THE AFRICA REPORT 2020 - BirdLife International
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THE
AFRICA
REPORT
2020
BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020 I 1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
BirdLife International’s work across the Africa Partnership is made possible due to
support from donors, including governments, foundations, other NGOs including
BirdLife Partners, companies and individuals. Many other donors have directly
supported the work outlined in this report through funds provided to BirdLife
Partners. On behalf of the BirdLife Africa Partnership, we wish to thank all the
donors who continue to make this work possible.
DONORS:
Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation | A.G. Leventis Foundation and Tasso Leventis
Foundation | Biodiversity and Protected Area Management Programme (BIOPAMA)
BirdLife International Rare Bird Club | BirdLife Species Champions for African vultures:
Sean Dennis and Barry Sullivan | BirdLife Species Champion for White-winged
Flufftail: Rockjumper Birding Tours | BirdLife Species Champion for Northern Bald
Ibis: ZEISS | Cambridge Conservation Initiative Collaborative Fund for Conservation
Champions of the Flyway | Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund | German
Government, Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear
Safety | European Union | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Global Environment Facility | Hempel Foundation | Pamela and Neville Isdell and
Cara Isdell-Lee | The Isdell Family Foundation | IUCN Save Our Species | John D.
and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation | MAVA, Fondation Pour La Nature | Prince
Albert II of Monaco Foundation | Rainforest Trust | The Reissing Family | Restore Our
Planet | Royal Society for the Protection of Birds | United Kingdom, Darwin Initiative
United States Fish and Wildlife Service | Vogelbescherming Nederland | The
Waterloo Foundation
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM:
Abdul Dumbuya | Abigail G Hanky | Achilles Byaruhanga | Adama Sidibe | Alex Ngari
| Alfonso Hernandez Rios | Christelle Makonga | Claudia Feltrup-Azafzaf | Elena Serra
Sanchez | Emmanuel Mgimwa | Fadzai Matsvimbo | Geoffroy Citegetse | George
Ganda | Hicham Elgatem | Jean Hugues Gardenne | Jean-Baptiste Deffontaines |
Jimmy Muheebwa | John Mwacharo | Jonathan Onongo | Joseph Bizimungu | Kariuki
Ndang’ang’a | Keddy Moleofi | Ken Mwathe | Lester Nanjala | Liz Mwambui | Melissa
Howes-Whitecross | Narcisse Tehe | Natalie El-Assiouty | Oladapo Soneye | Rado
Andriamasimanana | Raphael Nii Laate Lartey | Samson Zelleke | Samuel Bakari |
Seydou Nacro | Sion Henshaw | Tania Nderitu | Tiwonge Gawa | Vony Raminoarisoa
Thanks to all the photographers and picture agencies for permission to reproduce
their photographs.
EDITORS:
Lewis Kihumba & Fleur Ng’weno
COVER PHOTO:
Seychelles warbler adult feeding chick © Charli Davies
Find out more at www.birdlife.org/africa
2 I BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020
CONTENTS
7 Programme 14 Saving 31 Conserving
Highlights Species Sites & Habitats
49 Ecological 52 People
Sustainability
BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020 I 3
MESSAGE
FROM THE
CAP CHAIR
The past two years have been critically important for the BirdLife Africa Partnership.
During this period, the partnership has made tremendous strides in various
conservation interventions across the continent.
As we ease into a new normal which has affected our operations, due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, which is as a result of our interaction with nature, one of the
key thing that stands out is how we can pull ourselves back from the brink. All round
us, nature is on the decline, species are on the verge of extinction and biodiversity
loss is at an all-time high, whilst we have to contend with the vagaries of climate
change. Nature is at the heart of it all.
There is an urgent need to recalibrate our relationship with nature and the BirdLife
partnership, through its work, is poised to play a key role in this recovery. Further, is
the need for increased partner-to-partner linkages in our work, which will be critical
in advancing our work, while also ensuring that our operations are sustainable. This
is critical in ensuring that we continue creating impact in our work.
I also want to commend the BirdLife Africa Secretariat, which has been instrumental,
working hand in hand with the African partners and other supporting partners in
ensuring that our programmatic work, continues impacting our lives and nature
across the continent. As the 2020 Africa Report illustrates, the partnership is well
placed to ensure that Africa’s biodiversity is protected, and as we enter a new era
for nature, the onus is on us to preserve it for future generations.
Dr. Sheku Kamara
CAP Chair
4 I BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020
MESSAGE
FROM THE
BIRDLIFE CEO
If there is a silver lining of the COVID 19 pandemic and the impacts it has had on
the global health and economy, is that we need to repair our relationship with
nature. Recent UN reports, such as the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform
on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Global Assessment on Biodiversity
and Ecosystem Services shows biodiversity is declining at an alarming rate with
1 million species at risk of extinction. Similarly and sadly, the Global Biodiversity
Outlook (GBO 5) report shows none of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets have been met,
with six only being partially met.
There is hope in the midst of bad news! Our own State of the World Birds showcases
a series of examples of why there is reason to be hopeful. A recent study in which
our own Stu Butchart is an author, showed up to 48 species of birds and mammals
were saved from extinction by conservation efforts. The study shows extinction
rates for birds and mammals since 1993 would have been ‘three to four times
higher’ without conservation action. The BirdLife Partnership around the world,
working with governments, local communities and the private sector are the best
demonstration that conservation works.
As the world’s largest Partnership for nature, we have the responsibility to carry
this positive news and ensure they’re scaled up with our world class science and
our unique local-to-global approach. We are at a time in history when the BirdLife
Partnership is uniquely positioned to turn around the fate of nature and ensure
the transformational change it needs for birds, for nature, for people. From our
1Planet1Right campaign, to the unique local action we take in our own countries,
BirdLife has the power to be a movement of change. After all, we are the Power
of Many.
The 2020 Africa Report contains inspiring stories of success from our partners,
demonstrating that even small actions at local and national level can go a long
way in contributing to the global environment and development agendas. I am
proud of these highlights that show just a sample of the extraordinary work the
BirdLife Partnership is implementing across Africa. From saving the Marais Tanoé-
Ehy Forest in Cote d’Ivoire, to the listing of the Finima Nature Park as a Ramsar site,
to empowering local communities in Morocco and nurturing the youth in Zambia,
the diversity of our work shows our commitment to looking for local solutions that
have global impact. While we know we have a long way to go, I am confident the
commitment of our Partners and our work towards our common agenda, will help
us go far.
