{"title":"The First Confirmed Record of African Golden Cat Caracal aurata from Kenya Since 1946","authors":"R. Hatfield, J. Mwaura, S. Musila, Liam O’Meara","doi":"10.2982/028.108.0104","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2982/028.108.0104","url":null,"abstract":"The African golden cat Caracal aurata (Temminck, 1827) is an IUCN Red List ‘Vulnerable’ species (Bahaa-el-din et al., 2015b) and is considered Africa’s least known felid (Bahaa-eldin et al., 2015a). This species is restricted to forested habitats in equatorial Africa, with Kenya at the eastern limit of the species’ distribution (Butynski et al., 2012; Ray & Butynski, 2013). The status of C. aurata in Kenya remains unknown. Until now, the only confirmed records are two skins collected by A. Toschi in 1946 from Ogiek tribesmen in the Mau Forest (Toschi, 1946; Butynski et al., 2012). One of the skins (Accession No. 3369/332A) is currently at the National Museums of Kenya (NMK). All other records from the country are sight records that lack a supporting photograph or specimen (Butynski et al., 2012). On 19 May 2019, a dead cat, presumably killed by a vehicle, was found beside the section of the Kamae-Thika road that bisects the Kieni Forest Reserve in the southern Aberdares (0°52'12.9144\"S and 36°45'05.4684\"E; figure 1). It was immediately identified as a possible C. aurata and taken to NMK (Accession No. NMK-MAM-192942). Upon inspection of the specimen, and in consultation with experts in the field (L. Bahaa-el-din (pers. comm.); T.M. Butynski (pers. comm,); D. Mills (pers. comm.)), the specimen was confirmed to be a C. aurata. This is the first confirmed record of C. aurata for Kenya since 1946, and the first record of this species east of the Eastern Rift Valley. This specimen was collected ~2300 m above sea level in Afromontane forest at the edge of the bamboo zone. It was a female of the golden/reddish-brown morph (Bahaa-el-din et al., 2015a; figure 2) with the following weight and body measurements: weight: 3.1 kg, headbody length: 60 cm, and tail length: 26.5 cm. This specimen appears to be a large kitten or a","PeriodicalId":143820,"journal":{"name":"Journal of East African Natural History","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121010134","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Cleptoparasitic Bee Genus Chiasmognathus (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Kenya, with the Description of Two New Species","authors":"M. Engel, L. Packer, D. Martins","doi":"10.2982/028.108.0102","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2982/028.108.0102","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The minute, cleptoparasitic bee genus Chiasmognathus (Nomadinae: Ammobatini) is documented from western Kenya, representing the southernmost records of the lineage. Two species are recognized from the Great Rift Valley—Chiasmognathus aturksvenicus, from the southwestern side of Lake Turkana, and the other, C. riftensis, from further south near Lake Bogoria. The former was captured in association with its host, Nomioides (Nomioides) turanicus (Halictinae: Nomioidini). Chiasmognathus saheliensis is considered a new junior synonym of Pasites gnomus, and the latter epithet is transferred to Chiasmognathus: C. gnomus. We illustrate and discuss intraspecific variation in some morphological features of these tiny bees.","PeriodicalId":143820,"journal":{"name":"Journal of East African Natural History","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115043865","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
R. Amin, T. Wacher, Josef Clifford, B. Ogwoka, B. Agwanda
{"title":"Abundance, Distribution, Habitat, Activity and Conservation of Sokoke Bushy-Tailed Mongoose Bdeogale omnivora in Central and North Coast Forests of Kenya","authors":"R. Amin, T. Wacher, Josef Clifford, B. Ogwoka, B. Agwanda","doi":"10.2982/028.108.0103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2982/028.108.0103","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The Sokoke dog or bushy-tailed mongoose Bdeogale omnivora is poorly known and considered to be endemic to the East African coastal forests. Systematic camera trap surveys, comprising 9229 camera trap days on grids at six study sites, were used to determine the distribution and relative abundance of the Sokoke bushy-tailed mongoose in the two largest Kenyan coastal forests: Boni-Dodori Forest Complex (ca. 4000 km2); and Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve (416 km2). This species was captured in all surveyed forests with significantly more detections in Brachystegia woodland habitat (ca. 71 km2) of Arabuko-Sokoke and the Boni forest sectors (ca. 2000 km2) of the Boni-Dodori Forest Complex. Boni-Dodori Forest Complex, with an estimated occupancy of over 60% for this species, holds a significant population. The study generated over 1000 images of the Sokoke bushy-tailed mongoose in a total surveyed area of approximately 500 km2 providing the first 24-hour activity data for the species. The circadian patterns confirm this species to be strictly nocturnal. This study strongly recommends that its Red List status remains ‘Vulnerable’. The few remaining coastal forests continue to face human pressure. Recent proposals to find and extract hydrocarbons from under the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, and the planned major development close to Boni-Dodori Forest Complex, raise serious conservation concerns for this exceptionally biodiverse ecosystem.","PeriodicalId":143820,"journal":{"name":"Journal of East African Natural History","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125146389","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Lion-Porcupine Interactions in Africa, Including Impacts on Lion Predatory Behavior","authors":"J. Peterhans, G. Celesia, T. Gnoske","doi":"10.2982/028.108.0101","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2982/028.108.0101","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Although African crested porcupines Hystrix spp. represent 0.5–34% of lion Panthera leo kills, interactions between the two species are poorly documented. Here we review porcupine-lion interactions and their impact on lion behaviour, including: 1) lion predation on porcupines; 2) lions injured or killed by porcupine quills; and 3) a case of a lion severely injured by a porcupine quill. Porcupine quills can be effective weapons and sometimes seriously wound lions, resulting in death. Death from quills can be a slow process and under these circumstances, death may be the result of starvation or infection (septicaemia).","PeriodicalId":143820,"journal":{"name":"Journal of East African Natural History","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128182783","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Averee M. Luhrs, Magdalena S. Svensson, K. Nekaris
