fbpx Dakatcha Woodland, Kenya
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Dakatcha Woodland, Kenya

Thanks to TiME’s donors, the Endangered Clarke’s Weaver (Ploceus golandi) and other threatened species will be now be protected in Dakatcha Woodland. Part of the East African Coastal Forests Global Hotspot, Dakatcha Woodland is a refuge for endangered species found at only a handful of other sites. For instance, the Clarke’s Weaver is found in only two places on Earth — Dakatcha Woodland and Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, on the coast of Kenya — but Clarke’s Weaver ONLY nests in Dakatcha Woodland.

Size of Purchase: 1,210,000 m² (300 acres)

https://this-is-my-earth.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Map-620x492.png

Raised

US$40,600

The Habitat

Dakatcha Woodland is part of the East African Coastal Forests Global Hotspot, covering nearly 2,000 square kilometres in the rolling hills of Magarini subcounty in Kilifi County. Dakatcha Woodland comprises Mrihi (Brachystegia spiciformis), Mfunda (Cynometrawebberi), mixed forests and thickets. The area’s seasonal wetlands, with sedge and grass, provide nesting sites for the Endangered Clarke’s Weaver (Ploceus golandi).

The forests and thickets trap, store and release rainwater; protect the fragile soil from erosion; and moderate the local climate. The trees and shrubs absorb greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, thus slowing climate change. The plants also provide medicines, food and fibre to the local communities.

Ecoregion: Eastern Miombo woodlands (AT0706)

Black male and yellow female Clarke's Weaver bird in the grasses of Dakatcha Woodland in Kenya. The female is carrying a caterpillar in its beak.

The Endangered Clarke’s Weaver (Ploceus golandi) is found in only two places on Earth: Dakatcha Woodland and Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, on the coast of Kenya. But Clarke’s Weaver ONLY nests in Dakatcha Woodland. Thus without the Dakatcha Woodland, Clarke’s Weaver would become extinct.

Some other threatened birds and animals protected on this land include:

 

More than eleven rare plant species are also found on this land, including the tree Warburgia stuhlmannii, shrub Pavetta linearifolia, succulent Monadenium invenustum and orchid Eulophia serrata.

Local Partner NGO

Status of registration of the group at the national level

Nonprofit membership society

Governance and management structure of the group

Nature Kenya —The East Africa Natural History Society was established in 1909 to promote the study and conservation of nature. It is Africa’s oldest scientific membership society. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is the highest governing body and elects the executive committee. The executive committee manages the executive director, who is responsible for 43 full-time (core and project) staff.

Conservation Plans

In the short term, Nature Kenya will own the land through registered trustees. In the long term, Nature Kenya will own the land outright. However, if the government agrees to gazette the land as a national reserve, ownership would revert to the government. Either way, Nature Kenya will remain a permanent trustee/supporter of the land, and the Clarke’s Weaver’s habitat in Dakatcha Woodland will be secured.

Updates

2023:

  • Developed the Dakatcha Woodland Management Plan in collaboration with the county government.
  • Engaged a community warden to provide a link between the local community and Nature Kenya, oversee day-to-day activities, and organize ongoing weekly patrols.
  • Protected over 61,000 hectares (25,000 acres) of land in collaboration with Community Conservation Areas.
  • Planted over 25,000 indigenous fruit and agroforestry tree seedlings and established 15 acres of grass/pasture seedbanks.
  • Monitored species of concern.

 

2022:

  • Detailed Ecosystem Services Assessment of Dakatcha Woodland was carried out, documenting ecosystem values of Provision Services, Harvested Goods, and Regulation Services of the woodland.
  • Dakatcha Woodland Management Plan, informed by the Detailed Ecosystem Services, was carried out in partnership with Kilifi County Government.