GVI Kenya Expedition 063 Report Final

8/14/2019 GVI Kenya Expedition 063 Report Final

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Global Vision International

East Africa

Expedition Report 06-3

10th

July 18th

September 2006


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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The achievements of the Global Vision International East Africa expedition over the previous

three months would not have been possible without the support, hard work and dedication of

the following people. We extend our sincerest appreciation and gratitude.

GVI East Africa Local Partners:

Kenya Wildlife Service

Mohamed Omar Said Omar, Tom Amisi Amulavu and all the wardens and staff at the KWS

Kisite-Mpunguti Headquarters in Shimoni and KWS Coast Headquarters in Mombasa.

Kwale District Education Department

J.W Chiuri

Kenya Marine & Fisheries Research Institute

Edward Kimani and all the research staff at Mombasa Headquarters

One Earth Safaris

Ranjit Sondhi, and the staff at Shimoni Reef Lodge and Mombasa Reef Hotel.

National Museums of Kenya

Jimbi Katana and the staff at the Mombasa and Ukunda offices.

The committee members, staff and students of Mkwiro Primary School, the committee

members, staff and children of Al-Hanan Orphanage, the committee and members of; Mkwiro

Village Committee, Mkwiro Youth Group, Tumaini Womens Group, Shimoni Village Council,

Shimoni Slave Cave Committee, Shimoni Youth Conservation Project, Shimoni Conservation

Committee. The community members of Mkwiro and Shimoni, for their friendship, enthusiasm

and support.

Global Vision International head office staff

Richard Walton, Sophie Greatwood, Steve Gwenin, Tabitha Cooper, Rowana Walton, Paul

Jones, Amy Collins, Andy Woods-Ballard, Alexis Bleasdale, Deborah Reeves, Ian Redgewell,

and all the other staff that support the expedition behind the scenes.

Global Vision International East Africa expedition staff

Graham Corti, Rachel Crouthers, Sara Trafford, Piet Oudejans, Kyla Graham, Hugo Flix,

Lisa Pepperell and Warren Young.


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Expedition Members

Tessa Baker, Marissa Barrera, Alysse Bezahler, Nigel Brookes, Natasha Constant, Jo

Coulson, Mauricio Estrada Hernandez, Maria Alejandra Estrada Saenz, David Forbes,

Joseph Grinnell, Jonathon Gurney, Emily Jack-Scott, Angela Halliwell, Stuart Hague, Joseph

Henry, Jennifer Hutton, Meghan Lockwood, Ellie Maddox, Roisin Manning, Nicola Meldrum,

Daphne Patterson, Mariusz Pawlowski, Felicity Pointer, Wendy Powell, Hilary Sayer, Susan

Sparks, Kirsty Spaven and Nico Strang.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 2

INTRODUCTION 7

Global Vision International 7

Global Vision International East Africa 9

BACKGROUND 10

EXPEDITION TRAINING 13

MARINE RESEARCH PROGRAMME 16

Introduction 16

Aims 17

Methods 18Vessel based dolphin survey methods 18Vessel based dolphin survey forms 22Boat based mega fauna surveys 26Land based dolphin and mega-fauna surveys 27Land based forms 28

Results and Discussion 30Bottlenose Dolphins 33Humpback Dolphins 35Marine Mega Fauna 36

Conclusions and future work 37

TERRESTRIAL RESEARCH PROGRAMME 39

Introduction 39

Aims 40

Methods 41Line Transect Sampling 41Primate Community Survey 42Primate Behavioural Observations 43Vegetation & Regeneration Survey 43Disturbance Survey 44Habitat Survey 44Casual Observations of Other Fauna 45

Results and Discussion 45Line Transect Sampling 45

Primate Community Survey 46Primate Behavioural Observations 47


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Vegetation & Regeneration Survey 48Disturbance Survey 49Ground and canopy cover surveys 53Casual Wildlife Observations 55

Discussion and further work 56

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 58

Introduction 58

Timetable of Activities 58School Program Timetable 58Weekly analysis of activities 59Daily Activities 62

Teaching English 64Mkwiro School Lessons and Mkwiro Primary School Development 64

Adult Education 66

Orphanage work 69

Community groups and initiatives: Introduction 71Fishing Trips 73Drumming 73Mwaozi Tumbe Village Tour 74Cooking lessons 75Beehive keeping 75HIV/Aids Awareness 76Mkwiro Dispensary 77Mkwiro Garment Industry 78

Recycling 79Roles in a committee workshop 80Shimoni Slave Cave Committee 80Tumaini Womens Group 80Water Storage/Purification 81Village Community Fund 82

Fundraising 82

Other community based activities 83

Concerns and funding of individuals in the community 84

NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME 85

OVERALL ACHIEVEMENTS 85

CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE AIMS 86

REFERENCES 88

APPENDIX 89


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Table of Figures

FIGURE 1: DOLPHIN SPECIES IN KENYAN COAST (PEDDEMONNS V.M, 1999) 24FIGURE 2: VESSEL AND LAND BASED SURVEY EFFORTS 31FIGURE 3:COMPARISON OF EFFORT AND NUMBER OF SIGHTINGS BY RESEARCH PLATFORM 31FIGURE 4: SURVEY EFFORT BY VESSEL 31

FIGURE 7: COMPARISON OF SIGHTINGS AND SURVEYS FROM VESSELS 32FIGURE 8: NUMBER OF DOLPHIN PHOTOS TAKEN DURING EXPEDITION 06-3 33FIGURE 9: PERCENTAGE OF SURVEYS DURING TIDAL STATES 34FIGURE 10: REACTION OF DOLPHIN SPECIES TO RESEARCH VESSEL 34FIGURE 11: DOLPHIN SIGHTINGS FORM LAND BASE AND TIME OF DAY 35FIGURE 12: PROPORTION OF VESSEL BASED AND LAND BASED TURTLE SIGHTINGS 37FIGURE 13: COMPARISON OF TURTLE SIGHTINGS BETWEEN EXPEDITIONS 37FIGURE 14: RESEARCH SITE 40FIGURE 15: TRANSECTS CUT 46FIGURE 16: COLOBUS DISTRIBUTION RESEARCH 46FIGURE 17: SIGHTING OF COLOBUS MONKEYS AT DIFFERENT DISTANCES FROM THE TRANSECT

LINE 47FIGURE 18: REPRESENTATION ANALYSIS OF PLANT SPECIES IDENTIFIED 49

FIGURE 19: DISTURBANCE ON TRANSECT 1 50FIGURE 20: DISTURBANCE ON TRANSECT 2 50FIGURE 21: DISTURBANCE ON TRANSECT 3 51FIGURE 22: DISTURBANCE ON TRANSECT 4 51FIGURE 23: DISTURBANCE ON TRANSECT 5 52FIGURE 24: DISTURBANCE ON TRANSECT 7 52FIGURE 25: OVERVIEW OF THE CANOPY COVER ON THE SIX TRANSECTS 54FIGURE 26: POLYNOMIAL FIT OF THE SECOND ORDER (PARABOLA) THROUGH THE CANOPY COVER

ON ALL SIX TRANSECTS 55FIGURE 29: EXPEDITION 06-3 WEEKLY TIMETABLE DURING SCHOOL TERM TIME (CLASS IN

BRACKETS; STANDARDS 4-8) 60FIGURE 30: EXPEDITION 06-3 WEEKLY COMMUNITY TIMETABLE DURING HOLIDAY 60FIGURE 31: HOURS SPENT IN THE COMMUNITY WEEKS 5 - 10 62

FIGURE 32: DAILY ORGANISATION OF COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES 63FIGURE 33: MKWIRO SCHOOL TIMETABLE FOR GVI 65FIGURE 34: POTENTIAL TOURISM ACTIVITIES IDENTIFIED FOR THE MKWIRO COMMUNITY 73


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INTRODUCTION

Global Vision International

Global Vision International (GVI) aims to build local capacity to support conservation through

long-term, sustainable community development. GVI was formed in 1998 to provide support

and services to international charities, non-governmental, non-profit and governmental

organisations. Through our international network of 50 professional personnel and 50

projects in over 20 countries GVI continues to support many of the most critical and

humanitarian projects around the world.