I wish you a happy reading of the 2020 Africa Report and Thank you for being
BirdLife.
Patricia Zurita
CEO BirdLife International
BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020 I 5
MESSAGE
FROM THE
REGIONAL
DIRECTOR
The success stories of the BirdLife Partners in Africa inspire me in more than known
ways. For example, in the mid-90s the populations of the once widespread Northern
Bald Ibis in the Mediterranean region plummeted to less than 60 pairs in just one
breeding colony in Souss-Massa National Park, Morocco. BirdLife Partnership in
collaboration with other organisations, turned the tables on the extinction of the
Northern Bald Ibis. Today, wild populations of the ibis have swelled to over 700 birds
– and growing! This is just one account of the many achievements of the BirdLife
Partnership in Africa.
The stories of the BirdLife Partnership in Africa are the stories of hope. With 22
BirdLife Partners and presence in 40 African countries, BirdLife is making a difference
by saving threatened birds, biodiversity and sites and important ecological corridors
would have been lost and gone forever. Undoubtedly, conservation works.
As we grapple with the impact of COVID-19 and unprecedented records of
biodiversity loss, never has our work been more important as it is today. From saving
endangered species like the vultures to protecting key habitats and landscapes,
and empowering people – the agents of change – BirdLife is at the frontline of
biodiversity conservation.
The Africa Report highlights the achievements of BirdLife Partners in Africa. A
testament that our Power of Many can bring about transformational change for
nature.
I take this opportunity to applaud and sincerely appreciate BirdLife Partners. You
are our heroes and ambassadors of change. To our donors and strategic partners,
we are immensely grateful for your support. A big THANK YOU to my colleagues at
the BirdLife Secretariat, whose diligence and dedication have been instrumental in
the success of work.
The coming years will be critical for nature. As the BirdLife Africa Partnership, we
are well poised to leverage our work and make a difference for nature locally and
globally in the coming decade.
Ademola Ajagbe
Regional Director Africa, Birdlife international
6 I BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020
HIGHLIGHTS
PROGRAMME
BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020 I 7
Limosa lapponica Urok Bijagos GuineaBissau Feb 2016 Photo: Fabien QUETIER 262
The East Atlantic Flyway Initiative (EAFI)
By Geoffroy Citegetse
Limosa lapponica Urok Bijagos Guinea Bissau February 2016 Photo: Fabien QUETIER 262
Survival of birds along the East Atlantic Flyway relies on a EAFI is also trying to activate the African -Eurasian Migratory
network of sites spanning from the Arctic to Southern Africa. Landbirds Action Plan (AEMLAP) goals through its partnership
Shorebirds depend on a few west-African coastal wetlands, with the Pan-African Agency of the Great Green Wall. The MoU
whereas migratory land birds rely on broad landscapes that are signed with this agency requires BirdLife to lead the integration
being degraded rapidly. The main threats include agricultural of biodiversity into the GGW programmes, with this work
expansion -leading to habitat loss and degradation), hunting, ongoing. Once operationalized, this partnership will provide
predation, collisions with infrastructure and the impact of partners in the region with a strategic role, and an advocacy
climate change. platform to influence national and regional processes aimed
at restoring habitats and promote sustainable agricultural
The East Atlantic Flyway Initiative (EAFI) was set to address practices, to ensure conservation of migratory birds.
these issues. Initially established by 26 BirdLife Partners from
Europe and Africa, EAFI has grown to 38 partners today. The
initiative’s main objective is the strengthening of partners’
activities to improve conservation status of migratory birds
along the East Atlantic Flyway.
EAFI promotes generation and sharing of bird knowledge.
Monitoring of waterbirds along the flyway has been consistent,
with BirdLife Partners playing an important role in the
organization, coordination and participation in this monitoring.
Consequently, landbird knowledge was updated in 2019 and
relevant action being implemented through the Turtle Dove
Species Action Plan.
In line with this, many partners along the flyway are also
supporting SPEA’s efforts against the construction of a new
airport in Tagus estuary, Portugal - a site of importance for the
entire flyway. EAFI’s task force is also coordinating international
advocacy actions towards this goal.
8 I BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020
Flyways Program
By Alex Ngari
© Ahmed Waheed
In comparison to other continents, Africa has the lowest Further, partners have shared lessons and experiences about
access to electricity per capita. More than 600 million people national level engagement on energy issues hence, the BLAEF
do not have access to electricity, and the majority that do, has proved to be useful platform for learning and capacity
have unreliable supply. Electricity underpins development building across the Africa Partnership.
and catalyses economic growth. For this reason, many African
governments and development entities have prioritised About BLAEF
addressing this deficit to spur economic growth. The net BLAEF is made up of BirdLife partners in Africa. The Forum
effect of this is the emergence of many power generation and is convened by BirdLife South Africa. By default, all Partners
transmission projects, and expansion of existing ones across are members of the Forum. As every country is relevant to the
the continent. energy sector, all partners are invited to actively participate in
the Forum activities.
As the renewable energy sub-sector gains increased attention
as an approach that will bring multiple benefits including For more information about BLAEF
fighting climate change, the lack of adequate environmental Contact: blaenergyforum@googlegroups.com
and social energy safeguards and application thereof has
a negative and unsustainable impact on communities and
wildlife, particularly on migratory soaring birds. Africa is
affected by poorly deployed energy infrastructure. In Egypt,
Morocco, Sudan, Ethiopia, South Africa there is a good amount
of evidence about bird mortality from energy infrastructure.
In response to the energy-bird problem, BirdLife partners in
Africa have taken proactive steps to engage in the sector.
The formation of the BirdLife Africa Energy Forum (BLAEF)
endorsed at Partner’s meeting in 2018 is one of these steps.
This Forum brings Partners together to among other activities
exchange information about the sector developments. Two
years after the forum’s launch, important engagements have
taken place including cross-partner exchanges on various
pertinent issues.
BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020 I 9
Marine Programme
By Alfonso Hernandez Rios
Image Courtesy
BirdLife’s West Africa Marine Conservation Programme was developing an atlas of ecological and biological sensitivity
established in 2017 with its overall goal being collaboratively in coastal and offshore areas of West Africa, with particular
restoration and conservation of seabird populations and reference to the development of oil and gas in the region.
coastal ecosystems in the region. Since its inception, a series
of overarching approaches such as capacity building, sound In future, the programme aims at focussing on the management
marine policies, local community engagement, cutting-edge of invasive alien predators on key islands, mitigating energy’s
science, and direct conservation interventions have been sector environmental impact through best practices,
used to safeguard West Africa’s marine heritage. Currently, strengthening Marine Protected Areas management through
the programme is coordinating the efforts of NGOs, national identification and delineation of IBAs within and beyond
governments, universities, and site-support groups in seven national jurisdiction and the development of a regional
countries to tackle together direct disturbances over seabird seabird network. These ambitious plans can only be achieved
breeding colonies, industrial fishing bycatch, and to increase through continued support from our partners, and effective
monitoring and management skills for the conservation of engagement of local communities that are the custodians of
sites that are critical for seabirds. marine resources, and depend on them for their wellbeing.
In the last three years, the programme has achieved impressive
results including discovery of at least 30 new breeding colonies
for different species including endemic species as the gongon
(Pterodroma feae); identifying, mapping, and documenting
critical habitats for biodiversity conservation in addition
to increased regional capacity for seabird conservation and
research by training 19 MSc/PhD students in seven countries.
Others include laying the foundation for a marine sciences
graduate degree in Guinea Bissau –a first of its kind and
which is expected to develop a new generation of marine
conservationists and training of 81 fisheries observers and
175 people in seabird monitoring, Marine Protected Area
management, negotiation skills, ecosystems approach to
fisheries, and ecotourism. Furthermore, the programme is
10 I BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020Conserving Nature through Community Partnerships in Tanzania
By Emmanuel Mgimwa, Nature Tanzania
Woman milking cow © BirdLife
Nature Tanzania continues to take part in the global efforts developed and endorsed by the government, and the project’s
to conserve birds and their habitats in Tanzania. Established stakeholders. As a way of empowering local communities,
in 2016, Nature Tanzania’s membership base now stands at 170 two booths were constructed at Ngare Sero and Oldonyo
members, and continues to grow. Over the past four years, the Lengai villages to help Maasai women sell their beadwork in
organization has attained key milestones, including successfully a sheltered environment. Further, 327 individuals (214 women,
supporting delivery of the “Developing a Community Based 153 young people and 23 tour guides) benefited from the
Ecotourism Model at Lake Natron, Tanzania”, a BirdLife project Community Revolving Fund, which grew by 17% from £6,500
funded by the Darwin Initiative and implemented between to £7,608 at the end of project. Most importantly, the integrity
2017 and 2020. Among other things, the project aimed at of the site was maintained and for the first time, the highest
addressing poorly coordinated tourism development, limited number of Lesser Flamingos ever counted at one location in
livelihood sources and capacity for communities for managing Eastern Africa (and possibly the world), was recorded with 2.7
ecotourism business as well as limited awareness on the value million flamingos counted in 2019.
of the lake ecosystem. The lake is an important breeding site
for Lesser Flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor), supporting the “We feel empowered and thank BirdLife International and
breeding of 1.5-2.5 million birds, which constitute 75% of the the Government for investing in women. We now have space
global population of the species. to comfortably sell our beadwork to tourists. The women of
Lake Natron are starting to enjoy the fruits of conservation”,
The project carried out training of local communities said Mama Esuphat Ngoyasi, the Chairperson of Ngare Sero
in ecotourism business management; supported the Women
development of a Tourism Development Plan; established a
£6,500 Community Revolving Fund to facilitate small loans to The project was funded by the Darwin Initiative, UK, and was
small businesses; supported ecosystem restoration through implemented in close collaboration with the Government of
tree planting at key catchments and raised awareness and Tanzania. Project partners on the ground included Tanzania
disseminated project results through various platforms. Wildlife Authority (TAWA), Ngare Sero Eramatare Community
Development Initiative (EECDI), Tanzania Association of Tour
As a result, the monthly income of 1,038 people improved Operators (TATO), Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), Honeyguide
significantly. More than 7,500 trees were planted and 10,000 ha Foundation, Monduli District council, Ngorongoro District
of wetlands protected. Additionally, a Tourism Development council and Longido district council, in addition to Maasai
Plan (TDP) to coordinate ecotourism investment was Pastoralist Development Organization (MPDO-LARETO).
BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020 I 11BirdLife International in São Tomé and Príncipe
By Jean-Baptiste Deffontaines
Trails Maintenance © A. Alberto
In 2018, BirdLife International launched the STP/ECOFAC6 Partnering with the government, BirdLife is facilitating work-
project that aims to strengthen the management of the packages related to ecosystem services assessment (using
Natural Parks, integrate biodiversity into development TESSA methodology), protected areas management planning
decision-making, create new models for buffer zone (update of Parks management plans, and associated eco-
management involving communities, and raise new tourism plan) in addition to sustainable finance for biodiversity
sustainable funding for PA. BirdLife is assisting the authorities conservation. Further, BirdLife is leading on a comprehensive
and civil society organizations involved directly or indirectly & long-lasting communication campaign Obô Ôvyô (meaning
in Parks management, on both island; and facilitates technical ‘forest’ in local dialects). Building on the EU-funded ECOFAC6
& financial support. This includes purchase and maintenance initiatives, BirdLife project portfolio for STP is growing.
of equipment; development of Natural Resources surveillance Consequently, BirdLife has developed a strategic plan for
mechanisms; development and implementation of a São Tomé and Príncipe, for the period 2020-2030, focussing
biodiversity & threats monitoring protocol, investments to on evolution from a mosaic of often donor-driven projects
improve park facilities in addition to promotion of business- to a thematically consistent programme, aimed at creating
based conservation enterprises. enabling conditions for biodiversity conservation in São Tomé
& Príncipe.
To date, three refurbished vehicles have been availed for
Parks and Forest management, while 72 kilometres of trekking
trails have been rehabilitated, and are maintained regularly.
Additionally, the botanical garden of Bom Sucesso, has
undergone rehabilitation of infrastructure and flora collection
while three entrance gates have been built, with plans to
build five extra outposts. Another aspect of this assistance is
promotion of business based conservation enterprises. To this
end, 24 ‘alternative’ micro-projects (grants of up to 7000 EUR)
have identified in rural communities with high dependency on
natural resources, or even working toward further recognition
of the biodiversity hotspots landscape wide. Additionally, 19
High Conservation Value areas have been pre-identified in Sao
Tomé.
