By Adam Mynott
BBC News, Kenya

Environmentalists in Kenya are worried that an insecticide is being used by farmers to kill lions and other predators. Carbofuran is a very powerful and toxic insecticide. Spread in the soil, it destroys bugs in the ground and is taken up by plants and kills insects which feed on the sap or foliage.

It is so powerful and toxic that it has been banned in Europe. In the United States it cannot be used in granular form, and the US Environmental Protection Agency is seeking a total ban. But in Kenya, carbofuran can be bought across the counter without restriction.

According to world-famous naturalist Dr Richard Leakey, it is being bought not by farmers wanting to control bugs and insects, but mainly by herdsmen who use it to kill lions, leopards and other predators. Among the latest incidents two lions were poisoned and killed in the Maasai Mara game reserve after eating the carcass of a hippo that had ingested carbofuran.

Vets and wildlife rangers were called to watch the pathetic sight of the lions staggering and weakened from the effects of the poison. One of the lions was shot to bring a quick end to its suffering. Another lion died a few months ago from carbofuran poisoning on a private ranch in Laikipia.

In November last year, a dead camel was apparently found laced with carbofuran near Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. The result was the death of at least two lions and 15 vultures which feasted on the carcass. Also near Lewa, several lions from the nearby Samburu Wildlife Reserve were poisoned; again, it is thought carbofuran was responsible.

There are many other cases throughout Kenya of predators dying after eating meat contaminated with the chemical. Dr Leakey says carbofuran is "deadly poisonous" and he has called for it to be banned in Kenya. "It's become known in rural communities in Kenya as an easy way to get rid of predators: lions, leopards and hyenas," he says.

Dr Leakey says his research shows that Furadan, the trade name of the biggest-selling carbofuran insecticide in Kenya, is being bought not by farmers but by pastoralists who do not have any land for growing crops, and use the chemical to kill lions and leopards which threaten their herds.

There is no record for the number of predators killed in Kenya by poisoning, but many naturalists believe carbofuran is responsible for thousands of deaths, not just of big cats but all carrion eaters.

Carbofuran comes in granular form, tiny dust-like purple pellets. The container warns that it should be kept "locked away out of reach of children", but there is not a word on the label about a potential threat to wildlife. Kenya's Pest Control and Products Board is carrying out research into carbofuran's dangers and toxicity, and say it is too early to come to a conclusion.

Dr Leakey says the evidence is there for all to see. His worries are shared by Thomas Manyibe, a vet with the Kenya Wildlife Service who carried out post-mortem tests on the lions that were killed in the Maasai Mara. He says evidence shows that carbofuran is being used to target lions and leopards.

On the edge of the Maasai Mara a young herdsman, Ndigwa, said he lost many cows every year to lions and leopards, but he said he would never resort to poison to take revenge on the predators.

Carbofuran comes from a number of different overseas suppliers, but the main producer is the US firm FMC Corporation. The company said in a statement: "We take stewardship of our products very seriously and condemn any intentional baiting misuse of carbofuran.

Concerns about the use of carbofuran are not new. Fifteen years ago there were a number of cases of mass killings of birds in western Kenya; what is lacking is a comprehensive record of predators killed by poisoning. There is lots of circumstantial evidence but few hard facts. Detailed information is elusive, affected animals often disappear into the bush to die, and the evidence is then eaten by other carnivores.

If you are looking to be soothed with serenity, spoilt with luxury and dazzled by striking scenery and wildlife, the Ol Pejeta conservancy is the place to invade. The Ol Pejeta is situated in Nanyuki, Laikipia District in Kenya nestled in the shadow of the majestic Mt Kenya. An easy three hour 250 kilometres ride form Nairobi the Kenyan capital will get you there. Accommodation in the Ol Pejeta is provided in the form of the Ol Pejeta house, the Buffalo house and if you fancy some outdoor camping, there is the sweet waters tented camp.

The Ol Pejeta has an intriguing history. Now owned by the Serena Group of Hotels, Ol Pejeta was previously owned by one Adnan Khashoggi. Khashoggi was an extravagant tycoon who it is alleged influenced many geo-political events in the 1960`s including arms deals and was the uncle of the Dodi Al Fayed, princess Diana’s lover. It is rumoured he inspired the Novel The Pirate by Harrold Robbins.

