera Springs Eco-Lodge. Meru National Park is located in
between 0°18’S, 38°25’E, at an altitude of 370–910 m. The park has an area of 87,000 ha
(Bennun and Njoroge, 1999). Fieldwork was undertaken for three days in between 24th-28th
November 2013; which was the beginning of the wet season.
4
Field Methods
Birds
Timed species counts (TSCs)TSCs provide an effective and rapid method of counting birds in the mid and upper canopy
(Bennun and Waiyaki, 1993). The observer travelled slowly in an open roof top Toyota Land
cruiser at a speed of 5-10Km, with frequent occasional stops to identify birds for a period of 60
minutes (Waiyaki, 1995; Bennun and Howell, 2002) identifying and recording all birds seen or
those heard calling during this period. Walking on foot in the park was not possible because of
threat of being attacked by wild animals. Counts were started at dawn (06:00h) and ended at
10:00h when bird activity dropped dramatically in the park. There were 2-3TSCs sampled per
day in different sections of the road we travelled. A total of 7 TSCs were conducted for the four
days study inside Meru National Park.
Bird mist nettingWe used the mist-netting technique to target species of the forest under-storey, which are poorly
recorded using other techniques (Bibby et al., 1998) inside the compound of Murera Springs
Eco-Lodge. This was done in a single day in the evening (3.00-6.00PM). All bird trapped were
identified and released back to the wild.
Opportunistic observationsIn order to compile a comprehensive checklist of the birds in Meru National Park and around
Murera Springs Eco-Lodge we recorded any new species encountered throughout the survey
period when TSCs surveys were completed or in the evening when conducting game drive in the
park.
Mammal SurveysAll mammal species observed while conducting TSC surveys in the park were identified.
Mammal species observed in and around Murera Springs Eco-Lodge were recorded. Two large
and small Tomahawk collapsible cages were set in Murera Springs Eco-Lodge baited with meat
and vegetables for two nights.
5
RESULTS
MammalsThere were 28 species observed inside and outside Meru National Park; Very common species
included Loxodonta africana Blumenbach, 1797 African Bush Elephant, Papio anubis (Lesson,
1827) Olive Baboon, Equus quagga Boddaert, 1785 Plains Zebra, Syncerus caffer (Sparrman,
1789) Cape Buffalo, Nanger granti (Brooke, 1872) Grant’s Gazelle, Kobus ellipsiprymnus
(Ogilby, 1833) Waterbuck, Giraffa camelopardalis (Linnaeus, 1758), Xerus erythropus (E.
Geoffroy, 1803) Striped Ground Squirrel, and Oryx beisa (Rüppell, 1835) Beisa Oryx. These are
species which are unlikely to be missed by any person conducting a game drive inside the Meru
National Park. The population of each of these species is large and widely distributed more than
15Km from Murera Gate of Meru National Park.
Uncommon or rare species include Chlorocebus pygerythrus (F. Cuvier, 1821) Vervet Monkey,
Xerus rutilus (Cretzschmar, 1828) Unstriped Ground Squirrel, Equus grevyi Oustalet, 1882
Grévy’s Zebra, Ceratotherium simum (Burchell, 1817) Southern White Rhinoceros,
Phacochoerus africanus (Gmelin 1788) Common Warthog, Hippopotamus amphibius Linnaeus,
1758 Common Hippopotamus, Tragelaphus imberbis (Blyth, 1869) Lesser Kudu, Tragelaphus
oryx (Pallas, 1766) Common Eland, Madoqua kirkii (Günther, 1880) Kirk's Dik-dik, Litocranius
walleri (Brooke, 1879) Gerenuk and Aepyceros melampus (Lichtenstein, 1812) Common Impala.
These are species which are found in Meru National Park but their population are not large
enough to be easily observed by visitors.
Very scarce include Genetta maculata (Gray, 1830) Rusty-spotted Genet, Naked Mole Rat,
Canis mesomelas Schreber, 1775 Black-backed Jackal, Cercopithecus mitis Wolf, 1822 Gentle
Monkey, Galago, Crocuta crocuta (Erxleben, 1777) Spotted Hyaena, Paraxerus ochraceus
(Huet, 1880) Ochre Bush Squirrel and Alcelaphus buselaphus (Pallas, 1766) Hartebeest
(Kongoni). These are species which are very difficult to sight in the Meru National Park because
of their nocturnal (mostly active during the day) behavior or possibly they exist in low
populations in restricted habitats which are unreachable by surveyors or tourists from the roads
used for game drives.
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ORDER PROBOSCIDEA (Elephants) – one species
1. Loxodonta africana Blumenbach, 1797 African Bush Elephant. Widespread in W, C, E
and S Africa in wide variety of habitats. Widespread in Kenya. Elephants are very
common inside Meru National Park and we observed them every day when conducting
bird surveys. A group of more than 60 elephants were sighted once, even though they
seemed in unusual hurry as if they had been freighted by something, but we were unable
to determine the reason. We sighted two elephants with cut ivory trans-located from
ranches in Laikipia where they had become skilled in going through fences preventing
them from wandering into human settlements.
