Protecting threatened Kenyan Grasslands

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Sharpe’s Longclaw, an endangered species that shows a preference for short grass with tussocks has its stronghold in the Kinangop grasslands. See a larger image here.
(Photo © Charlie Moores/ 10000birds.com.)

The Kinangop grasslands. Once more land is purchased Nature Kenya will restore it to its original state. See a larger image here. (Photo © Nature Kenya.)

Kenyan Grasslands Project

Located in Kenya’s Central Province, the Kinangop Grasslands cover an area of 190,200 acres (77,000 hectares) across the Kinangop Plateau bounded by the forests of the Aberdare Mountains and Kikuyu Escarpment to the east and south, and by the Rift Valley to the west. The Kinangop is a largely unprotected area of grasslands which are vanishing at an alarming rate. This is of concern to species such as the Sharpe’s Longclaw, which is seriously threatened by the loss of its grassland home.

Why protect the Kinangop grasslands?

Globally important bird area:

• One of Kenya’s 60 Important Bird Areas;
• Global stronghold of Sharpe’s Longclaw, an endangered bird found only in Kenya, preferring short grass with tussocks;
• The Near Threatened Jackson’s Widowbird and Pallid Harrier can be found here.

Important for other wildlife:

• Two endemic species of frog: Hyperolius montanus and Phrynobatrachus kinangopensis have been recorded;
• The threatened Kenyan Horned Viper occurs in this region;
• High priority to identify and study other key species of this area.

A wildlife habitat under threat:

• Originally, the Kinangop Grassland plateau was almost treeless, covered with tussock grassland and bogs. Now, this habitat is privately owned without official protection and has almost entirely been converted to farmland.
• The tussock grass species have been removed from the grasslands because livestock find this relatively unpalatable.
• Several introduced tree species are now invading the landscape including Eucalyptus globulus, Acacia mearnsii and Pinus radiata.
• Many of the area's wetlands have been drained.

What the World Land Trust and Nature Kenya are doing to help

Purchasing and protecting grassland

Recognising the significance of these grasslands, World Land Trust (WLT) partners Nature Kenya has purchased 95 acres (38 ha) and with the support of WLT Nature Kenya intend to purchase a further 50 acres (20 ha).

Promoting conservation and sustainable development

At Kinangop Nature Kenya work along side the local support group Friends of Kinangop Plateau (FoKP), an independent group of volunteers who promote conservation and sustainable development of the Kinangop Grasslands. FoKP raise awareness amongst farmers and the local community of the importance of the grasslands for species such as Sharpe’s Longclaw and assist in data collection and monitoring of the grasslands.

How you can help:

More information on the Kenyan Grasslands Project: 

• Project updates
• Nature Kenya (External link to our Kenya Partners)