ABSTRACT Negative interactions between humans and wildlife are increasing, often leading to conflict different stakeholders over appropriate management interventions. We experimentally tested whether introducing trained Harris's hawks ( Parabuteo unicinctus ) through falconry could be an effective tool reduce nuisance Egyptian geese Alopochen aegyptiaca ). hypothesized that would result in elevated fear responses of geese, resulting increased vigilance, reduced favorability the site, locally...

Summary The provision of artificial nests can improve the conservation status threatened bird species that are limited by nest-site availability. shortage natural cavity nesting sites is one factor limiting population growth Southern Ground Hornbill Bucorvus leadbeateri . In an 1,800 km 2 study area in north-eastern South Africa, 31 wooden nest-boxes were installed during 2002–2015. We investigated relationships between nests, as well environmental and social factors, with breeding....

Afro-Asiatic perdicine galliform taxa commonly and inconsistently referred to as francolins, spurfowls partridges have contentious taxonomic phylogenetic histories. Hall combined two putative monophyletic, but taxonomically unnamed, clades comprising 28 species known 'francolins' or fisante in South Africa 13 more quail-like (partridges patryse) into a single genus Francolinus, which was the largest genus. Furthermore, she partitioned + patryse eight, also formally monophyletic 'Groups'...

We examined whether regular researcher visits affected egg hatchability or nest predation for three ground-nesting bird species that incur high levels of predation, primarily by small mammals. Frequently visited finch-lark (Eremopterix verticalis and E. australis) nests suffered similar to infrequently, suggesting had no additive effects on survival. A comparison the second time either one two days after first visit found during 24 h (7.4%) was lower than 24-h period (9.9%), act visiting a...

Afro-Asiatic perdicine galliform birds, commonly and inconsistently referred to as francolins, spurfowls partridges, have contentious taxonomic phylogenetic histories. In a widely followed monograph, Hall combined two putative monophyletic, but taxonomically unnamed, clades comprising 28 species known ‘francolins’ or fisante in South Africa 13 additional quail-like (partridges patryse) into single genus, Francolinus, which was the largest genus within Galliformes. Furthermore, she...

Summary Reintroduction to, or reinforcement of, threatened wild populations are commonly used conservation strategies. Reintroductions of the Southern Ground-hornbill Bucorvus leadbeateri have been tested as a potential tool for this vulnerable species since 1995. Forty-two individuals reintroduced under varying management We analysed outcomes these attempts to assess which factors contributed most success failure. The exhibits complex social learning and hierarchy, is long-lived, with...

The number of Egyptian Geese Alopochen aegyptiaca has increased in the Western Cape province, South Africa, during past few decades and they are allegedly perceived as a problem on golf courses. However, attitudes towards geese courses province have not been empirically assessed. We surveyed residents members Steenberg Golf Estate, Town, April 2012 to evaluate perceptions estate. A standardised, anonymous questionnaire was sent 548 estate non-resident golfing members. Of 112 respondents,...

ABSTRACT Egyptian geese ( Alopochen aegyptiaca ) occur in large numbers on golf courses southwestern South Africa. They cause physical and financial damage to the are a nuisance golfers course managers. Most control measures used reduce problem have been unsuccessful. We investigated potential for environmental management options by determining which landscape features attract certain areas within them avoid others. Goose vigilance levels were lower use than non‐use regardless of group size...

AbstractWe studied the breeding biology of greywing francolín Francolinus africanus on Stormberg Plateau eastern Cape Province, South Africa during 1988–1991. Timing breeding, nesting behaviour, clutch size, egg and survival rates were recorded compared with published unpublished information from Natal, Orange Free State south-western Province. The breeds austral summer throughout its range, peak laying activity August-November. However, period is contracted in Cape, where it starts about...

AbstractSouthern Ground-Hornbills Bucorvus leadbeateri are Endangered in South Africa and there is a concerted effort to reverse their population decline. They live groups year round, with only the alpha pair breeding, raising at most one chick per year. Each group has home range of 50–100 km2, but few data for spatial habitat use within this range. Understanding factors affecting Southern Ground-Hornbill movement patterns useful assess management options species, select sites artificial...

Abstract We investigated a variety of habitat characteristics along land‐use gradient in an attempt to determine which factors may have influenced the population decline redwing francolin, Francolinus levaillantii , commercial pasture farms highland grasslands Mpumalanga province, South Africa. Within three microhabitats (wetlands, rocky outcrops and grassland), number diversity food plants, height sward percentage cover were significantly lower exposed grazing with sheep. Increased...

Different habitats may be used for the needs of various aspects an animal's life. Southern Ground-Hornbill Bucorvus leadbeateri groups announce their presence within year-round territories by calling at dawn from overnight roost sites. Knowledge on ground-hornbill roosting habits is limited. Groups in large trees, apparently close to where they end up after daily foraging. We investigated patterns site selection and use four Associated Private Nature Reserves, north-eastern South Africa,...

Abstract The breeding biology of the Namaqua Sandgrouse, Pterocles namaqua, was studied and its nesting success determined through observation 278 nests over four consecutive seasons at Droëgrond, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. normal clutch three eggs is laid five days (±48-hour laying interval). incomplete left unattended overnight, but attended during heat day by female on when an egg male alternate days. After completion, pair share incubation, with relieving 151 min (±21 S.D.)...

2010, Lynx Edicions, Montseny, 8, E-08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain 138 pages, hard cover ISBN 978–84-96553–63-7. Price €24.00

Vigilance is amongst the most universal of anti‐predator strategies and commonly declines with increasing group size. We experimentally manipulated predation risk in a system known relationship between size vigilance levels to explore whether this changes response elevated risk. investigated Egyptian geese Alopochen aegyptiaca at eight golf courses western Cape, South Africa, assess perception reaction by introducing trained Harris's hawks Parabuteo unicintus where avian was otherwise low or...

SUMMARY The effects of various land use practices on the diversity natural biota in southern Africa are understood poorly, and have rarely been quantified. We investigated deciduous fruit farming bird Elgin district, Western Cape Province, South Africa. A total 116 species was recorded which 110 were farms 30 a nearby protected area within untransformed Mountain Fynbos. Six only area. Fourteen during surveys undertaken orchards. More species, especially those favouring scrub habitats,...