Marc Baker Safaris

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  • 7.1: Publications
  • 7.2: Baker 2008
  • 7.3: Baker 2007
  • 7.4: Baker 2005-1
  • 7.5: Baker 2005-2
  • 7.6: Baker 2004
  • 7.7: Baker 2002-1
  • 7.8: Baker 2002-2
  • 7.9: Baker 2001-1
  • 7.10: Baker 2001-2
  • 7.11: Baker 2000

Baker 2002-1

The Avifauna of Jozani-Chawaka Bay National Park, Zanzibar. Implications and recommendations for management and zoning. Production of report to CARE international and the Director of Forestry and Beekeeping (Zanzibar).

Jozani forest, which forms the central core of the proposed national park, is situated at 6 15’ S, 39 24’ E. The main forest block covers an area of approximately 560ha of which; 11 – 16ha is plantation and 544ha natural high forest (coastal forest). The main forest bock is situated on a north – south axis in a low-lying channel through the Azanian beds, between Chwaka bay, situated on the east of the island, and the Pete inlet to the south-west.

In terms of species of global importance, Jozani forest supports two globally threatened species; East Coast Akalat Sheppardia gunningi (IUCN: Vulnerable) and the endemic race of Fischer’s Turaco Tauraco fischeri zanzibaricus (IUCN: Near-threatened). A further 11 species of regional conservation concern have also been recorded within the proposed national park area. Three endemic races occur; Fischer’s Turaco Tauraco fischeri zanzibaricus, Little Greenbul Andropadus virens zanzibaricus and Mouse-coloured Sunbird Nectarinia veroxii zanzibarica. A fourth, Olive Sunbird Nectarinia olivacea granti, is shared with Pemba Island and a fifth, Eastern Bearded Scrub Robin Cercotrichas quadrivrigata greenwayi also occurs on Mafia Island. The 6500ha proposed Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park encompasses habitats in Chwaka Bay that are important for significant numbers of wading birds, including globally significant numbers of Crab Plover and Saunder’s Tern (Baker & Baker in Fishpool & Evens, 2001).

During the 25-day survey of the habitats within the Jozani- Chwaka Bay proposed national park area, a total of 83 species were recorded by observation and mist-netting. 8775 net metre hours (nmh) were carried out in each of the four study sites, resulting in the completion of a total of 35,100 net metre hours, in which 162 birds were caught and ringed. A total of 16 timed species counts (TSC) were completed in each study site giving the comparative abundance of the commoner species In addition to a concentrated effort within the four study sites, 12 one hour counts were conducted in the more marginal habitats such as wetlands, mangrove and specific sites of interest in the Chwaka Bay area.

This survey clearly outlines the areas of importance for this national park in terms of the avifauna. The main forest block, which includes the Calophyllum plantation, the coastal forest and the swamp forest should be considered a core area for those species of birds of special interest. The coral rag, although not as important in terms of avifauna should be managed in accordance with recommendations by Williams et al (1996) for Duiker conservation. The mangrove, although not as important for key species is important as a roosting and feeding ground for some species of birds and is clearly essential as a nursery for fish.