The endemic bird section of Zanzibar here talks about specifically the type of birds that are endemic to Zanzibar, in particular, those found in the Jozani Forest. It is interesting to note that there are endangered monkey species and rare species of birds found in an area where there is also significant human activity and a rather dense rural population. This peat swamp forest, which contains the endemic Zanzibar Red Bishop and Zanzibar Sombre Greenbul, is a really valuable area for conservation where few relatively undisturbed sites remain. The Zanzibar Red Bishop is known only from one site on Pemba and the Jozani Forest on Zanzibar. It is a red and black bird resembling a small sparrow and is essentially a canopy bird associated with Machaerium trees. Unfortunately, it has a rather small population and the population is in decline due to forest destruction and mangrove clearance. The Zanzibar Sombre Greenbul was only recently classified as a species unknown from Pemba. It was previously considered a race of the more widespread Common Sombre Greenbul found on the mainland and in the Usambara Mountains. This discovery has significant implications because any undisturbed forest patch now becomes valuable habitat for this bird pure of Zanzibar race. At the moment, due to ongoing habitat destruction, the bird has been assigned a status of Vulnerable. The Udzungwa and Uluguru Mountains are where the mainland Common Sombre Greenbul is found and if it is possible to find a connection between these areas of forest and the East Usambara Mountains, it would be possible for them to provide a reserve population for the Zanzibar race Greenbul. However, this is a rather large if due to the amount of farming and development in these areas of lowland forest.
Pemba Scops Owl
The Pemba Scops Owl (Otus pembaensis) is another species endemic to Pemba. This elusive owl is still relatively unknown. Its existence was first noted in 1877, yet it was not until 1997 that its species status was officially recognized. Information on this owl is still limited, much of it coming from the findings of a Birdlife International project survey conducted in 2003. The total population was estimated at between 1600 – 6700 individuals. The owl is found in largely degraded and fragmented areas of forest, lowland scrub, and plantations. This species’ small nature is to blame for its vulnerability to habitat destruction and introduced species. These threats are evident in the decline of this owl’s existence, having been possibly extirpated from all areas except the central and western regions of Pemba island. This species is now afforded protection from forest clearance within the Qumerudafifu Project, possibly halting and reversing its population decline. An interesting proposal to aid the survival of this owl has been the suggestion of planting large trees around Pemba farms to provide a home for this species and encourage them to prey on crop raiding monkeys, replacing the need to shoot or trap them. This could lessen the human pressures on the owl’s habitat by increasing tolerance towards the forest. This species is red-listed as Endangered and is assigned 41 on the EDGE scale.
Zanzibar Red Bishop
Zanzibar Red Bishop is 13cm long and has a lifespan of about 3 years. The male Zanzibar Red Bishop in their breeding plumage is unmistakable, being all scarlet red with black flight feathers. They have a pale ivory bill. Out of the breeding season, from April to November, they lose the red plumage, the body becoming streaky brown with patches of red and the bill turning dark brown. At this stage, it has a close resemblance to the Zanzibar race of the Black Bishop, however, males may be distinguished by its lighter-colored bill. Breeding of the Red Bishop occurs in the long rains from late September to May, primarily in coastal areas. They are polygamous, with each male having several female companions. The nest is globular, with a side entrance, woven onto the stems of tall grasses or various reeds. The clutch size is normally 3-4 eggs. The Zanzibar Red Bishop is common in coastal grassland, marshes, rice fields, and reed beds in both Unguja and Pemba. They are, however, quite vulnerable to clearance of the marshy areas and the aggressive invasion of alien plant species, particularly the acacia. This bird is often caught and kept in captivity in a small wicker cage, as in this form they are considered to be attractive to people and therefore very susceptible to trapping activity. This species, therefore, has a great need for concerted conservation action in the form of conservation of marshland habitat and law enforcement for protection of the bird.
Zanzibar Sombre Greenbul
In 1988, the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Act was passed with the intention of conserving natural forests. The act stipulates that certain areas in forests are to be set aside for low density housing complexes, with the idea being that land will be given to companies who will build Nature Lodges. This reflects the government’s conviction that the creation of an eco-tourist industry will alleviate poverty whilst having minimal impacts on the environment. The industry has not yet flourished but the policy still stands and Nature Lodges remain the best form of accommodation in an area adjacent to wildlife. A joint project between the Wildlife Conservation Society and the MNRT is examining ways in which to improve the effectiveness of this legislation and ensure that this form of tourism has minimal impact on the environment. They hope to be able to make recommendations to the government about zoning plans with the potential to amend the act in a way that would be more beneficial to wildlife. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) became established in Tanzania in 1986 at the request of the Tanzanian government. Its main mission is to help in the conservation of the country’s rich biodiversity which is under severe threat from a rapidly increasing human population. The WCS plan to use Zanzibar as a model that can be replicated to some extent in trying to maintain conservation in areas adjacent to wildlife. Currently they are working in conjunction with the MNRT on an Integrated Conservation and Development Project for the Kiwengwa-Pongwe area to the east of Unguja. Measures are being taken to provide alternative sources of fuel that will lessen the need for forest destruction as well as trying to improve farming systems and set up eco-tourism projects that will enable local people to generate income without damaging the environment. These efforts may go some way to ensuring the survival of the Zanzibar Sombre Greenbul and its other endangered relatives.
Other Endemic Birds of Zanzibar and Pemba
Zanzibar is home to several endemic bird species, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world except on the islands of Zanzibar and nearby Pemba. These endemic birds have adapted to the unique habitats of the archipelago and are of great conservation significance. Some of the endemic bird species of Zanzibar include:
- Zanzibar Red Bishop (Euplectes nigroventris): This small, colorful bird is endemic to the Zanzibar archipelago. The male displays vibrant red plumage during the breeding season, while the female is more subdued in appearance. It inhabits grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural areas.
- Zanzibar Sunbird (Cinnyris pembae): Also known as the Pemba Sunbird, this species is endemic to Zanzibar and nearby Pemba Island. It is characterized by its iridescent green plumage and long, curved bill. The Zanzibar Sunbird is typically found in forested areas and gardens.
- Zanzibar Sylviornis (Sylviornis elaphrocephalus): This extinct bird species was endemic to Zanzibar and is known from subfossil remains found on the island. It was a flightless bird, likely related to rails or crakes, and is thought to have become extinct due to human activities and habitat loss.
- Zanzibar Thrush (Turdus (olivaceofuscus) maranonicus): This subspecies of the Olive Thrush is endemic to Zanzibar. It has a dark brown plumage with subtle streaking and is commonly found in forests, woodlands, and gardens throughout the island.
- Zanzibar Nightjar (Caprimulgus nigriscapularis): This nocturnal bird is endemic to Zanzibar and is rarely seen during the day. It has cryptic plumage, allowing it to blend in seamlessly with its surroundings. The Zanzibar Nightjar inhabits a variety of habitats, including forests, scrublands, and urban areas.