The Ol Pejeta ranch is on the leeward side of Mt Kenya and is as a result warm during the day and quite chilly during the night. The Ol Pejeta Serena sweet waters tented camp is the surprise package of the Ol pejeta conservancy. It is situated next to the Ol Pejeta House and it lies right on the Equator. It is comprised of about 35 canvas tents on raised platforms snuggled by a remarkable waterhole cherished by warthogs and giraffes that come to quench their thirst. The tents don’t compromise on comfort but still retain the wilderness feel. After a ravishing meal from the five-star kitchen, the night game drive of the sweet waters is a MUST DO! Get nocturnal and make sure you use the blankets given to you once you start the game drive. It gets quite chilly at night. The game drive is usually accompanied by a spotter. Its amazing how these spotters can identify an animal simply by the light reflected by assorted pairs of night eyes. I reckon it may be the colour/shape of the night eyes or the height from the ground. The animals that may be viewed include zebras, impala, hyena, antelopes, lions and other big five animals.

The Ol Pejeta house which was Khashoggi`s play ground is a three bed roomed house elegantly furnished and located on flourishing green gardens. There is the back yard veranda set on the back ground of undulating plains and the majestic Mt Kenya. If you ever wanted a beautiful setting for a wedding or a difficult lady to accept a marriage proposal the Ol Pejeta gardens will do the trick. The Ol Pejeta house boasts of massive 12’ by 12’ lavish beds complete with canopies where you can snore and roll away the African nights if you have no company. (Did I mention weddings?)

There are two stunning swimming pools where one may splash away during the day but not evenings when it’s chilly. Masseurs are available at ones request and camel rides are also offered during the day. At lunch time a mouth-watering buffet is served outdoors by the waterhole after which one may decide to raid the well stocked bar that is near the dining area. The sunsets at Ol Pejeta are scenic and the resident Naturalist then does a slide show on wildlife accompanied by some soothing acoustic music.

Another pleasant surprise at the Ol Pejeta is the Chimpanzee sanctuary. The chimps were all rescued from poachers and bush meat dealers. Donations are accepted towards this sanctuary and furthermore the chimps are also up for adoption to any wildlife lovers. El Morani the rhino is also present and can be visited. The Buffalo house is smaller than the Ol Pejeta house but still tastefully furnished. The Ol Pejeta guest compound has no electric fence and once in a while one may rub shoulders with a buffalo or other wild game.

If you fancy a holiday to revitalise yourself, an adventurous holiday or simply to relish some secret delights, Ol Pejeta is the place to be. Exclusive yet available and furthermore one can make a donation to the conservancy to banish all that responsible tourism guilt.

By James G. Kamweru
James is a tour operator and has been organising and reporting on Vacation, Travel and Tours for years.

One of the most distinct characteristics of the African lion is its mane. The thick hair that grows around the head of the male lions, is a unique identity of its presence and signifies the state of health, age and sends a clear message to rivals about who is in charge. It is thick and has black hair for the lions that are in their prime. The mane is truly the crown of the king of the jungle.

Yet there exists a rare breed of lions that have males that do not have a mane. These lions are so rare that minimal studies have been undertaken to know about them. They are said to have an appetite for human flesh. The photographs of the fallen two man eaters of Tsavo taken by col J.H. Patterson after shooting them is probably the best memory of what the lions look like. There is every possibility that that breed still exists, with the appetite for human flesh very much maintained.

One characteristic that was observed with those lions during the construction of the railway, was the dragging of their catch to the caves. They are expert killers, snatching individuals from camps without the any hint from neighbours, with the only confirmation coming during the morning roll call.Unexplained cases of drivers and loaders on the main Mombasa Nairobi highway disappearing while attempting to change spare wheels have been reported.

With the vastness of the Tsavo, we probably have man eaters that live entirely on human flesh, getting their prey from poachers who cant keep their fingers off the park, but whose families cannot report to the authorities for fear of retribution. Whether the man eaters of Tsavo will come back in big numbers and spread to other areas in Kenya, brings forth a chilling thought considering their excellence in execution of the hunt.

Families traveling with kids will find Amboseli national park a safari destination matched to no other, with less tourist traffic, breathtaking open spaces, easy access from Nairobi, the list is endless.

