serikali ya mapinduzi zanzibar care tanzania and department

4.2.6 Birds
Bird survey on Pemba was conducted opportunistically in Ngezi forest and the surrounding
areas with a few observations made along Vumawimbi and Chokaani beaches. The exercise
was conducted in January when field conditions were generally dry with limitation of fresh
water bodies, no breeding activities and absence of migratory species. About 45% of the
species reported in previous surveys (Pakenham, 1979) were recorded with addition of
Violet–backed Starling (Table 4). Ngezi forest being one of the least disturbed habitats on the
island is diverse in microhabitats that are suitable for birds and other forms of life. The forest
is important in hosting almost all Pemba endemic bird species (Pemba Green Pigeon, Pemba
Scops-Owl, Dickson’s Kestrel, Pemba Sunbird and Pemba White-eye were found in Ngezi
forest).
Pemba Green Pigeon was common but difficult to detect. Flocks of up to 15
individuals were found in forest near forest gate office and Machopeni area feeding
quietly in high canopy. The population of Pemba Scops Owl in Ngezi forest based on
calls is relatively high when compared to areas outside the forest. While camping in
the forest, Scops Owl calls were heard throughout the nights from all corners and their
territorial spacing is estimated to be about 300m. The high abundance of this species
may be explained by food (Rattus rattus) available in the Ngezi forest as supported by
our trapping success (Appendix 2). Pemba Sunbird and White Eye were common in
forest and cultivation.
Pemba Scops Owl (Otus pembanensis)
This small owl is endemic to Pemba Island where it inhabits densely foliaged habitats
including forests, clove plantation, mangrove and patches of forests that are used as
graveyards. Observations made in Ngezi Forest Reserve suggest that the population of
the owl is relatively high in the forest. Calls were recorded throughout the night from
mid-canopy with territorial spacing of about 300m. The intensity of calling was high
from sundown until midnight and less so until dawn. Assuming that there is even
distribution of this species in Ngezi forest and in other areas on Pemba Island, the
population may be considered as marginally threatened.
4.2 7 Reptiles
Within Ngezi forest and its surroundings (cultivations, sandy and coral rag beaches
and wetlands) suitable habitats for reptiles are well represented. Fifteen (62.5%) of the
known reptile species on Pemba (Pakenham, 1983) were recorded during the study
period (Appendix 2). The most abundant and widely distributed species of the reptiles
in Ngezi forest was the Pemba endemic skink (Mabuya albotaeniata). The species
was very common in leaf litter on forest floor and less common in cultivation and
settlements where they coexist with Mabuya striata.
Marine forms were not encountered since much of the surveys were carried out in
terrestrial environment. The sandy beaches around Vumawimbi are prospective areas
for the breeding of Green Turtles. However, due to disturbance resulting from fishing
and beach visitors the area seems unsafe for sea turtles to breed.
4.2.8 Amphibians
The community of amphibians on Pemba Island may be considered as East African
coastal. The species richness on the island is low when compared to that of Zanzibar
and other areas along the coast of East Africa. Seven species from 4 families were
recorded on this study suggesting addition of two records from the previous
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