TALKS AT THE NATURE FAIR Baobabs - Pachyderms of the Plant World by Rupert Watson Succulent Plants by Prof. Len Newton Pollinators by Dino Martins Programmes for sale will be available at the gate Spread the word Help distributing posters and flylers would be most appreciated please contact the office for these month at a glimpse c; n + 2 ASF Bird walks & NRF wa lk N^TFair___ S Q -(- 9 Tree Walk __ 5 un T7_ Sunday Birdwalk _ Mon 25 Tree Walk _ Bird ringing every Thursday Morning Editorial Team Cci'&or Catherine Ngarachu Skit* Fleur Ng'weno Nstwalid'f Corner Dino Martins Nature Fair Nairobi Arboretum Sat 2 & Sun 3 October 04 Treat yourself to the Nature Fair Come to this family fun weekend to be held at the Nairob Arboretum, organi^^Ji^&Naltif^ : '’'s. Kenya. “ V ' O Featuring. 2 , 5 SEP 2004 • BatSt • Live insects • Wool spinning • Children s activitiesV • Artwork from natural products • Other Arts & Crafts Activities • Birdwalks • Treewalks Insect walks • Talks & Videos Products Succulent plants display & sales • Oils • Herbs • Binoculars Bird Jfe d bfrd festiva ■aTarrcom 'the better option Kindly sponsored by Safaricom Entertainment Community drama performances and the Black Marimba Cultural Dance Group Celebrating nature and its contribution to the lives of people NATURE KENYA, P. O. Box 44486, 00100 GPO Nairobi Tel: 3749957 / 3746090 Fax: 3741049 E-mail: office@naturekenya.org EVENING (& morning) SKY Moon, October 04 6 Oct Last Quarter; 14 Oct New Moon; 21 Oct first Quarter; 28 Oct Full Moon The Sun, Earth and our Moon are aligned in the early morning of October 28 th , resulting in a total lunar eclipse. The almost-full moon rises at dusk on October 27, and the eclipse will last from about 2 or 3 a.m. to just before dawn on the 28 th . A lunar eclipse occurs when the earth passes directly between the sun and the full moon, casting its shadow on the moon. The only reason it doesn't happen every time there is a full moon is because the moon's orbit doesn't exactly coincide with the ecliptic, so the earth s shadow just misses the moon most times. The event is not as dramatic as a solar eclipse; just look for a steady dimming in the brightness of the moon. An interesting point is that the earth's shadow does not produce a sharp edge, because the earth has an atmosphere, and any light passing the earth gets scattered. The moon has no atmosphere to speak of, which is why at other times the normal shadows in the lunar erasers are so clear - though a telescope this is strikingly apparent, one side : s as dark as midnight while a step away there appears to be blazing sunshine! Total lunar eclipses occur at most 3 times a year and last up to 100 minutes. Partial lunar eclipses are about as common. Stars. October 04 The fiery red eye of Scorpius is setting in the west. On 17* h October, the new, crescent moon appears next to Antares. On the 18 th , the crescent moon is near the scorpions curving tail. When the scorpion has disappeared, another fiery-eyed giant called Taurus the Bull rises on the opposite horizon. According to the legends of ancient Greece, these fearsome mythical beasts did not get on well, and should they ever catch sight of each other who knows what may happen! The constellation Sagittarius, the Archer, is in a good position for viewing in the southwest. The stars of Sagittarius form a teapot or kettle shqpe. The centre of our galaxy lies is this direction. The brilliant star low in the northwest is Vega. Above Vega, high in the northwest, is the bright star Altair, between two fainter stars. The brilliant star low in the south-east is Achernar. Above it, high in the southern sky, is the bright star Fomalhaut. Planets, October 04 Venus Still shines brightly in the morning sky before dawn. Early in October, the star Reguius is nearby. NATURALIST’S CORNER Pandinus sp: Found in most Kenyan dry lands SCORPIONS By Samuel M Mwangi email sammurache@yahoo.com Scorpions are venomous arachnids (the same class as spiders, ticks and mites). They are often found in dry areas but also in many forests. The young are born alive and are carried by their mothers on the back, where they remain for a period of at least 2 weeks after birth. Depending on the species, the gestation period ranges from several months to 1.5 yrs. While in the female ovariuterus, the embryo obtains nutrients from their mother's digestive gland. A female gives birth to 25-35 