ORDER PRIMATE (Monkeys, baboons & galagos)-four species were observed
2. Papio anubis (Lesson, 1827) Olive Baboon. Tropical Africa mainly N of the equator in a
wide variety of habitats but typically in open habitats.Widespread in W, C, N, and SW
Kenya. In Meru National Park baboons were common along the rivers and mashes where
there were tall trees (groups of more than 20 individuals sighted). The baboons were a
problem animal around the lodge for raiding garbage containers and one had been
nicknamed ‘Mwangi’. Because most of the area around the Meru National Park
especially around Murera gate had been cultivated up to the park boundary with the local
people, there must have been a lot of baboons human-wildlife conflicts.
3. Chlorocebus pygerythrus (F. Cuvier, 1821) Vervet Monkey. E and SE Africa in
savanna-woodland, primarily along water-courses, swamps and lakeshores. The species
was recorded mainly inside Meru National Park.
4. Cercopithecus mitis Wolf, 1822 Gentle Monkey. Africa, S of the Sahara, in a wide range
of habitats, including lowland, mid-altitude, montane, riverine, gallery, coastaland
bamboo forest, bushland and woodland. These were mainly recorded inside Murera
Springs Eco-Lodge where there were very tall trees within the <20 ha compound. They
were observed foraging, playing, grooming or chasing each other on the trees branches.
There are four sub-species of Gentle Monkey existing in Kenya and the one in Meru
7
National Park & Murera would be Cercopithecus m. albotorquatus Pousargues, 1896
Pousargues’s Monkey. The species is Near-endemic to N coast of Kenya, N to at least
Boni NR and Dodori NR, and inland along Tana R.to Meru NP (De Jong 2012).
5. Galago-a galago species is resident within Murera Springs Eco-Lodge and was calling
every evening and sometimes at night. We suspect that it could be Galago senegalensis
É. Geoffroy, 1796 Northern Lesser Galago. The species occurs in tropical Africa in
savanna, woodland, bushland, closed forest and riverine woodland. However, pictures
and trapping of this species should be done to confirm the identity of this species.
ORDER RODENTIA (Rodents)-four were observed
6. Paraxerus ochraceus (Huet, 1880) Ochre Bush Squirrel. Restricted to E Africa in dry
land woodlands and thickets, wooded riparian strips in arid country, cultivated areas and
living in association with humans in the roofs of houses. A single sighting of this species
was observed inside Murera Springs Eco-Lodge and Meru National Park.
7. Xerus erythropus (E. Geoffroy, 1803) Striped Ground Squirrel. Widely distributed in
W and C and some parts of E and horn of Africa in wetter areas in open woodlands and
cultivated fields. In Kenya widely distributed with X. rutilus and X.erythropus sympatric
W of Rift Valley (Kingdon, 1974; Grubb et al., 2008). Observed in Meru National Park
through Murera gate in black and red soils and sighted with Xerus rutilus on the roads
leading to Bisinadi National Reserve.
8. Xerus rutilus (Cretzschmar, 1828) Unstriped Ground Squirrel. Restricted to the E and
horn of Africa in semi-arid areas and agricultural fields. Observed on the roads leading to
Bisinadi National Reserve where there soil is red.
9. Naked Mole Rat-Nests of this species were recorded along the road from Murera KWS
gate into the park. One nest was observed active in one morning in the middle of the road
about 500m from Murera gate. There are 12 naked mole-rat species suspected to occur in
8
Kenya but including (Tachyoryctes annectens; T. ankoliae, T. audax, T. daemon, T.
ibeanus, T. naivashae, T. rex, T. ruandae, T. ruddi, T. Spalacinus, T. storeyi and T.
Splendens. It is not possible to conclude which species might occur in Meru National
Park
ORDER CHIROPTERA (Bats)-bats are common in and around Murera Springs Eco-Lodge
and Meru National Park. One species of insect bat was flying around inside the eating area of the
loge in the evening. A net erected in an open leisure area with tall trees next to swimming pool in
the evening did not yield any bats.
ORDER CARNIVORA (Meat eating animals)-three species observed
10. Canis mesomelas Schreber, 1775 Black-backed Jackal. Restricted and isolated
population one in S Africa and another in E and horn of Africa in a wide variety of
habitats. Widespread in Kenya. One individual was sighted inside Meru National Park
during our five days in the park.
11. Genetta maculata (Gray, 1830) Rusty-spotted Genet. Widespread in Africa from W to
horn of Africa down to S Africa up to Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique in wide
variety of habitats. Widespread in Kenya. This species was caught in large Tomahawk
trap set in Murera Springs Eco-Lodge baited with bananas and friend chicken meat.
Subsequent setting of the traps in a different section of the lodge did not yield another
species.
