Challenges of reintroducing the Kihansi Spray Toad into its natural habitat in the Kihansi Gorge

We are pleased to invite you to our "Coffee Morning" on Thursday. August 19, 2010 at 9.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m., for a lively interactive session on the challenges associated with reintroducing the Kihansi Spray Toad (KST) back to its natural habitat in the waterfalls of the Kihansi Gorge in central Tanzania. The event will be held at the World Bank Tanzania Country Office, Mirambo Conference Room, First floor, 50 Mirambo Street.  

Come listen to the experts ponder whether current habitat conditions in the Kihansi gorge can be assured for the long-term survival of this unusual amphibian, following a number of rigorous strategies that have been implemented to alleviate the impact that the Lower Kihansi Hydropower Plant (LKHP) constructed in 1996 brought to bear on its habitat.

As part of the measures to conserve, protect and restore key functions and unique attributes of the Kihansi Gorge that are being threatened by the LKH, the World Bank has supported the development of a coordinated and consistent legal and institutional framework for environmental and water management and a captive breeding program for the KST as an "insurance policy" in case the toad became extinct in the wild.

Other measures included constructing an artificial spray irrigation system to mimic the pre-diversion spray generated by waterfalls in the gorge, which was essential to maintaining the spray wetlands; conducting a series of studies on KST biology and ecology; and constructing walkways and bridges to reduce the environmental impact, and facilitate the movement of technicians and researchers in the gorge.

Support to the captive breeding programe for the KST in the Bronx and Toledo zoos in the USA is proceeding satisfactorily. After being propagated for ten years, the project is now approaching the repatriation stage where Tanzanian scientists working with several international partners are preparing to return a small population initially to a facility at the University of Dar es Salaam within the year.

Please feel free to pass this message on to colleagues who may also be interested.

Kindly indicate your participation by email or phone to Ms. Rosalie Ferrao at 216 3251 rferrao@worldbank.org.