juveniles. The mother makes a birth basket with her folded legs to catch them after birth and provide them with a means to climb to her back. Over 1300 species ot scorpions have been described. Some species live up to 15 yrs, but most live 3-5 yrs. Scorpions have.an elongate body with q long segmented tail, with a sting on the tip. The sting is venomous and the toxicity varies from species to species. Scorpions hunt at night and hide under rocks, in the bark of trees, under dead logs or in burrows during the day. They feed on a variety of small insects, spiders, centipedes as well as other scorpions. Scorpions locate their prey by sensing vibrations with sensory hairs and other organs. Scorpion venom contains neurotoxins, toxins that affect the nervous system. Scorpions use toxins for subduing their prey and for their own defense. Their toxin can result in heart or respiratory failure in humans within hours after the sting, depending on the species. However, the stings of most species are painful, but not deadly IF YOU GET STUNG BY A SCORPION... The world's most poisonous scorpions live in North Africa, S. America, India, Mexico and the Middle East. Most African scorpions are not considered dangerous to humans. The world's largest scorpion reaches a length of over 20cm and comes from South Africa Hadogenes troglodytes. In Kenya, members of the genera Pandinus and Parabuthus are the largest, reaching a length of 12cm. Scorpions can inflict a very pa inf ul Sting, which is accompanied by a local swelling. The pain may cause shock, which varies in severity depending on the victim. Symptoms of a reaction to a scorpion sting include shallow respiration, weak and rapid pulse rate, abnormal body temperature, cold sweats and may look pale. In the rare case that the symptoms are severe, get the person to a doctor and administer first aid, which includes immobilizing the victim. The head should be kept low by raising the feet. A warm drink like coffee or tea may be given to act as a stimulant. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, artificial respiration may be administered. The victim should be taken to hospital as quickly as possible. Supply the doctor with all the necessary information regarding the incident. The scorpion that inflicted the sting should be captured, if possible, for identification. This may aid in the diagnosis and treatment. action RAPTORS WORLDWIDE Just Published City Park Greeting Cards Featuring a beautiful painting of the band stand by Mary Collis. Available from the Nature Kenya front office @ 50/- each (blank on inside) Proceedings of the 6th World Conference on Birds of Prey and Owls May 2003, Budapest, Hungary Edited by R.D.Chancellor and B.-U. Meyburg ISBN 963-86418-1-9 This volume of 890 pages features 81 outstanding refereed original papers in English, presented by over 150 authors from all over the world. It has. an extensive section on vultures, severely threatened if not already extinct in many parts of their former range, comprising 12 papers on different Old and New World species and their conservation together with eight special studies providing a comprehensive picture of the recent catastrophic decline of species in the genus Gyps in Southern Asia, particularly India and Pakistan, the hitherto inexplicable cause of which was first revealed during this conference. Other sections are devoted to such wide-ranging topics as Population Limitation, Taxonomy, Electrocutions, Raptor/Human Conflicts and Environmental Contaminants. Other special sections are devoted to Falcons and Eagles respectively, including accounts of the unrivalled conservation work carried out in Hungary on such endangered species as the Saker Falcon and Imperial Eagle, forming an object lesson for other countries. TO ORDER RAPTORS WORLDWIDE WRITE TO: World Working Group on Birds of Prey and Owls (WWGBP), P. O. Box 52,Towcester NN12 7ZW, England E-mail: robin.chancellor@virgin.net www.raptors-international.de SUCCULENTA PLANT SALE Nature Fair, Nairobi Arboretum Sat 2 & Sun 3 October 04 Sale of succulents at the Nature Kenya Fair at the Nairobi Arboretum: there will also be a talk by Len Newton and four tree walks! SUPPER & BAOBAB TALK Friday 3 December 04 Supper meeting at Julia Glen s and talk by Rupert Watson on Baobabs. Please liaise with Julia Glen, tel 891065 or 0722 756647 or Sue • Allan, tel 891190 or 0733 891 721, before the meeting. NEW