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We report the preliminary observations and results of a survey of the birds of the East
Usambara Mountains, north-east Tanzania. Using standardised point counts and opportunistic
searches, we collected information on the distribution, habitat selection and relative abundance
of those species of greatest conservation concern. Amongst the 124 species recorded during the
survey, six are listed in the global Red Data book and nine are considered to be restricted-range.
Forest edges and agricultural habitats had notable numbers of species of conservation importance.
Habitat requirements of the species of conservation concern differed: whilst ground-foragers
(Usambara Thrush Turdus (olivaceus) roehli, Modulatrix spp.) are clearly dependent on intact forest,
Banded Sunbird Anthreptes rubritorques, Amani Sunbird Hedydipna pallidigastra, Fischer’s
Turaco Tauraco fischeri, Kenrick’s Starling Poeoptera kenricki and Long-billed Tailorbird Artisornis
moreaui are also frequent in successional habitats created by disturbance, at forest edges or even
in relatively open, agricultural landscapes. This suggests that some threatened species might benefit
from conservation initiatives (e.g., planting of useful indigenous trees) specifically targeted to
counter the degradation of such ‘fringe’ habitats. |
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