Media Releases

Ground-breaking efforts to create new penguin colonies begins

BirdLife South Africa and CapeNature have taken the first concrete step in an ambitious project to help conserve the African Penguin. The idea of creating new African Penguin colonies has been discussed and planned for a number of years, but now is closer to becoming a reality with work starting on the ground at the De Hoop Nature Reserve.  Download

Breaking News: One of the greatest mysteries about the Critically Endangered White-winged Flufftail solved

One of the greatest ornithological mysteries, representing more than a decade’s work, has been solved! The White-winged Flufftail is one of Africa’s rarest and most threatened wetland birds. It is largely restricted to high-altitude wetland habitats in South Africa and Ethiopia. The current population is estimated to number only 200 and 250 birds and, in light of habitat loss and degradation over the past 10 years, this species faces a significant risk of extinction.  Download

Candice Stevens from BirdLife South Africa and the Government of South Africa Receive International Award for Work on Biodiversity Tax Incentives for South Africa’s Protected Area Network

BirdLife South Africa is excited to announce that Candice Stevens, BirdLife South Africa’s Policy & Advocacy Programme Manager, and the South African Government (represented by the Department of Environmental Affairs) have been awarded the Pathfinder Award Special Commendation for their innovative work on biodiversity tax incentives. The award was presented at the Pathfinder Award Ceremony at the 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 14) in Egypt on 18 November 2018.  Download

Court victory for South Africa’s protected areas in Mabola case

The North Gauteng High Court set aside the 2016 decisions of former Mineral Resources Minister Zwane and the late Environmental Affairs Minister Molewa to permit a new coal mine to be developed in the Mabola Protected Environment near Wakkerstroom, Mpumalanga.  Download

The Moutonshoek community protect their land to conserve our natural heritage and the water catchment for Verlorenvlei estuary

The Moutonshoek Protected Environment (MPE) is South Africa’s newest privately protected area, nestled in the mountains of the Moutonshoek valley, near Piketberg on South Africa’s west coast. The MPE was established through the work of BirdLife South Africa’s Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBA) Programme, with support from CapeNature. This declaration of 9 000 hectares has helped achieve a major milestone for BirdLife South Africa, bringing the total hectares that the IBA Programme has helped declare as protected areas to 100 000 hectares. Download

BirdLife South Africa and Conservation Outcomes Partner to Conserve KZN’s Threatened Habitats and Species

Conservation Outcomes and BirdLife South Africa have initiated a partnership to promote and support the conservation of KwaZulu-Natal’s natural heritage. The partnership will support private and communal land holders to conserve and manage areas essential for bird conservation. Download.

An ill wind blows for vultures in Lesotho

Conservationists are concerned that a proposed wind farm development at a site near Letšeng-La-Terae in Lesotho, just to the west of Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Park, may help drive the Maloti-Drakensberg population of Bearded and Cape Vultures to extinction. Vultures are particularly prone to colliding with wind turbine blades, and this area sits in the heart of important breeding and foraging grounds for Cape Vulture and Bearded Vulture, both of which are at risk of extinction. Download

Breaking news: new breeding record for Critically Endangered African Flufftail

The White-winged Flufftail is one of the world’s rarest birds. Destruction and degradation of the species’ high altitude grassland habitat have resulted in a situation where its survival in the wild is uncertain. There is a race against time to ensure that it does not become the first African bird to go extinct, following the same fate as North America’s Passenger Pigeon and Mauritius’ Dodo. Through the use of a novel survey method, BirdLife South Africa’s research team has this month discovered the first breeding of the threatened White-winged Flufftail in South Africa, contradicting prior thought that this flufftail is a non-breeding visitor to South African wetlands. Download

Seabirds Starving, Songbirds Trapped, But Conservation Efforts Saving Pelican And Kiwis

BirdLife International, with the support of global partners, has reassessed the conservation statuses of several bird species. Unfortunately for southern Africa, Cape Gannets are now listed as Endangered due to ongoing population decreases. Download.