Subscription rates take effect on 4th October 04. Please check on page 4 Join or renew at the Nature Fair and benefit from the old rates PLANT INDIGENOUS ! TREES AND SHRUBS ATTRACT BUTTERFLIES AND BIRDS 80 SPECIES INDIGENOUS TREES AND SHRUBS, WEL GROWN (1M+) IN LARGE POLYPOTS. “LANDSCAPE” TREES .ALSO AVAILABLE. VISIT THE NURSERY FOR ADVICE. CONTACT: CROPWATCH LTD TREE NURSERY CAROLE HEMMINGS 0733 747865 hcnrmina s@a fri capnlineco. k e OR JOANNA TRENCH 0733 603839. CLASSIFIEDS Reach over lOOO members by advertising in Nature Net Rates for Classifieds: • Up to 25 words 250/- • Up to 50 words 500/- Ads • 1/4 page @ 1750/- • 1/2 page @ 3000/- • with image +500/- regular activities BIRD RINGING Meet at the Museums' Nairobi Botanic Garden, at 7:00 a.m. every Thursday. TREE WALKS Guided tree walks in the Arboretum on the second Saturday and last Monday, i.e. 9 4 25 October from 9:30 a.m. Meet at the Arboretum gate. Those who are not members of FONA or Nature Kenya pay Ksh 100/- fee on arrival at the gate. WEDNESDAY MORNING BIRDWALKS Bird watching walks at sites in and around Nairobi. Meet at the National Museum car park every Wednesday at 8-45 a.m. Return about 12:30 p.m. Those who are not members can get temporary tnembership at Ksh 100 per birdwalk, payable on arrival at the car park. SUNDAY BIRDWATCH Members meet at the National Museum, Nairobi car park at 9:00 a.m. the third Sunday of every month, i.e. 17 October. The members decide where to go. Bring lunch Ngong Road Forest Walks (Nairobi) Organised by the Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary Trust, nature walks are held on the first and third Saturdays of the month i.e. 2 4 16 October, at 9:00 a.m. Meet at the stairs leading to the Restaurant at the Racecourse. Call Anthony Charo to confirm on 575207 or 0733 712406. Lake Victoria Sunset Birders (Kisumu) The Lake Victoria Sunset Birders are a : Nature Kenya Site Support Group and organise bird walks at sifes in and around Kisumu every Friday of the month. For further details call 057 42952 or email lakevictoriasunsetbirders@yahoo.co.uk FFJ Bird Walk (Coast) Friends of Fort Jesus birdwalks are held the third Saturday of each month, i.e. 16 October. Please call Marlene Reid on (041) 491 648 to confirm ARABUKO-SOKOKE(COAST) The Saturday birdwatch with the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Guides Association is on the first Saturday of each month i.e. 2 October, at 6:30 a.m. from the Visitor Centre, Gede. Cost 100/- per person. KWS fees now apply (100/- Citizens, 500/- Residents) Nature Kenya does not accept any responsibility whatsoever in respect of negligence of any of its staff , volunteers or members organising the outings/trips or for any loss, injury, death or damage to property. Plan your weekend of other break to stay at the Kinangop Guest House Perched on the Kinangop Plateau with incredible views across the Rift Valley, the farm combines tussock-grass pasture, indigenous forest, and attractive gardens. The guesthouse is comfortable and fully furnished. Visitors can enjoy hikes and walks on the farm or go further afield with local guides. For more information, brochure and ntfn- member rates please contact Nature Kenya. Guest House rates: Day visit 350/- MEMBER nos Overnight Weekend 1 to 2 4000/- 6500/- 3 4,900/- 7,400/- 4 5,800/- 8,300/- Nature Kenya Membership form Yes! Start Renew my Nature Kenya membership MAILING ADDRESS (BLOCK LETTERS) First Name Ms/Mr/Title Address T el (H) JO). Mobile Email (OPTIONAL - but useful to us in planning) Occupation Age Bracket (tick) under 21 ( ) 21-35( ) 36-50( ) over 50( ) l Country of Origin 1 Would you like us to share your contacts Yes/ NO For Official Use Only Sub No. Mode Due Date Recpt. No. Recpt Date Ksh Per Year 1000 Enter Amount MEMBERSHIP TYPE Full Sponsor 3000 Family 1400 Pensioners 400 |_. Students (Full time & undergraduate) 400 Institutional (Libraries, schools, clubs) 1000 Corporate 10000 Corporate Plus 20000 ADDITIONAL SUBSCRIPTIONS Kenya Birds (tick to receive this free Bird magazine) Journal of E. A. Natural History 1000 Scopus (Ornithological Journal) 500 • World Birdwatch (the BirdLife International magazine) 1500 Succulenta East Africa 400 Friends of Nairobi Arboretum Single - 400/-, Student - 250/-, School or Club - 800/- DONATIONS Help us to do even more! 5000/ 8000/ Other Total If you live reside outside of Kenya please refer to www.naturekenya.org