Tana River Primate Reserve

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Tana River Primate Reserve, totaling eleven square miles of scattered forest patches, was set aside in 1976 in order to protect the swampy forests of the Lower Tana River and two endangered primates, the Lophocebus Mangabey and the Tana River Red Colobus, that are found there.[1]

The reserve, sixteen patches of forest ranging from 10 to 625 ha. (totaling 171 km), extends for 16 km down the meandering lower Tana River located approximately 350 km east of Nairobi and 240 km north of Mombasa. In the reserve, on the east and west sides of the river, are dry woodland and savanna habitat.[1]

[edit] Habitat

The lush river forest patches are unique remainders of western African forests. The river cuts through dry woodland and open savannah. Two endangered primates, the Crested mangabey and the Tana River Red Colobus, that are found there along with five more primate species.[1] Recorded bird species there number 262, and at least 57 species of mammals live there. There are several endemic tree species and well as a variety of other animals and plants.[2] Many of the bird and animal species in the reserve are unusual in East Africa, being typical of Central Africa’s lowland rainforest. The White-winged Apalis is extremely rare. The Openbill stork, Martial Eagle, Bat Hawk, African Pygmy-falcon, African Barred Owlet, Scaly Babbler, Starling, and Golden Pipit are also rare.[3]

[edit] Footnotes

  1. ^ a b c Tana River National Primate Reserve - Kenya Wildlife Service. www.kws.org. Retrieved on 2008-03-18.
  2. ^ Primate Conservation along the Tana River, Kenya: An Examination of the Forest Habitat World Bank Kenya Biodiversity Tana River National Primate Reserve Project US$6.20 million US$0.94 million]. 209.85.165.104. Retrieved on 2008-03-18.
  3. ^ Parks and Reserves -- Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife. www.tourism.go.ke. Retrieved on 2008-03-18.

[edit] External links


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