Arabuko-Sokoke Forest is the largest and most intact coastal forest in East Africa, and by far the largest remnant of the forests that once dominated Kenya's coastal fringe.
20% of Kenya's bird species and about 30% of its butterflies have been recorded in this small part (0.07%) of Kenya. At least 24 rare or endemic bird, mammal and butterfly species are restricted to this stretch of coast. This high proportion of endemic species, some known only from Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, make the forest a key part of the East African Coastal Forests Endemic Bird Area.