3. MANAGEMENT OF FGR

3.1. In situ conservation activities
3.2. Ex situ conservation activities
3.3. Selection and genetic improvement
3.4. National priority species

3.1. In situ conservation activities

Protected areas

Gazetted forest area comprises 1.7 million ha of which 1.22 million ha are closed canopy forest. Included in the 1.22 million ha are 0.16 million ha of plantations consisting primarily of exotic species, established mainly in the high potential areas of the country. Most of the gazetted and closed forests outside the gazetted area (0.18 million ha) also occur in the wet zones of Kenya. Figure 4 shows the distribution in Kenya of the main closed forests.

In contrast, the highest population, density and diversity of Kenya’s wild fauna is found in the dry zones of the country and about 90% of the over 50 gazetted national parks, sanctuaries and game reserves are located in the arid and semi-arid areas (ASALs) (Fig.5). To date, Kenya has 26 national parks and 30 national game reserves (including one game sanctuary); thus 8% of Kenya’s land is under some form of protection (Fig 4, 5). In addition, there are several private game sanctuaries, primarily set aside for the protection of the endangered Black Rhinoceros Diceros bicornis among other animals.

Table 6 shows the major National Parks and game reserves.

Table 6: Protected national Parks and Reserves Containing Significant forest areas

National Park	Area (ha)	Ecological Zone/District
Mt. Kenya	59,000	Humid - Nyeri and Meru
Aberdares range	76,570	Humid to semi humid - Nyeri and Muranga
Al Ndonyo Sabuk	1,800	Semi-arid - Machakos
Mt. Elgon	16,900	Humid to semi-humid - Trans Nzoia
Chyulu	47,100	Semi-arid to arid - Makueni
Marsabit	36,000	Arid - Marsabit
Total	237,370
National Game Reserves
Marsabit	113,000	Arid - Marsabit
Shimba Hills	19,200	Humid to semi-humid - Kwale
Tana River Primate	16,900	Semi-arid - Tana River
Boni	133,900	Semi-arid - Garissa
Dodori	87,700	Semi-humid to semi-arid - Lamu
Kakamega	4,470	Humid - Kakamega
Total	375,370

Of the 210 gazetted forest reserves (fig 4), 84 are gazetted under government land and covers some 1,346,074 ha and 126 under trust land covering some 350,427 ha. Within the gazetted natural forest reserves managed by Forest Department on behalf of the Government some Nature Reserves are located therein. Table 7 gives a list of Nature Reserves occurring in gazetted forests.

Table 7: Nature Reserves in Gazetted Forests

Nature Reserve	Area (ha)	Ecological Zone/Location
Kisere	484	Humid - North Kakamega
Yala	469	Humid - Central Kakamega
Kakamega Station	210	Humid - Kakamega Forest
S.W. Mau	43,032	Humid to semi-humid - S.W. Mau
Arabuko-Sokoke	4,332	Semi-humid - Arabuko-Sokoke Forest
Langata	96	Semi-humid - Nairobi West
North Nandi	3,434	Semi-humid - North Nandi Forest
Uaso Narok	1,575	Semi-arid - Nyahururu East
Total	53,536

Sacred forests

The sacred forests are traditional forests and woodlands respected by local tribes. In Kenya the sacred forests are more common in the coast and are referred to as the “Kaya” forests. These forests are set aside by nine coastal tribes (miji kenda) for performing rituals according to their traditional and customary laws. In addition they are the source of traditional food plants and medicines. There are some 23 such kayas mainly in Kilifi and Kwale districts in the coast. The total area of major “kaya” sacred forests distributed along the coast is about 21,480 ha. Areas of some smaller kayas have not been established. The distribution of the major kayas is shown in figure 6.

The Coast sacred forests (kayas) are remains of the northern most elements of the Zanzibar-Inhambane phyto-geographical region, which stretches along the East African coast from northern Mozambique to southern Somalia. (White,1983). There is substantial body of botanical and zoological evidence to indicate that it was part of a more extensive coast forest system. The climate of this type of vegetation is semi-humid to semi arid.

The greatest role of the Kayas is the conservation of the most threatened species that includes: Afzelia quanzensis, Brachystegia spiciformis, Brachylaena huillensis, Julberardia and Manilkara species, all of which have been over-exploited. Milicia excelsa and Sterculia appendiculata have already been eliminated from the forest reserves around through commercial logging.

Traditional agro-forestry parklands systems

A number of indigenous tree species are left behind after clearing vegetation for purposes of cultivation. Such trees are left by farmers over a large area of the northern Kenya and are valued as component species in the dryland farming system. The main parkland systems are scattered over the 80% of the country’s arid and semi-arid lands. The few main tree species left on farms are Faidherbia albida, Erythrina abyssinica, Balanites aegyptiaca, Adansonia digitata, Acacia tortilis, Acacia nilotica, Terminalia brownii, Melia volkensii, Phoenix reclinata, among others.