12 I BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020Saving Africa’s Vultures
By Samuel Bakari
© EWNHS
BirdLife’s vulture conservation programme in Africa, is based Addressing knowledge gaps on vultures and awareness
on the BirdLife Vulture Conservation Strategy (2016-2026) and raising is vital to conservation efforts. Surveys to identify the
the African-Eurasian Vulture Multi-Species Action Plan (MsAP). main threats facing Egyptian Vulture have been carried out
Over the last two years, the vulture conservation programme in Ethiopia’s Afar and Oromia regions. Additionally, over 20
have achieved several milestones across the continent. Egyptian vultures have been tagged in Ethiopia and Djibouti.
Poisoning remains the greatest threat to vultures. The vulture
Setting up Vulture Safe Zones (VSZ) is a critical component of conservation programme has developed anti-poisoning and
this strategy to address vulture mortality. The VSZ concept is rapid response mechanisms that have been rolled out in Kenya,
designed to stabilize, or increase, vulture populations through Zimbabwe and Botswana, with remarkable success strides
encouraging positive environmental practices by landowners/ in reducing vulture mortality caused by retaliatory poisoning
managers. To date, more than 260,000 hectares of land have of carnivores over the last two years. Going forward, the
been secured in Southern Africa, 200,000+ ha in Zambia and vulture programme aims at rolling out vulture conservation
60,000+ ha in Zimbabwe for establishment of VSZs. In South across the partnership, expanding VSZs in East Africa and
Africa, discussions with landowners are well underway, and strengthening capacity to address the increasing impacts of
the first VSZs are expected to come up soon. energy production and distribution on vulture populations in
Africa.
The BirdLife vulture programme is also addressing trade in
vulture parts on the continent. In Nigeria, a series of meetings
and workshops with traditional healers have held to discuss
sustainable alternatives, and discussions for plant-based
alternatives are ongoing. Trade in vulture parts has been
identified as the main driver in the recent mass poisoning
of hooded vultures in Guinea-Bissau. To address this threat,
BirdLife is initiating a cross-border (in Guinea-Bissau, Senegal
and The Gambia) network to respond to such incidences, and
has submitted a funding application to SOS-IUCN to support
further emergency measures.
BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020 I 13Saving
Species
A key pillar of the BirdLife strategy is preventing
extinctions. In Africa, BirdLife has made tremendous
steps in saving threatened species. Currently, BirdLife is
taking action in 15 countries to halt declines in vulture
populations across the continent including surveys,
monitoring , anti-poisoning mitigation measures and
establishment of more than 250,000 ha of Vulture Safe
Zones (VSZs), stakeholder engagement to tackle trade
in belief based use among others. Action has also
been taken to improve the status of 30 threatened non-
vulture birds, with two –the Echo Parakeet (Psittacula
eques) and the Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita)
being downlisted on the IUCN Red List from Endangered
to Vulnerable and from Critically Endangered to
Endangered respectively.
Continuous monitoring of common birds is being
undertaken at landscape and site level, with eight
partners in the East Atlantic Flyway Initiative (EAFI)
participating in the 2020 Flyway census. Additionally,
BirdLife is involved in addressing seabird and turtle
mortalities through bycatch, with a number of
interventions being undertaken in 10 countries, seven of
which are in West Africa. Some of these interventions
include knowledge gap filling studies and monitoring,
training and awareness raising among others. In this
section, we feature interventions by BirdLife partners
in Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda,
Zimbabwe and Tunisia to save species across the
continent.
14 I BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020“I have grown my passion
for birds and have used the
passion to influence my
community peers to love birds
and see them as important to
the ecosystem,” says
Obonetse Maoto,
a local community guide at
Makgadikgadi Southern Sua.
Participants collecting the bird data © BLB
BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020 I 15BOTSWANA
BPM participants during the data collection period. © Lecture Kenosi
A Decade of Community Participation in Bird Conservation in Botswana
By Keddy Moleofi
“I have grown my passion for birds and have used the passion Much of BirdLife Botswana’s work has been centred on the
to influence my community peers to love birds and see them monitoring and conservation of globally endangered birds,
as important to the ecosystem,” says Obonetse Maoto, a local and common birds have been overlooked; now monitoring
community guide at Makgadikgadi Southern Sua. is performed twice a year, in February and November. The
BPMP Coordinator mobilizes participants, facilitates training
He is part of the Bird Population Monitoring Programme workshops countrywide, generates count reports for each
(BPMP) established by BirdLife Botswana (BLB) and BirdLife counting period and undertakes fund-raising. The participation
Partners in 2010. The programme, part of a global effort to of rural communities is a key aspect of the BPMP, and since 2010
monitor terrestrial birds around the world, is supported by the the BPMP has hosted over 70 training workshops nationally
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). BPMP aims and trained over 8,000 participants. Thus far, 650 transects
at demonstrating the importance of birds as indicators of the have been monitored by a total of 900 volunteers.
condition of ecosystems, and can be used by decision-makers
to help politicians find suitable biodiversity management “Since I became part of the bird monitoring program in 2011,
solutions. my confidence in bird guiding has grown tremendously,” notes
Bole Danabe, a local community guide from Nata Sanctuary. “I
Objectives include developing a Wild Bird Index (WBI) for have also developed a huge interest in birds and I attempt to
Botswana showing bird population trends over time; and identify every bird I see.”
using the trends to set conservation priorities, guide relevant
legislation and report on biodiversity changes in the country. In its first decade, the project has had some challenges. These
At the same time, the programme builds the capacity of local include developing the skills to identify birds by their calls; a
communities in bird identification and awareness, increases geographical bias in the dataset towards cities and towns,
community participation in wildlife monitoring and biodiversity because that’s where most of the experienced birders are,
conservation and improves livelihoods. which means that remote areas are not well covered; local
16 I BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020names for transects which can’t be located on maps; and The BPM Programme has empowered rural communities
lack of funding to support rural community participation by to take part in biodiversity conservation. Currently, there
providing incentives such as T-shirts, hats, cups, and hosting are 250 people monitoring 120 transects. A number of rural
workshops to give them feedback from the monitoring data. community members have joined safari companies as guides,
after gaining skills from the monitoring programme. Other
To address these challenges, BirdLife Botswana produced a members are increasingly interested in gamebird rearing,
DVD guide featuring 570 birds of Botswana. The DVD includes and many community members are inquiring from BLB how
pictures of the birds, descriptions, size, bird calls, distribution to start a birding tourism business on their farms. The office
maps, and names in scientific, English and local languages. A also receives a number of calls reporting injured birds from
monitoring tool kit has been developed, which includes a “hard community members, demonstrating that the community
to identify birds” guide, and 5,000 copies of a Common Birds now cares about their birds and the environment.