OBITUARY: Dr Roelof van der Merwe (24 December 2015)

South Africa’s conservation community is mourning the loss of one of its most generous but modest and unassuming benefactors, Dr Roelof van der Merwe. Van der Merwe, a member of the private Charl van der Merwe Trust named after his late father that has donated tens of millions of rands to biodiversity conservation projects over more than a decade – especially those involving seabirds and other marine life – died unexpectedly in his sleep at his home in Waterkloof, Pretoria, on the early hours of Wednesday morning (23 December). He was 57.  Download (119 KB)

Secretarybird tracked from nestling to breeding: a first for science! (11 December 2015)

Taemane, a Secretarybird tracked with a sophisticated satellite tracking device, became the first Secretarybird ever to be tracked from eight weeks of age to first breeding. Ernst Retief, one of BirdLife South Africa’s Regional Conservation Managers, reported that the bird, a male, was fitted with a tracking device on 5 April 2013 on a farm near Warden in the Free State. The bird was estimated to have hatched during January 2013, so it is now almost three years old. Taemane visited various parts of the Free State after leaving the area of the nest before moving south to the KwaZulu-Natal south coast, then moved inland and settled on a farm near Ixopo for a few months. From there he returned to the Free State where he continued to spend time in the grasslands south of Memel.  Download (363 KB)

Protecting the Western Cape’s estuaries for birds and people (7 December 2015)

Estuaries constitute one of South Africa’s most productive, but threatened habitats. While well-known for their rich biodiversity and the essential services they provide; including water purification, flood attenuation, fish nursery grounds and recreational opportunities, they remain at risk from a growing number of threats. Threats, including encroaching development, intensifying human disturbance and overexploitation have caused significant degradation of this important habitat. Whilst upstream, freshwater inflows vital to the health and maintenance of estuaries have been siphoned off or polluted.  Download (263 KB)

BirdLife South Africa launches review of the extinction risk faced by region’s bird species (18 November 2015)

The state of conservation in the region is no better reflected than in the Red Data Books, which assess the extinction threats that plants, reptiles or birds face. Birds are appropriate indicators of ecosystem health because they are popular and well studied, and the availability of significant, long-term datasets in South Africa makes birds a good choice for early-warning system for climate change impacts and other systematic, ecosystem-wide threats to broader biodiversity. The 2015 Eskom Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland is an updated and peer-reviewed conservation status assessment of the 854 bird species occurring in South Africa, including the Prince Edward Islands, Lesotho and Swaziland, undertaken in collaboration between BirdLife South Africa, the Animal Demography Unit of the University of Cape Town, and the South African National Biodiversity Institute. The revision of the Red Data Book was sponsored by Eskom.  Download (164 KB)

Birding Big Day 2015 takes on a whole new look (18 November 2015)

BirdLife South Africa’s goal during Birding Big Day (BBD) 2015 is to raise awarebness about birds and money for bird conservation. Furthermore, with help from birders across the country, the organisation hopes to collectively record as many of South Africa’s 846 bird species in a single day as possible. This event is a celebration of the magnificent diversity of birds in South Africa. The annual BirdLife South Africa BBD will be held from Dawn to Dusk on Saturday 28 November 2015.  Download (113 KB)

Conservationists warn Africa’s vultures are sliding towards extinction (29 October 2015)

Africa’s largest and most recognisable birds of prey – vultures – face a grim future, according to the latest assessment carried out by BirdLife International for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, on behalf of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Six of the continent’s 11 vulture species have had their global threat status upgraded to a higher level, meaning that they face a very real danger of extinction.  Download (385 KB)

BirdLife South Africa optimistically welcomes the new Minister of Mineral Resources (25 September 2015)

BirdLife South Africa notes with interest the appointment of Mr Mosebenzi Zwane as the new Minister of the Department of Mineral Resources. Mr Zwane had previously served as the MEC for Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs in the Free State provincial legislature.  Download (291 KB)

The last stand for our birds (12 September 2015)

One-third of the 112 most important sites for nature in South Africa are facing imminent danger of irreversible damage, according to a new South African IBA Status Report published today by BirdLife South Africa.  Download (263 KB)

New species or unnoticed plight? Newly “discovered” Tuluver revealed to be Endangered Vulture in BirdLife South Africa PR stunt (2 September 2015)

The beautiful, newly ‘discovered’ bird species, the Tuluver, is a digitally-altered image of a Lappet-faced Vulture. The fictitious bird is part of a campaign to draw attention to the plight of Africa’s vultures on International Vulture Awareness Day, this coming Saturday, 5 September.  Download (145 KB)

