Over three years, more than 137 ornithologists, conservationists, and citizen scientists compiled 193 detailed assessments to quantify extinction risk for the region’s birds. The new online Red Data Book (RDB-online) now includes an additional 70 endemic and near-endemic species still considered at lower risk, such as the Cape Sugarbird and Orange-breasted Sunbird. The findings are both alarming and hopeful, revealing major threats but also highlighting clear pathways for conservation.
Rising Numbers of Threatened Species
The RDB-online shows 147 bird species are now listed as threatened or near-threatened—up from 132 in the 2015 edition. Most notably, 39 species were uplisted, signalling worsening status, while just eight improved. This underscores the ongoing impact of human activities, from habitat loss to direct persecution.
Hope for Iconic Birds
Some of the region’s most iconic birds are on the brink. The Lappet-faced Vulture, decimated by poisoning, habitat loss and collisions with energy infrastructure, is now Critically Endangered. Botha’s Lark, a high-altitude grassland specialist, faces a similar fate due to agricultural changes. In contrast, focused efforts have led to improvements for species like the Cape Vulture, Wattled Crane, and Southern Bald Ibis, illustrating the effectiveness of targeted interventions.
“This Red Data Book is more than just a conservation resource,” said Mark Anderson, CEO of BirdLife South Africa. “It’s an essential toolkit to guide policy, conservation strategies, and rapid crisis response—such as the recent vulture poisonings.”
The Red Listing process also identifies gaps in knowledge, directing future research. For instance, the elusive White-winged Flufftail was downlisted from Critically Endangered to Endangered after recent research uncovered new breeding sites and improved understanding of its ecology. However, as a wetland specialist, it remains under threat—part of a broader trend showing the steepest declines among wetland birds. Drought, climate change, water extraction, and pollution continue to devastate these habitats.
Wetlands in Crisis—But Strategic Action Works
Dr Hanneline Smit-Robinson, Head of Conservation at BirdLife South Africa and RDB-online editor, stressed: “The rise in threatened species—especially waterbirds—reflects the declining health of our wetlands. But our successes show strategic conservation actions can deliver real results. This resource helps pinpoint where those actions are most urgently needed.”
The RDB-online is unique in its integration of citizen science. Millions of records from the Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP2), Coordinated Waterbird Counts (CWAC), and Coordinated Avifaunal Roadcounts (CAR) have helped track trends and flag species at risk. These projects, hosted by the FitzPatrick Institute at the University of Cape Town, are powered by a committed community of volunteers.
“The value of citizen scientists’ contributions cannot be overstated,” said Sanjo Rose, RDB-online editor and former SABAP2 coordinator. “Their observations are the foundation of accurate, up-to-date assessments.”
African Penguin: A Case of Regional Success Amid Global Crisis
The African Penguin highlights regional versus global differences in extinction risk. Globally uplisted to Critically Endangered, it is listed as Endangered regionally, thanks to focused conservation in South Africa—such as fishing closures near breeding colonies and the establishment of a new colony at De Hoop Nature Reserve.
“We follow IUCN criteria rigorously,” said Dr Alan Lee, lead editor of the RDB-online. “But our assessments reflect local realities. In the case of the African Penguin, we predict extinction in Namibia before South Africa—within our lifetime.”
BirdLife South Africa also leads initiatives like the Albatross Task Force, which has significantly reduced seabird bycatch. Now, invasive species have emerged as a major threat. The Mouse-Free Marion Project aims to eradicate introduced mice from Marion Island, protecting seabirds including the iconic Wandering Albatross. Without intervention, 19 of the 29 bird species breeding there could disappear.
“Each threatened species tells a story of decline, resilience and hope,” said Shamiso Banda, RDB-online editor and co-author of the upcoming Birds on the Brink. “By sharing these stories, we hope to inspire action. It’s not too late.”
Guiding Conservation Across Southern Africa
The RDB-online will guide decisions on protected areas, renewable energy planning, and habitat management. BirdLife South Africa, SANBI, and partners will use it to inform the National Biodiversity Assessment and conservation action across the region.
Explore species accounts, maps and assessments at www.birdlife.org.za/red-data-book/.
Feature image of Lappet-faced Vultures by Warwick Tarboton
