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It all started on 07 March 2024. The momentous day we were able to trap two European Rollers on Thornybush Nature Reserve to attach a solar-powered satellite tracker on each.
The deployment of two satellite tags marks a historic moment for BirdLife South Africa. If these tags stay active for the predicted two years and the birds survive their perilous journeys, we’ll gain invaluable knowledge. This data will be instrumental in guiding our conservation efforts, making us more effective in protecting migratory birds, especially in light of the financial constraints faced by NGOs.
The importance of our research is further underscored by the first Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) State of the Worlds Migratory Species Report. While some migratory species under CMS are improving, nearly half (44%) are showing population declines. Additionally, the extinction risk is growing for migratory species, with 22% of the listed species being threatened with extinction. More than half of the Key Biodiversity Areas identified as important for CMS-listed migratory species are not protected. And the two greatest threats identified? Overexploitation and habitat loss due to human activity.
European Rollers are a flagship species and protecting them indirectly benefits other migratory species. By understanding the threats and needs of a “common” species, we should be able to extrapolate information to other species. However, our efforts won’t end with European Rollers. Once this project succeeds, we aim to expand our tracking efforts to other migratory species. Which species do you think we should track next?
None of this would be possible without the generous support of several individuals and organisations such as Sabi Sabi Foundation, Marc Solomon, Future for Nature, The Royal Portfolio Foundation, Royal Malewane staff, Craig Nattrass, Lyle Wiggens, Bart Gazendam and the countless citizen scientists who volunteer their time for monitoring.
We invite you to celebrate this milestone with us and follow these European Rollers on their amazing journey back to their breeding grounds!
Photo credit: Lourenço Alfonso[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
