Anthony Kuria

A Scientific Expedition of the Ndere Island National Park, Lake Victoria, Kisumu, Kenya

Villagers gather around a hippo that was shot invading crops. In the background is Ndere Island and the boat used in the expedition.

Common pattern of vegetation at Ndere indicate - lush shoreline then a thick forestswoodland and expansive grasslands on higher grounds.

Ndere is a remote island off Lake Victoria, Kenya. It was gazetted as a National Park in 1986. The island has great biodiversity value and owing to its beauty, much tourism potential. However, little information exists on the real value of the islands flora and fauna and this limits its development either as a tourist destination or as an important biological site.

This project was probably the first attempt to provide reliable biological information of the little know yet highly important Ndere island. This information is also required to set pace for research, conservation and informed management of Ndere Island. Lead by interdisciplinary team of researchers, the project focused on three common biological components plants, birds and invertebrates. Specifically, the project aimed at:

a) documenting the biological resources (birds, invertebrates and plants) of the Ndere Island National Park (NINP);

b) assessing incidences of introduced flora and fauna, and their potential for becoming invasive;

c) assessing the tourism potential and alternatives available at NINP;

d)Training at least two community guides in basic flora and fauna identification techniques.

Findings from the project are expected to feed to the management of the Ndere Island National Park. Of particular importance is to market the park for tourism and catalyse effective community participation in the parks conservation and management by enhancing compatible income generating opportunities.