of Botswana leaflet. With financial support from the National
Geographic Society, audio recorders will be bought to capture “The programme is very useful to show fluctuations of some
unidentified bird songs on transects. common species, range contractions and expansion. For
example, Golden-breasted Bunting and Scaly-feathered Finch
Over the last decade, BPMP has had remarkable success, numbers will go up and down depending on the conditions,”
with the data from the common terrestrial bird population says Chris Brewster, Bird Population Monitoring Programme
monitoring used to influence policy related to bird Adjudicator. The 2020 report based on nine years of data
conservation. The Department of Wildlife and National Parks shows a steep decline in numbers of eagles and Yellow-
(DWNP) has used this data to direct the issuance of quotas billed Kite, while the trend of vultures and Southern Ground
for game bird hunting licenses and to estimate distribution Hornbill shows a moderate decline. There is a steep decline of
and composition of common terrestrial birds in parks and Cape Crow and a steady population of Pied Crow. The report
game reserves. It has also been utilized by the Department recommends that a monitoring programme for raptors be
of Crop Production for proper control of the crop pest Red- established, and more surveys undertaken to determine the
billed Quelea. BPMP recently contributed to the development population estimates and distribution of vultures, eagles,
of the 2020 Botswana State of the Environment Report. The Southern Ground Hornbill and Secretary bird in Botswana.
data provides a scientific measure of Botswana’s biodiversity
through the national Wild Bird Index and contributes to
reducing over-exploitation of natural resources.
2018 162
Year in which BLB Number of members
became a full BirdLife nationally
Partner
4 8000
Number of established Number of rural
Community Trusts community members
trained under the
BPMP
Participants collecting the bird data © BLB
BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020 I 17MALAWI
Students, Wildlife club Matron and AP official showing parrot posters © WESM
WESM leads the way in Parrot Conservation in Malawi
By Lester R. Nanjala
In 2005, during an annual game count organized by the Wildlife wildlife patrons around Liwonde National Park. This initiative is
and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM, BirdLife Partner) also supported by the World Parrot Trust
in Liwonde National Park, a number of Lilian’s Lovebirds
Agapornis lilianae, a tiny African parrot, were found dead at Another aspect of this program has been carrying out parrot
a poisoned pool. This triggered the start of a multi-faceted counts to yield critical information and inform decision making
effort to conserve this Near-Threatened species and all parrots in conservation. Consequently, WESM and African Parks (AP)
in Malawi. conducted a Parrot Count Day in Liwonde National Park in
November 2019. The exercise was a unique collaborative
Following this discovery, WESM began a program to assess platform, bringing together schools’ environmental and
Lilian Lovebird populations. The extensive loss of natural wildlife clubs under one umbrella for parrot conservation.
habitats globally – through conversion of natural habitats
for development, settlement and agriculture, coupled with The event sought to raise awareness on the status of Malawi’s
uncontrolled fires and climate variabilities – has led to loss and parrot species, impart students with basic skills for estimating
degradation of once-rich bird habitats. the Lilian’s Lovebird population sizes and fostering knowledge
among students on the importance of parrots to the local
In 2010, WESM acquired the first funding from Strunden environment. Engaging primary school pupils sets a solid
Papageien Stiftung to investigate the situation. Support was basis in the sustainable protection and conservation of bird
also availed by Good Gifts, through BirdLife International, who biodiversity which is dependent on youth understanding,
since then have become a key partner supporting the work in appreciation and participation in conservation efforts, as
Liwonde. Over the years, the program has expanded to include stipulated in the National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan II
other parrot species in the country, including the Grey-headed (NBSAP II).
Parrot, Brown-headed Parrot and Meyer’s Parrot.
“A key challenge has been access to the park in the wet season;
Some of the work currently being carried out includes we hope this will now improve with the new management of
monitoring six waterholes and three nest sites populations, in African Parks planning to improve access,” notes Dr Tiwonge
addition to educating the community on parrot conservation. Mzumara-Gawa, WESM National Chair. “
A major milestone of the program has been the ongoing
development of a “Parrots of Malawi” booklet to be used by
18 I BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020A highlight of this program is that the birds have become a
key part of the reporting process and a talking point in tourism
“A key challenge has been access to the
activities in the area. Previously, the Dept. of Parks only park in the wet season; we hope this will
reported mammal poisoning incidents; now this count also now improve with the new management
includes the parrots. Many people I meet tell me when they
go to Liwonde, they are told about the lovebirds and WESM’s of African Parks planning to improve
work there.” access”
“It is envisaged that once the “Parrots of Malawi” booklet
is released, more people will be aware of the importance Dr Tiwonge Mzumara-Gawa,
and status of parrots in Malawi, thereby galvanizing more WESM National Chair.
conservation work. Once we finalize the booklet and launch
it, we would also like to see it being used in neighbouring
countries, including Zambia and Mozambique,” concludes
Tiwonge.