Farming systems along the tradational parklands in dry areas is by fallowing where land is left for a couple of years to rejuvenate its fertility levels for improved productivity of cultivated crops, mostly the cereals.

3.2. Ex situ conservation activities

Seed banks and gene banks

The Kenya Tree Seed Centre undertakes national tree seed collection, distribution and sale, both nationally and internationally (ICRAF, 1997). The Centre collects seed from identified sources, which covers both the dry and wet areas of the country. The centre also provides phytosanitary certificates for tree seed and is currently involved in the formulation of tree seed regulations and its incorporation into the predominantly agricultural Seed Act. National control of agricultural seed is done by the Kenya Plants Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS).

The Kenya Tree Seed Centre maintains a national system of seed orchards and seed stands. The main tree seed collected are those of plantation species (Cupressus lusitanica, Pinus patula, Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus saligna and Eucalyptus camaldulensis among other minor species). Demand for seeds of agroforestry species has gone up. Such demand has been notable with species like: Grevillea robusta, Calliandara spp, Sesbania spp. Markamia lutea, Moringa oleorifera, among few others. The Kenya Tree Seed Centre stocks about 7000Kg of various tree seeds in its cold and warm storage facilities.

Forest plantation

Much of the forest plantations are established of exotic species. The main exotic species are Pine (31%), Cypress (45%) and Eucalyptus (10%) while 14% is taken by other species. Limited plantations have been raised from indigenous trees species. Table 8 shows the distribution of plantation crops according to ecological zones. More of the plantations are in the humid and semi-humid zones and very little plantation cover is found in the dry zones. There are well established seed stands and orchards but the situation is not the same for the more drier areas. Collection of seed for raising planting materials is usually in the open and in dry areas is more of indigenous trees.

Table 8: Forest plantations in the country

Ecological zones	Areas (ha)	Local and exotic Species planted	Seed sources	Current management situation
Semi-humid to semi-arid	40,000	Pinus patula, Cupressus, lusitanica, Eucalyptus grandis E. saligna, E. camaldulensis, Cordia africana, Prunus Africana, Grevillea robusta	Seed stands Seed orchards Open collections	According to management plans
Semi - arid	15,000	Cupressus arizona,, Croton megalocarpus, Olea europaea, Markamia lutea, Branchylaena huillensis, Pinus caribaea	Seed stands open collection	Management plants and small stands with no plans
Arid	370	Melia volkensii, Dalbergia melanoxylon, Faidherbia albida, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Phoenix spp.	Open collection	No proper approved management plans
Very arid	not significant	Schinus molle, Acacia tortilis	Open collection	No approved management plans

Botanical and home gardens

There are several botanical gardens mostly situated in or near towns or within premises of forestry institutions and universities. Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu and other major towns have Arboretums of tree species. Most of the species planted in the Botanical gardens are those suitable for the local climatic conditions and are also common in the plantation stands and residential compounds. In four of the major arboretums at Muguga, Nairobi, Gede near Malindi and at Nyeri Forest department offices, among others, the planting is done according to plan and with the purpose of testing species performance. Assessments are done and data analysed to determine growth rates under the prevailing conditions.

The dominant arboretum species in the humid and semi-humid are: Cupressus lusitanica, Acacia mearnsii, Grevillea robusta, Eucalyptus spp, Olea europaea, Croton megalocarpus, Teclea nobilis. The dominant species in the coast are: Afzelia quanzensis, Casuarina equisetifolia, Eucalyptus spp etc. Garden and Arboretums situated in drier towns are popular with Acacia species, Grevillea robusta, Casuarina species, Croton, megalocarpus, Terminalia spp and Eucalyptus species adapted to dry areas.

3.3. Selection and genetic improvement

Species and Provenance trials

It is not easy to list separately experiments meant for provenance testing and those whose objectives are for species selection trials. Objectives of testing are recorded as both for species selection, testing and provenance trials although there are a few cases of just species trial experiments.

The following species are included in experimental testing of species and provenances. Majority of the tests and much of the area cover are on provenance testing. The largest cover and number of provenance trials are on Calliandra calothyrsus, Eucalyptus grandis, Grevillea robusta, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus tereticornis, and Acacia spp the later three in the dry areas. Provenance trials of agroforestry species have increased recently while there has been a drop of new provenance trials of industrial plantation tree species.

Vegetative propagation experiments

There are vegetative propagation experiments on Populus ilicifolia, Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus camaldulensis hybrid, several bamboo species, Melia volkensii, Grevillea robusta, Pinus patula and P. radiata. The objectives of such experiments are mass propagation to increase production of a particular species in high demand, difficulties of obtaining enough seedlings through seed eg. Melia volkensii and tree improvement of selected species. Clonal experiments of Pinus patula, P. radiata, Eucalyptus grandis, Grevillea robust and Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus camaldulensis have been in progress for several years now. Many indigenous fruit trees in the dry zones are raised through vegetative propagation methods.