12. Crocuta crocuta (Erxleben, 1777) Spotted Hyaena. Widely distributed from W to Horn
of Africa except in DR Congo and Gabon down to S Africa up to Botswana in a wide
variety of habitats. Uncommon in Kenya. A brief sighting of this species was observed
inside Meru National Park.
9
ORDER PERISSODACTYLA (Odd toed (un-split hoofed ungulates) -three species
observed.
13. Equus quagga Boddaert, 1785 Plains Zebra. Fragmented population ranges in S and E
Africa including S Sudan, Ethiopia and DR Congo in all habitats types except in rain
forests, deserts, dune forests and Cape Sclerophyllous vegetation. Plains or common
zebra a common feature in inside Meru National Park and exist in large herds of more
than 30 animals sometimes.
14. Equus grevyi Oustalet, 1882 Grévy’s Zebra. Isolated and small population ranges
restricted to Kenya and Ethiopia in arid and semi-arid grass/shrubland where there is
permanent water. Restricted to N and S (introduced in Tsavo National Parks (E and W).
Grévy’s Zebra are very rare in inside Meru National Park and only one male individual of
this species was observed, and occurred in a mixed feeding flock with Eland, Plain Zebra
and Waterbucks. The Grévy’s Zebra are listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List.
15. Ceratotherium simum (Burchell, 1817) White Rhinoceros. Native to S Africa, but
introduced in numerous parks, reserves, and conservancies, including Lake Nakuru and
Ol Pejeta. Occurs in grassland in bushveld savanna habitats. Two sub-species occur in
Kenya. Four individuals of this species was observed within the Rhino Sanctuary inside
Meru National Park. The White Rhinoceros are listed as Near-Threatened by the IUCN
Red List.
ORDER CETARTIODACTYLA (Even toed (split hoofed ungulates) -13 species
16. Phacochoerus africanus (Gmelin 1788) Common Warthog. Savanna grasslands, open
bushlands and woodlands habitats from Senegal to Eritrea and Somalia and S to South
Africa and Namibia, in Kenya occurring nearly everywhere that the Desert Warthog is
absent. The warthog were observed sporadically inside Meru National Park, and observed
in pairs of adult animals, or a mother with a one or two young.
10
17. Hippopotamus amphibius Linnaeus, 1758 Common Hippopotamus. Major rivers and
lakes across much of Africa, including Kenya. These were common along the major
rivers and permanent wetlands or mashes inside Meru National Park.
18. Giraffa camelopardalis (Linnaeus, 1758) some large and other small but fragmented
population ranges in arid and savannahs areas of C, E and S Africa. In Kenya three sub-
species recognized. The one observed inside Meru National Park was Giraffa c.
reticulata (Kingdon 1997) Reticulated Giraffe. This species is restricted to SE Ethiopia
and Kenya E of the Rift Valley and N of Mt. Kenya and the Tana River. Apparent
intergrades of this form and G. tippelskirchi in SE Kenya were termed “Buchuma
hybrids” by Kingdon (1997). Irregular observations of this species were made during bird
surveys with one large group of more than 25 individuals foraging or moving together.
19. Syncerus caffer (Sparrman, 1789) Cape Buffalo. Widespread in the whole of S and E
Africa at least to Mt Elgon and N Guaso Nyiro region in a wide variety of habitats. The
Cape Buffalos were common inside Meru National Park and occurred in large herds.
20. Tragelaphus imberbis (Blyth, 1869) Lesser Kudu. Arid woodlands across most of N and
E Kenya into S Somalia. The Lesser Kudus were uncommon inside Meru National Park,
with an occasional sighting of male or female kudu.
21. Tragelaphus oryx (Pallas, 1766) Common Eland. Widespread in over much of E and S
Africa in grasslands and savannas. Widespread in Kenya. The Elands were rare inside
Meru National Park, with only a single sighting one group of less than 10 individuals.
22. Madoqua kirkii (Günther, 1880) Kirk's Dik-dik. Widespread in a wide variety of
habitats in disjunct populations in Nambia and East Africa. Widely distributed E, S and N
Kenya. One sub-species recognised. This species has a range overlaps in northern Kenya
with Madoqua guentheri Thomas, 1894 Gunther’s Dik-dik. This species is restricted to
desert environment in N Kenya (widespread from L. Turkana to Mandera), Somalia,
Eretria and Ethiopia. Therefore, it was not possible to determine the species of Dik-dik
11
observed inside Meru National Park because it is not easy to differentiate the two species
by direct field observation (Kingdon, 1997). Individuals of Dik Dik were uncommon
inside Meru National Park.
23. Nanger granti (Brooke, 1872) Grant’s Gazelle. Restricted to East Africa along the Great
Rift Valley in Acacia and savanna woodlands. Grant ’s gazelle were very common in all
areas surveyed for birds through Murera gate inside Meru National Park.
24. Litocranius walleri (Brooke, 1879) Gerenuk. Occurs in bushland, thickets, semi-arid and
arid thorn-bush habitats from NE Tanzania through E and N Kenya into E and C Somalia.