GVI is a non-political, non-religious organisation, which through its alliance with local

organisations throughout the world provides opportunities to Expedition Members to fill a

critical void in the fields of environmental research, conservation, education and community

development. To date, over 2000 volunteers have joined projects resulting in significant direct

financial and practical support.

GVI sources and supplies long-term experienced staff (1 to every 4 Expedition Members),

trained people, equipment and funds directly to local organisations, government

organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and universities. This immediately

increases the short-term capacity of the local groups to monitor their local environment and

trains local people and researchers to assist in this vital work.

Through the work of GVI programmes, and its in country training, GVI increases the long

term capacity of the local organisations and communities, assisting them to both utilise their

resources and monitor the effect of this use. Thus, it helps the local populations to acquire

the capacity to monitor the effects of development, and enables them to decide between

short-term profit and long-term, sustainable revenue.

GVIs local partners select the projects they feel are of the highest priorities, work they either

want to initiate but have not had the resources to previously, or ongoing programmes that

they wish to expand through GVIs additional resources. The partners choose the

methodologies that they feel are most useful locally and that can be compared on a regional


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level. The Expedition Members contributions fund the programmes, and, through training

with the experienced GVI staff, it is the Expedition Members that undertake the work.

It has been shown in several instances that with suitable and rigorous training programmes,

non-specialised volunteers can provide useful and reliable baseline data for use in

conservation management strategies. All Expedition Members undergo a rigorous training

programme, learning prior to arrival and through the entire expedition. All Expedition

Members must pass both theoretical and practical in field examinations (95% and 100%

respectively), on species recognition and research techniques prior to joining the survey

teams with retesting during the expedition. All survey teams and data are checked by the

experienced staff prior to being accepted. Thus the standard of knowledge of the surveyors,

and the baseline standard of the data collected, is quantified.

GVI employs both international and local national staff to organise the Expedition Members

and co-ordinate the programme, and the Expedition Members work alongside local people,

researchers and teachers. This is an essential part of all GVI programmes. Each year, GVI

invites 30 to 35 local researchers, students, environmentalists and teachers to join the

expeditions for free, training and working alongside the GVI Expedition Members. Thus GVI

recruits and funds 1 to 2 full time nationals per expedition.

All expeditions focus upon the promotion of their individual partners area, and each project

complies with one or more of the criteria summarised below:

1. Increase scientific knowledge and interest in the area

2. Increase conservation value for the area

3. Local community cultural and environmental awareness

4. Local community training

5. Tourist cultural and environmental awareness and training

6. Increased sustainable revenue to the local communities

Thus, GVI facilitates local groups to record and document their local area and the effects

local development is having upon it. GVI aims to draw in international partners to help

conserve the area, brings in funding for the local groups and draws in other international

researchers, whom all spend monies in the local communities. GVI discusses the effectsobserved with the local communities, businessmen, governmental groups, and allow them to


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draw their own conclusions. GVI aids local communities directly through assisting with

funding, direct manpower where needed, helping them with their own initiatives, and through

English Language lessons, this allowing them greater access to the tourism revenues. Within

some of the areas that GVI operates, this is as an alternative to other kinds of resource use,

such as poaching and petroleum. Additionally, the programme is aimed to allow local people

to access the tourism, rather than immigrants to the area from richer areas or countries,

whom utilise the resources of the local communities, develop the area and take the benefits.

GVI aims to present cultural and environmental presentations to tourists and local community

members, providing information on the history of the area, the people and the impact of the

varied uses of the areas resources. This leads to the overall aim of assisting local

communities to utilise their resources in a sustainable way. GVI assists in accessing

sustainable sources of income, through promotion of the area and in direct recruitment of

responsible tourists. In addition, the science and community training programmes enable

them to monitor their environment to judge if the use of their resources is sustainable. Thus,

through successful, sustainable use of resources, the conservation of the area is assured as

it is this resource that the sustainable revenue relies upon.

Global Vision International East Africa

The Global Vision International (GVI) East Africa expedition was initiated in January 2006

and is based on Wasini Island on the Southern Coast of Kenya, in the community of Mkwiro

village. Wasini Island lies approximately 1km South of the Shimoni peninsula in Kwale

District, Coast Province, close to the border with Tanzania. Expedition activities are centred

around the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Protected Area (KMMPA), which lies to the South of

Wasini Island, and falls under the jurisdiction and management of the Kenya Wildlife Service

(KWS). The marine programme research activities are undertaken within the KMMPA andsurrounding areas incorporating Wasini Channel and Funzi Bay. The terrestrial research

programme is focussed on an area of coastal forest in the South-East corner of Shimoni

peninsula, next to Shimoni village. The majority of activities under the community programme

are focussed on Mkwiro village, with some activities that support community initiatives in

Shimoni village. The GVI East Africa expedition is a partnership primarily with KWS

supporting their research and management objectives in respect of the KMMPA. Additional

partners in the area include Kwale District Education Department, National Museums of

Kenya and Kenya Marine & Fisheries Research Institute as well as a number of community


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based organisations in Mkwiro and Shimoni. Expedition members are trained by GVIs

international expedition staff to conduct research and community development activities on

behalf of our national and local partners. This report summarises the marine and terrestrial

programmes research activities and the community programmes community development

and capacity building activities over the 10 week period of the 06-3 expedition, between 10 th

July and 18th September 2006.

BACKGROUND

GVIs scientific research and community development activities in Kenya are carried out on

behalf of our local partners, at their request, addressing areas that they have identified as

priorities in terms of research and capacity building. Methodologies and activities have been

implemented in response to their needs. GVI merely facilitates the achievement of their

objectives through the provision of experienced staff, trained personnel, equipment and

resources. GVI East Africa currently operates in support of 14 partner organisations, 4 of

which are governmental, 1 is non-governmental and 9 of which are community based

organisations, as follows:

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS); a governmental organisation responsible for themanagement of Kenyas National Parks, National Reserves and wildlife. The marine research

programme is undertaken in direct support of their objectives for the management of the

KMMPA. The community programme is also undertaken at their request to build capacity

within the Mkwiro community which so far does not receive the economic benefit from tourism

that is evident in both neighbouring Wasini and Shimoni villages. The terrestrial programme

and community development activities in Shimoni also support the organisations objectives

for community outreach.

Kwale District Education Department; a local government department responsible for

school education in the district. GVI East Africa is supporting the national curriculum for

primary schools in English language learning at Mkwiro Primary School. Expedition Members

under the supervision of GVI teaching staff take English classes for standards 4 to 8 during

term time with additional environmental education activities outside of term time. All activities

in the school are undertaken in liaison with the teaching staff and Mkwiro Primary School

Committee, a community based organisation.


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National Museums of Kenya (NMK); a governmental organisation with responsibility for the

management of Kenyas national historic and cultural monuments and, through their Coastal

Forest Conservation Unit, the protection of forest biodiversity. The terrestrial research

programme supports coastal forest biodiversity research, whilst Expedition Member

involvement with the Shimoni Slave Cave nature trail, an area that falls under the protection

and management of National Museums of Kenya, directly supports the organisations

management aims. Further to this, Expedition Members have conducted work on the historic

monuments in Shimoni in support of National Museums of Kenyas Shimoni Development

Proposal.

Kenya Marine & Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI); a governmental research

organisation responsible or marine research and conservation in support of national

objectives and international collaborations. As GVIs marine research programme develops it

is expected that we will be able to support a number of the organisations research objectives

including baseline cetacean research and marine habitat monitoring.

World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA); an international non-governmental

organisation concerned with animal welfare. The organisation is planning to work in

collaboration with KWS on anti-whaling awareness in Kenya and restore Kenya as a voting

representative on the International Whaling Commission. Expedition Members supported the

organisations awareness campaign through a community initiative that will build capacity for

income generation through the recycling of rubbish washed up on Kenyas coast. GVI East

Africa has also provided volunteers to assist in the organisations environmental awareness

activities at the Zanzibar International Film Festival.

Al-Hanan Orphanage Committee; a community based organisation that runs the orphanage

in Mkwiro, accepting children throughout Kwale District who can not be supported by their

relatives. The orphanage is entirely reliant upon donations, primarily coming from Islamic

organisations throughout the South coast. The organisation also receives donations from the

Global Vision International Charitable Trust to improve the conditions and facilities.