The park described by writers as 'a home for the Gods' covers 150sq miles south of Nairobi and lies just at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain at 5,895m. The park is currently on the cross roads with the government and the local communities both claiming ownership. Kilimanjaro's snow capped peaks dominate every aspect of this Park and form a stunning backdrop to the wildlife found here - elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, cheetah and a host of plains game and its breathtaking beauty, the tag is well worth the effort.

The area is home to the Maasai people, tall, colorful, proud, nomadic warriors famous for their legendary prowess in battle and single handed acts of bravery in fights with wild animals.  Perhaps, more than any other people they have learned to live in complete harmony with the wildlife which surrounds them; this knowledge is proudly shared to visitors and well worth the time. Kids will be allowed to get really close and explore the simple but fascinating homesteads, adults will also enjoy the cultural aspect of the lifestyle.

Amboseli's Oltukai lodge is one of the best spots in the world where children can watch elephants and study their fascinating wilderness behavior. This is where you will find the highest concentration of elephants than anywhere else in Africa, they can be seen spread well over the savannah woodland, and the drive guides will not hesitate to demonstrate how this clever mammals mourn and pay last respect to a dead member or how they cross their tiny young on a fast flowing river.

Quietly tucked away from view, The Kibo family Villa crouches undisturbed, an elegant three-bedroom log cabin built in stone and gum tree, in complete harmony with its surroundings, it comes with its own entrance, a lounge, a fully fitted kitchen and a barbecue area. Secluded by a decaying indigenous Acacia, Tortilis trees and five acres of garden, Kibo Villa is peace and privacy made perfect. Two or threes small families traveling together would love the self-catering option. Use of the lodge's facility is welcome. Detailed attention is taken on security issues and a resident nurse is available on call.

Kids will also love the lavish private family buffet breakfast or dinner set out specially as a family package in wonderful secluded detting amongst the tortillis trees only a stones-throw away from the family of the resident elephants also having a feast of their own, breakfast works out best.

Selenkay conservation area lies east of the Amboseli and is well off the beaten track, never visited by tourist till now. Birdlife is prolific especially birds of prey. The 6-tents Porini luxury camp caters for 12 guest at a time, the camp is in the lines of a traditional luxury family camp, comfortable family tent rooms, ensuite bathrooms, flush toilets, solar powered electric lighting and an amazing chef completes a safari family haven!

At Amboseli locally trained masai naturalists or walking guides will get Kids out in the mornings in a small group of up to 8 kids for an adventurous nature exploration. This walking trips to the nearby sites in most cases will include lessons on the maasai hunting techniques, catching and naming butterflies, treasure hunts, tree planting, hide and seek in animal camouflaged clothing and an interesting Q and A session answering every question they've ever had on wildlife and African tribesmen.

The young rangers club is open to kids aged between 10 - 15 years who can join as temporally or annual members to receive news letters and birthday cards sent to members all over the world from deep down wild Africa!

By Andrew Muigai
Andrew is the editor of AfricaPoint Insider online newsletter. It is part of AfricaPoint.com - the Africa travel website that has helped thousands of travelers discover Africa.

Mount Kenya is Africa's second highest mountain, after Kilimanjaro. It is estimated to be 2.5 million years old, and Kilimanjaro at 750,00 years of age is really an upstart. Time has really taken its toll, and the peak is thought to have dropped from 6,500 m those millions of years ago to 5,199 m today. The mountain is an extinct volcano, whose plug forms what is today the peak area.

Mount Kenya is an awe-inspiring spectacle that dominates the central Kenyan highlands. It is perhaps understandable that the Kikuyu people who reside on its lower slopes thought it fit for Gods' abode. And it inspires people in strange ways. In 1943, Felice Benuzzi, an Italian prisoner of war held at Nanyuki at the base of the mountain, and two companions, escaped and attempted to scale the summit. With just a few handmade climbing tools, he managed to reach Point Lenana, the mountain's third highest peak.

In 1988, the Mount Kenya Rescue Team discovered and retrieved an elder of the Meru people way up at the chilly heights of Peak Nelion (5,188 m). Only experts, with proper equipment and guides reach Nelion. He appeared unaware of the feat he had accomplished and was perturbed by the fuss his rescuers raised. He explained his mission was "going to God". He was kitted in a manner you will not see recommended in any guide book- in a single blanket and open sandals. The animals do weird things too: a few years ago, the frozen bodies of a leopard and colobus monkey were discovered at Nelion.

