Mammal diversity survey in Dakatcha Woodland, Kenya: Results from a four-year camera trap survey (2019-2022)

Raphaël Nussbaumer , Améline Nussbaumer, Lennox Kirao, Nicholas Warren, Richard Stratton Hatfield, Colin Jackson

The Dakatcha Woodland is one of the largest formally unprotected coastal forests in the Northern Swahili Coastal Forests bioregion and faces severe threats from widespread deforestation. To develop a comprehensive mammal checklist for the area, we deployed 10 camera traps over four years (2019 –2022), totalling 122 deployments and 6,779 trap days. This survey identified 28 mammal species, including the Endangered Golden-rumped Sengi and the Vulnerable African Leopard. Additionally, we recorded significant human activity, in stark contrast to the higher mammal diversity and abundance observed in nearby protected areas such as the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest and Boni-Dodori Reserve. Our findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced protection of Dakatcha Woodland, which is crucial for the conservation of its wildlife.