The Montane/Forest ecosystems research center carries out and coordinates wildlife research and monitoring activities with a focus on Montane and forest ecosystems in Kenya. It comprises of the headquarters located in King’ong’o Nyeri with two sub-centers located in Kakamega and Kitale. The center focuses on multi-disciplinary research programs that contributes significantly to the understanding, conservation, and sustainable management of Montane and Forests ecosystems and the biodiversity they support. The output of the research programs is aimed at actively informing policies and practices that safeguard biodiversity resources in these ecosystems for the benefit of current and future generations.
Some of the past research projects include:
Rationale:
The objective was to examine the Co-existence of critically endangered Mountain bongo + Black rhino + the highest density of the spotted hyena in Kenya. TThe methodology included the use of call back surveys and camera trapping. More than 950 camera trap nights were achieved with a target of at least 1,000. Thirty 30 Call-up points were surveyed within several habitat types & density of 0.50 km2 was obtained.
Results indicate there are about 383 hyenas in the park and about 58 bongo, further, 1 female black rhino was recorded.
Fire broke out on 6th February & burned for 3 weeks burning an estimated area of 140 km2 of mainly tussock grasses and bushes, & small pockets of Hagenia spp forest domiciled within the moorland. Small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates were the most affected fauna, & some of the species are endangered & endemic to the Aberdare. Both physical & chemical x-tics of the soil were affected both positively & negatively e.g increased Nitrogen (Increased fertility & risk of acidification), increased PH (reduced microbial activity). Water wasn’t affected much as the riparian vegetation remained intact but there is high risk of contamination when it rains.
An integrated Fire Management Plan for the montane ecosystem should be developed and fully implemented with WRTI developing an early warning system for the montane areas, particularly using existing satellite technologies is recommended.
The main objectives of this activity were to Understand the demographic characteristics and distribution of the De-Brazza’s monkey population to inform interventions that will advise conservation of the remaining population; Determine how ongoing fragmentation and disturbance has impacted De-Brazza’s monkeys in Kakamega Forest by examining abundance and group composition over 3 decades and interpret results considering recent empirical and predictive forest loss assessment studies of the Kakamega Forest complex.
The methods used included surveys and random interviews of community members neighboring the forest. Further, camera traps were mounted for several days.
Approximately 32 De-Brazza’s monkeys were recorded in 35 of the 90 points surveyed. The groups ranging in size from two to 10 individuals and 11 solitary animals were recorded. Long term monitoring & the development of a recovery and Action plan is recommended.
The African Grey Parrot Psittacus Erithacus species was listed as endangered in 2017 is found only in Kakamega forest and its environs in Kenya. Population decline due to habitat destruction & over-harvesting for pets are the key threats affecting this species.
The study aimed at obtaining baseline data by Surveying the natural populations; Identifying existing suitable habitat pockets; Assessing the attitude and awareness level among the surrounding communities adjacent to Kakamega forest. The occupational guides from the local communities with prior knowledge & expertise on these species habitat & behavior were involved in the activity.
Data was collected from transect surveys as well as interviews from the community members living within and neighboring Kakamega Forest. During the survey, a total of 12 parrots were sighted from 8 field days.
Various habitat suitability and ecological Carrying capacity Assessments have been carried out to inform management whether a proposed area is suitable for the introduction or reintroduction of endangered wildlife. These include Black Rhino and Mountain Bongo.