Expedition Members have visited the orphanage to undertake activities with the children and

provide more practical assistance in the development and maintenance of their dormitories.


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Mkwiro Village Committee; a community based organisation that oversees the interests of

the Mkwiro community. Expedition Members have delivered adult education classes to

support English language acquisition in the community, participated in a variety of workshops

and GVI East Africa is helping set up a community fund so that proceeds from tourism and

other community initiatives can be administered for the benefit of the whole community.

Mkwiro Youth Conservation Group; a community based organisation with the objective of

furthering health and environmental education in the community and developing alternative

sources of income generation including accessing tourism. Expedition Members have worked

closely alongside members of this organisation to develop workshops and the Mkwiro Village

Tour with its associated tourism activities.

Tumaini Womens Group; a community based womens group in Mkwiro that make

traditional hand crafts for sale primarily to tourists. Expedition members have been working

with the organisation to help develop products for the tourist market and to aid the marketing

of their products.

Shimoni Slave Cave Committee; a community based organisation that has been delegated

responsibility by National Museums of Kenya to manage and operate the tourism at Shimoni

Slave Cave, a gazetted national monument. The committee operates a guided walk in to the

cave and are looking to develop the tour further by incorporating a nature trail through the

forest above the cave which by default is also under protection from National Museums of

Kenya. The guided tour targets tourists visiting KMMPA and also attracts school parties from

across Kenya, Shimonis history featuring in the national curriculum. Proceeds from the Slave

Cave tour go towards a Shimoni community fund which pays for teachers in the local primary

schools, scholarships for students to attend secondary school, pharmaceuticals for the local

dispensary and other community projects. Expedition members have been assisting the

committee in developing their nature trail.

Shimoni Youth Conservation Project (SYCP); a community based organisation that aims

to promote environmental awareness, responsible management of natural resources and

development of sustainable sources of income generation. Members of SYCP have joined

expedition members during their forest biodiversity training and research activities as part ofa capacity building programme to enable them to manage and monitor their natural


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resources. Under the stewardship of GVI, SYCP committee members created the Shimoni

Conservation Committee(SCC) with representatives including two elders and one woman

from each of the six villages within Shimoni sub-location that are stakeholders in the forest

areas. Following the awareness and sensitisation activities, the SCC with GVI support has

petitioned community members and submitted a proposal to relevant government authorities

requesting that they be designated authority to manage their forest resources on behalf of

and for the benefit of local communities. Through community management they aim to

designate conservation areas, manage sustainable resource use, reduce illegal timber

extraction and develop ecotourism initiatives.

Shimoni Mkwiro Dhow Tours; a community based organisation which has been recently

formed as a co-operative of tourist dhow operators, taking tourists in to the KMMPA on

dolphin watching and snorkelling trips. This co-operative aims to redress the balance of

tourism on Wasini Island, planning to take their clients to Mkwiro village for lunches instead of

Wasini village. By working alongside this organisation it is hoped that Mkwiro community

groups can gain access to tourism revenue, and that these local operators will be the first

beneficiaries of education and training, encouraging responsible dolphin watching activities.

EXPEDITION TRAINING

Expedition members are put through a two week intensive training programme upon arrival

on the expedition prior to participation in programme activities. Theoretical and practical tests

are conducted at the end of their training period. Training consists of:

Marine Research Programme: Expedition members receive classroom training on

cetacean species identification and marine megafauna identification. Expedition

Members learn field identification of nine species of cetaceans. Eight of these aredolphin species and include: Indian Ocean Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops spp.

Truncatus and aduncus), Humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis), Common dolphin

(Delphinus delphis), Spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris), Striped dolphin (Stenella

coeruleaoalba), Pan-tropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuate), Rough-toothed

dolphin (Steno bredanensis), and Rissos dolphin (Grampus griseus). In addition to the

learning the dolphin species the Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeanglia) is known

to occur in the Kisite-Mpunguti area.Reference material is available for self study. Five

species of marine turtles are known to occur in Kenyan waters and during training EMs


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are also taught and examined on the identification of these species. These include:

Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Olive Ridley

(Lepidochelys olivacea), Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), and Loggerhead

(Caretta caretta). This is followed by testing utilising slides, requiring a 95% pass

mark. Expedition members receive classroom-based presentations and practical field

training in cetacean and megafauna survey techniques and theories, the collection of

environmental data, accurate completion of data forms, distance estimation and GPS

training. This is also subject to testing with a pass mark of 95% prior to participation in

research activities.

Terrestrial Research Programme: Expedition Members receive classroom-based

presentations and practical field training on primate identification and behavioural

ecology, transect laying, vegetation, disturbance and casual observation of fauna

surveys. Training is followed by a theoretical test requiring a 95% pass mark. Practical

training and in field testing is also undertaken on the use of the panga, compass and

GPS. Expedition Members receive distance estimation training and in field testing for

which participation in sighting distance estimation during primate community surveys is

contingent on expedition members achieving an average error within 10m.

Community Development Programme: Expedition Members receive the GVI

Introduction to TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) training and an

additional Introduction to TEFL for Children course designed to prepare them for

teaching in Mkwiro Primary School and activities at the Al-Hanan Orphanage. Their

training incorporates practical activities and guidance in classroom management.

Following training Expedition Members receive practical testing in the form of lesson

planning. Expedition Members receive individual assessment and feedback.

Health & Safety: Expedition Members are all subject to comprehensive health &

safety awareness training in the form of risk assessments, a specific hazardous

marine life presentation, forest field safety talk, dangerous game and wildlife viewing

protocol, a boat safety orientation, radio protocol training, emergency oxygen use

training and fire extinguisher & fire safety orientation. Further to this all expedition

members are put through the Emergency First Response Primary Care and

Secondary Care training courses. Assessment for certification is optional. Expedition

Members are also asked to complete a 200m swim test, if unsuccessful then wearing

of life jackets in the boats is compulsory.


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In addition, Expedition Members are also offered additional training, presentations and talks

during the expedition on oceanography, marine environment, primate evolution and ecology,

African wildlife natural history, bio-geography of Africa, Kenyan history, Muslim culture and

Kiswahili.


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MARINE RESEARCH PROGRAMME

Introduction

Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Protected Area (KMMPA) lies south of Wasini Island and covers anarea of 39 square kilometres. The KMMPA includes the Marine National Park surrounding

Kisite Island and the Marine National Reserve surrounding the Mpunguti islands. The

KMMPA and the marine wildlife it contains are an important tourist attraction and an

important resource for Shimoni and surrounding communities. The KMMPA is the highest

incoming generating marine protected area in Kenya and one of the highest income

generating areas under KWS management. The islands within the KMMPA are surrounded

by coral reefs attracting divers and snorkellers to the area. Almost every day swim-with-dolphin and dolphin watching companies operating from Shimoni travel through Wasini

Channel to the KMMPA (Emerson and Tessema, 2001). These tourist dhows most frequently

encounter bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops aduncus, and less frequently, Indo-Pacific

humpback dolphins, Sousa chinensis. Currently, there is no code of conduct followed when

manoeuvring around the dolphins nor are levels of interaction monitored or regulated in any

way. The impact these activities may be having on the dolphins is unknown. In particular, its

not known whether increased, or even current, levels of dolphin tourism are sustainable for

local dolphin populations.

Very little scientific research has been conducted on the cetaceans of East Africa and little

information is available even on the baseline ecology of these species. Baseline data is

required before the impact of dolphin tourism can be accurately assessed (Stensland et

al,1998). The main objectives of the marine research program are to obtain baseline

ecological and demographic data on the dolphin species that occur in the KMMPA and

surrounding waters. The study area encompasses a wide range of habitats from mangrove

forests, coral reefs, inter-tidal rocky reefs, sea grass beds, and offshore areas.

GVI East Africas main working partner is the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). The research

conducted by GVI will be shaped to satisfy the objectives of KWS, as to assist them towards

better management of the area. All data collected thus far is available to them to aid in

management plans of the study area.


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The Marine Programme is supporting KWS to collate data by conducting vessel and land-

based surveys. The marine program will primarily focus on two research areas: (1) the

ecology of humpback and bottlenose dolphins and (2) the biodiversity of marine mega fauna.

