Last January, researcher Sara Fraixedas (CREAF-ICO) and scientist Daniel Burgas (University of Jyväskylä, Finland) launched the first field guide to birds dedicated to the Daasanach community of Ileret, located in northern Kenya near Lake Turkana. The project, which merges science, conservation, and education, aims to spark interest in ornithology and raise awareness about the importance of preserving local biodiversity.
The guide, written in both Daasanach and English, provides detailed information on 142 bird species found in the area. Each entry includes a color photograph, a clear description to aid identification, and data on habitat, diet, and conservation status. The tool is designed to enhance the birdwatching skills of Ileret residents while promoting a deeper understanding of the natural environment around them.
In addition to the guide’s publication, the project has led to the creation of the Ileret Bird Club, which includes around fifty members—mostly women—who have participated in various training sessions on bird observation and conservation practices. This group has become a key player in defending local natural heritage and spreading environmental knowledge within the community.
The project team expresses deep gratitude to the Daasanach people for their enthusiastic collaboration. They also acknowledge the support received from the University of Helsinki, the initial crowdfunding campaign, the Turkana Basin Institute, the Delta Birding Festival, and the Barcelona Zoo, all of which contributed essential resources to bring both the guide and its related educational activities to life.
Reference:
Fraixedas, S. & Burgas, D. (editors), Kanisa, P., Ajiko, A., Komoi, T. T., Tilahun, B. 2025. A Field Guide to the Birds of Northern Kenya: A Daasanach / English Bird Guide. University of Helsinki, Finland.
