In comparison to other ecosystems in east Africa, the biodiversity of the coastal forests of Kenya's northern coastline is poorly documented, even in the case of large terrestrial mammals. In response to this, we undertook a systematic survey of the Boni-Dodori forests using four camera trap grids with camera spacing of 2 km covering 300 km2 over 7020 camera trap days. We recorded 37 mammal species and derived camera trap rates and estimated occupancy for 31 medium-to-large terrestrial species, some of which represent range extensions. Remarkably, the critically endangered Aders' duiker was the most frequently recorded species. A distinctive form of giant sengi and the vulnerable Sokoke bushy-tailed mongoose were also widely distributed and relatively abundant. Other significant records of threatened species included African wild dog, African lion and Pousargues's monkey. Species richness and relative abundance of all species were higher than that recorded for Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, Kenya's only other large coastal forest, using the same camera trap survey protocol.
How to translate text using browser tools
1 January 2018
Africa's Forgotten Forests: The Conservation Value of Kenya's Northern Coastal Forests for Large Mammals
Rajan Amin,
Tim Wacher,
Andrew E. Bowkett,
Bernard Ogwoka,
Mike Morris,
Bernard R. Agwanda
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE
Journal of East African Natural History
Vol. 107 • No. 2
December 2018
Vol. 107 • No. 2
December 2018
Boni-Dodori forest
camera trapping
Coastal forest
mammals
occupancy
species richness
trap rates