About the Taita Apalis

The Taita Apalis (Apalis fuscigularis) is one of Kenya’s rarest birds and among the world’s most endangered species. It belongs to the family Cisticolidae and was formerly considered a subspecies of the bar-throated apalis. Endemic to the Taita Hills, this small passerine inhabits subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. However, habitat loss has driven it to the brink of extinction, with fewer than 200 individuals remaining in the wild. Urgent conservation action is required to prevent the species’ decline, and thanks to a newly awarded grant from the Greenville Zoo Conservation Fund, a dedicated project is now underway to protect and restore its habitat.

A Multifaceted Approach to Conservation

This project aims to stabilize and potentially increase the Taita Apalis population through an integrated conservation strategy that includes habitat restoration, anti-poaching initiatives, scientific monitoring, and community engagement. Over the course of 2025, the project team will undertake several key initiatives:

Forest Restoration: To combat habitat loss and degradation, 50 hectares of forest will be restored through the planting of 5,000 native seedlings. These trees are carefully selected to provide the specific food and nesting resources required by the Taita Apalis.

Anti-Poaching Patrols: A 500-hectare patrol zone will be established to curb illegal activities that threaten the species and its habitat.

Population Monitoring: Surveys will be conducted to assess population trends, and 125 individual birds will be ethically netted and banded for tracking and data collection.

Community Engagement: Local communities play a vital role in conservation. The project will train 10 local environmental ambassadors and conduct workshops to reach at least 100 residents, fostering awareness and stewardship for the Taita Apalis and its forest home.

Addressing the Primary Threats

The Taita Apalis faces three primary threats: habitat loss, fragmentation, and poaching. The Taita Hills, once covered in extensive indigenous forest, have been severely deforested for agriculture and settlement. This loss of habitat has pushed the Taita Apalis into increasingly isolated forest patches, making survival even more precarious. Illegal poaching further compounds the species’ decline. By addressing these threats through restoration, protection, and education, this initiative seeks to create a sustainable future for the species.

Restoration: Habitat loss is the most pressing threat to the Taita Apalis, and restoring the forest is crucial for its survival. This project will plant 5,000 native trees, carefully chosen to support the species’ dietary and nesting needs. Restoration also involves removing invasive plant species that outcompete native flora and ensuring that forested areas remain interconnected to support a thriving ecosystem.

Protection: To safeguard the Taita Apalis and its habitat, the project will establish anti-poaching patrols covering 500 hectares. These patrols will monitor illegal activities such as bird trapping and habitat destruction, working in collaboration with local authorities to enforce environmental regulations. By reducing human pressures on the remaining forest patches, the project aims to create a safer environment for the species to recover.

Education: Community engagement is key to long-term conservation success. The project will train 10 local environmental ambassadors who will lead awareness campaigns and conservation activities within their communities. Workshops and outreach programs will educate at least 100 residents on the importance of protecting the Taita Apalis, sustainable land-use practices, and the benefits of maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. By fostering a culture of conservation among local communities, the initiative ensures that efforts to save the species will be sustained beyond the project’s duration.

The Power of Partnerships

Successful conservation efforts require collaboration, and this project brings together a network of dedicated partners. The Greenville Zoo (USA) has provided critical funding support to naturehub collective, ensuring the implementation of key conservation actions. Local and regional partners, including the Taita-Taveta County Government, Youth Future Lab, and Mojatu Women CBO, will contribute expertise and community-driven solutions to ensure long-term success.

A Future for the Taita Apalis

The conservation of the Taita Apalis is a race against time, but with dedicated efforts and strong partnerships, there is hope. By restoring degraded habitat, preventing further loss, and engaging local communities in sustainable conservation efforts, this project aims to secure a future for one of Kenya’s most endangered birds. The Greenville Zoo’s generous support has made this vital work possible, demonstrating the power of international partnerships in protecting the world’s most threatened species.

Through science, community involvement, and conservation action, the Taita Apalis still has a chance to thrive in its ancestral home—the misty forests of the Taita Hills.