The Gerenuk were uncommon inside Meru National Park, with an occasional sighting of
one or two individuals feeding in a mixed flock with Grant’s Gazelles.
25. Kobus ellipsiprymnus (Ogilby, 1833) Waterbuck. Widespread in well watered valleys in
sub-sharan Africa. Widespread in Kenya. Inside Meru National Park waterbucks are very
common and are observed almost every day in groups of at least five or more.
26. Aepyceros melampus (Lichtenstein, 1812) Common Impala. Occur in light woodlands,
savannas and open Acacia savannas habitats over most of E and S Africa. Widespread in
Kenya. Impala were uncommon but observed in large herds occasionally inside Meru
National Park.
27. Alcelaphus buselaphus (Pallas, 1766) Hartebeest (Kongoni). Widespread in Africa
south of Sahara in grasslands and savannahs. Two sub-species recognized in Kenya
(Kingdon, 1997). The Kongoni were very rare and less than five individuals were
observed inside Meru National Park.
28. Oryx beisa (Rüppell, 1835) Beisa Oryx. Restricted to Horn of Africa from Red Sea to
Somalia, and arid areas in E Africa including S Sudan mainly in arid grasslands and
bushlands. Two sub-species occur in Kenya (Kingdon, 1997). The one observed in Meru
12
National Park is Oryx b. beisa Neumann, 1902 Galla Oryx. Endemic to Kenya and
restricted to arid savannas of Laikipia, Guaso Nyiro, Nyeri, and Archer’s Post. The Beisa
Oryx in Meru National Park were very common.
Habitat modification/destruction by elephants The woodland about two kilometers from the Murera inside Meru National Park had been broken
down by the feeding population of elephants. However along the rivers and swamp areas there
tall trees and thick bushes (Fig 2). About 50m from the rivers or wetlands most of the branches
of young Acacia trees had been broken and showed very slow or no indication or recovery (Fig
1). Some trees had been killed by the foraging activities of elephants. As a result only a handful
of few and very scattered big Acacia trees remained in the wooded plains. In areas where Doum
palms exist no young trees of this species were encountered because elephants were breaking
them during feeding. These big old trees (Acacia and Doum palms (Fig 3) are likely to disappear
in the next ten or more years and if the foraging intensity of these elephants is not controlled is
likely to change the woodland vegetation of most parts of Meru into open grassland plains.
Fig 1: Acacia bushland about 2KM from Murera gate modified and showing limited recovery as a result of by feeding by large population of elephants in Meru National Park.
13
Fig 2: Tall trees and thick bushes in wetlands sections (rivers and swamp) which are recover after elephant foraging hence are unaffected by wildlife grazing.
Fig 3: Disappearing habitat of Doum palms along a riverine wetland with most of the old trees remaining and some dying with no intermediate stages of palm trees
14
BIRDS
Bird species richness and abundance A total of 131 bird species were recorded in and around Meru National Park from Ura gate to
TSC survey areas around Murera Gate and inside Murera Springs Eco-Lodge (Annex 1). These
included 16 palearctic species. There were 16 very common species including White-bellied Go-
away Bird, Superb Starling, Ring-necked Dove, White-fronted Bee-eater, White-headed Buffalo
Weaver, Crested Francolin, Helmeted Guinea fowl, Yellow-necked Spurfowl, Grey-headed
Sparrow, Barn Swallow, Common Drongo, Black-shouldered Kite, Emerald Spotted Wood
Dove, White-browed Coucal, Grey-headed Kingfisher and African Palm Swift. These species
with a relative abundance index of 3.0-6.0, are mostly likely to be observed in the time of the
year and the areas we surveyed inside Meru National Park. There were 11 common (relative
abundance index of 2.0-2.99). Most of the species recorded in this survey were rare (relative
abundance index of 0.1-1.99) Annex 2). A group of Hinde’s Babblers (Endangered) was
observed at N000, 14’ 20.1’’; E038, 07’ 34.4’’; 723m.asl. The species discovery curve (Fig 4)
indicates that more bird species are likely to be recorded if more survey days are increased
DAY1 DAY2 DAY 3 DAY40
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
Fig 3: Bird species discovery curve indicating more survey days are required to record a complete checklist of bird species of Meru comprising of more than 400 species.
