Jozani biodiversity inventory report 2002 - Coastal Forests of Kenya ...

including secondary thicket. The duikers tend to avoid wet ground and salt marshes hence
there were more signs of them in dry thickets than in ground water forest. It is the largest
herbivore in the forest and is hunted for its meat. The distribution of Aders' Duiker is
currently largely limited to Jozani forest. Its range has been declining progressively from
1983 (Swai, 1983a, 1983b) through the mid-nineties (Williams et al., 1996). Recent
observations indicate they also remain in Kiwengwa forest in east-central and possibly
Mtende forest to the south. By 1995 the range of Aders' Duiker in surveyed areas had shrunk
by approximately 60% from that of 1983 (i.e 12 years). On the average the Aders' duiker
range declined by 5% annually from 1983. The greatest decline occurred in unprotected areas.
The breeding programme for this species was initiated. This breeding programme would be
more successful if effective protection of animals released to the wild is practiced.
Blue duiker (Cephalophus monticola sundevalli)
This is the most widespread duiker in Africa and it displays a broad variation in coat colour
and morphological aspects. In Zanzibar two different races occur one on Unguja and another
on Pemba. On Unguja the preferred habitat is coral rag thickets. In Jozani forest the duiker
occurs in dry thickets and forest in Wangwani, Charawe, Tovu, Unguja Ukuu, Cheju to
Mapopwe in the north. Like the Aders' Duiker the range of the Blue Duiker has declined for
the past two decades by approximately half. The remaining populations are concentrated in
Ukongoroni (Jozani forest) and lesser populations in Kiwengwa in central-east and Mtende
forest to the south. Hunting for meat and habitat loss are the major factors leading to decline
in populations though this duiker is not listed on the threatened species list. An assessment is
necessary to establish its conservation status.
Suni (Neotragus moschatus moschatus)
The suni is reported to have the widest distribution of the Zanzibar antelopes. It occupies
coastal forests thickets and may be found in mountain forests up to 2,700m. In Zanzibar it
occupies the coral rag thickets and forested areas, but is also found in disturbed habitats. It is
known to occupy areas previously cultivated but left fallow for some years. In Jozani forest
and surrounding areas it occurs in a range of habitats except the salt marshes and very wet
areas. Its ability to utilise fallow areas enables it to extend its range and hence the only major
threat to the species is over hunting. It is reported to be the most easily caught in drive nets
and accounts for over 80% of antelope meat sold in Zanzibar town. In contrast to the other
antelopes the range of suni was reported to have remained stable or increased slightly in the
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