Tanzania fights to save endangered bird species

A barbet perched on the thorny branches of an acacia tree, its brilliant blue, red, black and yellow feathers filling the morning air with its beautiful song, bright colours and melodious symphony, enchanting bird watchers and tourists in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.

“The song of the barbet is a sweet serenade that no one would not like to hear,” says Sabene Lorentz, a park visitor from Sweden. “It is amazing how such a small bird can produce such a loud sound.”

This bird is known for its striking appearance and is considered one of the most beloved treasures of Tanzania. It is a true beauty of nature.

The barbet’s feathers, which are very different from the thorns of the acacia, pose little threat to the towering giraffes that roam the park. As the giraffe nibbles deftly on the thorny leaves of the acacia tree, it unwittingly provides a lifeline for the barbets. These small birds cling deftly to the giraffe’s long neck and sturdy legs, pecking away at the tiny ticks and other pests that plague the giant mammal.

This mutual relationship ensures that the barbet has a constant food supply, while the giraffe is freed from leeches when necessary.

With its rich biodiversity and natural habitats, Tanzania is a haven for over 1,100 bird species. From the ash-grey sheen of the Abyssinian catbird to the grey-headed broadbill, these birds are wonders of nature. However, their survival is increasingly threatened by habitat loss and climate change.

Although Tanzania’s lush landscapes and vast savannahs have always been a paradise for birds, they are now increasingly being degraded, threatening many bird species with extinction.

Michael Kimaro, a senior ornithologist with the Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania, said the population of birds, which are vital to the ecosystem and play a role in pollination and pest control, is declining.

“Over the past decade, we have seen significant declines in bird populations due to deforestation, agricultural expansion and urbanization, which are destroying habitats at an alarming rate.”

He said changing weather patterns, prolonged droughts and wildfires have disrupted the refuges that birds depend on, affecting food availability, breeding cycles and migration patterns.

“Birds are very sensitive to changes in their environment; even a small change can have serious consequences,” Kimaro said.

– Dire situation of endangered birds

Although Tanzania has diverse habitats ranging from coastal forests to mountainous regions, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has identified over 130 bird species as threatened in the East African country. These include the iconic African fish eagle, the Tanzanian red-billed hornbill and the Usambara eagle-owl.

Logging and agriculture have destroyed their habitat, destroying the forests and wetlands these birds need to survive.

“When forests are cleared for agriculture or development, birds lose their nesting sites and food sources,” Kimaro said.

Kimaro further said that changing temperatures and weather patterns are disrupting the migration and breeding cycles of many bird species.

One of the most critically endangered birds in Tanzania is the Pemba green pigeon, endemic to Pemba Island. Rampant deforestation has led to a drastic decline in their numbers.

“These pigeons are unique to Pemba,” said Juma Rashidi, a conservationist and professor of zoology at the University of Zanzibar. “If we lose them, we lose a part of our heritage.”

Despite regulations, these birds are often captured and sold across borders.

“The demand for exotic pets is pushing these pigeons to the brink,” Rashidi said. “We need to strengthen our laws and enforcement to protect them.”

The red-billed hornbill, a striking bird with a red bill, is also threatened by habitat loss and hunting.

“Their decline could have far-reaching consequences for our forests,” Rashidi warned.

Despite the grim situation, several initiatives are being implemented to protect endangered bird species. For example, the Tanzania Bird Atlas Project collects data on bird populations and their habitats, providing crucial information for conservation efforts.

BirdLife International, in collaboration with local partners, has launched several projects aimed at protecting critical bird habitats. One such project focuses on the Usambara Mountains, where community-based conservation efforts are helping to restore degraded forests.

“Involving local communities is key to our success,” said Lucy Kamugisha, a field officer at BirdLife International. “They are the custodians of these areas and their involvement is crucial for long-term conservation.”

Tanzania’s Wildlife Conservation Act of 2009 provides legal protection to endangered species and their habitats, but enforcement remains a challenge.

“We need more resources and a stronger commitment from the authorities,” Kimaro said. “Protecting our birds is not just about laws; it’s about prioritising conservation.”

Experts say conservation efforts must address habitat destruction, climate change and illegal activities that threaten bird species.

“We need to understand the value of birds and the role they play in our ecosystems,” Kimaro said.

“We must find a way to coexist with our natural world.”

– Role of science and research

Local Tanzanian scientists have conducted extensive research to understand the impact of climate change and habitat loss on bird species. These studies inform conservation strategies and help monitor progress.

“We use satellite tracking to monitor migration patterns,” Kimaro said. “These data are critical to understanding how birds are adapting to changing environments and where interventions are needed most.”

One success story is the revival of the critically endangered Fischer’s lovebird. These vibrant birds, endemic to north-central Tanzania, were on the brink of extinction due to habitat destruction and illegal harvesting. Conservationists launched a campaign to restore their habitats and curb illegal trade.

“The population is slowly recovering,” Kimaro said. “It shows what can be achieved when science and community efforts come together.”

Tanzania’s national parks and reserves attract bird lovers from all over the world.

“Tourism can be a powerful tool for conservation,” said Maria Kihara, a local guide. “When people see the beauty of our birds, they are more likely to support conservation efforts.”

“The survival of Tanzania’s birds depends on people’s willingness to protect their habitats and address the root causes of climate change.”

“Every morning here in Tanzania I wake up to the beautiful song of birds, and it is an experience like no other,” said Martin Hughes, a birdwatcher from the UK. “The variety of species here is simply astonishing. I have seen everything from the vibrant Lilac-breasted Roller to the majestic African Fish Eagle.”

Hughes described the sheer joy of watching birds in their natural habitat.

“There is something incredibly peaceful about standing in the middle of a Tanzanian forest and listening to birdsong.”

He stressed the importance of conservation, noting: “We must protect these incredible birds and their habitats.”

As the sun sets over the Serengeti, the sweet song of the barbet fades into the twilight, symbolizing the tenacious spirit of Tanzania’s birds.