The mountain is made up of three main zones: the rocky peak region, the afro-alpine moorland with its scattering of giant vegetation, and the extensive lower slopes covered in mountain forest and bamboo. The astonishing ecological diversity is one of the attractions of this giant. The ecological processes that have brought about the afro-alpine flora in particular intrigue scientists. There are 81 species of plants here that are found nowhere else in the world.

In the lower forest zone, there is plenty of wildlife including buffalo, elephant, sykes monkey and bushbuck. The animals are however generally difficult to see. Further up, the animals are even scarcer though hyena, leopard, buffalo and civet cats have been sighted. The only animal you are likely to see in the upper alpine zones is the rock hyrax. Though it is the size of a domestic cat, it resembles a rat more. The seemingly humble rock hyrax has some powerful relatives in the animal kingdom and it counts the elephant as its biological kin.

The mountain attracts over 30,000 enthusiasts every year. Point Lenana (4,985 m), the so-called trekkers peak, can be reached by any reasonably fit and suitably prepared person. The summit has the twin peaks of Batian (5,199 m) and Nelion (5,188 m), and is accessible to only those with technical mountaineering and rock climbing experience. This mountain is not an easy one to conquer and each year not more than 100 climbers make it to the twin summit peaks. Mount Kenya is in fact considered to be more technically challenging than the higher Kilimanjaro (5,894 m). But those who make it to the top experience some of Africa's finest rock and ice climbing.

You can reach the peak area by taking one of three routes: Naro Moru, Sirimon and Chogoria. Good roads will get you form Nairobi to Naro Moru, Nanyuki and Chogoria - the base towns for each of the trails. There are alternative routes but most have fallen into disuse and you need superior navigation skills and stamina to attempt them. This includes: Burguret, Meru, Kamweti, and Timau. It is highly recommended that you stick to the three popular routes. But if you have a good reason for doing otherwise, or indeed for pioneering your own route, you are required to register with the park authorities.

The Naro Moru route approaches the mountain from the west and is easily the most popular. The trail is well serviced with rest huts and is the fastest way to the peaks. It is however the steepest and climbers vulnerable to AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) may experience difficulties. The hike will take 4 days, though you may opt for an additional day at the summit. You start with a fairly steep 5-hour walk from Park Gate to Met Station (3,050 m). This is where you spend the first night and acclimatize to the thinning mountain air.

The next day is the longest and you will walk, under varying terrain, for anywhere between 8 and 10 hours. You spend the night at Mackinders Camp (4,200 m), in the vicinity of the peak area. You really should have an early night on this day. Very early the next morning -2.00 a.m is the usual time- you set out to attempt Point Lenana. The mountain is generally clear in the morning and stormy in the afternoon- so, the idea is for you to ascend and descend the peak when you have good traction. This is the part of the hike where some experience symptoms of altitude related ailments.

It will take you about 5 hours to reach Lenana. Here you must take some photos, to show the folks back home how you fared at the top of God's Mountain. Afterwards, you descend in 3 hours to Mackinders Camp for breakfast. Then ascending back to Teleki Valley via Camel Rocks, you reach Met Station in about 4 hours. The night rest is at Met Station, before the final descent to Park Gate.

The Sirimon route has its base at Nanyuki to the north of the mountain. The route offers easier climbing than the Naro Moru trail and is also more scenic. It normally takes 5 days up and down the mountain. You start with a 3-4 hours walk through rain forest to overnight at Old Moses camp (3,300 m). Next day after breakfast you hike through the moorland and the Liki and Mackinder valleys. You reach Shipton's camp (4,200 m) after a 6-7 hour hike. You spend the night here before setting out very early the next morning to attempt Point Lenana.

The Chogoria route begins at the town of the same name to the west of the mountain. This is the by far most beautiful and scenic of the popular routes. You will enjoy dramatic views of waterfalls, valleys, tarns and rugged rock formations. But the trail is not so popular because it is also the longest and therefore toughest. It will take you 6 days to ascend and descend the mountain. There are no usable service huts along the route and you must carry a tent along. Whichever route you use, you can prolong your enjoyment of these heights by taking a day to do the Summit Circuit Path.

