Avian biogeography of the Taita Hills, Kenya

Abstract

The Taita Hills of south-east Kenya contain three endemic and threatened birds and many other endemic taxa. The area is combined with the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania-Malawi in the latest analysis of centres of endemism in birds. Based on our recent fieldwork and historical records, we analyse the distribution and biogeographical affinities of forest birds within the Taita Hills. We find that the Taita Hills avifauna has been influenced as strongly by the Kenyan Highlands as by the Eastern Arc, especially in the high altitude moist forests. However, since the area is sufficiently differentiated to hold three endemic bird taxa, we feel that it merits consideration as a centre of endemism in its own right. Such recognition will hopefully foster the conservation of the Taita Hills forests and their unique species, before this biodiversity is lost.

Journal of East African Natural History Vol. 87 (1&2) 1998: pp. 189-194