Farmers to monitor endangered birds of prey in Karoo
Farmers in the Eastern Cape Karoo are keeping an eye out for iconic birds of prey, with three new projects launched for species of special concern in the region.
Conservation heavyweights like the Endangered Wildlife Trust, Birdlife SA and SANParks need help to identify martial eagles, secretary birds and vultures.
The species are classified as either vulnerable or endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and could disappear from the Karoo entirely unless circumstances threatening their survival and reproduction improve.
The trust’s Birds of Prey Programme is undertaking a study of the breeding ecology and movements of martial eagles on electrical infrastructure in the Karoo.
The Birdlife SA secretary bird project is also asking for collaboration from landowners to report sightings of active nests with chicks.
Both projects are facilitated by the Mountain Zebra Camdeboo Protected Environments’ species of special concern programme, overseen by environmental ecologist Maryke Stern.
“So far we’ve received sightings of the martial eagles as well as nests of secretary birds, but none with eggs or fledglings,” Stern said.
A programme to create a “safe zone” for endangered vultures in the Karoo is also under way.
Species of special concern — or “red data” species — are identified and landowners in the Mountain Zebra programme, and private game farms and nature reserves, are asked to help with spotting the species.
Interested groups such as bird and conservation clubs may also participate.
Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Birds of Prey Programme manager Dr Gareth Tate said a large part of the martial eagle population bred on electrical infrastructure.
“We have an urgent need to better understand the current status of this population, as well as the threats they may face.”
Sightings of injured or dead martial eagles should also be reported immediately, Tate said.
The trust monitors nests along power lines and better understands the movements of these birds by using GPS technology and coloured identification rings.
Farmers and travellers are urged to report any sightings of secretary bird nests or martial eagles with colour rings, or any breeding activity, to Stern on WhatsApp at 083-336-3066 or by e-mailing