Beautiful new bird species causes flutter in birding community (29 August 2015)

This past week a striking new bird species was discovered near Mapungubwe, South Africa. It is believed that this bird has been overlooked by ornithologists because it has a very small population, occurs in remote parts of the country, and is perhaps secretive in its habits. It is an impressive-looking bird, and the fact that it has until now evaded detection has surprised the experts. Researchers believe this bird fills an important ecological niche.  Download (131 KB)

2nd meeting of the AEWA White-winged Flufftail International Working Group (24 August 2015)

The 2nd meeting of the AEWA White-winged Flufftail International Working Group took place on 10 and 11 August 2015 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This workshop was coordinated by BirdLife South Africa, through the support of the AEWA Secretariat in Germany. The White-winged Flufftail, Sarothrura ayresi, is a small, elusive bird and is one of nine flufftail species in Africa. They are only known to occur, with any regularity, in the high-altitude wetlands of South Africa and Ethiopia. The White-winged Flufftail is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN and considered to be on the brink of extinction.  Download (298 KB)

Plenty on offer at this year’s Sasol Bird Fair (24 August 2015)

Join Sasol, BirdLife South Africa and SANBI (South African National Biodiversity Institute) at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden for the Sasol Bird Fair, to be held on 5 and 6 September 2015. The Sasol Bird Fair provides an opportunity to learn more about the measures being taken to conserve our country’s birds and their habitats, especially through the work of BirdLife South Africa.  Download (184 KB)

Helping ensure that feathers don’t fly at wind farms (21 August 2015)

BirdLife South Africa and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) are working towards a brighter, more sustainable future by supporting the wind energy industry to minimise its impacts on birds and their habitats.  Download (1.26 MB)

USING TAX BREAKS TO SAVE BIODIVERSITY
Launch of the Biodiversity Stewardship Fiscal Benefits Project (11 June 2015)

BirdLife South Africa, in partnership with the WWF Nedbank Green Trust, is proud to announce the launch of the Biodiversity Stewardship Fiscal Benefits Project (the Fiscal Benefits Project). Biodiversity Stewardship is a novel and key means to formally protect biodiversity found on privately-owned land and is part of the national response to secure the future of the variety of life found in South Africa.  Download (142 KB)

Investec and BirdLife South Africa renew their partnership and commitment to responsible renewable energy development (9 June 2015)

The 2015 theme for World Environment Day, which was celebrated on 5 June, was Sustainable consumption and production, in line with this, Investec’s Power and Infrastructure Finance team is pleased to announce the renewal of its partnership with South Africa’s largest non-profit bird conservation organisation in the country, BirdLife South Africa. Download (222 KB)

Norms and standards for raptor ringing, marking and tracking (18 May 2015)

South Africa’s raptors are important environmental indicators and monitoring of, and research into several species helps to improve our knowledge and inform conservation decision-making. Given the growing interest in raptor ringing, marking and tracking in South Africa, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and BirdLife South Africa are of the opinion that the current approach to these activities should be reviewed. Information obtained through the tracking of birds with satellite and other sophisticated tracking devices can provide answers to important research questions that can ultimately contribute to their conservation. This will provide conservationists and decision-makers with a better understanding of movements of birds which can help inform placement of wind turbines and other infrastructure which can pose a significant risk to some bird species. Download (355 KB)

World Migratory Bird Day 2015: Energy – make it bird-friendly! (8 May 2015)

Migratory birds are a good reminder of our connectedness and of our shared responsibility to protect life on Earth. Each year, migratory birds make the trek from their wintering grounds (usually in the south) to their breeding grounds (usually in the north), and back again . These journeys can cover thousands of kilometres . The survival of these intrepid travellers relies on the cooperation of multiple countries, as these birds require intact and safe habitats at their destinations, as well as at stop-over sites along the way. Through working together, people in apparently disconnected parts of the world continue to enjoy the beauty of migratory birds and benefit from the ecosystem services that they provide. World Migratory Bird Day is a worldwide initiative to inspire the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. This annual event will be held from 9-10 May, to coincide with the return of southern hemisphere birds to their northern hemisphere breeding grounds.  Download (559 KB)

Mice threaten near-pristine island (29 April 2015)

