National Species Checklist
Kenya's comprehensive national species checklist documenting the country's rich biodiversity across all major taxonomic groups. This scientific inventory serves as the authoritative reference for conservation planning, research, and biodiversity monitoring programs.
35,000+
Total Species1,100
Endemic Species872
Threatened Species2,340
Recently Described156
Ecosystems2024
Last UpdatedSpecies Count by Major Taxa
| Taxonomic Group | Species Count | Endemic | Threatened |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plants | 6,506 | 264 | 156 |
| Insects | 25,000+ | 687 | 234 |
| Birds | 1,136 | 10 | 42 |
| Mammals | 359 | 18 | 31 |
| Fish | 650 | 78 | 45 |
| Reptiles | 200 | 23 | 18 |
| Amphibians | 120 | 15 | 12 |
Species Search & Filter
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Family | Status | Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loxodonta africana | African Elephant | Elephantidae | VU | Savannah, Forest |
| Diceros bicornis | Black Rhinoceros | Rhinocerotidae | CR Endemic | Savannah |
| Equus grevyii | Grevy's Zebra | Equidae | EN | Northern Kenya |
| Phoeniconaias minor | Lesser Flamingo | Phoenicopteridae | NT | Rift Valley Lakes |
Endemic Species Spotlight
Taita Thrush
Turdus helleri • Turdidae
Endemic bird species found only in the Taita Hills cloud forests. Critically endangered with fewer than 1,400 individuals remaining.
Distribution: Taita Hills, 1,500-2,200m elevationKenya Violet
Viola keniaensis • Violaceae
High-altitude endemic plant found on Mount Kenya above 3,000m. Important indicator species for alpine ecosystem health.
Distribution: Mount Kenya, 3,000-4,200m elevationTana River Red Colobus
Piliocolobus rufomitratus • Cercopithecidae
Critically endangered primate endemic to riverine forests along the Tana River. Population estimated at fewer than 1,000 individuals.
Distribution: Tana River forests, coastal lowlandsSagalla Caecilian
Boulengerula niedeni • Caeciliidae
Endemic amphibian known from a single location in the Sagalla Hills. One of Africa's most range-restricted species.
Distribution: Sagalla Hills only, 1,200-1,400m elevation