From January 23rd to February 9th, 2025, two consecutive research expeditions explored the biodiversity of the Moroto Conservation Zone, an initiative of the Kara-Tunga Foundation, situated on the western slopes of Mount Moroto in Morungole Sub County, Kaabong District. These surveys, conducted in close succession, provided a comprehensive snapshot of the region’s avian and bat populations, building upon initial findings and extending the data collection period for a more thorough understanding of the local ecosystem.
Mount Moroto Survey (January 23rd – 30th):
This initial survey, conducted by a team of international biodiversity scientists, focused on bats, birds, and frogs within the Moroto Conservation Zone, including the St. Lawrence River and the Apostles of Jesus Seminary in Nadiket Parish. Read the findings here.
Morungole Sub County Survey (February 3rd – 9th):
The subsequent survey, undertaken by Kara-Tunga Foundation in collaboration with Fauna Forever International, continued the research efforts in the same area. This follow-up study aimed to expand the species inventory and further contribute to the development of a robust conservation strategy.
Scope:
The research encompassed species identification, sex differentiation, age estimation, and habitat documentation for bats, birds, and, where applicable, other fauna like snakes. The geographical scope included key areas within the Kidepo Conservation Zone, specifically targeting locations known to be important habitats for the studied species.
Objectives:
To create a comprehensive avian and bat inventory of the research area.
To gain key insights for the development of an effective conservation strategy.
To build the capacity of Kara-Tunga’s field team to conduct ongoing monitoring of avian and bat populations.
Research Teams:
The initial team was led by Chris Ketola and comprised 14 volunteers from Fauna Forever International, a Peruvian non-profit organization, along with Ugandan scientists and students from Makerere University. The follow-up team consisted of Kara-Tunga Foundation staff and volunteers, working in conjunction with Fauna Forever International.
Methodology:
The primary method for capturing birds and bats remained mist netting, with nets being regularly monitored and checked. The team utilized camera traps and phone cameras for documentation, conducted trekking expeditions to locate various habitats, and employed phone resources for researching unknown species and confirming identifications.
Key Findings:
Both surveys highlighted the remarkable diversity of sunbird species within Morungole Sub County. Researchers identified numerous bat and bird species, with new species observed during the expedition. The research also revealed community knowledge gaps regarding bat diversity and highlighted the abundance of certain bird species in the area. Snake sightings, including the Lake Ruka snake and Cape Wolf snake, added another dimension to the study, pointing to the rich herpetofaunal diversity of the region. The survey also noted the prevalence of deforestation and wildfires impacting the habitats of birds, bats, insects and other animals. Additionally, water scarcity and the lack of fruit trees were identified as challenges affecting local wildlife.
Lessons Learned:
The Kara-Tunga team gained valuable practical field research skills, significantly improved their species identification abilities, and acquired hands-on experience in animal handling. They developed a deeper understanding of the local biodiversity, including the presence of specific bird species, the diversity of bat species, and the various frog species and their habitats. The teams also learned how to differentiate sexes in bats and birds, estimate ages, handle specimens, and identify key anatomical features. The follow-up survey emphasized the importance of community sensitization regarding deforestation and the need for water sources and fruit trees to support local wildlife.
Recommendations:
Researchers recommend the Kara-Tunga team continue personal practice, consult with experts, and acquire additional learning equipment. The follow-up survey team specifically recommended planting fruit trees around the eco-camps to attract more bats and birds, constructing small pools of water within the eco-camp area, and sensitizing the surrounding community on the detrimental effects of deforestation and uncontrolled burning.
Preliminary Combined Species Sightings List:
The following table combines the species sightings from both reports. It’s important to note that some identifications are still ongoing, and further verification is needed. IUCN status is provided where available, but some species are marked as “Data Deficient” (DD) due to a lack of information or left blank pending further research. “Least Concern” (LC) is assumed for many unless evidence suggests otherwise. “Endangered” (EN) means the species faces a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Its population numbers are low, and it is facing significant threats to its survival.
Kara-Tunga Foundation is celebrating the succesful completion of project inception meeting with Nakapiripirit and Moroto District local government for the Karamoja Conservation Zones initiative.