2019 500
Year which WESM Number of members
became a full BirdLife nationally
Partner
100+ 1500 Students, WESM and AP officials on a boat ride to Mvuu
camp for the Parrot count
Number of established Number of clubs, which
Site Support Groups are part of WESM
BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020 I 19MAURITIUS
Echo parakeet © Jacques de Spéville
Back from the Brink: The Echo Parakeet in Mauritius
By Mauritian Wildlife Foundation
The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (BirdLife Partner), with the (NPCS). Broad conservation techniques used included habitat
support of its partners, has restored a number of endemic bird protection through creation of the Black River Gorges National
populations once thought doomed to extinction on Mauritius Park in 1993 and habitat manipulation through fenced and
and the smaller island of Rodrigues. One of the greatest weeded plots known as Conservation Management Areas
success stories is the recovery of the Echo Parakeet Psittacula (CMAs). From 1997, efforts intensified, with the provision and
eques – the only surviving endemic species of parrot in the protection of breeding sites and manipulation of wild broods
Mascarene islands. to increase productivity – regular examination of active nests,
rescuing unhealthy and underweight chicks, hand-rearing and
Echo Parakeets were once widespread in Mauritius; numbers releasing chicks back into the wild, and releasing captive-bred
began to decline in the 17th century. Extensive habitat Echo Parakeet fledglings.
destruction due to human activity, and habitat degradation
due to invasive alien plant species, reduced food availability Supplementary food and wooden nest boxes were provided
and the number of cavity-forming endemic trees. Introduced to wild birds for many years, but neither were used. This was
ship rats Rattus rattus and crab-eating macaques Macaca resolved by introducing both resources during the captive
fascicularis are egg and chick predators, and common mynahs rearing of birds. The first bird to use a nest box in the wild was a
Acridotheres tristis and ring-necked parakeets Psittacula captive-bred bird in 2001. In the following years, the wild birds
krameri are competitors for breeding sites. The Echo Parakeet learnt from the released birds, and today, most Echo Parakeets
population declined to fewer than 20 birds by the 1980’s. It was breed in artificial nest boxes and take supplementary food –
the rarest parrot in the world. this proved to be a major breakthrough.
Conservation efforts were intensified by the Mauritian In 2005, an attempt to establish a subpopulation in Combo,
Wildlife Foundation in partnership with the Forestry Service in the Black River Gorges National Park, failed when the
in 1987 and later the National Parks and Conservation Service young birds contracted Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease
20 I BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020(PBFD), causing feather dystrophy and immuno-suppression. Black River Gorges National Park, and has been reintroduced to
The outbreak was not restricted to Combo and affected the two other areas within their former range. In the last breeding
entire population, leading to a number of deaths. Consequently, season (2019/20), 143 breeding pairs successfully produced 226
management practices were reviewed. fledglings.
By 2014, the Echo Parakeet population had grown significantly, In December 2019, the Echo Parakeet was downlisted from
but was still restricted to the Black River Gorges National Park. Endangered to Vulnerable in the International Union for
Echo Parakeets were then reintroduced in two areas within Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species. This
their former range, the Ferney Valley (Bambou Mountains) is a major milestone for the project, and recognizes the great
in the south-east, and Ebony Forest (Chamarel) in the south- population growth that has occurred since the species was
west. From 2015 to 2017, 73 birds were released in Ferney, and downlisted to Endangered in 2007. The conservation efforts
from 2018 to 2019, 50 birds were released in Ebony Forest. made to save the Echo Parakeet have been enormously
Survival post release was high, but as the birds were caught as successful; made possible by the work of project staff and
fledglings, a number of birds retained a memory of their site of volunteers, the science leading the project coming from crucial
origin, and returned there post release. researchers and advisors, and partners’ support.
One un-ringed Echo Parakeet fledgling was caught and ringed There is still a long road ahead for the recovery and
in Ferney in March 2017 – this bird was likely the result of the safeguarding of the Echo Parakeet population. Continuous
first breeding attempt to have been made in the Bambou review of conservation management practices through
Mountains. The first breeding site in the Bambou Mountains scientific research will be integral. A key aim of the project
was discovered in 2018 in a tree cavity in Vallée de l’Est, three is to reduce management of the population over time so
km away from the original release site. that it can return to a more ‘natural’ state requiring minimal
intervention. To achieve this, other factors including extensive
“The Echo Parakeet project is a key example of how intensive habitat destruction will need to be addressed so that long-
conservation management focused on one species can be term survival of the Echo Parakeet can be realized.
extremely successful, and is arguably essential in heavily
modified habitats such as those found in Mauritius,” notes Sion
Henshaw, Fauna Manager at the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.
Today the Echo Parakeet population is estimated to be over
800 birds in the wild, has two thriving subpopulations in the
2018 18
Year in which MWF Number of members
became a full BirdLife nationally
Partner
2 800+
Number of Site Estimated number of
Support Groups Echo Parakeets in the
wild
Echo parakeet field activity : by Jacques de Spéville
BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020 I 21SOUTH AFRICA
SBSE Jo Buggs Balmer Eastern Shores
Collaborating to save the Southern Banded Snake Eagle
By Dr Melissa Howes-Whitecross
The Southern Banded Snake Eagle (SBSE), Circaetus fasciolatus, In 2015, BirdLife South Africa commenced a survey of northern
is a cryptic and elusive predator of the East African coastal belt KwaZulu-Natal, led by Drs David Allan and Andrew Jenkins
and riparian corridors south of the Sahara. These specialist and several stakeholders such as leading SBSE expert Hugh
raptors occupy the matrix of coastal dune / sand forest and Chittenden. In 2018, Dr Melissa Howes-Whitecross became
lowland grasslands of the Indian Ocean Coastal Belt Biome and the Raptor & Large Terrestrial Bird Project Manager at BirdLife
often associate with the dense riparian vegetation along many South Africa and was tasked with the SBSE project. With
of East Africa’s large rivers. Their presence is highly fragmented experienced local guide Sphamandla Junior Gabela and PhD
across this range. Southern Africa has three subpopulations, student Caroline Howes-Whitecross, an extensive survey of
the most southern in northern KwaZulu-Natal’s Maputaland northern KwaZulu-Natal timber plantations was carried out,
region and southern Mozambique, a small sub-population in including iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the current stronghold
south-eastern Zimbabwe and another in central Mozambique. for SBSE. Seven SBSE territories were located within the
forestry properties and three inside iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Historically, SBSE occurred further south, with the type locality
recorded as Durban. SBSE have already undergone a range The team was impressed by the diversity of birds utilizing the
contraction, driven by expansion of human settlements, corridors of natural forest which run along the drainage lines
intensive agriculture (sugar-cane), timber plantations, between the timber blocks. These corridors are a lifeline for
damming of rivers and mining that has reduced coastal biodiversity, particularly reptiles which are key food sources
forests and grasslands in the KwaZulu-Natal coast. The local for SBSEs. Natural pockets of forest within the plantations,
population of SBSE was uplisted to Critically Endangered in clearings below the powerlines, and railways which cut
South Africa in 2015 with an estimated fewer than 50 mature through the plantations have almost recreated a coastal forest-
individuals. Globally, the species is Near Threatened, with a grassland matrix. Concrete railway sleepers are favoured for
vague population estimate of between 670-2000 individuals small reptiles to bask in the morning sun, and patient SBSEs
and a declining population trend. using railway pylons as a hunting perch simply watch and wait
for their prey to emerge.
