GVI Kenya

GVI have been in Kenya since the beginning of 2006 with the four programmes; marine research, coastal forest research, teaching and community development in Mkwiro and Shimoni villages, and community development in three villages bordering Tsavo West National Park, near Taveta.

The community development work in the Taveta region is specifically working with the villages of Kidong, Kasaani and Mahandakini.  These three villages used to be notorious poaching communities, but have given up poaching for safer, less destructive alternative livelihoods. 

 A truly spectacular shot of a superb starling in flight.  Seen during bird surveys 

GVI has been helping them with many different things over the years, but have recently been focussing on developing their access to the tourist trade, value-added products, food security and agricultural improvements, to name a few. 

For example, the community in Kidong has been developing a cultural centre which can be used for tourism and community education.  To go hand in hand with this, GVI is helping to train tour guides for activities such as guided tours of the local area.  This information will also be used in the cultural centre itself.  To enhance the training and knowledge of the guides, our teams out there have been conducting bird surveys to establish what species are found in which areas, so the guides can be trained on the identification of the common species.

However, there have been some unexpected sightings….

Our teams have recorded some species which (according to various bird books) are not meant to be found in the area at all!  They are 100% confirmed sightings, as all teams are trained in bird surveys and the common species, and the staff members that are present have years of experience in bird surveys and avian identification.

 Lizzard buzzard seen during bird surveys

Unfortunately we have not managed to get any decent photos, but will keep trying! The species are as follows:

• White fronted bee-eater
• Fischer’s lovebird
• Red-chested sunbird
• Violet wood hoopoe

To be honest, we’re not sure what to do, if anything at all!  It is perfectly reasonable for species to move into new areas, or expand their home ranges over time.  And of course bird books will eventually become ‘out of date’.  It is just odd, as you learn to rely almost entirely on bird books and it comes as quite a surprise when one is proved wrong!

 Red-billed hornbill with a mouthfull!  Seen during bird surveys

Anyway, we have sent the information to Birdlife International, and at the very least they may find the information interesting.  The bird surveys will continue, and we will certainly keep you all informed if we come across anything else strange!