INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS WORKSHOP ON CITES NON- DETRIMENT FINDINGS

Cancun (México), 17-22 Nov. 2008

PRESENTATION ON

Kenya Case Study on Pancake tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri)

BYSolomon N. Kyalo

KENYA

CASE STUDY

Conservation Status and Management of Pancake Tortoise ( Malacochersus tornieri, (SiebenRock, 1903) in Kenya-Non –Detriment Finding Studies process

A Case Study presented at the International Expert Workshop on CITES Non-Detriment Findings, Cancun (Mexico), 17-22 November 2008

BACKGROUND

The Species- Pancake tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri)

•Land tortoise

Taxonomy:

Class: REPTILIA

Order: Testudinata

Family: Testudinidae

Geographical Distribution

Kenya, Tanzania & Zambia *(2003)

CONSERVATION STATUS

• IUCN Classification: Vulnerable

• CITES Listing: Appendix II

Objectives

Understanding the Factors affecting Conservation and Management of Malacochersus tornieri in Kenya: TheNDF Studies

Data source/references

•Species distribution maps

•Assessments of species abundance in different areas of distribution

•Assessments of threats to the species population

• Trade levels

•Recommended management strategies and practical options for Mitigating threats to the species

METHODOLOGY FOR NDF

Distribution mapping

•Administrative blocks(districts) under Agro-climate Zone V overlapping with Precambrian rock system

(Habitats are a function of interplay of exfoliating granite rocks of Precambrian rock type in Arid and semi-arid climate) and characterized by rock outcrops &kopjes with crevices

•Information from collectors

Lake

District Boundaries Agroecological Zone V Precambrian Rock

LEGEND N

1:5500000SCALE:

GIS WORK BY MO SES M ALOB A

DAT A SORCE : ACT DAT AB ASE 1999

FIG: 1 MAP SHOWING OVERLAPPING DISTRIBUTION OF PRECAMBRIAN ROCKS AND AGROECOLOGICAL ZONE V IN KENYA

Isio loSam bu ru

M eru

Lai ki pi a

Ga riss a

Tan a R iv e r

Ki tu i

Tu rkan a

M arsa bit

W a ji r

Tai ta Ta v eta

Ka ji ad o

N arok

Em bu

M ach akos

M aku en i

4° 4

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Map of Kenya showing overlapping distribution of Precambrian rocks & Agro

ecological Zone V

Extent of Distribution

•From known species’ range (Nguni & Nuu, Mwingi) to unknown

•4 Disjointed field surveys to 10 districts undertaken

•Occurrence or non occurrence confirmed with the following:

Search for Live specimens

Search for feacal materials at entrance of crevices

Interviews with locals

GPS Germin 12 x used to record locality coordinates and altitude

Population estimates

•Counting using systematic search and seize sampling method (Karns 1986) and Hayer et al (1994)

•Strip transects used (varying lengths between 2-20 km and 0.5 width) depending on distribution of patchy microhabitats.

Body measurements- Straight Carapace Length (SCL)

Materials/Equipment

•Global positioning System –GPS Germin 12 x for recording distribution areas and altitude

•2 m long strong and flexible hooked wire for retrieving in humane way specimens from crevices

•Vernier Calipers for measuring SCL along the midline

•1000g spring balance calibrated into 10g intervals for measuring live specimen weight

•Trade data from UNEP-WCMC to determine volumes of trade & trends for the period 1975 to 2001

Results- Area of Species distribution

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OOOO

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OO

OOOO

OOOOOOOOO

Kitui

SOUTH KITUI N.R

TSAVO EAST N.P

LOSAI N.R

AMBURU N.R

SHABA N.R

BUFFALOSPRINGS N.R

MER U N.P

MT.KENYA N.P

BIS

AN

AD

I N.R

FIG: 2 MAP SHOWING DISTRIBUTION OF PANCAKE TORTOISE OVERLAPPING WITH PRECAMBRIAN ROCKS AND AGROECOLOGICAL ZONE V IN KENYA 2002

N

60 0 60 120 180 240 300 Kilometers

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Totoise Locations

no sighting

sightingO

District Boundaries

Agroecological Zone V

Precambrian rock system

LEGEND

GIS WORK BY MO SES M ALOB A

DAT A SORCE : ACT DAT AB ASE 1999

TORTOISE DISTRIB UTION GENERAT ED

FROM F IEL D W ORK GEOREFERENCED

GPS POINTS

P

P

P

Possibly presentP

Two disjointedly sub-populations exit in Kenya:

•Northern sub-population ( North of Nyambene Hills, Meru)

•Southern Sub-population (South of Nyambene Hills, Meru)

Species distribution

Results- Area of Species distribution

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%

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%%

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Tana River

Kitui

Taita Taveta

Kajiado

Embu

Machakos

Makueni

North KituiN.R

Bisanadi N.R

Voo

Zo mbe

W aita

Mu tha

Kaimu

Katse

Usu eni

Simisi

Ngw ate

Mw ingi

Mu tom o

Mu titu

Mu thu e

Kaw elu

Kasala

Iku tha

Tharaka

Ngom eni

Ithu m b a

Chematu

Kathungu

Kaku nike

Maktau

FIG:3 MAP SHOWING DISTRIBUTION OF PANCAKE TORTOISE IN KITUI & MWINGI (GREATER KITUI) DISTRICTS 2002

N

3°1

9'5

6" 3

°19'5

6"

2°5

9'5

4" 2

°59

'54

"

2°3

9'5

2" 2

°39

'52

"

2°1

9'5

0" 2

°19'5

0"

1°5

9'4

8" 1°5

9'4

8"

1°3

9'4

6" 1°3

9'4

6"

1°19

'44

" 1°19'4

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0°5

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2" 0

°59

'42

"

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°39

'40

"

0°1

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°19'3

8"

37°20'02"

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39°20'14"300000

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Totoise Locations

no s ighting

Sighting (Natural popula tion)O

Introduced populationO

River

Conservation Area

Distr ict Boundaries

Yatta P lateau

Precam br ian roc k s ystem

Agroecological Z one V

LEGEND

Divided H ig hways

Primary/Se cond ary Roads

Path or Trails

Road

% Centres

NATIONAL SETTING

1:1500000SCALE :

DAT A SORCE : ACT DAT AB ASE 1999

TORTOISE DISTRIB UTION GENERAT ED

FROM F IEL D W ORK GEOREFERENCED

GPS POINTS

GIS WORK BY MO SES M ALOB A

Distribution in Kitui & Mwingi Districts

Key areas:

Voo, Kalalani, Kemwaa, Kyaango,Kinakoni, Endau, Malalani, Koi, Katumbi, Kinanie

Katse, Kamwerini, Gankanga, Kanzinwa, Ciampiu,Nguni, Mathyaka, Maai, Kalanga, Ivuusya,

Results- Area of Species distribution

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O

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O

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%

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Samburu

Laikipia

Losai N.R

Marsabit N.R

BuffaloSpring N.R

SamburuN.R

ShabaN.R

Wamba

Kauro

Mukawa

Maralal

Baragoi

Lodosoit

South Horr

Archers Post

Illaut

Ngurunit

N

1:1150000SCALE

P

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0°3

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°30

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°00

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36°30'

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FIG: 5 MAP SHOWING DISTRIBUTION OF PANCAKE TORTOISE IN ISIOLO MARSABIT AND SAMBURU DISTRICTS 2002

P

PP

Totoise Locations

no sigh ting

Sigh tin gO

Lake

Con se rvation Are a

Dist rict Bou nd arie s

Preca mb ria n rock system

Ag ro ecolog ica l Zo ne V

LEGEND

PP Po ssibly prese nt

Road

Div ided H igh ways

Path or Trails

Primary/Se condary Roads

% Cen tres

GIS WORK BY MO SES M ALOB A

DAT A SORCE : ACT DAT AB ASE 1999

TORTOISE DISTRIB UTION GENERAT ED

FROM F IEL D W ORK GEOREFERENCED

GPS POINTS

NATIONAL SETTING

Distribution in Isiolo, Marsabit & Samburu districts

Areas:

Wamba, Sware, Archers Post, Namunyak conservancy,

Results- Area of Species distribution

Distribution in Mbeere & Tharaka Districts

Areas:

Kianjeru, Ciangera, Irira

Chiakariga, Kamanyaki, Rwakinanga

Distribution: Protected Area Vs. Non-Protected Area

•Species population in Protected Area is estimated 5% of total population

•95% of total population in the wild is in Non-Protected Areas

District Protected Area & level of protection

Kitui Tsavo East N.P (North of Galana river

South Kitui N.R

Isiolo Buffalo Springs N.R, Shaba N.R

Samburu Samburu N.R

Marsabit Losai N.R

0

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<499

600-

699

800-

899

1000

-109

9

1200

-129

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1400

-149

9

Altitude ranges (m)

No

. o

f sp

ecim

en

s

Species distribution Vs. Altitude

Based on sightings of 256 live specimens

Species population Abundance &Density

Species abundance and density is a function of habitat quality.