15
DISCUSSION
Meru National Park is an Important Bird Area where more than 400 bird species have been
recorded. Since the identification of the site as an IBA very little research or monitoring of its
biodiversity has taken places especially for its birds. This report provides important information
which can be information can be used in updating the distribution of birds in the Kenya’s Bird
Atlas Project. In terms of birds Crested Francolin and Helmeted Guineafowl were very common
along the roads inside Meru National Park during this survey which was the start of the wet
season. However, the species disappear or are rare during the dry season and are replaced by
Vulturine Guineafowl (Mulwa and Mutati, 2012; Hangvist personal comm..). This probably
indicates that many of the species are recorded in this study and their abundances are likely to
change when the season changes. This is especially true for palearctic and Afro-tropical migrants
species. It would be interesting to see what other in resident species reduces in abundances and
during the dry season. Meru appears to be very important site for raptors because in this short
survey 22 species were recorded. Meru National Park is rich in bird biodiversity since for two
days it is possible to observe more than 100 species. This is because the park is habitat is open it
is very easy to see the birds and therefore, an important birding destination. However, there exist
no local guides around the park or at Murera Springs Eco-Lodge and any birding enthusiast
would have to liaise with Ornithology Section, National Museums of Kenya or contact other
freelance birders. Murera Springs Eco-Lodge is small forest compound of less than 30 ha but its
tall trees, lush environment and water, provides a suitable habitat for birds and other species
within human dominated cultivated and settled area. Even though the compound is small it
proves to be important site even for palearctic birds species since two species (Olivaceus
Warbler and Nightgale) were captured in a mist-net in the lodge. This indicates that protection of
small areas outside protected areas network, within Africa in their natural condition would
enhance conservation of biodiversity at local, regional and continental scale.
Meru National Park is rich in large mammal species. It is very easy to see the animals individuals
or in group because the habitat is open. Over the years the population of elephants has increased
rapidly and its effects on natural vegetation is starting to show. Large trees in the park are
becoming few and far between, with lack of intermediate ages of trees in different vegetation
types in the park. Elephant browsing is easily diagnosed by the presence of stripped bark,
16
roughly broken stems, or damage to the entire plant (Augustine and McNaughton 2004). This
mode of foraging result into reduced habitat complexity (Laws 1970; Dublin et al., 1990) and
eventually cause habitat degradation (Caughley 1976, van Aarde and Jackson 2007), which may
become more severe especially for larger numbers elephants confined in small ranging areas.
This is currently happening inside Meru National Park. The elephant driven changes in habitat
structure may positively or negatively affect the density and diversity of small mammals. For
instance, bat species richness, abundance and activity was higher in intact Miombo woodlands in
Northern Zimbabwe, than in the same habitats disturbed by elephants but Molosids and
vespertilionids were unaffected by the same animals (Fenton, et al, 1998). How shrews (order
Soricomorpha) are affected by habitat disturbance mediated by elephants has not been
documented. There are few studies on the impacts of elephants on small mammals (Kerley, et
al., 2007). More research or mentoring of habitat condition due to elephant foraging in the park
and their effects on smaller (birds, rodents, shrews, small carnivores) is required to understand
the elephants-habitats-other species dynamics. This information will inform better management
approaches for elephant populations which are also prime species for visitors into protected areas
in Kenya.
17
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Dublin, H. T., A. R. E. Sinclair, and J. McGlade. 1990. Elephants and fire as causes of multiple stable states in the Serengeti-Mara woodlands. Journal of Animal Ecology 59: 1147–1164.
Fenton, M. B., Cumming, D. H., Rautenbach, I. L., Cumming, G. S., Cumming, M. S., Ford, G., Taylor, R. D., Dunlop, J., Havorka, M. D., Johnston, D. S., Kalcounis, M.C. and Mahlanga, Z. (1998). Bats and loss of tree canopy in African woodlands. Conservation Biology 12: 399-407.
Grubb, P., N. Oguge & M.R.M. Ekué (2008). Xerus erythropus. In: IUCN 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2. www.iucnredlist.org. [accessed 18 February 2013].
Kerley, G. I. H., Landman, M., Kruger, L., Owen-Smith, N., Balfour, D., de Boer, W., Gaylard, A., Lindsay, K. and Slotow, R. (2007). Effects of elephants on ecosystems and biodiversity. Assessment of South African Elephant Management 2007 (Second Draft).
Kingdon, J. (1974). East African Mammals: An Atlas of Evolution in Africa. 2B (Hares and Rodents). Academic Press, London.
Kingdon, J. (1997). The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals. Harcourt Brace and Company, New York.
Laws, R. M. 1970. Elephants as agents of habitat and landscape change in East Africa. Oikos 21:1–15.
van Aarde, R. J., and T. P. Jackson. 2007. Megaparks for metapopulations: addressing the causes of locally high elephant numbers in southern Africa. Biological Conservation 134:289–297.
