Showing papers in "Ostrich in 2019"
TL;DR: The vulture head was found to be the most culturally important body part for treating human ailments, while the feathers had the highest informant agreement ratio.
Abstract: Vultures form an important ingredient used by traditional medicinal practitioners for the preparation of their therapeutic remedies. The aim of this study was to determine the vulture body parts us...
22 citations
TL;DR: It is found that Hooded Vulture nest success increased with proximity to human settlements, probably because breeding vultures benefit from protection by people against persecution and disturbance.
Abstract: During the last decades, the critically endangered Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus has strongly declined across its African range. Although direct persecution has been suggested as a major cause of this decline, little is known about the impact of humans on reproductive output in West Africa. We studied the impact of human activities on the reproductive output of Hooded Vultures in the Garango area of Burkina Faso. Twenty and 56 nesting attempts were monitored, respectively, during the breeding season in 2013/14 and 2014/15, to determine reproductive success and identify causes of nest failure. Annual breeding success varied between 0.68 and 0.71 chicks fledged per breeding pair per year and productivity was assessed at 0.57 chicks fledged per territorial pair in 2014/15. The main threats imposed by humans were poaching of eggs, chicks and collection of nest materials, leading to 20% (13 out of 64 breeding attempts) of nest failures over the two years. An additional important reason for nest failure was the pruning and (partial) cutting of nest trees. Despite this high level of human interference, we found that Hooded Vulture nest success increased with proximity to human settlements, probably because breeding vultures benefit from protection by people against persecution and disturbance.
20 citations
TL;DR: The Cape Gannet Morus capensis is one of several seabird species endemic to the Benguela upwelling ecosystem (BUS) but whose population has recently decreased, leading to an unfavourable IUCN Red L...
Abstract: The Cape Gannet Morus capensis is one of several seabird species endemic to the Benguela upwelling ecosystem (BUS) but whose population has recently decreased, leading to an unfavourable IUCN Red L...
16 citations
TL;DR: The authors radio-tagged four vultures in northern Botswana to gather data about the ecology of the horned Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus and found that their numbers have declined dramatically in recent years.
Abstract: Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus populations have declined dramatically in recent years, but we know little about their ecology. We radio-tagged four vultures in northern Botswana to gather data...
14 citations
TL;DR: The saddle-billed stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis exemplifies a case in conservation research in which a species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and the resulting consideratio...
Abstract: The Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis exemplifies a case in conservation research in which a species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and the resulting consideratio...
13 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors assessed bird and wildlife mortality and changes in bird species communities at a 50 MW utility-scale concentrated solar power parabolic trough facility in South Africa, and found that birds were killed at the facility.
Abstract: This study assesses bird and wildlife mortality and changes in bird species communities at a 50 MW utility-scale concentrated solar power parabolic trough facility in South Africa. The facility was...
12 citations
TL;DR: The genus Agapornis consists of nine small African parrot species that are globally well known as pets, but are also found in their native habitat, and most of these are inherited as Mendelian traits.
Abstract: The genus Agapornis consists of nine small African parrot species that are globally well known as pets, but are also found in their native habitat. Illegal trapping, poaching and habitat destruction are the main threats these birds face in the wild. In aviculture, Agapornis breeding is highly popular all across the globe. Birds are mainly selected based on their plumage colour variations but very little molecular research has been conducted on this topic. There are 30 known colour variations amongst the nine species and most of these are inherited as Mendelian traits. However, to date none of the genes or polymorphisms linked to these variations have been identified or verified. Due to unethical breeding practices, the need for the development of molecular tests such as identification verification tests or species identity tests is growing. Future research is paramount to ensure the conservation of wild populations as well as aiding breeders in improving breeding strategies. Keywords: avi culture, love birds, molecular breeding tools, Psittacidae
12 citations
TL;DR: A comprehensive revision of fisante taxonomy and phylogeny, a stable classification system and common terminology, and hypotheses vis-à-vis eco-biogeographical processes that promoted their speciation and cladogenesis are produced.