The area of vegetative propagation experiments is specifically not easy to pin point since planting out has been mixed up with the species/provenance trial experiments. Actual area of vegetatively propagated experiments is however relatively negligible.

Table 9: Distribution of species and Provenance trials

Ecological Zone	Species under Species/Provenance trials	Total approximate area
Humid to semi-humid	Cupressus lusitanica, Eucalyptus grandis, E. saligna, E. regnans, E. fastigata, Pinus patula, P. radiata, P. pseudostrobus, Casuarina funghuhniana, Acacia koa, P. taeda, P. maximinoi, Casuarina equisetufikuam, P. patula sub-species tecunumanii, C. macrocarpa, E. urophylla, Olea welwitschii,, A. mearnsii, A. melanoxylon, Eucalyptus spp., Agathis robusta, Prunus africana, Grevillea robusta, Sesbania sesban, Markamia lutea, Croton megalocarpus among few others.	121.5 ha
Semi-humid to semi-arid	Pinus elliotti, P. oocarpa, P. caribaea, E. camaldulensis, E. urophylla, Casuarina equisetifolia, Grevillea robusta, Croton megalocarpus, E. tereticornis, Calliandra scabrela, Populus ilicifolia, Senna siamea, Dalbergia melanoxylon, Melia volkensii, Pinus kesiya, Azadirachta indica, Leucaena spp.	60.6 ha
Semi-arid to arid	Acacia nilotica, A. tortilis, A. eriobola, A. karoo, Faidherbia albida, Dalbergia melanocylon, Terminalia pruniodes, Albizia spp, Azadiracta indica, Eucalytus tereticornis, Schinus molle, Pinus bruita, E. alba, Parkinsonia aculata, Prosopis chilensis, Pinus caribaea.	20.3 ha

Species improvement and characterization

The most notable tree improvement efforts have been directed to Cupressus lusitanica, Pinus patula and Pinus radiata which are the most widely planted industrial plantation species since some five decades ago. Starting in 1962, a national tree improvement was initiated in Kenya, which ended up in selecting plus trees nation-wide and establishing two live tree seed banks. A system of seed stands was identified for seed collection using well researched traits, useful in identifying good tree forms for timber production. Stem taper, stem form, wood grain angle, stem branches, susceptibility to key diseases, among others, were considered in the selection of trees for a national tree improvement programme.

There has been an extensive testing of the plus trees, exotic provenance trials and progeny testing on the three species. Eventually a network of seed orchards was established. Pinus radiata was however later dropped from the national tree planting programme due to serious attack of the tree by needle bright disease (Dothistroma pinii). On the average a net improvement of 30% increment in growth and volume has been achieved through the national tree improvement programme of the three species.

Recently efforts in tree improvement have been directed to the Eucalyptus spp. especially, E. grandis, E. grandis × E. camaldulensis and E. urophyalla. Improvement efforts have been started on Grevillea robusta and Melia volkensii growing in semi-humid and semi-arid to arid areas respectively.

3.4. National priority species

The criteria used for short-listing tree species for priority action are presented below. In several cases a combination of more than one criteria was considered in helping to identify a priority species for action.

• Social popularity of the species as elaborated by the contacted stakeholders,
• The distribution of the species in area; A more widely distributed species was favoured.
• Commercial contribution in terms of products trade, marketing and services
• Species easier to work with and likely to be improved through genetic manipulation was selected
• The degree of threat on the species influenced its selection especially as it relate to a need for conservation
• Introduced species in the initial species list are few, popular with local people and forest managers and except for the Prosopis species, were selected for possible development action.

Table 10 below provide priority tree species for the different ecological zones in Kenya.

Table 10: National priority species

Ecological zone	Priority species
Semi-humid to semi-arid	Grevillea robusta, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Branchylaena huillensis, Borassus aethlopum, Trichilia ametica, Newtonia hilderbradtily Diospyros abbystanica, Carissa edulis, Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus camaldulensis hybrid
Semi - arid	Azadirachta indica, Balanites aegyptiaca, Faidherbia albida, Moringa oleifera, Sclerocarya birrea, Tamarindus indica, Terminalia brownii, Melia volkensii, Dalbergia melanoxylon
Arid	Hyphaene compressa, Acacia nilotica, Acacia tortilis, Acacia senegal, Acacia seyal, Moringa stenopetala, Ziziphus mauritiana, Populus ilicifolia, Eucalyptus tereticornis
Very arid	Hyphaena compressa, Lanssonia inermis, Acacia tortilis, Grewia spp., Acacia nilotica