Southern Ground-Hornbill sightings

One of five Southern Ground Hornbills foraging on
the burnt verge of the N2 near Ingeli Forest Lodge
(Photo Doug Butcher)

Please report any Southern Ground-Hornbill sightings either through the SABAP2 Project or directly with the Mabula Ground-Hornbill Project.

To learn more about the excellent work being carried out by the Mabula Ground-Hornbill Project click here.

Call for birders to look out for Cape Vultures with tags

The Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres) is the only colonial South African vulture species nesting on cliffs [1,2]. Its range is restricted to southern Africa, with breeding occuring in Botswana and South Africa. Breeding was recently reported to have ceased in Namibia [3]. The formerly widespread population of about 440 breeding colonies in the early 1900s declined to about 167 breeding colonies at the end of the 20^th century [4]. The species is listed as vulnerable due to ongoing population declines, whereby poisoning, power-line collision, hunting for the local muthi market and declining food resources are the main threats to its existence. Nowadays, an estimated number of 3,400 breeding pairs exist in southern Africa [1,5]. A number of 18 core colonies in southern Africa hold about 80% of the world's Cape Vulture population [6]. 

Magpie (Pied) Mannikin research

Andy's garden, Sea Park January 2006
(Photo Andy Ruffle)

(Photo Andrew Pickles)

The Magpie (Pied) Mannkin Spermestes fringilloides, although not globally threatened, is listed as Near-threatened in South Africa*. It is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal to Ethiopia and south to Zimbabwe and Mozambique, with an isolated population focused around Anerley in Kwazulu-Natal*.
Very little is known about this species, especially our local population, with much of the 'current' information dating back to the eighties*.
In June 2002 local bird ringer Andrew Pickles started a ringing project in an effort to find out more about the movements and life expectancy of this intriguing little resident.
The ongoing project now has some 157 birds ringed, but without feedback, Andrew is struggling to accumulate data.
We therefore appeal to everyone who is fortunate enough to have the 'Magpies' visiting their bird feeders, to carefully scan for any ringed birds. If you do see a ringed bird, please note the combination of colours on each leg, date and location seen. An example of the ring layout can be seen in the photo below- 2 colour rings on the left leg; 1 metal ring and 1 colour ring on the right leg.
Andrew is also desperately looking for more locations to ring the birds, so if you can assist in any way, please let him know. The more data aquired, the more we will learn.
Andrew can be contacted via barbet@venturenet.co.za , or alternatively you can contact Andy Ruffle via andy_ruffle@yahoo.co.uk.

Ring example for Andrew's project
(Photo Andrew Pickles)

* reference Roberts VII