Is Sharpe’s Longclaw Macronyx sharpei a fire-dependent species in Kenya’s Altimontane zone?

Abstract

Summary. Sharpe's Longclaw Macronyx sharpei is an Endangered Kenyan endemic, restricted to tussock grasslands above 1,900 m. The species has been studied at the lower end of its altitudinal range (1,900- 2,500 m), but records from higher elevations have not been confirmed for several decades. We report the results of a survey undertaken in August 2008 and March-July 2009 in high-altitude habitats in and around Mount Kenya, Mount Elgon and Aberdare National Parks. We recorded Sharpe's Longclaws on Mount Elgon (two at 3,490 m) and Mount Kenya (three at 3,592 m), but population densities were low (0.21 individuals / ha), suggesting the habitat is suboptimal. We found widespread evidence of grassland being encroached by shrubs, and hypothesise that appropriate fire management might be required to maintain such habitats in Kenya's high mountains. More research is required to better estimate the size of Sharpe's Longclaw populations in Kenyan high montane massifs and to test the hypothesis of its fire-dependence there.