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ANNEXES
Annex 1: Total number of bird species observed using a combination of different methods Legend: R-resident (species existing in Kenya throughout the year), am-Afro-tropical migrants (species which migrate within African continent), PM-Palearctic migrants (species which migrate to Africa from Europe and back)
FAMILIES & COMMON NAMES SCIENTIFIC NAMES STATUS Struthionidae: Ostrich
1 Somali Ostrich Struthio camelus R Numididae: guineafowl
2 Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris R Phasianidae: quails, francolins, spurfowl and allies
3 Crested Francolin Francolinus sephaena R4 Yellow-necked Spurfowl Francolinus leucoscepus R
Ciconiidae: storks
5 Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis Am6 White Stork Ciconia ciconia PM7 Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis
Threskiornithidae: ibises and spoonbills
8 Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash R Ardeidae: herons, egrets and bitterns
9 Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides am, pm10 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Am11 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea am, pm12 Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala R13 Goliath Heron Ardea goliath R14 Great White Egret Ardea alba R15 Yellow-billed Egret Egretta intermedia R16 Little Egret Egretta garzetta R
Scopidae: Hamerkop
17 Hamerkop Scopus umbretta R Phalacrocoracidae: cormorants
18 Reed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus R Falconidae: falcons
19 Pygmy Falcon Polihierax semitorquatus R20 Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo PM
Accipitridae: diurnal birds of prey other than falcons
21 Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius R
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FAMILIES & COMMON NAMES SCIENTIFIC NAMES STATUS22 African Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus R23 African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer R24 Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis R25 White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus R26 Rüppell's Vulture Gyps rueppellii R27 Black-chested Snake Eagle Circaetus pectoralis R28 Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus R29 Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus R30 Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus PM31 Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus PM32 African Harrier Hawk Polyboroides typus R33 Eastern Chanting Goshawk Melierax poliopterus R34 Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar R35 Shikra Accipiter badius R36 Little Sparrowhawk Accipiter minullus R37 Lizard Buzzard Kaupifalco monogrammicus R38 Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax R39 Steppe Eagle Aquila nepalensis PM40 Booted Eagle Aquila pennata PM41 Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus R42 Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis R
Otididae: bustards
43 Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori R44 Buff-crested Bustard Lophotis gindiana R45 Black-bellied Bustard Lissotis melanogaster R46 Hartlaub's Bustard Lissotis hartlaubii R
Rallidae: rails and relatives
47 Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostra R Gruidae: cranes
48 Grey Crowned Crane Balearica regulorum R Charadriidae: plovers
49 Spur-winged Plover Vanellus spinosus R Jacanidae: jacanas
50 African Jacana Actophilornis africanus R Scolopacidae: sandpipers and relatives
51 Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus PM Pteroclidae: sandgrouse
52 Black-faced Sandgrouse Pterocles decoratus R FAMILIES & COMMON NAMES SCIENTIFIC NAMES STATUS Columbidae: pigeons and doves
53 African Mourning Dove Streptopelia decipiens R
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54 Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata R55 Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola R56 Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis R57 Emerald-spotted Wood Dove Turtur chalcospilos R58 Namaqua Dove Oena capensis R59 African Green Pigeon Treron calvus R
Psittacidae: lovebirds and parrots
60 African Orange-bellied Parrot Poicephalus rufiventris R Musophagidae: turacos
61 White-bellied Go-away-bird Corythaixoides leucogaster R Cuculidae: cuckoos and coucals
62 Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius am63 Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus am64 Klaas's Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas R65 White-browed Coucal Centropus superciliosus R
Strigidae: typical owls
66 African Wood Owl Strix woodfordii R Apodidae: swifts
67 African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus R68 White-rumped Swift Apus caffer R
Coliidae: mousebirds
69 Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus R70 Blue-naped Mousebird Urocolius macrourus R
Coraciidae: rollers
71 Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudatus am72 Eurasian Roller Coracias garrulus PM73 Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus am, mm
Alcedinidae: kingfishers
74 Grey-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala am75 Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti R76 African Pygmy Kingfisher Ceyx pictus am77 Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis R
Meropidae: bee-eaters
78 Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus R79 White-fronted Bee-eater Merops bullockoides R80 Eurasian Bee-eater Merops apiaster PM
FAMILIES & COMMON NAMES SCIENTIFIC NAMES STATUS Upupidae: Hoopoe