22 I BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020Likewise, power poles with clear-cut, open grassland below In July 2019, a synopsis of biology and conservation challenges
provide ideal hunting perches for SBSEs. Unfortunately, these facing SBSE was presented to the environmental and
perches come with an element of danger. When SBSEs land operations management at KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Operating
on electrical infrastructure they sometimes connect a live wire Unit (KZNOU) and representatives from the provincial
with the grounded pole and are immediately electrocuted. conservation authority EKZNW (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife).
This happens in particular when they perch on pole-mounted KZNOU launched the Southern Banded Snake Eagle Project in
transformer boxes, responsible for at least four known cases of which Eskom committed to retrofit 62 high-risk transformer
SBSE electrocution in KwaZulu-Natal. boxes. Fitting the transformer-boxes with insulating covers
for the live jumper cables costs an average of R30,000 (about
“It’s encouraging to see a highly specialised raptor adapting US$1,800) per box. Eskom committed staff and resources to this
to a rapidly changing environment and making use of novel conservation effort, and has been instrumental in supporting
anthropogenic habitats, but it is vital that we address and BirdLife South Africa’s conservation work, through the Ingula
mitigate any and all threats these landscapes may pose to Partnership, for over fifteen years. By the end of 2019, all 62
wildlife to ensure their continued survival alongside humanity,” transformer boxes were retrofitted; the rapid response by
notes Dr Hanneline Smit-Robinson, Head of Conservation at Eskom to this threat is commendable.
BirdLife South Africa.
In 2020, BirdLife South Africa, through the Ingula Partnership,
Eskom (the electricity utility) has committed to helping fitted two female SBSE with telemetry devices to learn about
prevent the negative impacts their electrical infrastructure has movement and space-use of the birds within the town of
on birds across South Africa, through the Ingula Partnership, Mtunzini. This will assist BirdLife South Africa to develop
a collaboration between Eskom, BirdLife South Africa and relevant, effective conservation strategies. A second project
the Middelpunt Wetland Trust. Dr Howes-Whitecross was linked to monitoring transformer boxes with camera traps will
given financial support to carry out ecological modelling launch in 2020 to further our understanding of how wildlife
that identified the core distribution for SBSE across northern is interacting with these structures. Previously retrofitted
KwaZulu-Natal. She then overlay the Eskom pole-mounted transformer boxes will be part of this study to assist in
transformer box network and highlighted high-risk structures monitoring how effective the retro-fitment is in keeping
within key areas for SBSE that required urgent electrocution wildlife and SBSE safe.
mitigation efforts.
1996 3577
Year which BirdLife Number of members
South Africa became a nationally
BirdLife Partner
2 62
Number of Site Number of retrofitted
Support Groups transformer boxes in
the SBSE project
TransformerBox Mtunzini-Melissa Howes-Whitecross
BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020 I 23UGANDA
Grey-crowned Cranes in flight. © Achilles Byaruhanga.
A First National Strategy for Conservation of the Endangered Grey Crowned
Crane
By Jimmy Muheebwa, Achilles Byaruhanga & Jonathan Onongo
The Grey Crowned Crane, Balearica regulorum, is the national Endangered. The development process of an Action Plan
bird of Uganda, featuring prominently on the national flag for the Grey Crowned Crane was started in 2009, when the
and coat of arms that were designed and adopted when Government of Uganda, in partnership with NatureUganda –
Uganda got its independence from the British in 1962. The Grey as the lead agency on crane ecology – held the first meeting
Crowned Crane’s range stretches from the eastern Democratic under the theme “The Grey Crowned Crane in Uganda
Republic of Congo, Uganda and Kenya to south eastern South conserved and protected and contributing to cultural heritage
Africa. Grey Crowned Cranes are non-migratory, but undertake and economic development of the country”.
variable local and seasonal movements, and are most abundant
in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. In February 2020, NatureUganda’s long time advocacy efforts
for the conservation of the Grey Crowned Crane were
Uganda is home to about 28% of the global Grey Crowned rewarded by the launch of the 1st National Species Action
Crane population, but the species has declined significantly Plan for the Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum) a much
over the last 20 to 30 years. The population of the Grey revered bird and national symbol for Uganda. The launch of
Crowned Crane in Uganda was estimated at between 25,000 the Action Plan by the State Minister for Wildlife Tourism &
and 35,000 forty years ago (Pomeroy, 1989) but has been Antiquities Hon. Godfrey Kiwanda was the crowning moment
reducing to 13,000 – 20,000 today (Beilfuss et al 2007 and of the first ever Crane Festival in Uganda. The Crane Festival
Muheebwa, 2004). The global population is estimated at 47,000 was celebrated under the theme “Bend the Curve of the Crane
– 59,000 (2005 estimate) having declined from over 100,000 Population decline”.
(1985 estimate), a decline of between 41 and 53% (Beilfuss et
al, 2007). This decline is attributed primarily to habitat loss and “The development of the National Species Action Plan for the
fragmentation and illegal removal of individuals from the wild, Grey Crowned Crane is a clear indicator of the commitment
for food, traditional use, domestication and for the internal that the government of Uganda attaches to the conservation of
illegal trade market. Additional threats include poisoning and wildlife and nature,” says Jimmy Muheebwa, the NatureUganda
collisions and electrocutions with overhead power lines. Cranes Conservation Project Co-coordinator.
