Deforestation threatens Clarke’s weaver breeding ground

By Jeckonia Otieno

The discovery of Clarke’s weaver breeding habitat in Dakacha, Kilifi County this year was a great milestone for conservationists.

The bird, which is only found at Arabuko-Sokoke forest, had been on the radar of conservationist for several years. They had attempted to locate its breeding ground in vain.

The site was discovered at Dakacha woodland in Kilifi. However, environmentalists are now worried that the bird may soon be extinct due to destruction of the habitat.

The woodland, which acts as a source of water for residents, has started receding posing threat to the birds.

Clarke’s weaver stands out from other weavers due to the fact that it is found only in Kilifi and has one known breeding ground. When breeding season comes, the weaver disappears to Dakacha.

Boost tourism

UNEP spokesperson Nick Nuttall states that Kenya’s tourism could get a small boost because of the discovery. “This bird has significant economic potential for Kenya because of its ability to boost tourism. Many Kenyans may not appreciate how big the discovery is, but it has the potential to attract many tourists from Europe and America,” says Nuttall.

“The greatest threat to wildlife habitat is the need by human beings to develop,” he adds.

Environmentalist Francis Kagema says destruction of the woodland poses grave danger to the bird.

“It is necessary that concerned authorities move with speed to secure the area. They should start by ensuring that the woodland is safe from risks that threaten its existence,” says Kagema.

So far, the wetland is safe but there are people laying claim to parcels of land in the area. Kagema says it would be meaningless to conserve only the breeding ground if the whole area is left at the mercy of private developers.

Paul Matiku, Nature Kenya’s Executive Director, states that communities should be allowed to protect as well as benefit from forests that exist in areas where they live. He argues that this can be done through setting up of conservancies that will be communally owned so that locals can enjoy benefits as well as better the environment.

Major problems

There are efforts to save the birds. Residents have set aside for conservation the site where the birds breed.

Currently, the wetland falls under the community conserved areas.

Charcoal production is one of the major problems that threaten Dakacha woodland.

Residents have for a long time been felling trees to make charcoal. Matiku notes this is due to lack of a lucrative economic activity that is both environmental friendly and beneficial to residents

The National Climate Response Strategy notes that demand for energy is one of the major causes of deforestation and degradation of land in Kenya, where final delivered biomass energy accounts for 78 percent of all energy consumed.

Coupled with illegal encroachment, settlements, logging and livestock grazing there is a general threat to nature.