After your climb, you can relax at some of the excellent hotels and resorts in the Mount Kenya area. Before you leave the country, take to heart the sentiments of the Italian climber Carlo Spinelli, who said: "I consider myself a nature lover more than a mountaineer, and for this reason Kenya has the best of both mountain and wilderness".

If you are interested in overseas volunteer work and want to add to a cause then volunteering in Kenya is a great opportunity! There are many organisations, which have specific programs that can help you get volunteer work in the form of teaching English overseas or lend a helping hand in development of a community. Volunteering in Kenya, can vary depending on the programs but opportunities offered are in the following fields:

• Academic reinforcement
• Adult education
• AIDS
• Childcare/children
• Community centers
• Handicapped
• Health care
• Homelessness
• Nature Conservation
• Pastoral work
• Primary education
• Relief
• Street kids
• Teaching
• Wildlife Conservation
• Women
• Youth development

• An allowance between $200 to $600 for 2 weeks
• You can choose from a variety of volunteer work in Africa
• Flexibility in the programs
• 24/7 support from existing staff
• Airport pickup and/or drop
• Local transportation
• Food and lodging will be taken care of
• You will get introduced to the local people, existing staff, banks, restaurants, government officials etc.
• You will get to learn the local language through a crash course

Volunteering in Kenya also offers a range of opportunities for those who love to be close to nature and wildlife. A part of overseas volunteer work, wildlife and environment conservation programs in Kenya offer opportunities in animal welfare, biological research & conservation, wood cutting, fixing fences, ground patrol, protecting natural resources, reforestation, wildlife surveying and many more.

A typical volunteer for working in Kenya doesn’t need to have any kind of special education. You just need to be inspired and ready to work for a cause with passion and dedication. One of the key qualities required is the ability to adapt to the environment. There are times when volunteers from US or Europe are unable to eat the food prepared in Africa by a local Maasai woman and it is not just about food, it is about complete adjustment and you have to become one with the project. The recommended age is 18 or more for any of the programs. Nationality or religion doesn’t matter for volunteering in Kenya.

Volunteering in Kenya teaching programs involves teaching in elementary and high school levels and the subjects can vary from mathematics to English, science, social science, geography, history, painting, cooking and music. It doesn’t matter whether you have any prior teaching experience or not. It all comes down to one thing: Are you ready to volunteer for a cause?

Hoteliers at the Coast have protested at delays forced on tourists crossing the ferry to the South Coast due to frequent breakdowns.

At a joint Press conference on Tuesday, the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC) and Pubs and Entertainment and Restaurants Association (Perak) said delays at the Likoni Ferry had made the South Coast an unfavourable tourist destination.

The Executive Officer of KAHC, Gladwell Mumia, said there was need for immediate intervention to ease the burden on the old ferries. However, the acting Managing Director of Kenya Ferry Services, Mr. A Sajjad said the company will create a priority lane in the next three weeks to serve tourists crossing the channel.

The associations said they could no longer watch as their costs of operation soar due to poor management of public utilities like the ferry. The associations accused the Ministry of Transport of being in "deep slumber" and slowly drifting into "non-existence".

They appealed to Prime Minister Raila Odinga to intervene before disaster strikes. But even as KFS attempted to explain the delays, confusion reigned at the Likoni Ferry Crossing Tuesday morning, when a vessel drifted for several hours.

Commuters panicked and claimed Mv Harambee had developed mechanical problems. At one point, the empty ferry disembarked at the south mainland ramp, as if to pick up passengers and vehicles, before KFS workers announced, through loud speakers, that it had developed a problems and would not operate. It later sailed to the KFS maintenance yard nearby and then drifted back to the channel, also used by ships going to Mombasa Port.

However, when contacted, Mr Sajjad said: "Mv Harambee is undergoing its weekly maintenance. It has not broken down. It is going round the channel with engineers on board." He said the vessel was set to go into operation last night after its scheduled weekly service.

Although emergencies are usually given priority at the crowded Likoni Ferry Crossing, when the vessels break down during peak hours in the mornings and evenings, it becomes difficult to respond to them.

Authorities say even if the ferry is midstream, it can be summoned back to the ramp to pick up a patient or a vehicle responding to an emergency on the other side of the channel.

