Sites - Important Bird Areas (IBAs)

Ornithological information See Box and Table 3 for key species. This is one of the most reliable sites in Kenya for the scarce and threatened Chloropeta gracilirostris, which is often seen along the lakeward side of the swamp. All but one of Kenya’s nine Lake Victoria Basin biome species have been recorded here, and it is especially important for Laniarius mufumbiri (relatively common), Bradypterus carpalis and Serinus koliensis, all papyrus endemics.

Site description Dunga (or Tako river mouth) is a wetland situated about 10 km south of Kisumu town on the shores of Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria. At the western limit is a beach, used as a major fish landing point. Papyrus Cyperus papyrus stands stretch south-eastwards along the shore from here for c.1.5 km, in a strip that varies in width from about 50 to 800 m. A number of streams drain into the lake through the swamp, the main one being Tako river.

Populations of IBA trigger species

Local conservation groups The local conservation groups below are working to support conservation at this IBA.

Habitats

Land use

Other biodiversity No information is available. Wetlands around the shores of Lake Victoria are known to be important refuges for a number of the lake’s endemic haplochromine fish species.

Management considerations Dunga is close to a major town, and this puts particular strain on the wetland. Papyrus harvesting is often excessive and unsustainable. The incoming streams bring pollution in the form of sewage and solid wastes from nearby residential estates. Lake Victoria’s papyrus swamps are under increasing pressure in general. Water-hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes has infested much of the Winam Gulf. By preventing fishermen from fishing, it forces them to seek other forms of livelihood. Often, the only alternative available is to harvest papyrus, or to clear it in order to cultivate crops. Dunga urgently requires formal protection, as it has no conservation status at present. The site is already a popular area for recreation. Its proximity to Kisumu gives it potential for environmental education and bird tourism focused on the papyrus endemics.

References Johnstone and Githongo (1997), Nasirwa and Njoroge (1997).

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Recommended citation  BirdLife International (2013) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Dunga swamp. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 21/05/2013

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