The Nature Kenya Newsletter

Youth Committee organised

AJ curobis K i\z£A" B omav

Talk by Achim Steiner -
UNEP Executive Director

TJua/ 22 feb-. ‘07

at the Forester s House,
Nairobi Arboretum 5:00 p,m.

- ksh 100/-

W inds in/ tTue T

musical performances by schools

Sat24 Teh-. ‘07

at the Nairobi Arboretum

2:00 - 5:00 pm Free entry

Cope'TcywwOpercv

A Kijani Trust Musical Event

Sun/25 Teh-. ‘07

at the Nairobi Arboretum at 5:00 p.m,
adults ksh 3000/- children ksh 500/-

february at a glimpse

Sat 10

Tree Walk -

Sun 18

Sunday Birdwalk

Thu 22

4 rhim Steiner on Nairobi

P.i ver Basin ---

Sat 24

Wind in the Trees

Sun 25

Onoe Town Opera

an 26

■dwalks every Wednesday Morning
*d ringing every Thursday morning

Editorial

Team

CT\ior Catherine
Ngarachu
Tvov\\v\s^ Sfdc-? Fleur
Ng’weno
NafvraIkf's Corner
Dino Martins
Action Serah Munguti

5p.ui!s

- '

CctwTp
E l

Tri/23

fehruary l O 7 .

Birdwatch, visit Kariandusi Prehistoric site and nearby
hot springs. Cost is Ksh. 1600 inclusive of transport,
food, camping and guiding fees. Book at Nature Kenya-
by 16th Feb. '07. Bring tent, sleeping bag, walking
shoes, water bottle <4 warm clothing

Western/ Kenya/
Tr06 - Morv 9 M an. ‘07

Visit Saiwa Swamp National Park, Kitale and
Kapenguria Museums and the Kitale Sanctuary.

Cost is 5000 Ksh per person - more details will be in
the March issue of Nature net

library

located at the Natural Sciences Building, National
Museums of Kenya, Nairobi (next to the Langi Langi
cafeteria) INTERNET AVAILABLE

Now available at the library!

- The 22 volume set of World Book
Encyclopedias kindly donatedby the US
Library of Congress and the US Embassy

- Handbook of the Birds
of the World Volume 11

55 colour plates, 343 colour
photographs, 733 distribution
maps.

Contents: Order
PASSERIFORMES

Family Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers)

Family Platysteiridae (Batises & Wattle-eyes)

Family Rhipiduridae (Fantails)

Family Monarchidae (Monarch-flycatchers)

Family Regulidae (Kinglets & Firecrests)

Family Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)

Family Cisticolidae (Cisticolas & allies)

Family Sylviidae (Old World Warblers)

NATURE KENYA, P. O. Box 44486, 00100 GPO Nairobi Tel: 3749957 / 3746090 Fax: 3741049 E-mail: office@naturekenya.org

WILD BIRD TRADE
banned by EU

Conservationists applaud the
European Union decision to ban
permanently wild bird trade

The EU Commission has announced that
the ban on imports of birds caught in the
wild is to be made permanent throughout
the European Union later this year.

The move comes after a temporary ban
was imposed within the EU in October
2005, after birds in a UK quarantine centre
were found to have avian influenza.

“We fully applaud the decision made by
the EU Standing Committee on the Food
Chain and Animal Health." said Dr Clairie
Papazoglou, Head of European Division at
BirdLife International. "Banning the
imports of birds caught in the wild is great
news for bird conservation, even though
the ruling has been made to limit the
spread of disease, and not to conserve
species. Only if laws are made on the basis
of conservation can we have more
confidence in protecting those species that
are threatened by trade.”

The ban is to take effect from the 1 July
2007.

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Society offices at
the Museum

You will find Nature Kenya offices at the
Ford Hall and at a prefabricated building.
The prefab building is located enroute to
the Snake Park and is the office for the
Nature Kenya membership shop and
subscription desk.

action

Nature Kenya's
Executive Director, Paul
Matiku. & the Forestry
Dept. Chief

ConservcjfLr of Forests,
DK Mbugua, launch ^w,e
latest Important Bird
Areas Status Report
which is now available
at www.naturekenya.org

The EU’s decision will heavily impact the
illegal or unsustainable trade in wild birds
that has decimated many species across
the world.

Trapping for the bird trade is a threat for
one in ten Globally Threatened Birds, and
57% of threatened parrot species. Some
are close to extinction, such as the Yellow-
crested Cockatoo Cacatua sulphurea of
East Timor and Indonesia; others are
already Extinct in the Wild such as the
Spix’s Macaw Cyanopsitta spixii of Brazil.
Further examples of species threatened by
exploitation for the bird trade include the
Red Siskin Carduelis cucullata in northern
South America, Java Sparrow Padda
oryzivora of Indonesia and the African Grey
Parrot Psittacus erithacus.