Abstract: Afro-Asiatic perdicine galliform birds, commonly and inconsistently referred to as francolins, spurfowls and partridges, have contentious taxonomic and phylogenetic histories. In a widely followed monograph, Hall combined two putative monophyletic, but taxonomically unnamed, clades comprising 28 perdicine species known as ‘francolins’ or fisante in South Africa and 13 additional quail-like species (partridges or patryse) into a single genus, Francolinus, which was the largest genus within the Galliformes. Furthermore, she partitioned fisante + patryse into eight, also formally unnamed, putative monophyletic ‘Groups’ and speculated on the phylogenetic affinities of four ‘Unplaced’ species. We investigate fisante using combined morphological, vocalisation and DNA-based evidence and produce a comprehensive revision of fisante taxonomy and phylogeny, a stable classification system and common terminology, and hypotheses vis-a-vis eco-biogeographical processes that promoted their speciation and cladogenesis. Th...
11 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that microfilarial infections may be associated with body mass loss in wild birds and a negative relationship between microFilarial infection status and body mass is found, but no relationship between infectionstatus and haematocrit values is found.
Abstract: Haemoparasitic infections in wild birds have been widely studied in order to understand parasite–host relationships, but our understanding of their impact on the host’s fitness is still limited. In this study, we quantified the associations between microfilarial infections and body mass and between microfilarial infections and haematocrit values in Village Weavers Ploceus cucullatus . We screened blood samples (thin smear and buffy coat) for the presence of haemoparasitic infections and measured haematocrit values. Fifty-seven percent of 91 individuals screened carried a microfilarial infection but, contrary to expectations, no other haemoparasitic infections were detected in the blood samples. We found a negative relationship between microfilarial infection status and body mass, but no relationship between infection status and haematocrit values. Our results suggest that microfilarial infections may be associated with body mass loss in wild birds. Keywords: anaemia, body condition, haematocrit, haemoparasitic infections, microfilariae, microscopy, Onchocercidae , Ploceus cucullatus , Village Weaver
9 citations
TL;DR: The wide-ranging behaviour of juvenile Secretarybirds exposes them to a diverse range of threats, and a better understanding of their movements will aid the development of appropriate conservation strategies for this terrestrial raptor.
Abstract: Knowledge of the dispersal behaviour of southern Africa’s juvenile Secretarybirds Sagittarius serpentarius was previously limited to a small number of ring recoveries (n = 4) in South Africa. From ...
8 citations
TL;DR: Insects were most frequently encountered during the three breeding stages, whereas birds were highly consumed during the fledging stage, and the diet of these Eleonora Falcons of Algeria was diverse, but varied with breeding status.
Abstract: The study of the contents of 318 Eleonora's Falcon Falco eleonorae pellets, collected from three islands off the western coast of Algeria, allowed us to identify 134 prey items. These are divided i...
TL;DR: Sapo National Park was the first established and is the largest national park in Liberia and contains the second largest area of primary tropical rainforest in West Africa as mentioned in this paper, however, little is known about it.
Abstract: Sapo National Park was the first established and is the largest national park in Liberia and contains the secondlargest area of primary tropical rainforest in West Africa. However, little is known ...
TL;DR: The African Black Oystercatcher Haematopus moquini is a charismatic, southern African near-endemic, wader species that is often seen as a flagship species for coastal bird conservation as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The African Black Oystercatcher Haematopus moquini is a charismatic, southern African near-endemic, wader species, that is often seen as a flagship species for coastal bird conservation, as it was ...
TL;DR: Based on their observations and ringing at this site (2007-2017), as well as concurrent data from the South African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP2), the authors suggest that in this region only three species, the African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta, White-starred Robin Pogonocichla stellata and Barratt's Warbler Bradypterus barratti, are regular altitudinal migrants.
Abstract: Seasonal altitudinal migration to lower altitudes including the coast has been ascribed to a number of forest birds, of which 14 species occur at Fort Fordyce Reserve in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Based on our observations and ringing at this site (2007–2017), as well as concurrent data from the South African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP2), we suggest that in this region only three species, the African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta, White-starred Robin Pogonocichla stellata and Barratt's Warbler Bradypterus barratti, are regular altitudinal migrants. For two other species, the Grey Cuckooshrike Coracina caesia and Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler Phylloscopus ruficapilla, local movements apparently occur, but these may take place within the coastal zone rather than between the coast and inland forests.