Experts believe Kenya to be the birthplace of humanity. According to them, Kenya has evidences of some of the earliest human settlements from which descendants moved out to populate the world. However, it is the never-ending stretches of wilderness, the unbeatable forests, and some of the rarest varieties of wildlife, which has accumulated in this part of the world to account for Kenya being a wonderland. No other African country can boast such an incredible range of scenery, unique geographical features, and species.

A safari in Kenya is an extraordinary holiday for any wildlife lover. A beautiful thing about Kenya is its welcoming nature. In other words, Kenya has everything for every budget. There is no end of things to explore in Kenya. A Kenyan safari can start from the highlands of central Kenya to the Great Rift Valley, from the elephants of Amboseli to the vast shores of Lake Victoria, the second largest lake in the world. You can even get some spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest point, and laze down on the shimmering white sands along the Indian Ocean.

Accommodations on a Kenyan safari usually combine lodges and permanent or mobile tented camps. These luxury camp's and lodges are all unique and in amazing settings. Most rooms have complete bathroom amenities as do most permanent tented camps. On the other hand, mobile camps can have either private en-suite facilities or shared bathroom. There is a shared shower tent. If you are in a Kenyan safari, do not expect a TV or phones with outside lines. Electric lights are though available and run on generators during the night.

By Daniel Wesangula

Kenya’s wildlife population – the backbone of the multi-billion shilling tourism industry – is increasingly coming under threat of extinction.

More animals are joining the endangered species fold, a trend Kenya Wildlife Service describes as very worrying. The latest to join the KWS list of endangered species are the antelope and the Grevy’s zebra.

However, the KWS position regarding the antelope contradicts that taken by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) - the largest conservation network with a membership of more than 140 countries and charged with supporting governments in their bid to conserve animals and plants.

Each year, the global organisation releases a list showing the level of threat faced by different animal and plant species and classifies them in groups.

While it has similarly listed the zebra as endangered in its latest survey, the IUCN categorises the various antelope species such as sable, roan, sitatunga and bongo as being of “least concern” or “low risk.” Ironically, these are the antelopes over which KWS is raising a red flag.

In Kenya some animals are listed as ‘vulnerable’ or ‘near threatened’ meaning that they are of least concern to the global agency while fewer than than 100 of them roam the Kenyan plains. This, difference in classification, according to KWS, has a negative impact on efforts to preserve them.

“The list is in conflict with what is happening in Kenya. Some of the animals that are quickly dying off within our borders are of least concern according to IUCN. This locks us out of funding from various conservation agencies and starves us of the attention needed to be created about these dying species,” said Dr Charles Musyoki, the senior scientist at KWS.

Data from the KWS puts the total country population of the roan antelope at only 50. Most of these are found in the Maasai Mara reserve and at Ruma National Park. The roan antelope is classified by the IUCN as a ‘least concern’ species, which means that it is abundant and its survival is under minimum or no threat at all.

Eight years ago, a KWS census of the sable antelope put their population at 70, down from the hundreds in the late 1970s. Despite the massive drop in their numbers, the 2008 IUCN list of threatened species categorises the sable antelope as being of ‘least concern.’

The sitatunga, a swamp-dwelling antelope, also falls in the ‘least concern’ category. KWS says that only approximately 40 of the antelopes survive in Kenya. Most of them are in the Lewa Conservancy while some are scattered around the Yala Swamp and in Budalangi.

In 1975, bongo (a type of antelope) populations were at the 500-mark countrywide. A 2008 census of the bongo showed that slightly over 100 are surviving in the country now. Kenya is the only place in the world where the eastern bongo, a sub-species of the bongo is found.

Records show it is extinct in Cheranganyi and Londiani where it once existed. The IUCN lists the bongo as a ‘low risk’ species. This means that the bongo is not facing immediate threat of extinction.

Data at KWS shows that currently Kenya is home to approximately 1,900 Grevy’s zebras, more than 90 per cent of world population.

According to KWS, the critically endangered species in Kenya include four mammals (the antelope, black rhino, hirola and the red colobus monkey); four birds (the Taita apalis, Taita thrush, Christmas Island frigate bird and the bearded vulture), one reptile (hawksbill turtle) and seven types of fish, including the tilapia.