The dispersion and control of domestic biodiversity in Nairobi

Abstract

The spread of invasive species requires adequate knowledge of the presence and absence of species within various ecosystems. One such ecosystem is the domestic arena which plays host to various species that may be grouped largely as pets, pests, indoor plants, outdoor plants and other species that are within compounds and that are not readily classifiable into the groups above. The domestic ecosystem is usually a conduit to other ecosystems. The aim of this project was to identify and map invasive species found in Nairobi such as the wandering Jew (Tradescantia fluminensis), the black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) and others. It also aimed to map through spatial interpolation possible in GIS analysis, the richness of life in the domestic household within areas of Nairobi and to provide information that is differentiated spatially in cardinal geographic locations of East, West, South and North of Nairobi using Arc View GIS and Diva GIS software. The project also aimed to establish the existence of pest problems and to assess the methods used in controlling them and their efficacy. The methods used in the study included identification of plant specimen and photos, georeferencing of survey points, spatial interpolation and overlaying. Some of the key conclusions and recommendations are that a database should be created by the City Council of Nairobi and other concerned bodies of the plant species that are introduced in Kenya. This should be done by spatial location to enable easy management of invasive species. The current methods used in the control of pests within Nairobi city were found to be inadequate. The current laws that detail the handling of propagation material e.g. Chapter 326 and Chapter 324 of the laws of Kenya do not sufficiently tackle the issue of invasive species from a biodiversity perspective.