Getting rid of a conservation problem, once and for ever, is something of a rarity. But eradicating invasive species from islands is one example. BirdLife South Africa is leading an initiative that could result in invasive mice being eradicated from Marion Island.  Download (112 KB)

Cape to Vic Falls enduro-ride for Orange-breasted Waxbills (28 April 2015)

Many bird species have recently suffered declines in numbers and contractions in ranges due to threats to their habitats. A long-distance solo bicycle ride, from Cape Town to Victoria Falls, is helping raise awareness about the conservation of one of our country’s smallest and most colourful birds, the Orange-breasted Waxbill.  Download (251 KB)

Movements of a Secretarybird tracked for more than two years! (16 April 2015)

Taemane, a Secretarybird tracked with a sophisticated satellite tracking device, became the first Secretarybird ever to be tracked for more than two years. The information obtained from this bird will be of immense value to conservationists in their work to conserve the globally Vulnerable Secretarybird.  Download (358 KB)

Continental Outdoor flying alongside BirdLife South Africa to ‘give conservation wings’ (9 April 2015)

Continental Outdoor Media has aligned its corporate social investment spend with its core business objectives and imperatives. This strategic approach over the past few years has resulted in CSI initiatives being moved largely out of the charitable sphere into one in which true partnerships have been forged with key beneficiaries, one of which is BirdLife South Africa. Continental Outdoor has provided much needed advertising exposure to further BirdLife South Africa’s goals and objectives. This was achieved by way of free design assistance and advertising space on both static billboards and digital platforms across the country, amounting to in excess of 2 million Rand a year.  Download (180 KB)

Celebrate World Sparrow Day (19 March 2015)

To raise awareness of sparrows and the need to conserve general urban biodiversity, World Sparrow Day will be celebrated on 20 March 2015.
Sparrows are some of the most ubiquitous birds on the planet and as such are often taken for granted. Five species of sparrow occur in South Africa.  Download (358 KB)

South Africa’s Favourite Bird (8 March 2015)

South Africa’s Favourite Bird is the Cape Robin-chat. During the past three months, in an online poll, almost 10 000 people voted for their favourite bird. 11.5% of the votes were for the Cape Robin-chat, a popular garden bird. The other favourite birds, in order of popularity, were the Cape Parrot, African Fish Eagle, Woodland Kingfisher and African Penguin. The Marabou Stork, perhaps not our country’s prettiest bird, only received 9 votes.  Download (254 KB)

Educational Drive behind the Flufftail Festival (25 February 2015)

Rand Water’s environmental brand Water Wise and BirdLife South Africa have collaborated to initiate an educational drive aimed at creating awareness on the importance of wetlands to our water resources as well as to the surrounding ecosystems including birds. This forms part of a partnership with BirdLife SA where Rand Water and Eskom have co-sponsored the first ever Flufftail Festival which took place at the Checkers forecourt in Sandton City from 3-8 February 2015 during Wetlands week.  Download (485 KB) 

Solving the mystery surrounding the decline of the Drakensberg Bone Breaker (7 February 2015)

Scientists have turned to outer space to explain the mysterious disappearing act of one of Africa’s most famous birds. Satellite trackers attached to 18 Bearded Vultures have confirmed conservationists’ worst fears: humans are largely to blame for the rapid demise of the species. Once widespread throughout much of Southern Africa, the Bearded Vulture is now critically endangered in the sub-continent, with a nearly 50 percent reduction in nesting sites since the 1960s.  Download (288 KB)

The Wonders of Water (30 January 2015)

Water is essential to the functioning of every life-form and ecosystem. However it is often under-valued and unnecessarily wasted.If you consider that less than 1% of all water resources on earth is available for use, then the importance of water conservation can be understood. Find out more about water conservation at The Flufftail Festival. Download (485 KB)

White-winged Flufftails could soon be homeless (28 January 2015)

Fifty percent of the world’s wetlands have been destroyed. Without suitable wetland habitat, the White-winged Flufftail and many other species of animals and plants could soon be homeless. Due to wetland deterioration, ornithologists estimate that there are only 250 White-winged Flufftails left in the world, 50 of which are in South Africa.  Download (489 KB)

Bird of the Year 2015 (23 January 2015)