81 Hoopoe Upupa epops am, pm Phoeniculidae: wood-hoopoes
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82 Green Wood-hoopoe Pheoniculus purpureus R83 Abyssinian Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus minor R
Bucerotidae: hornbills
84 African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus R85 Red-billed Hornbill Tockus erythrorhynchus R86 Silvery-cheeked Hornbill Bycanistes brevis am
Capitonidae: barbets and tinkerbirds
87 D'Arnaud's Barbet Trachyphonus darnaudii R Picidae: wrynecks and woodpeckers
88 Nubian Woodpecker Campethera nubica R89 Bearded Woodpecker Dendropicos namaquus R
Malaconotidae: helmetshrikes, bushshrikes, tchagras and puffbacks
90 Sulphur-breasted Bushshrike Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus R91 Rosy-patched Bushshrike Rhodophoneus cruentus R92 Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis R93 Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla R94 Slate-coloured Boubou Laniarius funebris R95 Brubru Nilaus afer R
Laniidae: shrikes
96 Northern White-crowned Shrike Eurocephalus rueppelli R97 Long-tailed Fiscal Lanius cabanisi R
Oriolidae: orioles
98 Black-headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus R Dicruridae: drongos
99 Common Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis R Monarchidae: monarch flycatchers 100 African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis am
Hirundinidae: saw-wings, swallows and martins 101 White-headed Saw-wing Psalidoprocne albiceps R102 Black Saw-wing Psalidoprocne pristoptera R103 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica PM
Alaudidae: larks 104 Red-winged Lark Mirafra hypermetra R
FAMILIES & COMMON NAMES SCIENTIFIC NAMES STATUS Cisticolidae: cisticolas and allies 105 Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava R106 Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brachyura R107 Grey Wren Warbler Calamonastes simplex R
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Pycnonotidae: bulbuls 108 Northern Brownbul Phyllastrephus strepitans R
Sylviidae: Old World warblers 109 Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida PM110 Red-faced Crombec Sylvietta whytii R
Timaliidae: illadopses, babblers and chatterers 111 Rufous Chatterer Turdoides rubiginosa R112 Hinde's Babbler Turdoides hindei R
Sturnidae: starlings and oxpeckers 113 Greater Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus R114 Superb Starling Lamprotornis superbus R110 Violet-backed Starling Cynniricinclus leucogaster AM111 Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus R112 Yellow-billed Oxpecker Buphagus africanus R
Muscicapidae: chats, wheatears and Old World flycatchers
113 Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos PM114 Cape Robin Chat Cossypha caffra R115 Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina PM116 White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher Melaenornis fischeri R
Nectariniidae: sunbirds 117 Hunter's Sunbird Chalcomitra hunteri R118 Variable Sunbird Cinnyris venustus R
Passeridae: sparrow weavers, Old World sparrows and petronias
119 White-browed Sparrow Weaver Plocepasser mahali R120 Grey-headed Sparrow Passer griseus R
Ploceidae: weavers, bishops and widowbirds 121 Red-billed Buffalo Weaver Bubalornis niger R122 White-headed Buffalo Weaver Dinemellia dinemelli R123 Baglafecht Weaver Ploceus baglafecht R124 Golden Palm Weaver Ploceus bojeri R125 Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus R126 Chestnut Weaver Ploceus rubiginosus am
Estrildidae: waxbills FAMILIES & COMMON NAMES SCIENTIFIC NAMES STATUS127 Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu Uraeginthus bengalus R128 Peters's Twinspot Hypargos niveoguttatus R
Viduidae: Parasitic Weaver, indigobirds and whydahs 129 Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura R
Motacillidae: wagtails, longclaws and pipits
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130 Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava PM131 African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp R
Annex 2: Relative abundance of bird species observed in Time Species Count (TSC) inside Meru National Park
Species TSC1 TSC2 TSC3 TSC4 TSC5 TSC6 TSC7 TotalTSC Score Status
1White-browed Sparrow Weaver 6 0 0 0 0 4 6 16 2.29 Common
2 Brown-crowned Tchagra 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0.86 Rare
3 Grey Wren Warbler 6 0 0 0 0 0 6 12 1.71 Rare
4 Red Cheeked Cordon-blue 6 0 0 0 0 0 5 11 1.57 Rare
5 White-bellied Go-away Bird 6 5 5 0 0 5 6 27 3.86 Very common
6 Black Saw-wing 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0.86 Rare
7 Superb Starling 6 6 6 6 4 4 5 37 5.29 Very common
8 Ring-necked Dove 6 1 5 3 4 6 6 31 4.43 Very common
9 Laughing Dove 6 0 0 0 0 0 6 12 1.71 Rare
10 White-fronted Bee-eater 6 6 6 0 1 4 0 23 3.29 Very common
11 Green Wood Hoopoe 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0.86 Rare
12 Klassis Cuckoo 6 6 0 0 0 0 0 12 1.71 Rare
13 Blue-napped Mousebird 6 0 0 0 0 0 6 12 1.71 Rare
14White-headed Buffalo Weaver 6 6 4 6 6 6 6 40 5.71 Very common
15 Crested Francolin 6 3 3 6 0 6 6 30 4.29 Very common
16 African Paradise Flycatcher 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0.86 Rare
17 Helmeted Guineafowl 5 6 4 6 6 6 0 33 4.71 Very common
18 White-rumped Swift 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0.71 Rare
19 Stripped Kingfisher 5 0 5 0 0 0 6 16 2.29 Common
20 Yellow-necked Spurfowl 5 6 3 6 6 6 0 32 4.57 Very common
21 Red-billed Oxypecker 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0.71 Rare