The collection of this data will provide important information on the ecology of dolphins and

megafauna (large marine vertebrates such as turtles, whale sharks, dugongs, and seabirds)

within the area and improve the scientific basis and baseline data for management strategies.

This information can help lead towards long-term sustainability of cetacean-based tourism

and other human activities within the KMMPA and Shimoni area.

During the initial phase of the marine program research will focus on assessing dolphin

species abundance. Later, parameters such as demographic composition, residency and diel

movement patterns will be analysed.

Megafauna species attract tourists thus are a valuable resource for the Shimoni and Wasini

Island communities. Their conservation is important for the protection of marine biological

diversity at a number of levels. A further objective of this marine research project is to obtain

information on the occurrence of marine megafauna within the study area. This information

can then be utilised by our working partners to manage the area accordingly.

Aims

GVI East Africa conducted a pilot study in the first and second expeditions (061 and 062

respectively) to determine species distribution within the KMMPA and surrounding areas.

During this pilot study research questions were set to ensure that all the research

methodologies collated the relevant information to satisfy the objectives set by KWS.

The marine programme would like to collect the following data on dolphins and megafauna in

the KMMPA and surrounding areas.

From vessel based surveys:

Abundance and habitat occupancy

Demographic composition

Residency

Habitat-activity relationships


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Diel movement & activity

Population structure

Rates of human-induced injury & mortality

Mega-fauna presence and behaviour

From land-based surveys:

Tidal and diel movement

Diel activity

Dolphin behaviour before, during, and after exposure to vessels

Boat traffic within the area

Mega-fauna presence and behaviour

Methods

Upon successful completion of training and examination, Expedition Members (EMs)

participate in the boat and land-based surveys for the rest of the expedition. Some of the

EMs only participate for the first five weeks or the last five weeks of the expedition; these

EMs receive the same training and participate in 3 weeks of post-training research.

Vessel based dolphin survey methods

During Expedition 06-3 GVI East Africa primarily used two research vessels to conduct

surveys within the KMMPA and surrounding areas. Stingray, a 5.83 m catamaran style power

vessel with two 85 horsepower motors, was used during morning surveys from approximately

0730 to 1200. In addition to Stingray, ET, a 6.19 m power vessel was used for shorter

afternoon surveys from approximately 14:00 -16:00, The areas covered by this vessel were

smaller scale but provided extra data on dolphin movements in the afternoon.

These afternoon surveys were only carried out during the first 5 weeks, due to a smaller

number of EMs in the second five weeks. Photographs were taken using a Canon EOS

350D digital camera (75-300 ml lens).

To obtain information on population size, demographics and other biological parametersphoto-identification (Photo ID) and mark-recapture methods are used for data collection and


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analysis. GVI will be adding a third survey technique, distance sampling, which will provide

an additional method to assess population size.

Photo-identification: Photo-ID refers to the identification of individuals by distinctive features

(shape, outline, natural markings and scarring) of their dorsal fins, flanks and flukes. Some

scars will be retained through life, whereas others will be added and may fade through life.

The depth and severity of the wound will determine the length of time this may be used for

identification. These features allow known individuals to be re-sighted. The re-sighting rate

can be plotted on a discovery curve, the plateau of which suggests population size. Photo-ID

can also be used to determine residency and demographic data such as inter-birth intervals,

patterns of ranging and mortality. Photographs can also help to determine sex of individuals

by noting mother and calf pairs.

The primary aim of photo-ID will be to try to determine population size. Photographers

attempt to photograph all the individuals within the group during a photo-ID survey so as not

to bias the data by focusing on individuals with distinctive markings or certain behaviours.

Results can vary due to conditions, surfacing bouts and animal behaviour.

Photo-ID survey times vary and are dependant on group size, activity and environmental

conditions. All photographs are taken from the vessel as it manoeuvres into position to get

the best angle, lighting and clear shot of dorsal fins. During a photo ID survey the

photographer informs the scribe of spacer shots (to separate groups or surveys) and number

of shots taken in order to separate frames into individuals. The primary aim during a photo ID

survey is to photograph the right and left flank of each individual. Making note of frame

numbers and groups of dolphins assists with later analysis of photographs (See the Forms

section for further explanation of this procedure).

Once photographs are downloaded onto the computer they are saved into the photo-ID

database. This database is divided into various users so that they are analysed individually.

Each user quality grades the photos into categories including: deleted, tail flukes, spacer

shots, and quality categories which range from 0 (poor quality, distant, out of focus, partial

images) to 3 (perfect photo-ID shots). Users then identify individuals by using permanent

identifying marks or features. Once the users agree on the recognition of individuals a photo-ID catalogue will be created in which individuals are given unique ID numbers and/or names.


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This is an important procedure allowing for future re-sighting of individuals on a long term

basis. Over time the information from this database will provide additional information such as

associations and calving intervals.

Mark-Recapture: Mark-recapture methods can be used to calculate population size from the

proportion of known individuals re-sighted over the study period. In order for mark-recapture

methods to yield accurate results a number of conditions must be met.

A marked animal will always be recognised if its seen again. In order to satisfy this

assumption; only stable, long-term distinguishing features should be used to recognise

individuals.

Samples of individuals must be representative of the population being estimated. If

marked individuals (recognisable individuals that have been photographed) do not mix

fully with the rest of the population this assumption is violated.

Marking (photographing) an individual does not affect the probability of that individual

being recaptured.

Within one sampling occasion, every individual in the population should have the same

probability of being captured (photographed). To reduce the risk of this assumption being

violated as many individuals should be captured as possible.

The population must be closed i.e. no emigration or immigration.

Initially, a sample of individuals is photographically captured (n1), and on a subsequent

occasion, a second sample of individuals is captured (n2) of which a number were already

identified in the first sample (m2). The proportion of individuals that are marked in the second

sample can be equated with the proportion in the overall population (N). The mark-recapture

formulas are as follows (Evans and Hammond, 2004):

Equation 1

(m2) = n1n2 N


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The number of individuals captured and marked is known which allows the population size to

be estimated ():

Equation 2

= n1 n2m2

Distance Sampling: GVI is planning to use this methodology in the marine program; which is

based on the estimation of population density. This methodology involves sampling

distances and angles along a line transect during a survey.

During a line transect survey four or five EMs act as observers as the vessel travels along a

designated path of travel or line transect. Once there is a sighting the observer who made the

initial sighting will tell the scribe the distance and angle to all individuals detected. The initial

number of individuals sighted in three categories: minimum, maximum and best. Only the

observation data made by distance sampling observers will be used for distance sampling

calculations. All EMs are trained in distance estimation from the vessel using a GPS.

Distances are taken from a buoy, which is a marked as a way point and then expedition

members estimate the distance from the vessel to the buoy.

This methodology allows that some animals within a certain distance of the vessel will not be

detected. Only those animals that are detected within 180 degree angle from the centre of the

bow are recorded. By noting the distance and angle from the boat the perpendicular distance

of the sighting from the line transect can be calculated. The methodology accounts for the

fact that objects are more likely to be detected if they are closer and recorded at a smaller

angle from the point of observation along the line transect (Buckland et al, 2005).

Central to the concept of sampling is the detection function:

g(y)= the probability of detecting an object given that it is at distance yfrom the line

Usually assume that g(0)= 1, that is, objects on the line are detected with certainty

Accurate estimates of abundance can be obtained if certain conditions are met


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Three main conditions for line transect sampling are:

1. Objects directly on the line are always detected

2. Objects are detected at their initial location, prior to any movement in response to the

observer responsive movement of animals can create real problems!

3. Distances and angles are measured accurately.

GVI East Africa plans to implement this methodology in the near future.

Vessel based dolphin survey forms

Four forms were used to incorporate the above methodologies and collect information on

population size, demographics and behaviour. These forms include the Event Log, Sightings

form, Dolphin Survey form and the Photo ID form.