The Bird of the Year for 2015 is the famous five cent bird, South Africa’s national bird, the Blue Crane.  ‘Bird of the Year’ is BirdLife South Africa’s annual initiative for awareness about birds and bird habitat conservation. The Bird of the Year 2015 initiative is proudly sponsored by Waltons.  Download (241 KB) 
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Running in aid of the rarest Flufftail (19 January 2015)

From 3 to 8 February 2015, during the inaugural Flufftail Festival, BirdLife South Africa will be celebrating a very special bird. White-winged Flufftails are secretive jewels of a few South African high-altitude wetlands. They are globally and regionally Critically Endangered and in urgent need of our protection. On 1 February, Dave Chamberlain will start a six day run from Dullstroom to Sandton City in Johannesburg to raise awareness about their plight.  Download (367 KB)

Vote for South Africa’s Favourite Bird (1 December 2014)

So, which is South Africa’s Favourite Bird? Is it the noisy Hadeda, the beautiful Orange-breasted Sunbird, the majestic Martial Eagle, or the ubiquitous Cape Robin-Chat? It will certainly not be the chicken because, during this poll, “…chickens don’t count”.  Download (256 KB)

Hundreds of important sites for nature threatened with destruction (16 November 2014)

More than 350 of the planet’s most important sites for nature are threatened with being lost forever according to a new report by BirdLife International.
Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) are places of international significance for the conservation of the world’s birds and other nature, with over twelve thousand having been identified worldwide, including 122 in South Africa. IBAs are the largest and most comprehensive global network of important sites for nature conservation. Now, 356 of these – known as ‘IBAs in Danger’ – have been identified in 122 countries and territories as being in imminent danger of being lost. Of those, ten are in South Africa, of which only two are legally protected, which highlights the importance of improving the management effectiveness of protected areas.

“Wetlands of Life” Photographic Competition (30 October 2014)

BirdLife South Africa, in conjunction with Eskom, Rand Water, Sandton City and other partners, will be holding the inaugural Flufftail Festival at Sandton City from 2-6 February 2015. The purpose of this week-long festival is to celebrate our planet’s wetlands and associated biodiversity. The festival will include a display in the Checkers Forecourt, a photographic competition, lectures, and educational activities. 
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BirdLife South Africa’s Dr Ross Wanless wins Environmentalist of the Year award (23 October 2014)

The prestigious SAB Environmentalist of the Year Award was made to Dr Ross Wanless, from BirdLife South Africa’s Seabird Conservation Programme, at a ceremony in Johannesburg yesterday. Dr Wanless has overseen a number of impressive conservation achievements over the past six years at BirdLife South Africa, building on a career of seabird science and conservation work that started in 1997. Dr Wanless was unable to receive the award in person, as he is travelling internationally for work. BirdLife South Africa’s CEO, Mark Anderson, received the award on Dr Wanless’ behalf.  Download (218 KB)

Bird your ‘Hood – Birding Big Day 2014 (21 October 2014)

The annual BirdLife South Africa Birding Big Day is a fun, yet competitive day for South Africa’s birdwatchers, both beginners and competitive twitchers alike, while at the same time raising funds for the organisation’s important conservation work. This year, BirdLife South Africa would like to encourage greater participation in this event and have created a new category, “Bird your ‘Hood”. Bird your ‘Hood is about birding in your own comfort zone: your garden, neighbourhood, local park or school.  Download (160 KB)

Poisoning of vultures by South African farmers (21 October 2014)

BirdLife South Africa has noted with concern the light sentence of a R20 000 fine and 1 year in prison (of which R10 000 and the prison sentence was suspended for 5 years) handed down to Armand Aucamp of the Eastern Cape. Mr Aucamp was convicted after killing 46 Cape Vultures in December last year, using a sheep’s carcass laced with a powerful insecticide. It is BirdLife South Africa’s view that such a fine is insufficient punishment for the cynical and clearly negligent behaviour displayed by Mr Aucamp. Download (336 KB)

Well known Secretarybird leaves a legacy of valuable data (20 October 2014)

BLiNG, a Secretarybird tracked with a sophisticated satellite tracking device for almost two years, died on 8 October 2014. Despite the unfortunate circumstances of this Secretarybird’s death, valuable data were obtained during his short life. This information will be of immense value to conservationists in their work to conserve the globally threatened Secretarybird.  Download (236 KB)

Vultures in Africa and Europe could face extinction within our lifetime warn conservationists (6 September 2014)

