Conservation education and habitat restoration for the endangered Sagalla caecilian （Boulengerula niedeni） in Sagalla Hill, Kenya

The Sagalla caecilian （Boulengerula niedeni） is an endangered amphibian endemic to Sagalla Hill in the Taita Hills. This burrowing worm-like species prefers soft soil with high moisture and organic matter. The major threats to the Sagalla caecilian are soil erosion caused by steep slopes, bare ground and water siphoning/soil hardening from exotic eucalyptus trees. The purpose of this study was to get a better understanding of the local people＇s attitude towards this species and how they can contribute to its continued conservation through restoration of its remaining habitat. In this study, it was found that 96% of Sagalla people are aware of the species, its habits and its association with soils high in organic matter. It was also found that 96% of Sagalla people use organic manure from cow dung in their farms. Habitat restoration through planting of indigenous plants was found to be ongoing, especially on compounds of public institutions as well as on private lands. Although drought was found to be a challenge for seedlings development especially on the low elevation sites, destruction by livestock especially during the dry season is also a major threat. In this study, it was recommended that any future habitat restoration initiative should include strong chain-link fencing to protect the seedlings from livestock activity. Recognizing that the preferred habitats for the species are in the valleys, systematic planting of keystone plant species such as fig trees （Ficus） creates the best microhabitats. These are better than general woodlots of indigenous trees.

Establish a special conservation zone for the captive giant panda

The giant panda(Ailuropoda melanoleuca)is recognized worldwide as an icon for wildlife conservation.Since the introduction in 1992 of reliable methods for artificial insemination,the population of captive pandas has grown to approximately 350 individuals in 2013.However,ca ptive panda populations are harmed by environmental pollution,diseases trans-mitted from domestic animals,and other anthropologenic activities.Although the Chinese government has proposed the creation of a Giant Panda National Park,there are at least three reasons that suggest that it is premature to reintroduce captive pandas into this proposed national park.First,habitat fragmentation remains the greatest threat to survival of giant pandas;second,most captive pandas are hybrids of the Sichuan and Qinling subspecies and release of hybrids may lead to further introgression between the two subspecies;and third,captive pandas may be competitively inferior to wild pandas in the region,and may not survive fights for food or mates.As an alternative,we suggest establishing a special con-servation zone in the Shennongjia National Nature Reserve for wild training of captive pandas prior to their reintroduction into the National Park.