22 Grey-headed Sparrow 5 1 3 5 6 0 6 26 3.71 Very common
23 Barn Swallow* 5 6 0 5 6 6 0 28 4.00 Very common
24 Cattle Egret 4 0 0 0 6 0 0 10 1.43 Rare
25 Pallid Harrier* 4 0 0 0 6 0 0 10 1.43 Rare
26 Common Drongo 4 0 2 6 0 6 6 24 3.43 Very common
27 Namaqua Dove 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0.57 Rare
28 Black-shouldered Kite 3 6 6 3 6 6 0 30 4.29 Very common
29 African Grey Hornbill 3 5 0 6 0 0 0 14 2.00 Common
30 Yellow Wagtail* 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 0.57 Rare
31Eastern Pale Chanting Goshawk 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0.43 Rare
32 Hartlaub's Bustard 1 3 3 0 2 0 0 9 1.29 Rare
33 Long-tailed Fiscal 1 6 0 3 3 3 0 16 2.29 Common
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34 Black-faced Sandgrouse 1 6 4 0 0 4 6 21 3.00 Common
35 Nubian Wood Pecker 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0.14 Rare
36Emerad Spotted Wood Dove 0 6 6 6 0 6 0 24 3.43 Very common
Species TSC1 TSC2 TSC3 TSC4 TSC5 TSC6 TSC7 TotalTSC Score Status
37 Green Pigeon 0 6 0 6 0 0 0 12 1.71 Rare
38 Long-crested Eagle 0 6 3 5 0 0 0 14 2.00 Common
39 Orange-bellied Parrot 0 5 0 0 0 6 6 17 2.43 Common
40 White-browed Coucal 0 5 2 6 6 6 5 30 4.29 Very common
41 Red-billed Hornbill 0 5 0 6 0 6 0 17 2.43 Common
42 Hinde's Babbler 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 5 0.71 Rare
43 Yellow-billed Oxypecker 0 5 0 5 0 0 0 10 1.43 Rare
44 Speckled Mousebird 0 4 3 6 0 0 0 13 1.86 Rare
45 Eurasian Hobby* 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 4 0.57 Rare
46 Lilac Breasted Roller 0 3 3 3 0 6 0 15 2.14 Common
47 Gabar Goshawk 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0.29 Rare
48 Palmnut Vulture 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0.29 Rare
49 Chestunt Weaver 0 1 0 0 4 0 0 5 0.71 Rare
50Nothern White Crowned Shrike 0 1 6 0 0 4 6 17 2.43 Common
51 Rupell's Grifforn Vulture 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 6 0.86 Rare
52 Tawny Eagle 0 0 6 4 3 0 0 13 1.86 Rare
53 Shikra 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 6 0.86 Rare
54 Black-headed Oriole 0 0 6 0 0 0 6 12 1.71 Rare
55 Black-backed Puffback 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 5 0.71 Rare
56 Black-headed Weaver 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 5 0.71 Rare
57 White Stork* 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 5 0.71 Rare
58 Grey-headed Kingfisher 0 5 5 6 6 4 6 32 4.57 Very common
59 Red-eyed Dove 0 0 4 0 6 0 0 10 1.43 Rare
60 Pygmy Kingfisher 0 0 4 0 3 0 0 7 1.00 Rare
61 African Palm Swift 0 0 3 6 6 5 2 22 3.14 Very common
62 Saddle-billed Stork 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0.29 Rare
63 Pin-tailed Whydah 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0.29 Rare
64 Red-billed Buffalo Weaver 0 0 1 3 4 5 6 19 2.71 Common
65 African-harrier Hawk 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 4 0.57 Rare
66 Black-chested Eagle 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 5 0.71 Rare
67 Bateleur 0 0 0 2 0 0 6 8 1.14 Rare
68 Isabelline Wheater* 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 6 0.86 Rare
69 Brubru 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 0.57 Rare
70 Montagu Harrier 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 0.43 Rare
71 Black-headed Heron 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0.29 Rare
72 Eurasian Bee-eater* 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0.29 Rare
73 Spur-winged Plover 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 6 0.86 Rare
74 Green Sandpiper* 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 6 0.86 Rare
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75 Great White Egret 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 4 0.57 Rare
Species TSC1 TSC2 TSC3 TSC4 TSC5 TSC6 TSC7 TotalTSC Score Status
76 Slate-coloured Boubou 0 0 0 0 0 4 6 10 1.43 Rare
77 African Jacana 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 0.43 Rare
78 Somali Ostrich 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 0.43 Rare
79 Grey Heron 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0.29 Rare
80 Goliath Heron 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0.14 Rare
81 Black Cuckoo 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 6 0.86 Rare
82 African Mourning Dove 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 6 0.86 Rare
83 Pied Wagtail 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 0.71 Rare
84 Golden Palm Weaver 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 0.71 Rare
85 Pied Kingfisher 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 4 0.57 Rare
86 Dnaurd's Barbet 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 4 0.57 Rare
87 African Fish Eagle 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 0.43 Rare
88 Grey-backed Cameroptera 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0.29 Rare
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We would like to acknowledge financial support and field support by Murera Springs Eco-Lodge
particularly its founder Niklas Hangvist. Employees of the lodge such as Tabitha, David,
Karanja, Reuben, Ruth, Virginia and many other very kind and committed people whom we
failed to get their names but made our stay at the lodge very comfortable. We thank our driver
George for patience and careful driving from Nairobi-Meru and back. May God bless you all and
hope we shall meet again and do something together for the nature.
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