BirdLife International, the world’s biggest conservation Partnership, has announced this week that vultures are declining and rapidly becoming one of the world’s most threatened groups of birds. In a bid to stop this important family of birds slipping towards extinction in Europe and Africa, they have launched a global campaign asking for public support to “Stop Vulture Poisoning Now”.  Download (385 KB)

Support our Secretarybirds this Secretary’s Day (26 August 2014)

Secretarybirds are ambassadors of the African veldt and in need of our protection. Since 2011 BirdLife South Africa has gathered valuable information about these birds’ movements and behaviour. Wednesday, 3 September 2014, is Secretary’s Day. Honour you secretary by making a contribution to a Secretary of a different feather.  Download(358 KB)

BirdLife appoints new Chief Executive (7 August 2014)

BirdLife has announced the appointment of Patricia Zurita as the new Chief Executive of the BirdLife International Partnership.  Download (96 KB)

BirdLife International Global Red List update for birds:what it means for South Africa (25 July 2014)

BirdLife International, the custodian of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Bird Species, has recently completed a review of the conservation status of the world’s bird species. According to Dr Stuart Butchart, BirdLife’s Head of Science, “the 2014 Global Red List is crucial not only for helping to identify those species needing targeted recovery efforts, but also for focusing the conservation agenda by identifying the key sites and habitats that need to be saved, including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas”.  Download (196 KB)

Neonicotinoids: A concern for South Africa’s birds and bees? (15 July 2014)

BirdLife South Africa has noted with concern a Dutch study that links the presence of neonicotinoid pesticides in the environment with a decline in insect-eating birds. Previous research has already firmly established that chemicals in this class of pesticide, once developed as a more environmentally-friendly option to the poisons in use through the middle of the last century, accumulate and have a negative impact in ecosystems, particularly on invertebrates.  Download (487 KB)

Albatross Task Force’s work gets another award (24 June 2014)

The Mail & Guardian newspaper’s prestigious, annual ‘Greening the Future’ awards ceremony has just been held in Johannesburg. A flagship BirdLife South Africa project – the Albatross Task Force – has taken top honours for their innovative solution that has reduced albatross deaths in a local fishery by more than 90%.  Download (358 KB)

MEC approves intention to declare the Greater Lakenvlei area a protected environment (28 May 2014)

The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is celebrating the Mpumalanga’s MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism signing the Intent to Declare the Greater Lakenvlei Protected Environment (GLPE). The intent will be gazetted and advertised and will start a public participation period in which support and/or objections to the declaration can be sent in by interested parties. This declaration is a significant conservation milestone, especially in the light of the development pressures the area faces. The EWT has been working on crane and habitat conservation in the area since 1994 and has recently, in partnership with Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) and BirdLife South Africa, facilitated landowner engagements around the Biodiversity Stewardship process for the proposed GLPE declaration.  Download (201 KB)

BirdLife South Africa calls on signatories of the United Nations Convention on Migratory Species to ban lead shot (8 May 2014)

This weekend sees the annual World Migratory Bird Day being celebrated around the world on 10 and 11 May.Migratory birds represent an unusually tough conservation dilemma because they range across vast areas of the earth’s surface, meaning that for a conservation plan to be successful, it often needs to include the cooperation of a number of different organisations and governments. Furthermore, the large trips that these birds make expose them to a wide range of threats, from natural predation and adverse weather, to manmade threats like windfarms, exposure to poisons and pesticides, and habitat destruction. Birds that may be well protected at either end of their journey are often exposed to the dangers of unregulated or illegal hunting between their winter and summer roosts. Even hunting that is well regulated and sustainable may still end up having a negative impact on birds through lead poisoning.  Download (290 KB)

Albatross deaths down by 99% in local trawl fishery (30 April 2014)

Conservation success stories are hard to find. Rarely are they the result of simple, elegant solutions that are truly win-win. Now BirdLife South Africa has demonstrated just such a good news outcome. Accidental seabird deaths during fishing is the single greatest threat facing many seabird populations. Albatrosses, in particular, are under extreme pressure with 15 of the world’s 22 albatross species threatened with extinction. This month BirdLife South Africa staff and collaborators have published a 7-year study, showing that the hake trawl fishery in South Africa has reduced albatross deaths by 99%!  Download (119 KB)

