Situated on Kenya"s coast, the Arabuko Sokoke National Park is merely a small section of the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve which has been declared the second most valuable forest in Africa for the conservation of birds. The reason behind a small portion of the forest reserve being ranked as a national park is to protect two rare species of mammals nearing extinction; the Golden-rumped elephant shrew and the Ader's duiker, in addition to six bird species including the Clarke"s weaver, amani sunbird, east coast akalat, Sokoke pipit and the Sokoke Scops owl. The most noticeable creature among the park"s endemic mammals is the Golden-rumped elephant shrew that is the size of a rabbit. However, species such as the genet cat, bush babies and mongoose can also be seen during night time, while Sykes monkeys and baboons are often spotted as well.
In total, over 260 bird species have been recorded in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, including a great number of bird species limited to the coastal area such as southern banded snake eagle, Fisher"s turaco and the green barbet. Visitors can take part in educational walks with the assistance of knowledgeable and well-trained local guides. Numerous rough driving tracks as well as a network of walking paths are available making visitors" exploration journeys convenient. Offering forest guide bookings and useful information, a well-equipped visitor centre is open daily.
Also home to a wide range of plant species, as well as amphibians and butterfly species which amount to nearly 250, the forest is recognized for being the largest remaining indigenous coastal forest in east Africa. Among the 52 mammal species inhabiting the forest, five are globally threatened. A diversity of invertebrates and reptiles also exist here.
Arabuko Sokoke National Park connects to the Mida Creek, which is a mangrove forest considered a significant shorebird wintering ground, home to species such as the Crab Plover and the Terek Sandpiper.
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