Habitat structure determines the abundance of the Endangered Sharpe’s Longclaw Macronyx sharpei (Aves: Passeriformes: Motacillidae) at Timau montane grasslands in central Kenya

Abstract

Understanding the habitat selection and structure of a species is critical for developing evidence-centered conservation actions. Sharpe’s Longclaw Macronyx sharpei, a passerine bird endemic to Kenya, is threatened by reductions in habitat size and quality that have left it inhabiting a small and highly fragmented range. From January to June 2016 we investigated the abundance and density of Sharpe’s Longclaw in Marania farm located in Meru county in the northern sector of Mt. Kenya, where no previous study had been done. Population abundance and density were determined using the flush and count method. We observed that these birds were exclusively found in grasslands, being most abundant in habitats of short grass with tussocks, and less so in areas with tall grass. This habitat specificity indicates a key requirement for survival of Sharpe’s Longclaw populations in this area. We recommend surveys in and around Marania farm to determine the distribution of suitable habitats for this species, and that the farm be designated an Important Bird Area. Further studies should also focus on determining the intensity of grazing that is compatible with conservation of Sharpe’s Longclaw populations.

Keywords

• conservation
• density
• endemic
• grasslands
• passerine bird
• population