HERPETOFAUNAL ABUNDANCE AND LOCAL COMMUNITY PERCEPTION OF THE SPECIES IN KAKUNGA-MUKANGU REGION OF THE KAKAMEGA FOREST NATIONAL RESERVE, KENYA

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the distribution and abundance of reptiles and amphibians in the forest and the adjacent farmlands in Kakunga-Mukangu region of the Kakamega Forest National Reserve. It also sought to determine the perceptions of the local community towards conservation of herpetofauna in the region. The data was collected between January and April 2017 using standardized time constrained searches, drift fence and pitfall trapping methods. In addition, a questionnaire survey distributed to 60 households in the Kakunga-Mukangu region was used to determine familiarity and perceptions of the community towards reptiles and amphibians. A total of 136 individual herpes were recorded including 7 species of reptiles and 5 species of amphibians belonging to 8 genera. Trachylepis megalura was the most abundant species of reptiles and Phrynobatrachus natalensis was the most abundant species of amphibians. Most of the species were observed in the primary forest (29.41%) whereas the least abundance of the species was observed near or within aquatic habitats (8.82%). All the respondents (100%) were aware of the presence of various kinds of reptiles and amphibians in the Kakunga-Mukangu region of the Kakamega Forest.  Lizards and snakes were the commonest herpes as indicated by 48.33% and 40.00% of the respondents respectively. The study established that negative values were widespread in the community. Herptiles such as the snakes that were considered as dangerous by the majority of the communities were also least liked and enjoyed conservation support by the smallest proportion of the community members. The study established the need to enlighten the local community about the positive values of herpetofauna in the region.