BirdLife Partners across Europe and Africa
have been campaigning against trade in
wild birds for up to 20 years.

Visit www.birdlife.org for updates

DOWNGRADING

AMBQSELI NATIONAL PARK
Nature Kenya goes to court

Since November 2005, the Amboseli case
at the High Court has been severally
mentioned or adjourned.

A full hearing for the Amboseli case has
now been scheduled for 14 March 2007
at the High Court.

H5hJl Update

Newcastle disease in domestic
and wild birds

In September '06, widespread deaths of
doves were reported in various parts of the
country, including Olorgesailie, Magadi and
North Eastern. All birds tested negative
for bird flu. The cause of death for those
doves collected from Magadi and
Olorgesailie is confirmed to be Newcastle
disease (this was also true for the dead
birds from North Eastern as reported in
the Dec06/Jan07 issue of Nature net).
Newcastle disease is a highly contagious,
common viral disease of domestic poultry
and wild birds.

Surveillance work for avian flu in Kenya
continues. To report unusual die-offs in
wild or domestic birds call this hotline:

0722 726682

AlWEb - The Avian Influenza,
Wildlife and the Environment
Web - new web site launched

The AEWA Secretariat together with its
mother Convention on Migratory Species
(CMS) has recently unveiled AlWEb - The
Avian Influenza, Wildlife and the
Environment Web (www.aiweb.info).
AlWEb is a web-based platform for
inf ormation exchange and communication on
current and emerging topics relating to
avian influenza, the environment and
migratory birds.

Funding Opportunity

Natural Environment Research Council

Forestry-based climate mitigation project

Proposals are invited for research
projects to examine and test the
principles for forestry-based climate
mitigation projects that will identify
verification methods, design principles
and guidelines intended to maximise
benefits for climate, social welfare, the
environment and biodiversity.

For further information:

www.nerc.ac.uk/research/programmes/
q uest/even ts/ao070130-forestry, asp

Sustainable Forestry and Bioenergy

Proposals are invited for research projects
to quantify the worldwide potential of
different plant-based option's to mitigate
climate change, accounting for their
environmental, biodiversity, economic and
social consequences; a primary objective
will be to provide information to decision
makers involved in international climate
policy negotiations.

For further information:

www.nerc.ac.uk/research/programmes/

quest/events/ao070130-bioenergy.asp

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EVENING SKY

Ian Mackay & Fleur Ng'weno

February Stars

Moen, February 2007

Full moon = Feb 2nd; Last quarter = Feb 10th;
New moon = Feb 17th; First quarter = Feb 24th

Orion, the Flunter or Warrior of old
Greek myths, travels across the
February evening sky. Pick out this
distinctive constellation by the three
bright stars in a row in the middle.
To the ancient Greeks, this was
Orion's belt. His sword - three fainter
stars in a row - hangs from his belt.
Four bright stars represent Orion's
shoulders and knees. Rigel, blue-green
in colour, is one knee, kicking into the
sky; and one shoulder, lowest in the
east, is formed by orange Betelguese.

The constellations of two hunting
dogs follow Orion in the sky. The dog
star, Sirius, in the southeast, is the
brightest star that we can see at
night. The constellation of Lepus, the
Hare, runs ahead of Orion and Sirius
in the south. And Canopus, the second
brightest star, is south of Sirius,
lower in the sky.

Near blue-green Rigel, a long line of
medium-bright stars winds towards
the south. This is the constellation
Eridanus, the Great River of stars. It
is best seen later in the month, when
the sky is quite dark.

Planets, February 2007

Venus and Saturn are brilliant lights
at opposite ends of the sky in the
evenings this month. Venus has
reappeared over the sunset in the
west.

Across the sky, Saturn is rising on the
eastern horizon. It appears a little
below and to the right of the full
moon on February 2 nd .

The Earth will pass between Saturn
and the sun on February 10 th . This
means that Saturn is closer to us and
brighter than usual this month. With
binoculars or a telescope we may be
able to see the rings of Saturn!

A prominent star near Saturn is
Regulus; this is the brightest star in
the constellation of Leo the Lion.
Sparkling-white Regulus is bright, but
Saturn is brighter. Like all planets,
Saturn shines with a steadier light
than the twinkling stars. Each night
Saturn and Regulus will be seen higher
above the horizon. Saturn will remain
in front of Leo's stars throughout
2007.

Tiny Mercury is directly below Venus.
It remains high enough for viewing
during early evenings of the first half
of February 2007. In the morning
sky, Jupiter rises at about 2am,
followed by Mars at about 5am on the
1st of February.

Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter
and Saturn are the visible planets.
Other planets circling the sun, but
too far to see with the naked eye,
include Uranus, Neptune ... and Pluto?
Last year saw a review of the status
of Pluto, after some amazing
discoveries of other objects ever
further away in our solar system. One
of these objects is three times
bigger than Pluto) Now Pluto has been
downgraded, and is considered to be
a 'Dwarf Planet'.