Event Log: Throughout the survey day an Event Log (Appendix 1) is completed. On this

data sheet the search effort throughout the day is recorded along with the number of surveys

completed and environmental and condition changes. Every fifteen minutes one person (the

scribe) records the current environmental conditions and any environmental or effort

changes. Every half hour the observers rotate roles and view points and every two hours

each observer receives a half hour eye break as the scribe. If a dolphin is spotted then all

observers maintain the same position while filling out one specific survey form. This allows

for consistency in data notation making it possible for questions regarding data collection, i.e.

reading illegible handwriting, to be easily answered.

At the beginning of the day and at every interval of data collection the recorder notes the

following:

1. Date

2. Vessel

3. Time (24hr clock)

4. GPS Co-ordinates (using WGS84 datum)

5. Event (See Appendix 1 to see categories)

6. Dolphin Survey number, each day surveys begin as DS01, DS027. Speed of vessel


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accurate information is gathered. All EMs receive training on dolphin behaviours to ensure

that each individual will be able to recognise behaviours in the field. As well, there is always

at least one marine officer assisting with data collection to ensure that behavioural

observations are consistent across observers.

Survey encounters differ in many wayse.g. the number of animals encountered; the degree

to which to individuals can be directly observed and identified. As such, the depth and quality

of data that are collected during surveys may vary widely. While detailed and individual-

specific observations are desirable, at times it is only possible to collect basic data such as

the time and location of encounter.

Figure 1: Dolphin species in Kenyan coast (Peddemonns V.M, 1999)

Common Name Scientific name

Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus/aduncus

Humpback Dolphin Sousa chinensis

Spinner Dolphin Stenella longirostris

Common Dolphin Delphinus delphis

Rough Toothed Dolphin Steno bredanensis

Risso Dolphin Grumpus griseus

Striped Dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba

Pantropical Spotted Dolphin Stenella attenuate

Highlighted in bold are the 3 species which have been identified to date.

Dolphin surveys commence once the sighting form has been completed and the species is

identifiable (See species list above, figure 1). Dive durations are measured from the time of

the first positive identification until the time of departure from the group. A scan sample of

behaviour and group composition is conducted over a 10 minute period. Observers note how

many animals are present as early as possible once a group is sightedgroup size indicates

how many individuals that must be identified visually or through photo-id. This sample is

intended to provide an unbiased sample of the behaviours and the identity of the individuals

present for the calculation of association coefficients and other analyses.

During Expedition 06-3 the observation time was kept at a ten minute sample. From the

previous expedition it was found this sample period represents a suitable amount of time. It

is: (a) is short enough to approximate a true scan sample (more below) and (b) long enough

to cover (on average) two to three surfacing bouts during which identifications can be made


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and group activity, direction, and group composition can be assessed. This time frame is kept

short to reduce the effect the vessel may have on the original activity of the dolphins when

first sighted.

For the purpose of defining a group of dolphins (see further below) two individuals must be

within 100 m of each other or within 100 m of the initial group to be in the same group. If fifty

percent or more animals are within 100 m of another group they are classed as a sub-group

and a sub-group behavioral survey completed. If a group is seen outside of this 100 m radius

a new survey form is completed.

Cetacean behaviours can be distinguished as either events(short duration behaviours) that

include, spy hops, tail slaps, leaps or porpoises or states(long-duration behaviours) such as

resting, travelling, foraging and socialising (Mann, 2000). The predominant group activity or

state is defined as the activity that fifty percent or more of the group members are

simultaneously engaged in (See Appendix 4 Ethogram). Observers scan the group to

determine the groups behaviour state and then record it on the form. Any secondary

behaviour states, i.e. when most of the group is foraging but a couple of animals are resting

during the survey, are also noted. Eventsthat occur during the survey period are noted in the

activity notes section.

To help aid the process of identification and number of individuals present any distinctive fin

shapes, obvious scars or speckling of individuals is noted. Data is collected on the presence

of mother-calf pairs and whether they include neonates or young of the year. Neonates are

defined as calves which are up to three months old. These calves will have curled flukes and

dorsal fins, fetal folds and usually swim in a position parallel to and forward of the mothers

midline. Young of year are older than three months and are more independent than

neonates. They still will travel next to the mother but in the infant position which is behind the

mothers midline near the mammary slits (Mann, 2000). The notation of this data combined

with information from Photo-ID should allow for the determination of female animals and the

identification of their calves.

Vessel interaction is also recorded during this survey to assess the impact that the research

vessel may have on dolphin behaviour. This is recorded by noting whether the dolphins reactaway from, toward or not at all to the survey vessel. This data was initially recorded on a


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scale of 1-3; however this was modified because the definition of this scale was subjective

and not clearly defined in an objective, quantitative scale.

Once the ten minute scan sample is over the scribe completing the Event Log continues

recording every fifteen minutes while the vessel continues to follow the dolphin group for the

collection of Photo-ID data. When both surveys are complete the forms are reviewed by all

observers to ensure that the information recorded is accurate and all observers agree with

what is written. The ten minute scan sample may be reduced due to environmental conditions

or when there are too many vessels present. Should this happen it will be recorded on the

form.

Photo ID Form: The procedures for this form have changed slightly since the initial pilot

study. Rather than conducting photo-ID during behavioural surveys only opportunistic

photographs are taken if the individuals move towards the vessel. Photo-ID is then conducted

after the behaviour survey so the vessel can maintain a further distance so as not to change

dolphin behaviour. Photo-ID survey times vary and depend on group size, activity and

environmental conditions. During photo-ID the vessel can manoeuvre into a better position to

obtain the optimum distance and angle for photographs to be taken; this is when the boat is

travelling parallel to, and in line with, the dolphins. The most valuable photos for Photo-ID are

in-focus, directly perpendicular to the dorsal fin, with the sun behind the photographer and as

close a shot of the fin as possible.

During a photo-ID survey the photographer tells the photo-ID scribe the frame numbers of

spacer shots, recognisable or distinct individuals and the number of shots taken (Appendix

5). The photographer tries to photograph both the right and left flank of each individual and if

this is successful they will note this in the comments section. When the photographer has

finished they will take a final shot of the photo ID sheet to separate it from other encounters.

This method helps with the assistance of identification in the analysis and also helps separate

individuals and encounters for the photo catalogue.

Boat based mega fauna surveys

These surveys are conducted using the same procedures as the dolphin surveys. The Event

Log and Sightings Form are completed and then the data is collected on the mega faunasurvey form (See Appendix 6). This data includes:


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1. Vessel GPS position and general location

2. Time

3. Depth

4. Beaufort

5. Tide

6. Species

7. Habitat

8. Number of individuals present

9. Photos taken, if possible

10. Any additional notes

Land based dolphin and mega-fauna surveys

GVI conducted a pilot study of a land based survey during 06-2 to determine dolphin

presence, movement and activity throughout the mornings and afternoons and to help

determine whether the tourist dolphin watching vessels are having any impact on dolphin

behaviour. Surveys commenced on 8th May 2006. The site is located at S 04.65860 E

39.40076 on an elevated cliff at approximately 9.7m height on the North East end of Wasini

Island. Surveys conducted with the unaided eye cover approximately 0.3 nautical miles and

data collected using binoculars cover 1.0 nautical miles. This location is ideal because it

provides coverage of both inshore coastal waters and deeper waters; favoured Humpback

dolphin (Sousa chinensis) and Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus/ aduncus) habitats

respectively. The land based research platform is ideal for this kind of study because the

observers can observe the animals and vessels without having any direct impact (Bejder and

Samuels). In addition to this, the land based location has a higher vantage point than the

vessel and can provide additional information in higher sea states (i.e. Beaufort 3+).

The land based survey was designed to collect data on the following:

Tidal and diel movement

Diel activity


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Dolphin behaviour before, during and after exposure to vessels

Boat traffic within the area

Megafauna presence and behaviour

Surveys are conducted during the daylight hours from approximately 1 hours after sunrise

to 1 hours before sunset, with a break between 12 pm to 2 pm. There are two primary

observers and one scribe present on every survey. The three recorders rotate every 15

minutes to ensure that each person receives a fifteen minute break every half hour. Using

7x50 Summit marine binoculars with reticules and a compass, one observer scans an area

approximately 1.5 km to 3 km from the land base location (an area including both coastal and

pelagic waters). The second observer scans an area approximately 0 -1.5 km from viewing

point using the unaided eye. The third person is the scribe noting environmental changes

every fifteen minutes, the number of tourist dhows entering the marine park, dolphin or mega

fauna presence. Within this fifteen minute time the scribe does not act as an observer so as

to rest their eyes and ensure better concentration levels during survey. The number of people

on land base varies from day to day, usually from three to five people, but only three people

are involved in the survey at any time. When extra people are present it allows for observers

to have longer resting periods for the observers.