Since 2004, NatureUganda has been implementing a project To halt the current population decline of Grey Crowned Cranes
to conserve the Grey Crowned Crane in Uganda because of in Uganda, the Action Plan has established four strategic
its rapidly declining population both globally and nationally, actions to be undertaken by the Government of Uganda and
which led to the conservation status of the species to be partner institutions:
revised in the IUCN Red List in 2013 from Vulnerable to globally
24 I BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020• Implementing activities that enhance active conservation
of cranes and their habitats by reducing adult and juvenile
mortality of Grey Crowned Cranes
• Reducing loss, fragmentation and degradation of habitats
• Addressing knowledge gaps about the species through
research
• Implementing local livelihood programs that support Grey
Crowned Crane conservation
Currently, efforts to conserve the Grey Crowned Crane are
focusing on working with local communities using Community
Conservation Agreements to secure wetland ecosystems
that are key habitats for the species, and designation of key The launch of the National Species Action Plan for Grey-
wetlands as Ramsar sites. Over the next years, the project seeks crowned Crane during the Crane Festival 2020.
to increase the number of Community Conserved Wetlands in © Jonathan Onongo.
south-western Uganda, that host most of Uganda’s population
of Grey Crowned Cranes, to ensure that Uganda continues to
support a sustainable population of the Grey Crowned Crane.
References:
• Beilfuss, R.D., Dodman, T. & Urban, E.K. (2007). The status of
cranes in Africa in 2005. Ostrich 78: 175–184.
• Muheebwa-Muhoozi, J. (2004). Assessing the status of the
Grey Crowned Crane Balaerica regulorum in Uganda. M Sc
thesis, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
• Pomeroy, D.E. (1980). Aspects of the ecology of Crowned
Crane Balearica regulorum in Uganda. Scopus 4: 29–35.
1995 3765
Year which Nature Number of members
Uganda became a nationally
BirdLife Partner
17
Number of Site
Support Groups
BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020 I 25ZIMBABWE
Training of rangers at Hammond Ranch to collect vulture monitoring data © BLZ
Taking the lead in vulture conservation
By Fadzai Matsvimbo
Across Africa, vultures are now among the most endangered to poaching; vultures are dying as non-target species or killed
species. In the last 50 years, a decline in vultures of up to 97% to reduce early detection. This, coupled with the realization
has been reported in some areas. In Zimbabwe, all but one of that our knowledge of vulture numbers, distribution and
the vulture species routinely found in the country are listed as ecology in Zimbabwe has serious gaps, led to the need to
being Endangered or Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Vultures develop an action plan for vultures to ensure their survival.
are an important part of the ecosystem, playing a vital role in
cleaning up the environment thereby reducing the spread of BirdLife Zimbabwe (BLZ) is at the forefront of saving these
diseases and the proliferation of feral animals. However, they endangered birds in the country. Earlier work focused on
are under serious threat from various anthropogenic factors, collecting monitoring data in areas that are important for
which include poisoning and land use changes. vulture breeding. In 2014, BLZ started taking part in events such
as the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair and Harare Exhibition
In recent years there has been an increase in poisoned Show to interact with the public and raise awareness about
carcasses and a surge of elephant poaching. This led to a spike vultures. In 2015, a Vulture Action Planning workshop was
in the number of vultures being killed through poisoning, either hosted by BirdLife Zimbabwe in collaboration with Zimbabwe
inadvertently –feeding on carcasses laced with poison to deter Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and supported
predators – or directly, from carcasses poisoned by poachers financially by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. The
to kill vultures and avoid early detection. Notable vulture Action Plan was approved and adopted by Zimbabwe Parks
poisoning incidents reported include 40 vultures poisoned at and Wildlife Management in May 2019, and Zimbabwe became
farm in Fort Rixon (Matabeleland South) in 2014; 22 vultures the first country in Africa to have a National Vulture Action
poisoned in Sinamatella (Hwange National Park) in 2015; 43 Plan.
vultures poisoned at Sentinel Ranch (Matabeleland South)
in 2016; 94 vultures poisoned on the border of Gonarezhou The purpose of the Vulture Action Plan (VAP) is to
National Park in 2017; and in 2018, 28 vultures poisoned in Main encourage multi-sectoral, national, regional and international
Camp (Hwange National Park). Most of these killings are linked collaboration to address threats to vultures. It includes raising
26 I BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020awareness about the plight of vultures, their ecological like Facebook and Twitter to reach thousands in addition to
importance and valuable ecosystem services, and is useful the vulture newsletter with more than 500 subscribers.
for supporting regulatory tools in species conservation. The
Zimbabwe VAP has four main components: Poisoning Action Key successes under the VAP include bringing on board the
Plan, Education and Awareness Action Plan, Research and Gwayi Intensive Conservation Area and two ranches within
Monitoring Action Plan, Policy and Legislation action plan and Save Valley Conservancy to roll out Vulture Safe Zones in
Infrastructure action plan. It also provides for the revival of the 2019, with support of landowners and managers. Sixteen
Vulture Working Group to coordinate vulture conservation White-backed Vultures were successfully rescued following
efforts. a poisoning event in February 2020, thanks to the quick
intervention by ZimParks and Kuimba Shiri Bird park.
“The recent signing of a Zimbabwe Vulture Action Plan is
indicative of growing confidence and acceptance of a BLZ One of the major challenges encountered so far is the low
conservation agenda. The Zimbabwe Vulture Action Plan feeds perception of the importance of vultures, and changing
into the global over-arching Vulture Multi-species Action people’s attitudes towards vultures. It takes time and effort;
Plan, so we are officially directly involved in the prevention however, it’s beginning to pay results as demonstrated by the
of extinction of these species. This is real conservation work,” support from local communities for vulture conservation. In
noted BLZ President Neil Deacon at the 2019 BLZ AGM. future, BLZ envisages rolling out Vulture Safe Zones to other
areas, to further safeguard these endangered birds.
The VAP has encouraged different stakeholders to support
vulture conservation in the country. Since 2015, various
organisations have been involved in updating vulture baseline
information. Under the Action Plan, more than 70 Ranger First
Responders have been trained on how to deal with vulture
poisoning and report mortalities. A database which houses
vulture mortality records spanning back seven years has
been developed. BirdLife Zimbabwe has carried out surveys
in collaboration with ZimParks in the Zambezi Valley in 2016
and 2018, and nesting surveys in Save Valley and Gwayi
conservancies. At Sango ranch, 60,000 hectares in size, 89
nest have been found so far. BLZ has also been carrying out
education and awareness efforts, using social media platforms
2002 300
Year which BLZ Number of BLZ
became a full BirdLife members nationally
Partner
9 70
Number of Established Number of Ranger First
Site Support Groups Responders who have
been trained under the
VAP
Raising awareness on vultures at the Harare Exhibition Show
BIRDLIFE AFRICA REPORT 2020 I 27You can also read
