Establishment of Higher Terrestrial Plants and Animal Species Found in Matayos Division of Busia County, Kenya

Abstract

In order to successfully achieve terrestrial biodiversity protection and conservation, more information is needed about the variety of plants and animal species existing in the ecosphere. Although biodiversity constitute a great asset in Kenya and Busia County at large, it is at risk of getting eroded due to increased anthropogenic activities, and therefore the urgent need to identify the various higher plants and animal species found in this sub-county. In the past, plants and animals were abundant in the area and currently some species are rare possibly due to destruction of their habitats by human activities. However, there is no known study that has focused on identifying the terrestrial plants and animals in the division. The study focused on Matayos division where biodiversity conservation issues have not been adequately addressed. Cross-sectional descriptive research design was used. A minimum sample size of 384 household heads was taken out of a study population of 56,186. Matayos division was stratified according to locations and then households selected through simple random sampling for questionnaire administration. Purposive sampling was used to get Key Informants such as village elders, chiefs and Sub chiefs. Primary data were collected through questionnaire administration, key informant interview, Focus Group Discussion, Field Observation and Photography. The results indicated that the division is endowed with variety of terrestrial plants and animal species which should be well protected. There is need for creating communities’ awareness on the various activities carried out and their effects on terrestrial biodiversity conservation so as to ensure conservation of the available species. Establishment of protected areas in the division to conserve these valuable species could benefit the community and the Busia County at large.