Land based forms

Three forms are used to collate data on boat traffic, dolphin presence and the activity of both

dolphin and megafauna sightings. The map shows the area which can be seen from the land

based viewing platform and observers use it to plot dolphin movements over the observation

period. These forms include:

1. Environment and Boat Event Log

2. Sightings Form

3. Map

4. Dolphin Behaviour Form


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Environment and Boat Form: During the land based survey the Environment and Boat form

(Appendix 7) is completed. On this data sheet effort, environmental conditions and boat traffic

are noted. Data is recorded every fifteen minutes, or when environmental conditions change.

Observers rotate their duties every fifteen minutes so the person who is the scribe has a

break while they are acting as the scribe.

The scribe makes note of the following:

1. Date

2. Time (24hr clock)

3. Observers

4. Environmental conditions (swell, Beaufort, cloud, precipitation, visibility and tide; See

Appendix 7).

5. Number of vessels

6. Vessel type (See Appendix 7)

7. Proximity of tourist dhows to dolphins

8. Swim with dolphin events

9. Additional comments

Land Base Sighting Form: When dolphins or mega fauna are sighted the scribe documents

the following information into the sighting form (See Appendix 8):

1. Time

2. Observers

3. Bearing and distance to sighting using the compass and reticules in the binoculars

4. Species

5. Initial group size

6. Dive type

7. Duration of dive

8. Spread

9. Number in correlation to plotted on chart

10. Additional information

This form collects valuable information on the actual behaviour before the presence of anyvessels. If the sighting occurred due to the presence of any vessels it is noted. This


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information is then included in the analysis to take into account any sightings that may have

been missed by the naked eye.

Map form: A map is drawn to show dolphin movements within the range identified. The

movement of vessels in the presence of the dolphins is also recorded

Dolphin behaviour and vessel interaction form: This data sheet was introduced on 6th

June, 2006 to gain a greater insight into dolphin behaviour before, during and after the vessel

presence, conditions allowing. Observations were recorded every five minutes from the initial

sighting and/or every surfacing (See Appendix 9).

The recorder documents the following on the form:

1. Time

2. Dive type

3. Dive duration

4. Species

5. Spread

6. Group size

7. Number of vessels present

8. Vessel type

9. Number of Tourist vessels

10. Number of tourist vessels conducting swim with dolphins

11. If dolphins split into sub groups

12. If their view is obstructed by boat

13. Comments

Results and Discussion

Marine surveys were conducted during eight of the ten weeks of this expedition. There were

two weeks of no surveys due to a week of training and a week focused on other expedition

activities. A total of 330 hours and 23 minutes (figure 2) were spent on search effort this


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expedition, resulting in: 89 dolphin sightings and 82 megafauna (all turtle) sightings. Photo-ID

surveys were conducted 38 occasions.

Figure 2: Vessel and land based survey efforts

The total vessel effort time was 195 hours and 3 minutes and the total land based survey

time was 135 hours and 20 minutes (Figures 2 and 3). The amount of survey effort by boat is

shown in figures 4 and 5. Stingray was the primary survey vessel during the entire expedition

while during the first five weeks ET was used for afternoon surveys. From these vessel

surveys the total number of dolphin sightings was sixty, total number of dolphin surveys fifty

and the total number of mega fauna surveys was fifteen. The total number of photos taken

this expedition was 1227; 28 photo surveys of bottlenose dolphins and nine of humpback

dolphins.

0

50

100

150

200

Hours of

effort

Dolphin

sightings

Turtle

sightings

Hours of effort and number of sightings byresearch platform

Vessel

Land base

Figure 3:Comparison of effort and number of sightings by research platform

Vessel Land base Total

Hours of effort 195:03 135:20 330:23

Dolphin sightings 59 30 89

Turtle sightings 15 67 82

Hours spent on effortStingray 161:20

ET 33:43Total 195:3

Figure 4: Survey effort by vessel


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Of the two species of dolphin surveyed from the boat more bottlenose dolphins were sighted

and more dolphin behaviour surveys were completed on this species (Figures 6 & 7).

Bottlenose dolphins were sighted 46 times (77% of total sightings), humpback dolphins were

sighted 11 times (18% of sightings) and unidentified species of dolphin were sighted three

times (5% of sightings). Nineteen dolphin sightings from the vessel (32%) were seen due to

the presence of dolphin tourist dhows with the animals.

Figure 7: Comparison of sightings and surveys from vessels

0

10

20

30

40

50

Number of

sightings/surveys

Bottlenose Humpback Unknown

Species

Dolphin surveys and sightings in 06-3

Sightings

Surveys

Hours spent on boat effort

161.2

83%

33.43

17%

Sting ray

ET

Figure 5: Comparison of effort between survey vessels as apercentage

Vessel Bottlenose Humpback Unknown Total

Sightings 46 11 3 60

Surveys 40 10 0 50

Figure 6: Comparison of dolphin sightings and surveys


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Bottlenose Dolphins

This expedition there were more vessel based bottlenose dolphin surveys (40) than in the

previous (10), but fewer than the first expedition (62). The total number of sightings of

bottlenose dolphins was 46; the majority of these (40, 87%) resulted in behaviour surveys

(Figure 7). Behaviour surveys were not possible when conditions such as the weather or the

presence of too many tourist vessels made it difficult to complete these surveys. During one

of the sightings the dolphins were not sighted again so no dolphin survey was possible.

Photo-ID surveys were completed for 29 of the sightings (63%) with a total of 1014 photos

taken (Figure 8). Work is currently underway to establish the number of recognisable

individuals encountered and the re-sighting rate of those individuals, which will indicate

population size.

Figure 8: Number of dolphin photos taken during expedition 06-3

The average size of bottlenose dolphin groups, using best group size, from sightings was 5.1with a range of 1 to 25. For behavioural surveys 47.5% (19/40) occurred during ebb tides

while 52.5% (21/40) occurred during flood tides (Figure 9). At present, the sample size is too

small to make any conclusions on tidal activity and dolphin presence, movement or

behaviour.

0200400600

80010001200

Number of

photos

Bottlenose Humpback

Species

Photos taken during 06-3


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Figure 9: Percentage of surveys during tidal states

During behaviour surveys it was noted whether bottlenose dolphins reacted away from,

toward or not at all in regards to the presence of the research vessel. A previous study of

bottlenose dolphins have found that there was statistically significant behaviour noted

towards boat traffic, but in general they displayed neutral response to boat traffic. Neutral

response was defined as no apparent change in directional movement, prior to and after

vessel arrival (Gregory and Rowden, 2001). During this expedition bottlenose dolphins

reacted toward the boat 32.5 % (13/40) of surveys and not at all 65 % (26/40) of surveys and

no data was collected for one survey (2.5%) (Figure 10).

Figure 10: Reaction of dolphin species to research vessel

0

5

10

1520

25

Number ofsurveys

Humpback Bottlenose

Species

Dolphin surveys conducted during different tides

Ebb

Flood

0

32.5

65

100

90

0

20

40

60

80

100

Percentage

Bottlenose Humpback

Species

Dolphin species reaction to survey vessel

Away

Towards

None


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From the land based survey nineteen sightings (63%) of bottlenose dolphins were recorded

out of a total of thirty dolphin sightings. During the first five weeks 93% of bottlenose (bnd)

sightings (13/14) were seen in the morning and 7% (1/14) were seen in the afternoon (see

Figure 11). Unfortunately, during the second five weeks of this expedition land based surveys

were only conducted in the afternoons because there were fewer EMs.

Vessels were present during 58% (11/19) of the total number of sightings. Vessels varied

from canoes to power vessels. Group sizes ranged from 1 to 6 with an average of 1.5

animals.

