Eastern Afromontane hotspot news

CEPF EAM

 

The Eastern Afromontane biodiversity hotspot is one of the Earth’s 36 biodiversity hotspots, the most biologically rich yet threatened areas around the globe. The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is investing USD 12 million in this amazing hotspot (2012-2019). BirdLife International is the Regional Implementation Team (RIT) that facilitates this investment.

CEPF supports civil society groups to conserve Key Biodiversity Areas, and the species who live at these priority sites, in the region. This page provides news from the field, to show you who has been implementing this much-needed work, where, how, and to what effect.

No mountain is too high, no species too 'uncharismatic', no threat too scary - CEPF grantees are going out of their way to protect this region's unique biodiversity. Read their stories, here below.

WCS staff (Gratien Gatorano) demonstrating how to set and fix a camera trap © Catherine Akuku
Cyamudongo KBA in Rwanda – how to know what is there (and what not)? Basic page 9 August 2019
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) / Nyungwe National Park management, and with funding from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), has carried out the first camera trap study of Cyamudongo Forest KBA to explore its biodiversity.
Five ways CEPF grantees in Eastern Africa are considering 'Gender' to help achieve their conservation goals Basic page 17 July 2019
Five ways to apply 'gender considerations' to conservation projects, tried and tested in the Eastern Afromontane biodiversity hotspot...
A group of farmers, just before planting about 1000 native trees seedlings in Maesopsis eminii plots © Victor Mkongewa
New hope for survival of the Long-billed Forest Warbler Basic page 15 July 2019
Nature Tanzania (BirdLife Partner in Tanzania) is working with local communities from Mbomole and Shebomeza villages in Tanzania to remove an invasive tree species Maesopsis eminii, and plant indigenous tree species suitable for the survival of the Long-billed Forest Warbler.
Bar-tailed Trogon by Leslie Reynolds
Mafinga Mountain Survey – birds, bats and other discoveries Basic page 11 April 2019
A team of experts from BirdWatch Zambia (BirdLife in Zambia) climbed the Mafinga Hills KBA in Zambia. They found out that it was the highest point of the country. They also found some amazing biodiversity.
TOUCHWOOD Basic page 21 January 2019
A wonderful new book, supported by CEPF through a small grant facilitated by BirdLife International, was launched in Tanzania. It highlighs the value of biodiversity of Tanzania’s Southern Highlands, part of the Eastern Afromontane hotspot.
Into the Clouds: Surveying the Sky Islands of Mozambique (Part 3) Basic page 16 June 2018
Researchers from the South African National Biodiversity Institute, SANBI, travelled to Mozambique to survey three mountains for reptiles and amphibians. Read all about their adventures in three stories (one per mountain)... this is part 3, the final mountain...
Hyperolius subtriatus
Into the Clouds: Surveying the Sky Islands of Mozambique (Part 2) Basic page 10 May 2018
Researchers from the South African National Biodiversity Institute, SANBI, travelled to Mozambique to survey three mountains for reptiles and amphibians. Read all about their adventures in three stories (one per mountain)... this is part 2.
Into the Clouds: Surveying the Sky Islands of Mozambique (Part 1) Basic page 17 April 2018
Researchers from the South African National Biodiversity Institute, SANBI, travelled to Mozambique to survey three mountains for reptiles and amphibians. Read all about their adventures in three stories (one per mountain)...
© MACSTONE
Biodiversity Express Survey in Mozambique Basic page 13 April 2018
Surveys of an under-researched Eastern Afromontane IBA in Mozambique produced interesting new results. The site is now a proposed Key Biodiversity Area.
Lake Ol Bolossat is a key habitat for Endangered birds such as the Grey Crowned-crane © Fabian Haas
Rapid response turns shrinking Kenyan lake into protected area News 14 March 2018
Lake Ol Bolossat is home to thriving hippopotamus families and a wealth of stunning waterbirds. But human activity is drying up this oasis of life. Just in the nick of time, a CEPF-funded campaign persuaded the Kenyan Government to grant formal protection.
Masangoni Birdlife Group treasure their local forests News 15 February 2018
The 45 members of the Masangoni Birdlife Group have been awarded the status of Nature's Heroes, for their work in protecting the biodiversity of one of Zimbabwe's most rugged and inaccessible Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs).
Masterclass participants at the end of training © Jude Fuhnwi
How to design a conservation project: masterclass turns ideas into reality News 17 January 2018
In November 2017, conservationists from four East African countries attended a masterclass in designing effective conservation projects. This has enabled them to create projects that can influence private companies, public policies, and secure the long-term future of the Eastern Afromontane Hotspot