TL;DR: The Karoo is a unique region in South Africa in terms of its ecological processes and endemic species and large areas are needed to maintain viable populations of nomadic birds that follow erratic rai as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The Karoo is a unique region in South Africa in terms of its ecological processes and endemic species. Large areas are needed to maintain viable populations of nomadic birds that follow erratic rai...
TL;DR: The African Penguin Spheniscus demersus is an endangered seabird endemic to southern Africa, and killing sprees by terrestrial predators have been one of the main threats for its mainland colonies.
Abstract: The African Penguin Spheniscus demersus is an endangered seabird endemic to southern Africa, and killing sprees by terrestrial predators have been one of the main threats for its mainland colonies....
TL;DR: The monophyly of a larger patryse clade is confirmed, including members of Hall’s ‘Spotted Group’ and one ‘Unplaced’ species, gularis, and it is proposed that they should be referred to commonly as ‘francolins’.
Abstract: Afro-Asiatic perdicine galliform taxa commonly and inconsistently referred to as francolins, spurfowls and partridges have contentious taxonomic and phylogenetic histories. Hall combined two putati...
TL;DR: In an extensive literature search, a total of 16 raptor species were recorded as nesting on top of large weaver nests as discussed by the authors, including Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver Bubalornis niger and 25.7% of Sociable Weaver Philetairus socius nests.
Abstract: Several raptor species nest on top of large weaver nests. These weaver nests are usually sited in trees, but 11.7% of Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver Bubalornis niger and 25.7% of Sociable Weaver Philetairus socius nests occur on man-made structures. In an extensive literature search, a total of 16 raptor species were recorded as nesting on top of weaver nests. At least 10 raptor species used weaver nests built in trees. Seven raptor species used weaver nests on man-made sites and four raptor species only used weaver nests built on man-made sites. No owls have been recorded as using weaver nests on man-made sites. There are historical records of raptors nesting on top of weaver nests in trees, while nesting on top of weaver nests sited on man-made structures appears to be a more recent adaptation. Costs and benefits of nesting on man-made sites are briefly listed. Nesting on man-made sites may increase (by both weavers and raptors) and raptor researchers are encouraged to document cases of raptors nesting on we...
TL;DR: Densities varied among years, but Pied Flycatchers were consistently most numerous in well-matured woodland habitat and Willow Warblers in disturbed habitat and Recaptures among years were too low for meaningful estimates of winter site fidelity, yet recurrence was recorded in three species.
Abstract: Little is known about the variation within and among species of long-distance migrants in behavioural strategies and habitat choice on their non-breeding grounds. We report results from regular rin...
TL;DR: It was shown that Grey wagtail fed on species of a wide variety of taxa, with little variation across the year, and that seasonal fluctuations in the diet of Grey Wagtail were very weak.
Abstract: This study showed from the analysis of 180 droppings of the Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea harvested during a period of one year from the Babors Mountains (Bejaia, Algeria) that insects formed the main part of the diet (85.9% of identified items). The other food categories included arachnids, crustaceans and gastropods. Among the insects, Coleoptera (beetles) was the main order consisting of 37.4% of identified items. The most frequently recorded family was Baetidae (Ephemeroptera; 9.8%). At the prey-taxa level, an unidentified Baetidae was the most frequently encountered and represented 9.7% of the diet. This species was present in the diet throughout the year. Prey taxa classified as aquatic were more frequently encountered (54.2%) compared with those considered terrestrial. This study showed that seasonal fluctuations in the diet of Grey Wagtail were very weak. Prey size ranged from 0.2 to 30.5 mm, with an average of 8.9 mm. Overall, this study showed that Grey wagtail fed on species of a wide variety of taxa, with little variation across the year. Keywords: Algeria, annual cycle, Babors Mountains, diet, Grey Wagtail, seasonal variations
TL;DR: The First Safari is the record of Ian Glenn’s search for the real story behind one of the better-known early visitors to the Cape at the time of the French Revolution, Francois Levaillant, and his attempt to clear up certain mysteries and puzzles.
Abstract: (2019). The First Safari – Searching for Francois Levaillant. Ostrich: Vol. 90, No. 3, pp. 283-283.
