Research/Project Results

African Savanna/Tropical Rainforest Biomes

Oyugis, Kenya, Africa, Page 3

Site Description

Type of Ecosystem: Equatorial Tropical Forest 

Latitude: 0 degrees 30 minutes south

Longitude: 34 degrees 55 minutes  west

     This area in Kenya is very mountainous.  It experiences a dry season in January as well as in July and September.  There are 2 rainy seasons, one in spring and the other in late fall.  The temperature is very constantly near 20 C as an average.  This constancy is due to the fact that Kenya is at the equator of the earth, receiving fairly equal amounts of sunlight all  year long.

     Natural forests are dense, tropical rainforests of deciduous trees.  They grow quickly in the warm moist climate.  Soils are generally poor, but decomposition of forest vegetation is quite fast, allowing for good forest growth.

     The plot of land being studied is cleared land that has been left to go fallow.   The community is wondering if it any plants there are useful, and if the land could be put to better use.