SUPPORTED PROJECTS

Project Kasigau ’98

Jim Barnes

Mount Kasigau in Kenya is potentially a vital region for biodiversity conservation if, as suspected, it supports many of the nearby Taita Hills endemic bird species. It is currently known to support a population of the critically endangered species the Taita White-eye, Zosterops silvanus, and is believed to hold a population of the globally critical species the Taita Thrush Turdus helleri. The current status of Mt. Kasigau is largely unknown, with no biological fieldwork conducted since 1938. This project will conduct a rapid assessment of the region to determine the status, density and habitat preferences of all threatened bird species. Alongside this data the team will evaluate the conservation status of remaining forest and make recommendations to the relevant conservation bodies about the long term security of Mt. Kasigaus indigenous habitat.