Vegetation of the Koobi Fora Region Northeast of Lake Turkana, Marsabit County, Northern Kenya

A comprehensive survey of the Koobi Fora region, northeast of Lake Turkana in northern Kenya, reveals a diverse flora comprising 367 plant species (361 angiosperms) across an area of approximately 2600 km². The study, conducted between 2012 and 2014, documents 137 new plant species for the region, none of which have been recorded in neighboring areas like Marsabit or the lower Omo Valley. Despite similar physiognomic appearances, each region exhibits distinct floristic composition, with only about one-third of angiosperm species shared among them. The vegetation is predominantly grassland and dwarf shrubland, with smaller proportions of shrubland, riparian forest, and woodland. This research highlights the unique botanical richness and endemism of the Koobi Fora region, contributing valuable data for conservation and ecological studies in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mbaluka, J. K., & Brown, F. H. (2016). Vegetation of the Koobi Fora Region Northeast of Lake Turkana, Marsabit County, Northern Kenya. Journal of East African Natural History, 105(1), 21–50. https://doi.org/10.2982/028.105.0101