The Tana River Primate National Reserve was a protected area in south-eastern Kenya, covering 170 km². Established in 1976, it was created to safeguard the swampy forests along the lower Tana River and to protect two critically endangered primates found only in this region: the Tana River mangabey and the Tana River red colobus. The reserve was unique because it combined semi-arid savanna with small patches of lush riverine forest, creating a rare ecological corridor in East Africa.

Geography

Most of the reserve consisted of semi-arid savanna, but about 13 km² was made up of riverine forest patches. These forests stretched for nearly 60 km along the meandering lower Tana River, between Nkanjonja and Mitapani. The riverine forests were remnants of ancient West African lowland forests, making them ecologically distinct from the surrounding dry woodlands and grasslands.

History

The reserve was gazetted in 1976 to protect the endangered primates and their habitats. Despite international support, including a $6.7 million World Bank Global Environment Facility project between 1996 and 2001, conservation measures proved largely ineffective. Habitat degradation, human encroachment, and weak enforcement undermined efforts to secure the primates’ survival.

In 2005, more than 250 farming families were relocated to Kipini, 90 km away, in an attempt to reduce pressure on the reserve. However, in 2007, the High Court of Kenya ruled that the reserve had not been legally established under Kenyan law. As a result, it was degazetted, losing its official protection and funding.

Habitat and Biodiversity

The reserve’s riverine forests were rich in biodiversity, hosting endemic tree species and unusual wildlife more typical of Central Africa’s rainforests than East Africa’s savannas. Over 262 bird species were recorded, including rare species such as the white-winged apalis, African openbill stork, martial eagle, bat hawk, African pygmy-falcon, African barred owlet, scaly babbler, black-bellied glossy starling, and golden pipit.

At least 57 mammal species lived in the reserve, alongside reptiles, amphibians, and diverse plant life. The forests provided critical habitat for the endangered Tana River mangabey and red colobus, both of which depended on the fragmented forest patches for survival.

Conservation Challenges

The reserve faced numerous challenges, including deforestation, agricultural expansion, and weak enforcement of conservation laws. The degazettement in 2007 removed legal protection, leaving the primates and forests vulnerable. Despite setbacks, researchers have noted that if restored, the area could serve as a refugium for wildlife under moderate climate change scenarios, highlighting its long-term ecological importance.

Activities

• Primate Viewing: Observe the rare Tana River mangabey and red colobus in forest patches.

• Birdwatching: Spot over 260 bird species, including rare forest specialists.

• Nature Walks: Explore riverine forests and learn about endemic plants.

• Community Visits: Engage with relocated communities and learn about conservation challenges.

• Research Tours: Participate in ecological studies focusing on primates and forest restoration.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season, from June to October and January to February, was the best time to visit, as forest trails were more accessible and wildlife easier to spot. The wet season, from March to May and November to December, brought lush vegetation and excellent birdwatching opportunities, though flooding and muddy conditions made travel more difficult.

Visitor Tips

Visitors were advised to prepare for rugged conditions, carrying sufficient water, insect repellent, and sturdy shoes. Guided tours were essential for locating primates in fragmented forest patches. Respecting conservation rules and supporting local initiatives were critical to sustaining the fragile ecosystem.