{"title":"Comparative Ecology and Behaviour of Eastern Potto Perodicticus ibeanus and Central Potto P. Edwardsi in Angola, Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and Uganda","authors":"Averee M. Luhrs, Magdalena S. Svensson, K. Nekaris","doi":"10.2982/028.107.0104","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2982/028.107.0104","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Comparative behavioural research reveals both intra- and inter-species diversity among primates. Few long-term behavioural studies have been conducted on African nocturnal primates. Here we describe and compare behavioural and ecological observations on two species of pottos (Perodicticus ibeanus and P. edwardsi) across ten sites. We observed a total of 51 P. edwardsi and 28 P. ibeanus. We recorded all 21 postures within an established lorisid ethogram, as well as 42 of 50 behaviours. Eating, locomotion, freezing, resting and sniffing were the most common behaviours. We recorded behaviours not previously described for perodicticines, including bark chewing and unique vocalisations. Three species of pottos are now recognised, with potentially more species to be revealed within this cryptic and nocturnal genus. Although there are similarities among potto species, we show that unique ecological adaptations and behaviours may further elucidate their diversity.","PeriodicalId":143820,"journal":{"name":"Journal of East African Natural History","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"126806663","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The East African Flora, and Those Who Study It, Have Lost a Great Friend, Kew Botanist Sally Bidgood","authors":"I. Friis","doi":"10.2982/028.107.0103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2982/028.107.0103","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":143820,"journal":{"name":"Journal of East African Natural History","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132938777","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Conservation Status of the Elegant Yellow-Black Bush-Cricket Meruterrana elegans (Orthoptera: Phaneropterinae)—A Critically Endangered Species on Mount Kenya","authors":"C. Hemp, A. Hemp","doi":"10.2982/028.107.0102","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2982/028.107.0102","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Two populations of Meruterrana elegans, a monotypic bush-cricket genus, endemic to Mount Kenya in Kenya were surveyed. The species is restricted to Cassipourea forest, a forest community vanishing rapidly on Mount Kenya and with it Meruterrana elegans, which therefore should be included to the IUCN red list of threatened species as Critically Endangered.","PeriodicalId":143820,"journal":{"name":"Journal of East African Natural History","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125175719","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Insights Into the Natural History of the Little Known Maned Rat Lophiomys imhausi through Examination of Owl Pellets and Prey Remains","authors":"D. Ogada","doi":"10.2982/028.107.0101","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2982/028.107.0101","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Maned rat Lophiomys imhausi is a highly unusual, but very little known rodent that is endemic to East Africa. A population from the highlands of central Kenya was studied through analysis of owl pellets and prey remains, including one incidental observation. Over 28 months, 40 individual rats were documented, of which two were juveniles. The mean length of time between discovery of rat remains in any one owl territory was once every 5.3 months, and the maximum number of rats found in any single owl territory over one year was five. Maned rat density was low and was estimated at 1 rat/km2. Their lower altitudinal limit in Kenya is c. 1900 m, and eagle owls and humans are important predators. Maned rats are not uncommon in highly altered habitats and they may require poisonous plants in addition to Acokanthera spp. for anti-predator defense.","PeriodicalId":143820,"journal":{"name":"Journal of East African Natural History","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133856275","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Two Red-Capped Robin-Chats Cossypha Natalensis Imitate Antiphonal Duet of Black-Faced Rufous Warblers Bathmocercus rufus","authors":"T. Struhsaker","doi":"10.2982/028.106.0201","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2982/028.106.0201","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT During my studies of primate behavioral ecology in the Kibale Forest, Uganda, I documented the first cases of red-capped robin-chats Cossypha natalensis imitating an antiphonal duet. In one case two individual robin chats imitated the entire duet of the black-faced rufous warbler Bathmocercus rufus, each giving both the male and female components. In a second case one robin chat gave the male components and another gave that of the female warbler. The lack of temporal separation between the male and female components of the warbler's antiphonal duet indicates an unusually high level of auditory perception and response time and cognitive ability on the part of redcapped robin-chats.","PeriodicalId":143820,"journal":{"name":"Journal of East African Natural History","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"120898297","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Reptiles of the Uzungwa Scarp Forest Reserve (User): An Updated Checklist with Notes on Dagger-Tooth Vine Snake Xyelodontophis uluguruensis","authors":"John V Lyakurwa","doi":"10.2982/028.106.0203","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2982/028.106.0203","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Uzungwa Scarp Forest Reserve (USFR) is one of the largest continuous forests within the Eastern Arc Mountains that has not been surveyed adequately from a herpetological perspective. A herpetological survey was carried out in the USFR at the beginning of the wet season, from December 2014 to February 2015. Bucket pitfall traps, night surveys and opportunistic search methods were conducted in six sites. Of 21 reptile species recorded during the survey, five are reported for the first time in the USFR. The checklist of reptiles for the area is updated from thirty three to thirty eight species. The study also provided notes on reproduction and extension in distribution for Xyelodontophis uluguruensis, a snake that was only discovered in 2002 and is known to be restricted to the Uluguru, Nguru and Mahenge mountains. These findings add to the conservation importance of the USFR and calls for more long term surveys especially in the least explored areas.","PeriodicalId":143820,"journal":{"name":"Journal of East African Natural History","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130205341","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}