Kara-Tunga Foundation – under the Karamoja Conservation Zones initiative – has trained farmers in Moroto and Nakapiripirit District in the basics of beekeeping. The training prepares farmers to manage beehives which will be placed in the Conservation Zones.
International bird observations platform eBird approved the Pian-Upe Eco Camp as bird watching hotspot. This is a great achievement of Kara-Tunga Foundation‘s – Karamoja Conservation Zones initiative who established the camp as research and monitoring centre.
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Bats and Birds Research, Morungole
From January 23rd to February 9th, 2025, two consecutive research expeditions explored the biodiversity of the Moroto Conservation Zone, an initiative of the Kara-Tunga Foundation, situated on the western slopes of Mount Moroto in Morungole Sub County, Kaabong District. These surveys, conducted in close succession, provided a comprehensive snapshot of the region’s avian and bat populations, building upon initial findings and extending the data collection period for a more thorough understanding of the local ecosystem.
Mount Moroto Survey (January 23rd – 30th):
This initial survey, conducted by a team of international biodiversity scientists, focused on bats, birds, and frogs within the Moroto Conservation Zone, including the St. Lawrence River and the Apostles of Jesus Seminary in Nadiket Parish. Read the findings here.
Morungole Sub County Survey (February 3rd – 9th):
The subsequent survey, undertaken by Kara-Tunga Foundation in collaboration with Fauna Forever International, continued the research efforts in the same area. This follow-up study aimed to expand the species inventory and further contribute to the development of a robust conservation strategy.
Scope:
The research encompassed species identification, sex differentiation, age estimation, and habitat documentation for bats, birds, and, where applicable, other fauna like snakes. The geographical scope included key areas within the Kidepo Conservation Zone, specifically targeting locations known to be important habitats for the studied species.
Objectives:
Research Teams:
The initial team was led by Chris Ketola and comprised 14 volunteers from Fauna Forever International, a Peruvian non-profit organization, along with Ugandan scientists and students from Makerere University. The follow-up team consisted of Kara-Tunga Foundation staff and volunteers, working in conjunction with Fauna Forever International.
Methodology:
The primary method for capturing birds and bats remained mist netting, with nets being regularly monitored and checked. The team utilized camera traps and phone cameras for documentation, conducted trekking expeditions to locate various habitats, and employed phone resources for researching unknown species and confirming identifications.
Key Findings:
Both surveys highlighted the remarkable diversity of sunbird species within Morungole Sub County. Researchers identified numerous bat and bird species, with new species observed during the expedition. The research also revealed community knowledge gaps regarding bat diversity and highlighted the abundance of certain bird species in the area. Snake sightings, including the Lake Ruka snake and Cape Wolf snake, added another dimension to the study, pointing to the rich herpetofaunal diversity of the region. The survey also noted the prevalence of deforestation and wildfires impacting the habitats of birds, bats, insects and other animals. Additionally, water scarcity and the lack of fruit trees were identified as challenges affecting local wildlife.
Lessons Learned:
The Kara-Tunga team gained valuable practical field research skills, significantly improved their species identification abilities, and acquired hands-on experience in animal handling. They developed a deeper understanding of the local biodiversity, including the presence of specific bird species, the diversity of bat species, and the various frog species and their habitats. The teams also learned how to differentiate sexes in bats and birds, estimate ages, handle specimens, and identify key anatomical features. The follow-up survey emphasized the importance of community sensitization regarding deforestation and the need for water sources and fruit trees to support local wildlife.
Recommendations:
Researchers recommend the Kara-Tunga team continue personal practice, consult with experts, and acquire additional learning equipment. The follow-up survey team specifically recommended planting fruit trees around the eco-camps to attract more bats and birds, constructing small pools of water within the eco-camp area, and sensitizing the surrounding community on the detrimental effects of deforestation and uncontrolled burning.
Preliminary Combined Species Sightings List:
The following table combines the species sightings from both reports. It’s important to note that some identifications are still ongoing, and further verification is needed. IUCN status is provided where available, but some species are marked as “Data Deficient” (DD) due to a lack of information or left blank pending further research. “Least Concern” (LC) is assumed for many unless evidence suggests otherwise. “Endangered” (EN) means the species faces a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Its population numbers are low, and it is facing significant threats to its survival.
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