The Forest Birds of Kenya and Uganda
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Date
1996
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of East African Natural History
Abstract
Robust and rapid ways of assessing and monitoring forest biodiversity are increasingly
necessary. To this end, we present a classification of forest birds in Kenya and Uganda
into three simple categories: forest-specialists (FF species), forest generalists (F
species) and forest visitors (f species). FF and F species, but not f species, are
dependent on forests. Out of 479 forest birds in the two countries, 214 are FF, 156 F
and 109 f species. Forest-dependent birds, and particularly forest specialists, are less
widespread than forest visitors. Uganda has 420 forest birds compared to Kenya's 335,
and a higher proportion of forest specialists: this reflects differences in forest structure
and biogeography, rather than the area of natural forest. Using this classification
allows species lists and densities to be interpreted more meaningfully. The number of
FF species is an initial measure of a forest's relative conservation importance, while
the proportion of FF, F and f species and their relative abundance will shift according
to changes in forest structure.
Description
Keywords
Forest Birds, Kenya, Uganda
Citation
Bennun, L., Dranzoa, C., & Pomeroy, D. (1996). The forest birds of Kenya and Uganda. Journal of East African Natural History, 85(1), 23-48. https://doi.org/10.2982/0012-8317