Mau Forest

Typical tree species in the Mau Forest include Aningeria adolfi-friederici, Strombosia scheffleri, and Polyscias kikuyuensis. Olea capensis, Prunus africana, Albizia gummifera, and Podocarpus milanjianus are also found there. Endemic bird species in the area include Hartlaub's turaco (Tauraco hartlaubi), Hunter's cisticola (Cisticola hunteri) and Jackson's spurfowl (Pternistis jacksoni). == Destruction ==

The forest has been traditionally inhabited by Ogiek people, whose hunter-gatherer lifestyle is sustainable. This is due to the increased charcoal trade in places like Narok town and the supply of logs to saw mills in Baringo, Nakuru and Narok counties. In 2008, the inauguration of the Sondu-Miriu hydro power plant was postponed due to low water levels, that are said to be resulting from the destruction of the Mau Forest. == Mau Forest evictions ==

In the summer of 2008 there was a political row over resettlement of people, who had been allocated land there during the KANU era during the 1980s and 1990s. Some of the settlers are famed politicians, like Franklin Bett and Zakayo Cheruiyot. In 2004 Paul Ndung’u released "Ndungu Report", which listed these land allocations, terming them illegal and recommended revocation of them. On July 15, 2008, the then Prime Minister, Raila Odinga issued an order that the evictions be implemented by October 2008 in order to protect the forest from destruction. The order has been opposed by number of Rift Valley area politicians, led by Isaac Ruto. Some politicians, led by Minister of Agriculture William Ruto, propose that if evictions are implemented, the government should allocate them land elsewhere. Also under threat is the Kiptagich Tea Factory owned by former president Moi. == References ==