Figure 11: Dolphin sightings form land base and time of day

Humpback Dolphins

As with the Bottlenose dolphins work is currently underway to establish the number of

recognisable individuals sighted, and their re-sighting rates. Humpback dolphins (Sousachinensis) tend to occur in coastal water habitats, areas of shallow rocky reefs and estuaries

of the Indian Ocean and western Pacific (Ross et al. 1994).

Initial findings from data collected in the Shimoni area suggest that a large percentage of

encounters are re-sightings of previously seen individuals. This could indicate a small

population size of this species in the area. As mentioned in the discussion on bottlenose

dolphin data, behavioural surveys were not possible when conditions, such as the weather or

the presence of too many tourist vessels made it difficult to conduct these surveys.

Bnd

HbdUnk

BndHbdUnk

0

5

10

15

Number ofsightings

am pm

Time of day

Dolphin sightings from land base in the first fiveweeks

Bnd

Hbd

Unk


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Humpbacks were sighted eleven times during this expedition and surveyed ten out of those

eleven vessel sightings (Figures 6 & 7). Out of those ten surveys the Humpback dolphins

reacted away from the survey vessel on one occasion and the other nine times there was no

reaction.

Using best group size as an indicator the Humpback dolphin groups sighted had an average

size of three individuals, with a minimum group size of one and a maximum of five. To date

we have encountered these dolphins in near shore habitats and in small group sizes. All

sightings were recorded in depths ranging from 7 to 21 meters; usually in areas near the

coral platform. Five sightings (45%) occurred during ebb tides while six (55%) of these

occurred during flood tides (Figure 9).

Humpback dolphins were sighted from land base five times out of the thirty dolphin sightings.

Both morning and afternoon surveys were conducted in the first five weeks of the expedition

but this survey effort was reduced to afternoons in the second five weeks due to a lower

number of EMs. Three of these five sighting (60%) were seen in the morning while two

(40%) were seen in the afternoon. Vessels were present during two (40%) of the sightings.

Marine Mega Fauna

The majority of mega fauna sighted during this expedition were unknown turtle species. Short

surfacing periods and environmental conditions make it difficult to identify turtles to species

level in the field. There were a total of 82 sightings of turtles during this expedition; 18%

(15/82) from the vessel and 82% (67/82) from land base (Figure 12).


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Turtle sightings from research platform

18%

82%

Landbase

Vessel

Figure 12: Proportion of vessel based and land based turtle sightings

This expedition there were more marine turtles (82) in comparison to expedition 061 (34) and

062 (36) (figure 13). During the first expedition four individuals were identified to species but

due to the reasons above no individuals were identified in 06-2 and 06-3.

0

20

40

60

80

100

Number of

sightings

61 62 63

Expedition Number

Number of turtle sightings per expedition

Turtle sightings

Figure 13: Comparison of turtle sightings between expeditions

Conclusions and future work

For following phases, data will continue to be collected to provide information on the baseline

ecology of the dolphin and megafauna species encountered within the KMMPA and

surrounding waters. This information will form the foundations of a long-term cetacean

monitoring programme as well as providing valuable information that can be used to better


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implement a management plan for both cetaceans, and the tourism based around them in the

KMMPA.

Currently the study area is not sampled in a systematic way but rather most surveys have

been randomly placed where it was best to survey based on weather conditions. To solve

this, a grid of transects will be designed and randomly placed over the study area. Transects

will then be randomly selected each day and completed, weather permitting. Such transect

survey methods will result in even coverage of the study area over subsequent expeditions.

In addition to this, the distance and angle to sightings from transects will be recorded to meet

the conditions of line transect distance sampling. This will result in three population size

estimates being calculated; from mark-recapture techniques, the photo-ID catalogue and

distance sampling methods. As a result, a comparison of results gained from these different

methods is possible.

The land based survey during this expedition was successful and we intend to continue

collecting data on the presence and behaviour of dolphins. We also hope to obtain more

information on vessel presence and type and the response of dolphins to boat traffic.


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TERRESTRIAL RESEARCH PROGRAMME

Introduction

The Eastern arc forests of Kenya and Tanzania support high levels of endemism andimportant populations of species that have wide-ranging but fragmented distributions and so

remain vulnerable. Tanzanias Eastern Arc mountains for example are renowned for their

communities of endemic amphibians and reptiles. The coastal forests of Kenya form the

northern fringe of the Eastern Arc forests, of which much less is known, but which represent

an important and unique yet diminishing forest habitat.

The coastal forests around Shimoni and Wasini Island form a thin strip of coral rag forest,officially labelled Northern Zanzibar-Inhambane Lowland Coastal Forest. This forest zone is

found along coastal areas of Kenya, Tanzania and Somalia, formed on old coral reef exposed

by falling sea levels, leaving limestone rock and shallow soils. This in conjunction with salinity

levels and the coastal climate influences the plant community that is found and the structure

of the forest, for example favouring shallow root systems that reduce stability.

Study sites: The research is conducted in Shimoni forest on the Shimoni peninsula,

positioned between Shimoni village on the western side and the coast on the southern and

eastern side (Figure 14, circled in black). The location is situated between the coordinates

0464.900'S, 3938.600'E and 0464.300'S, 3940.300'E.


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Figure 14: Research site

Shimoni forest represents an area of important indigenous coastal forest, but is currently

threatened by resource extraction and clearing of land, a situation that may be exacerbated

by the continuing development of Shimoni village, particularly for tourism. The area of forest

was selected for biodiversity research primarily because at present it still forms a viable area

for biodiversity and in particular supports an important population of the Angolan Black &

White Colobus (Colobus angolensis palliatus). Discussions with community based

organisations in Shimoni highlighted the importance of the forest to the wider community and

in particular Shimoni Conservation Youth Project were keen to seek protection and

sustainable management. As a result we have developed our terrestrial research programme

to support local stakeholders. On a more practical level the forest is readily accessible and

we are logistically able to support a long-term wide ranging biodiversity survey and

monitoring of the area.

Aims

The aims of the terrestrial research programme are as follows;

To establish a grid system of 6 east-west transects for access, mapping and long-term

monitoring.


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To conduct vegetation and regeneration surveys to assess biodiversity, species

composition and regeneration potential under different levels of disturbance.

To conduct disturbance surveys to assess and monitor levels of resource use

including extraction of poles and timber in addition to other forms of anthropogenic

activity.

To conduct primate community surveys to assess population density, distribution,

habitat use and demography.

To gather additional biodiversity data on the fauna through recording of casual

observations.

To support the Shimoni Youth Conservation Project in their petition for community

management of forest resources, building capacity within the community for

responsible resource use and monitoring.

To support the Shimoni Slave Cave Committee in the development of their nature trail,

building capacity within the community to access tourism revenue from responsible

management of natural resources.

These aims will contribute towards our objectives of assessing the biodiversity of the coastal

forest in the Shimoni area in support of long term sustainable management of forest

resources and capacity building amongst local communities, supporting national and

international conservation of threatened habitats and species.

Methods

Line Transect Sampling

The overall methodology for the terrestrial research programme is structured around a

transect grid system utilising West-East transects. Parallel transects are spaced 200 m apart,

facilitating a 100 m survey distance on each side of the transect. This follows the Tropical

Ecology, Assessment and Monitoring (TEAM) Initiative Primate Monitoring Protocol.

Transects are divided into 50 m sections to enable the survey data to be categorised more

accurately and facilitate distribution mapping. A South-North spine is used to ensure the

200m separation between parallel transects and aid accessibility.

The transect lines need to be straight and relatively easy to walk to enable the surveys to beconducted. Transects are laid following a compass bearing as it has been found that use of


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GPS equipment is unreliable. Disturbance is minimised where practical by utilising off sets

where it is not practical to continue the transect line on an Easterly compass bearing,

measured sections of the transect are staggered to the North or South of the bearing to

bypass obstacles before resuming the original bearing. Transect lines are marked with yellow

plastic tags at 5-10 m intervals for recognition in the field, and labelled double-tagged 50 m

section markers and triple-tagged off-sets markers are used.

Primate Community Survey

The primate community surveys are based on distance sampling methods, utilising two

nominated observers whilst additional members of the team walk behind ensuring that they

do not draw attention to any primate groups that the nominated observers have not identified.

