Current view: Text account
Site description (2012 baseline):
Site location and context
Vulture populations have been declining globally. Three species of Gyps vultures breed in sub-Saharan Africa, and all have declining populations; regional declines have been reported in Western, Southern and Eastern Africa. Ruppell's Vulture and White-backed Vulture are listed as 'Near Threatened' and their numbers have declined by 52% in and around the Mara Serengeti ecosystem.
A large breeding colony of Ruppell's Vulture has been monitored since 2002 to 2009. Around 150-200 adults have been present on each visit, with up to 64 simultaneous active nests. Ruppell's Vulture was formerly distributed throught Kenya, with breeding being restricted to a relatively small number of cliffs scattered in the southern and northern parts of the country. Considering the size of the Kwenia colony, the site may act as an important focal point for Ruppell's Vulture in Southern Kenya and Northern Tanzania.
Most of Kajiado is semi-arid with poorly developed and shallow soils. The predominant land use in the area is pastrolism.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The cause of decline is thought to be the indirect mortality through poisoning as has been documented on other vulture species. Reduced food availability and climate change are the other possible causes.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
Research on Vultures in East Africa has highlighted their population size, behaviour, mortality and movement patterns which are critical in ensuring that conservation strategies that are developed are based on sound science.
Current studies show that there are declines in both the range and numbers of various vulture species as a result of compound threats including poisoning and change in land-use practices.
Kwenia is probably the most important breeding location for Ruppell's Vulture in Southern Kenya. The only other site in Kenya that has been surveyed for this species is Hell's Gate National Park, where aproximately 15-20 pairs breed annually. Hence, Kwenia is a breeding stronghold for the Ruppell's Vulture.
Not protected
Communal
The Peregrine Fund's Pan African Raptor Conservation programme, The Masai Community leaving in Kwenia, Kilonito, and Elanguata Was area of Kajiado and Magadi districts especially Magdalene and Titus, Mr Kores of the Kajiado County Council and Steven Okiri of the Magadi Soda Company plus the numerous volunteers who collected data.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Kwenia (Kenya). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/kwenia-iba-kenya on 26/12/2024.
