Citizen science project to monitor Southern Ground Hornbills gets underway in Kruger and Mapungubwe
A long-term monitoring project of Southern Ground-Hornbills (SGH, Bucorvus leadbeateri) commences in November 2020 in the Kruger and Mapungubwe National Parks. This research forms part of a larger National monitoring plan where Kruger and Mapungubwe National Parks are especially important as they support over half the estimated national population of only 400 breeding females.
The primary objective of this project is the long-term monitoring of the SGH population within these two National Parks and their representative environments, where they are minimally impacted by human activities. The key questions being asked are:
- How does productivity, survival and persistence of natural SGH groups change over time and what may be the drivers (habitat type, rainfall and previous management) of their productivity and group size?
- How do SGHs respond to land-use changes within their permanent territories?
- How long do SGH live and when and to where do they disperse, determined through re-sightings of colour-ringed and tattooed individuals?
- What are the perceptions and status of the SGH in communities neighbouring Mapungubwe and Kruger National Parks?
- What approaches might safe-guard SGHs during dispersal to or immigration from surrounding habitats beyond the borders of the Mapungubwe and Kruger National Parks?
- What proportion do these National Parks contribute towards a nationally viable population?
You can help answer some of these questions by sending in any sightings you have of these birds in Kruger and Mapungubwe National Parks to the research team by any of the following means:
- Send an email to [email protected]
- Whatsapp your sighting details to 079 754 6234
- Use the BirdLasser app
In your submission please include the date, location and group size. Photos are always welcomed!
Look out for the Thunderbird Poster at all Receptions, Rest Camps and Picnic Sites!
