The remaining forest on the Taita Hills in Kenya is home to three endemic birds and 32 globally threatened species. Among them is the elusive and Critically Endangered Taita thrush Turdus helleri. This ground-dwelling forest bird is now restricted to only four forest fragments, Mbololo, Ngangao, Chawia and Yale. Its estimated global range is only about 3.5 square kilometers. These four, tiny forest fragments are heavily disturbed and extremely vulnerable because of the dense human population surrounding them.

These sites have the very high potential to be targeted for ecotourism given that they are conveniently located near a major highway, they offer spectacular views and the unique biodiversity of the forest will attract any naturalist, particularly bird watchers. Conservation of this unique forest requires integrated planning and action. Fortunately, the Kenya Forests Working Group, with input from Nature Kenya and the local community recently finalized a draft management plan for the Ngangao Forest that aims to prevent further biodiversity and habitat loss at this critical site in East Africa. With this management plan now drafted, there now appears to be renewed hope for the Taita thrush and the other remaining species at the Taita Hills.