CLASSIFIEDS

Reach over 1000 members by advertising in Nature
Net Rates for Classifieds: • Up to 25 words 250/- • Up
to 50 words 500/- Ads • <s> 1750/- • with image +500/-

PLANT INDIGENOUS
TREES AND SHRUBS

ATTRACT WILDLIFE
FANTASTIC SELECTION OF OVER
100 SPECIES TREES AND SHRUBS,
1-2M IN LARGE POLYPOTS.

CONTACT FOR TREE LIST,
ADVICE & DIRECTIONS :

Trees can be delivered
CROPWATCH LTD
TREE NURSERY

“LANDSCAPE" TREES &

YELLOW NANDI FLAMES
AVAILABLE

BRIAN WILLIAMS
0733 923990

bvwilliams@swiftkenya.com
CAROLE HEMMINGS
chemmings@zamnet.zm

Go Places

ENTERTAINMENT • TRAVEL • RESTAURANTS
■ SHflPPIKS A BIS608NTS

For more Chris Madden cartoons buy his book "The Beast
that ate the Earth" from his website www.chrismadden.org

Up & about

P^UAKATION

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.

WEDNESDAY MORNING
BIRDWALKS

Bird watching walks at sites in and around
Nairobi. Meet at the National Museum car
park near Langi Langi cafe, every
Wednesday at 8:45 a.m. Return about
12:30 p.m. Those who are not members can
get temporary membership at Ksh 100 per
birdwalk, payable on arrival at the car park.

tree walks

Guided tree walks in the Arboretum on the
second Saturday and last Monday, i.e. 10
and 26 Feb 07 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.

SUNDAY BIRDWATCH

Members meet at the National Museum,
Nairobi car park near Langi Langi cafe at 9:00
a.m. the third Sunday of every month, i.e.
18 Feb '07. The members decide where to
go. Bring lunch

BIRD RINGING

Meet at the Museums' Nairobi Botanic Garden,
at 7:00 a.m. every Thursday.

SAMAKIDAYS

Guided fish excursions on the first
Thursday, i.e. 1 Feb. '07 from 9:00 a.m -
12:30 p.m. Meet at the Nairobi Museum car
park. Pay Ksh 50/- per person on arrival

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 non¬
member rates please contact Nature Kenya.
Guest House rates: Day visit 3507-
MEMBER nos Overnight Weekend

1 to 2 pax 4000/- 6500/-

3 pax 4,900/- 7,400/-

4 pax 5,800/- 8,300/-

20% OFF ACCOMMODATION
AT THE DRIFTWOOD

On presentation of your membership
card, you can get this discount off
accommodation (if paying by cash or
cheque) at the Driftwood Beachclub. This
is a charming beachfront property with
great food and service. Contact:

<gm@drif twoodclub.com or tel 042 20155

Ngong Road Forest Walks

Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary Trust nature
walks held the first and third Saturdays
of the month i.e. 3 A 17 Feb.'07, at 9:00
a.m. Meet at the stairs leading to the
Restaurant at the Racecourse. Call
Ignatius ;to confirm on 3875207 or 0720
976299.

Lake Victoria Sunset Birders
(Kisumu)

The Lake Victoria Sunset Birders organise
bird walks at sites in and around Kisumu every
Friday of the month. For further details call
057 42952 or 0734 994938 or emt'i'l
lakevictoriasunsetbirders@yahoo.co.uk

Mt Kenya Biodiversity
Conservation Group (MKBCG)

The MKBCG organise bird walks to sites
around Naro Moru every last Saturday of the
month i.e. 24 Feb.'07.

For more information contact 0722 364904,
0733 937115 or 062 62071 Email:
•tlt_kebio@yahoo.co.uk_

Birding at Kinangop

Friends of Kinangop Plateau organise
birdwalks every third Friday of the month i.e.
16 Feb. 07 at 9:00 a.m around Magumu and
Njambini areas. To participate contact Bakari
Ng’ang'a on 0721 470215

MARURA NAROK
BIRDWATCHERS

A community group near Uaso Narok Swamp,
Rumuruti, which organises birdwalks every
last Saturday i.e. 24 Feb. ’07. Call 062
32718 or email olmaisor@africaonline.co.ke

ARABUKO-SOKOKE(COAST)

The Saturday birdwatch with the Arabuko
Sokoke Forest Guides Association is on the
first Saturday of each month i.e. 3 Feb.

07, at 6:30 a.m. from the Visitor Centre,
Gede. Cost 100/- per person. KWS fees
now apply (100/- Citizens, 500/- Residents)

FFJ Bird Walk (Coast)

Friends of Fort Jesus birdwalks are held
the third Saturday of each month, i.e. 17
Feb ‘07. Please call Marlene Reid on
2491648 or 0720 949195 to confirm

Natur eKenya

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1400

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400

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