Tanzania battling to save endangered bird species

• 'We've seen a significant decline in bird populations over the past decade due to deforestation, agricultural expansion and urbanization which destroy habitats at an alarming rate,' ornithologist Michael Kimaro tells Anadolu

SERENGETI, Tanzania

Perched on the thorny branches of an acacia tree, a barbet with dazzling blue, red, black and yellow feathers fills the morning air with its lovely song, its vibrant colors and melodic symphony enchanting bird watchers and tourists in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.

“The barbet’s song is a sweet serenade nobody wouldn’t like to hear,” says Sabene Lorentz, a park visitor from Sweden. “It’s amazing how such a small bird can produce such a loud sound.”

Known for its striking appearance, this bird, hailed as one of Tanzania’s sweetest treasures, is a beauty of nature.

Unlikely partnership

The barbet’s feathers, starkly different from the acacia’s thorns, pose little threat to the towering giraffes roaming the park. As the giraffe skillfully nibbles on the thorny leaves of the acacia tree, it unwittingly provides a lifeline for the barbets. These small birds adeptly cling to the giraffe’s long neck and sturdy legs, pecking away at the tiny ticks and other pests plaguing the giant mammal.

This mutual relationship offers the barbet a steady food supply while giving the giraffe badly-needed respite from bloodsuckers.

With its rich biodiversity and natural habitats, Tanzania is a haven for over 1,100 species of birds. From the ash-grey sheen of the Abyssinian catbird to the grey-headed broadbill, these birds are wonders of nature. However, their survival is increasingly threatened by habitat loss and climate change.

Although Tanzania’s lush landscapes and sprawling savannahs have always been a haven for birds, they are increasingly being encroached upon, consequently pushing many bird species to the brink of extinction.

Michael Kimaro, a seasoned ornithologist with the Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania said the population of birds, vital for the ecosystem and for their roles in pollination and pest control, is declining.

"We've seen a significant decline in bird populations over the past decade due to deforestation, agricultural expansion and urbanization which destroy habitats at an alarming rate."

He said that changing weather patterns, prolonged droughts and wildfires have disrupted the sanctuaries that birds rely on, affecting food availability, breeding cycles and migratory patterns.

"Birds are very sensitive to changes in their environment; even a slight shift can seriously affect them," said Kimaro.

Plight of Endangered birds

While Tanzania has diverse habitats ranging from coastal forests to mountainous regions, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has identified more than 130 bird species that are endangered in the East African country. These include the iconic African fish eagle, the Tanzanian red-billed hornbill and the Usambara eagle-owl.

Habitat destruction due to logging and agriculture has led to the loss of forests and wetlands that these birds rely on for survival.

"When forests are cleared for agriculture or development, birds lose their nesting sites and food sources," said Kimaro.

Kimaro further said that shifting temperatures and weather patterns disrupt the migration and breeding cycles of many bird species.

Among the most critically endangered birds in Tanzania is the Pemba green pigeon, endemic to Pemba Island. Rampant deforestation has led to a drastic decline in their numbers.

"These pigeons are unique to Pemba," said Juma Rashidi, a conservationist and professor of Zoology at Zanzibar University. "Losing them would mean losing a part of our heritage."

Despite regulations, these birds are often captured and sold across borders.

"The demand for exotic pets is driving these pigeons to the brink," Rashidi said. "We must strengthen our laws and enforcement to protect them."

The red-billed hornbill, a vibrant bird with a striking red beak, is also endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.

"Their decline could have far-reaching consequences for our forests," warned Rashidi.

Conservation efforts

Despite the grim situation, various initiatives are being implemented to protect endangered bird species. The Tanzania Bird Atlas Project, for instance, collects data on bird populations and their habitats, providing crucial information for conservation efforts.

BirdLife International, in collaboration with local partners, has launched several projects aimed at protecting critical bird habitats. One such project focuses on the Usambara Mountains, where community-based conservation efforts are helping to restore degraded forests.

"Engaging local communities is key to our success," said Lucy Kamugisha, a field officer with BirdLife International. "They are the stewards of these lands, and their involvement is crucial for long-term conservation."

The Tanzanian Wildlife Conservation Act of 2009 provides legal protection to endangered species and their habitats, but enforcement remains a challenge.

"We need more resources and a stronger commitment from the authorities," said Kimaro. "Protecting our birds is not just about laws; it's about prioritizing conservation."

Bleak future

Experts say conservation efforts must address habitat destruction, climate change and illegal activities that threaten bird species.

"We need to understand the value of birds and the roles they play in our ecosystems," said Kimaro.

"We must find a way to coexist with our natural world.”

Role of science and research

Local Tanzanian scientists have conducted extensive research to understand the impacts of climate change and habitat loss on bird species. These studies inform conservation strategies and help track progress.

"We use satellite tracking to monitor migratory patterns," said Kimaro. "This data is crucial for understanding how birds are adapting to changing environments and where interventions are needed most."

One success story is the revival of the critically endangered Fischer’s lovebird. Endemic to north-central Tanzania, these vibrant birds were on the verge of extinction due to habitat destruction and illegal trapping. Conservationists launched a campaign to restore their habitats and curb illegal trade.

"The population is slowly recovering," said Kimaro. "It shows what can be achieved when science and community efforts come together."

Tanzania’s national parks and reserves attract bird enthusiasts from around the world.

"Tourism can be a powerful tool for conservation," said Maria Kihara, a local tour guide. "When people see the beauty of our birds, they are more likely to support efforts to protect them."

"The survival of Tanzania’s birds depends on people’s willingness to protect their habitats and address the root causes of climate change."

"Every morning here in Tanzania, I wake up to the beautiful songs of birds, and it's an experience like no other," said Martin Hughes, a birdwatching enthusiast from the United Kingdom. "The variety of species here is simply amazing. I've spotted everything from the vibrant Lilac-breasted Roller to the majestic African Fish Eagle."

Hughes described the sheer joy of watching birds in their natural habitat.

"There's something incredibly peaceful about standing in the middle of a Tanzanian forest listening to birds singing."

Emphasizing the importance of conservation, he noted: "We must protect these incredible birds and their habitats."

As the sun sets over the Serengeti, the barbet's sweet voice fades into the twilight, symbolizing the enduring spirit of Tanzania’s birds.