1. Protected areas

Karura Forest

Status
Designated
Designation type
National
Designation
Urban Forest Reserve or urban green space
Surface area
covers an area of approximately 1,041 hectares
Status year
1932
Governing type
Federal or national ministry or agency
Owner type
Not Reported
Management authority
Kenya Forest Service and the Friends of Karura Forest Community Forest Association
Management plan
Yes it has a management Plan
Body

Karura Forest is an urban forest in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. The forest was gazetted in 1932 and is managed by the Kenya Forest Service in conjunction with the Friends of Karura Forest Community Forest Association.

Karura Forest in Nairobi, Kenya, is not a national park or national reserve. It is primarily an urban forest reserve and green space within the city of Nairobi. The management and conservation of Karura Forest fall under the responsibility of the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the Friends of Karura Forest Community Forest Association, in collaboration with local authorities. While it is not classified as a national park or reserve, it serves as an important recreational area, provides habitat for urban wildlife, and offers residents and visitors a peaceful natural environment within the city.

Karura Forest is 1,041 hectares (2,570 acres) consisting of three parts separated by Limuru and Kiambu roads. The large middle portion is ca. 710 hectares (1,800 acres); the Sigria salient to the west is ca. 250 hectares (620 acres). The portion to the east of Kiambu road has been allocated to special national priorities. As of mid-2016, 36% of the forest contains indigenous upland forest tree species. The forest is home to some 200 species of bird as well as suni, Harveys Duiker, bushbucks, bush pigs, genets, civets, honey badgers, bush babies, porcupines, Syke's monkeys, bush squirrels, hares, fruit bats, and various reptiles and butterflies. Karura now has over 50 km of trails for visitors to walk, run or bike.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karura_Forest
Source:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karura_Forest

Summary

  • Area Size: Karura Forest covers an area of approximately 1,041 hectares (about 4 square miles). It is located in the northern part of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya.

  • Designation Date: Karura Forest was designated as a protected area many years ago. The exact date of its designation may not be readily available, but it has been a vital green space for Nairobi residents for a long time.

  • Management: The management of Karura Forest is the responsibility of the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the Friends of Karura Forest Community Forest Association. These entities work together to ensure the conservation and sustainable management of the forest.

  • IUCN Status: Karura Forest may not have an official IUCN status classification as it is primarily an urban forest reserve and green space for the city of Nairobi. However, it serves as an important recreational area and contributes to local biodiversity conservation.

  • Biodiversity: Karura Forest is home to a variety of plant and animal species, and it plays a crucial role in providing a green lung for Nairobi. Some of the biodiversity in Karura Forest includes indigenous tree species, birds, insects, small mammals, and reptiles. It provides a valuable habitat for urban wildlife and serves as a green oasis within the city, offering walking and hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and a peaceful environment for residents and visitors.

 

Source :https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karura_Forest