TL;DR: In South Africa, the Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii is considered endangered in South Africa in view of its sm... as mentioned in this paper, which is crucial for addressing conservation concerns.
Abstract: Determining the migratory status of seabird populations is crucial for addressing conservation concerns. The Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii is considered endangered in South Africa in view of its sm...
TL;DR: The iconic Grey Crowned Crane Balearica regulorum is facing an increase in threats to its wetland habitat and poaching for the captive trade market as discussed by the authors, which has resulted in an enduring long-term decli...
Abstract: The iconic Grey Crowned Crane Balearica regulorum is facing an increase in threats to its wetland habitat and poaching for the captive trade market. This has resulted in an enduring long-term decli...
TL;DR: Some invasive species are known to compete with and even displace indigenous species as mentioned in this paper, and two invasive species historically indigenous to eastern South Africa have colonised the Cape Peninsula in the 1990s.
Abstract: Some invasive species are known to compete with and even displace indigenous species. Two Accipiter species historically indigenous to eastern South Africa have colonised the Cape Peninsula in the ...
TL;DR: The Bank Cormorant Phalacrocorax neglectus is endemic to the Benguela upwelling ecosystem off southwest Africa and is classified as Endangered owing to a recent large reduction in its number as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The Bank Cormorant Phalacrocorax neglectus is endemic to the Benguela upwelling ecosystem off southwest Africa and is classified as Endangered owing to a recent large reduction in its number. It is...
TL;DR: Compared to total counts, flea (combined life stages and larvae) and total ectoparasite abundance and prevalence were significantly lower and adult flea and tick prevalence was significantly lower with the modified Berlese funnel method compared with total counts.
Abstract: The Berlese funnel method, and its variations, is commonly used for the extraction of arthropods from various substrates such as nest material. However, little is known about its effectivity in ext...
TL;DR: Insight is provided into the dispersal dynamics and dispersal propensity of this endangered species using field observations of ringed individuals within groups in a study population and resightings in surrounding areas.
Abstract: Dispersal is of ecological and evolutionary importance for population biology because it affects a species’ ability to expand its range, to colonise new favourable habitats and to increase the like...
TL;DR: This study conducted the most extensive study of the Madagascar Jacana to date, and reported on its distribution, population size and density; 2) degree of sexual size dimorphism; and 3) phylogenetic position.
Abstract: The Madagascar Jacana Actophilornis albinucha (Jacanidae) is an endemic shorebird found in the threatened wetlands of western Madagascar. This species is presumed to exhibit classical polyandry; however, few data are available to support that assumption. More generally, a lack of basic understanding of this species hinders conservation efforts. We conducted the most extensive study of the Madagascar Jacana to date, and report on its: 1) distribution, population size and density; 2) degree of sexual size dimorphism; and 3) phylogenetic position. The surveys were conducted at 54 lakes, between January and October in 2016. Madagascar Jacana were found at 22 lakes, and within these were distributed at a mean density of 3.5 ± 0.74 [SE] individuals per hectare of surveyed habitat. We estimate the global population size to be between 975 and 2 064 individuals, and habitat destruction appears to be the main threat to the species. Females were significantly larger than males, consistent with reports for other Jacanidae species. Using a mitochondrial DNA fragment, we expanded the Jacanidae genetic phylogeny, and confirmed that Madagascar Jacana is the sister species to the African Jacana Actophilornis africanus. Further studies are urgently needed to thoroughly re-assess the threat status and population trend of the Madagascar Jacana.
TL;DR: Results do not support the notion that hybridisation between Mallards and Yellow-billed Ducks is prevalent in central and northwestern South Africa, however, hybridisation could be occurring where Mallards are found in higher abundance, such as in the Western Cape Province.
Abstract: Hybridisation is the interbreeding of genetically distinct groups that can lead to introgression – an exchange of genetic material between species. Hybridisation is of conservation concern when an ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provided the first data on the population of Bonelli's Eagle Aquila fasciata (Vieillot, 1822) in North Africa.
Abstract: The North African population of Bonelli’s Eagle Aquila fasciata (Vieillot, 1822) is limited to the south by the northern fringe of the Sahara Desert. This study provides the first data on the spati...