This maintains consistency in the effort for each survey. For all groups of primates (a solitary

individual counted as a group) the sighting distance is estimated and recorded (the distance

from the observer on the transect line to the geometric centre of each group of primates).

Distance sampling analysis utilises the perpendicular distance from the transect line to the

geometric centre of observed groups. To calculate the perpendicular distance the sighting

angle is also recorded from the transect line at the position of the observer to the centre of

the observed group using a compass. Distance sampling requires a number of assumptions

to be met including random distribution of the surveyed objects. In order to meet this

assumption for social species such as primates, groups rather than individuals are recorded.

It is also necessary to be confident that any group with a perpendicular distance of 0m from

the transect line has a 100% probability of detection, an assumption that we are satisfied we

are able to meet.

The behaviour of the primate group when first observed is recorded along with primate

species and group size. Where possible, time is taken to identify individuals in each observed

group by sex and age class; 0-3 months (infant), 3-6 months (juvenile) and > 6 months

(sub-adult / adult). Age classes were selected on the basis of colouration enabling

confidence in accurate categorisation rather than attempting to estimate by relative body size.

The duration, time of day and weather conditions are also recorded for each survey to assess

comparative effort and environmental conditions between surveys.


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Primate Behavioural Observations

Preliminary behavioural observations of Angolan Black and White Colobus are conducted as

a precursor to developing a behavioural research protocol. Observations were conducted in

pairs with one observer using binoculars and one scribe to record observations. Observations

were conducted on focal individuals and for the purpose of this preliminary work, observers

were asked simply to record what they observed in detail regarding an individuals behaviour,

posture, social interactions and spatial separation.

Vegetation & Regeneration Survey

The vegetation in the forest is important not only for the primate community; the local human

community makes use of the natural resources. The vegetation survey is used to gather

information about the composition of the forest including species diversity, maturity and

canopy profile. This provides data on plant species composition and recruitment. Vegetation

and regeneration surveys are conducted in a 2m corridor running parallel to the North of

transects.

Species identification is done by the assistant of the botanist attached to the National

Museums of Kenya Coastal Forest Conservation Unit, a member of SYCP as a result of

capacity building with the organisation and terrestrial officers. Labelled specimens are

collected in the field where a confident identification can not be made, for later identification.

Only woody vegetation is surveyed and identified. Tree size is measured by Diameter at

Breast Height (DBH) following UK forestry protocol.

Trees 15 cm DBH are categorised as timber, identifying them as potential

resources for the local community. For trees in this category the canopy height is measuredusing a clinometer to measure canopy angle to the top of the canopy above the tree base


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with the distance from the angle reading to the base of the tree measured and the height from

the ground to the angle reading. The canopy radius is measured by calculating the average

of the distance from the outer margin of the canopy in the four cardinal directions (North,

South, East and West) to the base of the tree. All vegetation is sampled in alternate 50 m

sections.

Disturbance Survey

The local communities use the forest for their livelihood. Women gather firewood, herbs and

medicine; men gather timber and poles. The disturbance survey is intended to assess levels

of human resource extraction and disturbance and in association with vegetation and

regeneration data assess its sustainability. Disturbance is monitored within the 2 m corridor to

the north of the transect. This was chosen over 1 m on each side of the transect to minimize

the recording of disturbance inflicted by laying the transects and walking them.

Disturbance surveys record all clear evidence of:

Cut Poles (old and new) defined as 5-15 cm DBH or at base where cut;

Cut Timber (old and new) defined as >15 cm DBH or at base were cut;

Pit saws;

Shelters;

Snares;

Clearings;

Firewood and

Fire.

Cut poles and timber are only recorded when 50% or more of the tree base is within the 2m

corridor. Definitions of old and new are based on discolouration of the remaining stump. Any

other evidence of human disturbance present is noted.

Habitat Survey

A basic measure of ground cover and canopy cover, and additionally canopy height as a trial

this expedition, was recorded in order to describe the forest profile and compliment faunal

surveys and distribution patterns.


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At the start of each 50 m section a 1 m2 quadrat is placed directly to the northeast of the

marker. In the quadrat an estimation of the percentage cover (to the nearest 1%) at ground

level of the following categories is recorded:

exposed rock;

bare earth;

leaf litter;

woody vegetation;

non woody vegetation and

other.

Estimations of the canopy cover and canopy height are recorded for every 10 m of each 50 m

section enabling the five recordings to be averaged for the section. Estimates are made by

looking straight up through inverted binoculars. Measurements of canopy height are taken at

the point where the canopy cover is taken. Canopy height is measured using a clinometer to

measure canopy angle to the top of the canopy. The horizontal distance over which the

canopy angle is recorded, is measured and the height of the canopy from the ground is

calculated taking into account the eye height of the observer.

Casual Observations of Other Fauna

During all other surveys, records are also made on dedicated data sheets of other Fauna

observed and identified in the field, noting species with confidence of identification, location,

habitat, group size and other applicable notes. Indirect observations of animals such as

tracks or dung are also recorded as indicators of presence.

Results and Discussion

Line Transect Sampling

In total 22 days were spent laying the transects, where two groups cutting transects

simultaneously counted as 2 days. This expedition we achieved our aims of completing

transects 5 and 6.

Figure 15 shows the total number of sections and lengths of each transect. Transect 1 was

initiated 100 m North of the southern coastal edge of the forest area, and subsequent


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transects initiated 200 m North of each other. A total of 2.7 km of new transect was cut during

the expedition.

Sections West of

North-South spine

Length West

(m)

Sections East of

North-South spine

Length East

(m)

Transect 5 16 800

Transect 6 7 350 31 1550

Total 7 350 47 2350

Figure 15: Transects cut

Primate Community Survey

Primate community surveys were undertaken over 15 days. Each group of observers working

simultaneously counts as one days work. With two observers this total of 24 hours 52

minutes of man hours on primate community surveys.

We recorded 12 groups of Angolan Black and White Colobus. The results are summarized in

figure 16. The sightings are shown in figure 17.

Total research area

Colobus research area (m) 2.2 km

Colobus groups 12

Individual colobus 31

Mean individuals per group 2.6

Figure 16: Colobus distribution research

The number of groups sighted is considerably lower than in the expedition 06-1 (15 against

44) and consistent expedition 06-2 (15 against 15). The effort is relatively consistent with 15

days this expedition compared to 14 and 12 in expeditions 06-1 and 06-2 respectively. This

may be due to the rainy season, with new foliage growth resulting in a denser canopy,

rendering the primarily arboreal primates more difficult to observe. This may be supported by

the fact that all observed groups this expedition were within 40 m of the transect line.

Additionally primates may be less active in wet weather and therefore more difficult toobserve.


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The data set on observations at different distances, necessary for distance sampling analysis

can be added to from this expedition. Distance categories are in 10 m groups, figure 17

shows distance categories of observed groups for this expedition combined with previous

expeditions.

Colobus group sightings

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

0


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disturbance from the presence of observers, confined to the first 10 minutes after arrival.

Other troops at the beginning of transect 1 proved to be a consistent presence for preliminary

behavioural observations as well. Troops encountered further in to the forest tended to flee

and maintain a spatial distance from observers that made behavioural observations

impractical.

In the course of the observations further anecdotal records were made of feeding behaviour

and the use of hands, the soliciting of grooming, and the handling of infants.

Vegetation & Regeneration Survey

During this expedition the assistant of the botanist, attached to the National Museums of

Kenya Coastal Forest Conservation Unit was not available for identification of specimens and

so vegetation and regeneration surveys were postponed.

With the data gathered from the previous two expeditions representation analysis can be

presented; the cumulative number of species should reach a plateau that indicates a

sufficient number of sections have been sampled (red line), as indicated in figure 18. Since

this is not the case more vegetation surveys are needed before an accurate characterization

of the plant community can be made.


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Figure 18: Representation analysis of plant species identified

Disturbance Survey

Disturbance surveys were conducted on all transects. The results of the disturbance research

are summarized in figures 19 - 24. The greatest level of disturbance is pole extraction. On all

transects the number of old and new poles extracted account for more than three quarters of

the disturbance level. Poles are used both in the construction of houses and shelter, and also

for fish traps.

Representation analyses

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

GVI Kenya Expedition 063 Report Final

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