Bird Conservation and Technology

Masai Ranger Using App to protect Birds in Amboseli

By Carolyne Tomno

 

 

Mt. Kilimanjaro on the Kenya-Tanzania Border-Photo Credit Carolyne Tomno

Nestled at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park in Kenya is a paradise for wildlife. Situated in the southern region of Kenya, Amboseli National Park stands as a renowned wildlife conservation area, enticing visitors with its stunning rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes.

It is a home to iconic wildlife, hosting four members of the Big Five, from lions to the graceful zebras and countless number of bird species in its swamps and wetlands.

Mathew Mooke, a game ranger at Amboseli National Park

Mathew Mooke Muteleu , a young Maasai wildlife ranger is a passionate birdwatcher in his community. “I always knew there were many birds in Amboseli, but now I can learn more about them,” he says.

“Merlin helps me identify birds that I had never seen before, and I can share that information with others. He says about the  app which he  has downloaded on his phone.

It’s exciting to know that I’m contributing to the protection of birds that we’ve lived alongside for generations.” He adds.

Conservation and Technology

The Merlin Bird ID app, was developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The app, is designed to help birdwatchers and citizen scientists identify birds based on their appearance, sounds, or location, and has become an invaluable resource for the Mathew and the Amboseli community.

It will enable both locals and visitors to easily record bird sightings, contributing to a growing database that supports conservation efforts across Kenya.

The vast, savanna is home to a stunning variety of iconic wildlife with countless number of bird species. Amboseli is celebrated for its exceptional opportunities for close encounters with free-roaming members of the Big Five.

But like many ecosystems around the world, the park faces increasing threats from climate change, habitat degradation, and human-wildlife conflict.

In this challenging landscape, a small yet powerful tool — the Merlin Bird ID app — is helping local communities and conservationists work together to protect the region’s precious birdlife.

Through their observations, we are building a more complete picture of the health of our bird populations, which in turn helps us protect the entire ecosystem.” Adds Mathew

A New Tool for a Rich Ecosystem
For years, Amboseli has been a critical site for bird conservation.

Paul Wambi. Asst. Director KWS,Amboseli.Photo Credit-Carolyne Tomno

According to the deputy Director of the park Paul Wambi ,the park’s wetlands, open grasslands, and swamps support both resident and migratory birds.

“There is an Abundance of birdlife, Amboseli is a hotspot for birds”Wambi says

 

However, despite the abundance of birdlife, tracking and monitoring bird populations has been a logistical challenge.

Conservationists and researchers often struggle to gather accurate data, especially as many species remain elusive or migrate through the region in large numbers .

Matthew hopes to empower his community and to teach them about the importance of conserving the environment to protect the bird biodiversity .

 

The Maasai community , which has long lived in and around the Amboseli ecosystem, has a deep connection to the land and its wildlife.

Traditionally, they have used their knowledge of animals, plants, and birds to maintain harmony with the environment.

However, with the rise of modern conservation efforts and the need for more detailed data, the Ranger has found new ways to incorporate technology into the practices.

The simplicity and ease of use make it a perfect fit.

Some of the Bird species found in Amboseli National Park. Photo Credit Carolyne Tomno

He hopes to teach members of his community, especially the youth to take photos of birds or record their calls, and the app will help identify the species.He will then log in the information which will be shared with researchers, forming an important part of the ongoing bird monitoring efforts in Amboseli.

 

Supporting Conservation and Research

This data is crucial for understanding bird migration patterns, population trends, and the effects of climate change on the region’s avian species.

By having more accurate and up-to-date information, conservationists are better equipped to design targeted protection strategies, such as habitat restoration projects or anti-poaching campaigns.

“The Maasai community’s involvement in wildlife conservation is transformative. transformative,”.

Birdwatching as a Sustainable Livelihood

 

In addition to aiding conservation, He hopes that the Merlin app will help in creating new economic opportunities especially for youth from his community.

As birdwatching tourism grows in Amboseli,  his hope is that local’s youth can be being trained to become bird guides, using the app to identify species and share their knowledge with visitors.

“This will not only provide a sustainable source of income but also helps raise awareness about the importance of bird conservation”.

“Birdwatching should become a popular activity here in Amboseli,” he explains . “Tourists come to see the wildlife, and now they should learn about the birds too.

With Merlin, we will be able to show them how many different species are in the park, and that brings more people to visit.

It will help many youths protect the birds and make a living and stop in destructive activities like charcoal burning.”

A Vision for the Future

Photo Credit-Carolyne Tomno

Looking ahead, the potential for the Merlin app to aid bird conservation in Amboseli is enormous.

By involving even more local communities, schools, and tourists in the conservation effort, the region’s rich birdlife can continue to thrive.

And as climate change impacts ecosystems across the globe, data collected through tools like Merlin are vital in understanding how species adapt or struggle in a changing world.

For the people of Amboseli eco-system, the birds are more than just wildlife; they are symbols of resilience, beauty, and the deep connection they share with the land.

With the help of the Merlin Bird ID app, they are not only preserving their heritage but also ensuring a future where both birds and people continue to flourish.