Status and conservation of Hinde's Babbler Turdoides hindei, a threatened species in an agricultural landscape

Abstract

Njoroge, P. & Bennun, L. A. 2000. Status and conservation of Hinde's Babbler Turdoides hindei, a threatened species in an agricultural landscape. Ostrich 71 (1 & 2): 69–72.

Hinde's Babbler is a restricted-range species endemic to Central Kenya. In recent years it appears to have suffered a marked reduction of population within its range. Using active searching and playback of vocalisations, we assessed the species' status in three study areas (Kianyaga, Mukurweini and Machakos) between July 1993 and May 1994. Distribution of the babbler was closely linked to river valleys and swamps, and to the presence of dense thicket vegetation. In Kianyaga and Mukurweini, clearance for intensive cultivation has removed most natural vegetation. Here the babblers rely on small (ranging from 5 m² to 0.81 ha) patches of the exotic weed Lantana camara for shelter and nest sites. In Machakos (a lower altitude site with less rainfall) the birds occurred in riverine thicket that has not yet been cleared. Densities in Machakos were substantially lower (0.81 individuals per km²) than in Kianyaga and Mukurweini (3.8 and 3.0 individuals per km² respectively). A questionnaire survey of local people in Kianyaga showed that killing of birds for food and clearing of Lantana patches are serious threats to this species. Hinde's Babbler occurs in only one small protected area; its conservation within a severely modified agricultural landscape is a substantial challenge that calls for innovative approaches.