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...
In a quiet suburb of New Jersey, USA, an unexpected example of avian intelligence has caught the attention of birders and scientists alike. An immature Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) has been observed using an urban pedestrian crossing to aid its hunting — a behaviour that highlights just how adaptable some raptors can be in our...
A ground-breaking Community-led conservation project in Senegal is empowering local people to protect vital habitats for migratory birds. Along the East Atlantic Flyway—a key migratory route for millions of birds from Europe to southern Africa—local communities in Senegal are stepping up to protect some of the region’s most important bird habitats. And in doing so,...
Close to 2,000 bird enthusiasts descended on Durban Harbour, excitement at fever pitch as they prepared to embark on a voyage to Marion Island — all eager to witness the magnificent albatrosses in their wild ocean domain. This voyage presented a wonderful opportunity for the JVBBF Trust (John Voelcker Bird Book Fund) to support a...
18 May 2025 – Mpumalanga, South Africa — In a devastating blow to vulture conservation, over 100 critically endangered vultures have been found dead from poisoning in Lionspruit Game Reserve, near Marloth Park, Mpumalanga. The victims include 92 White-backed Vultures, 9 Hooded Vultures, and a rare adult male White-headed Vulture — most of them breeding adults....
10 May, World Migratory Bird Day -The Berg River Estuary, a shimmering ribbon of life on South Africa’s west coast, is more than just a scenic wetland—it’s a lifeline for thousands of migratory birds and a critical engine for biodiversity. But this vital ecosystem, like many estuaries in the Western Cape, is under increasing pressure...
In one of the largest poisoning incidents in Kruger National Park, a total of 116 vultures were found dead in the Mahlangeni Section of the Park. the devastating event was detected by the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s (EWT) wildlife poisoning surveillance and detection system, which triggered an alert at 06:05 on 6 May 2025, flagging suspicious activity...
At just 18, Zoë Lunau-Johns is a rising star in South African birding. A dedicated citizen scientist and mentor, she has inspired a new generation of young birders. From leading Cape Bird Club outings to contributing vital data to the Southern African Bird Atlas Project, her passion goes beyond sightings—it’s about conservation and community. In...
KwaZulu-Natal has announced the declaration of the iNkonjane Nature Reserve, a newly protected area named after the Critically Endangered Blue Swallow (Hirundo atrocaerulea). Officially proclaimed by MEC Rev. Musa Zondi, the 181.7-hectare reserve potentially strengthens South Africa’s efforts to protect its most threatened species and habitats. Critical Habitat for the Blue Swallow Located next to the existing iMpendle Nature...
Cape Vultures once soared in abundance across the skies of the Karoo, forming a vital part of the region’s natural heritage. Now, thanks to an ambitious collaboration between conservationists, farmers, and national parks, they may be on their way to reclaiming that legacy. The Karoo Vulture Safe Zone, launched in 2019 through a partnership with the...