•Well oriented rock crevices, high vegetation cover over the rock outcrop and less human habitat destruction are indicators of high quality habitat

•7 sites in 4 districts sampled on densities giving the following results

Transect Name & District

Transect area size in KM sq.

No. of specimens counted

Mean Density

Specimens/area

Wamba, Samburu 20 49 2.61

Chiakariga, Tharaka 17.5 32 1.72

Ishiara, Mbeere 7.5 13 1.73

Katse, Mwingi 20 132 6.6

Nguni, Mwingi 15 29 1.2

Endau, Kitui 10.5 27 2.95

Voo, Kitui 27 108 8.86

Species population density variation

There was significant difference (t-test for dependent samples, one tailed; n=8, t=114.06, d.f =7, P=<0.05)

High abundance and density is attributed to high density of rock outcrops and kopjes with suitable crevices.

Low density especially in Nguni is as a result of past collection for commercial purposes.

Analysis on population density

Species body measurements (weight &Length)

Measurement Females (n=130) Males (n=98)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mean Carapace Length 1SD 141.98 15.35 135.21 29.84

Range 82.65-157.33 105.37-165.05

Mean Body weight 1SD 355.88 93.32 310.16 128.72

Range 262.56-449.20 181.44-438.88

•No significant difference in mean body weight &SCL between sexes

•There is significant positive linear correlation between SCL &Bodyweight (r=0.9196 , df= 226, two tailed n1=228,n2=228,P<0.01)

Habitat characteristics, selection & preference

•Pancake tortoise specimens only found in suitable rock crevices in rock outcrops and kopjes in Arid and semi arid areas dominated by Acacia-Commiphora vegetation

•Granitic outcrops with shelter underneath exfoliating rock slabs provide the best habitats

•Frequency and location of the suitable habitats determine abundance and distribution of the species

Threats to Pancake Tortoise Conservation

Habitat alteration and destruction

•Slash and burn shifting cultivation ( around rock outcrops and kopjes)

•Charcoal burning

•Rock slab and ballast harvesting

Predation

International trade for pet industry

•Illegal trade

Southern sub-population is the most threatened population

International Trade volumes Kenya & Tanzania Exports

(1975-2001)-Legal Trade using CITES Permits

Country of Import No.of specimens reported imported

No. of specimens reported exported

Kenya 3,016 928

United Republic of Tanzania

11,458 6,683

Illegal Trade in Pancake tortoise specimens

Several seizures of shipments reported :

•1992- seizure of specimens of Pancake tortoise illegally traded prompted placement of a moratorium on exports of specimens of the species

•2001- 209 specimens seized in Kampala, Uganda

Specimens repatriated to Kenya & released into Tsavo N.P ( Monitored population)

•2007(August) -36 specimens seized at JKIA coming from TZ . Specimens kept in rescue centre in

Kenya for Education

NDF STUDIES RECOMMENDATIONS

• Trade in wild collected specimens of Pancake tortoise should be prohibited however, captive breeding for commercial purposes should be encouraged as incentives for insitu conservation

• Trade in specimens from captive breeding operations should be limited to a maximum of Straight carapace length of 8 cm

(Decision of the CoP12 in 2002) based on proposal by Kenya following the NDF studies)

Strategies for species Conservation management

•In-situ conservation ( refuge/nature reserves either publicly or privately owned), the case of Voo Reptiles Sanctuary

•Moratorium on trade in wild specimens in force

•Ex-situ conservation (captive breeding operations) e.g Mathemba tortoise farm, Voo Reptiles farm and Nguni Kalanga C Tortoise Farm

•Any sustainable harvesting from the wild for commercial purposes to be based on scientifically determined quotas.

THANK

YOU