Industry highlights commitment to protecting birds as more wind energy props up the grid (23 April 2014)

As more wind farms become fully operational and put electricity into the constrained South African grid, Wind Energy BirdLife South Africa and South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) have noted and welcomed the increasing commitment to environmental best practice relating to birds and wind power in South Africa.  Download (240 KB)

BirdLife South Africa’s Verlorenvlei Protected Areas Project gets underway (2 March 2014)

Verlorenvlei estuary and its water catchment area, which are major conservation priorities on the West Coast, are now on the path to becoming protected areas whilst also maintaining an important role in agriculture in the Sandveld region.  Download (298 KB)

Weatherman appointed to senior position at BirdLife South Africa (3 February 2014)

Simon Gear has taken up the position of Policy & Advocacy Manager at BirdLife South Africa, with Mark D. Anderson, CEO of BirdLife South Africa saying that “We’re exceptionally pleased with this appointment”. “Not only does Simon bring a wealth of knowledge about important environmental matters to our organisation, but he is also au fait with our country’s environmental legislation”. Simon is currently completing his Masters’ Degree in Environmental Science at the University of the Witwatersrand.  Download(294 KB)

Private Landowners, Government and Environmental NGOs join hands to achieve great gains for the conservation of South Africa’s grasslands and wetlands
(29 January 2014)

A major milestone for the conservation of South Africa’s grasslands and wetlands was reached on 22 January 2014 when the MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Ms Pinky Phosa, declared five new protected areas in Mpumalanga.  Download (309 KB)

Controversial wind farm in Lesotho gets the go-ahead (28 January 2014)

The controversial wind farm proposed for Lesotho’s Maluti-Drakensberg received the go-ahead from the Lesotho Government in October 2013. Conservationists are concerned that this decision does not bode well for the future of vultures in the region or for the reputation of the fledging wind energy industry in southern Africa.  Download (431 KB)

Burning and grazing for grassland bird conservation (23 January 2014)

BirdLife South Africa recognised the need for habitat management recommendations for bird conservation in our grasslands. So with funding from the WWF Nedbank Green Trust, we have developed Bird-friendly burning and grazing best-practice for grasslands. ‘Version one’  is a peer-reviewed synthesis of scientific knowledge and expert opinion. We’ve also developed a user-friendly, illustrated brochure for farmers, and had it translated into Afrikaans and isiZulu.  Download (613 KB)

International honours for South African marine conservationist (21 January 2014)

The Future for Nature Award 2014, an international, competitive award for young conservationists, has been won by South African Bronwyn Maree. Mrs Maree leads the acclaimed Albatross Task Force of BirdLife South Africa, undertaking work to prevent unnecessary deaths of seabirds during fishing operations.  She is one of three winners, chosen from a total of 126 applications from 58 countries. In addition to international recognition, this award carries a purse of €50 000 for each winner.  Download (247 KB) 

South African flufftail on brink of extinction (28 November 2013)

The White-winged Flufftail, Sarothrura ayresi, is the latest addition to the growing number of the world’s birds which are threatened with extinction. The tiny and secretive flufftail, one of nine flufftail species in Africa, is now listed as Critically Endangered, one step away from extinction. The White-winged Flufftail is only known to occur in South Africa and, nearly 4000 km away, in Ethiopia.  Download (298 KB)

The race to save the African Penguin is on (7 October 2013)

Five penguins. Seven days. One race against time.
Since the turn of the 20th century we have lost 99% of the entire African Penguin population due to the decline of fish, oil spills, loss of habitat and imbalanced ecosystems. From 7 to 13 October we will celebrate the perilous journey undertaken by five African Penguins. The birds have been fitted with satellite tracking devices and will take to the high seas in a race to bulk up ahead of their fast approaching moulting season, where they will lose over half of their body weight.  Download (29 KB)

BirdLife South Africa prepares for SOS Festival 2013 (30 September 2013)

BirdLife South Africa, Iziko Museums of South Africa and the Department of Environmental Affairs will be hosting their annual SOS Festival from 7-13 October 2013. The Festival, a National Marine Week initiative, has run annually since 2009. The Hans Hoheisen Charitable Trust became the major sponsor for the festival in 2012, and this year GreenMatter has joined as a strategic partner, adding events geared towards promoting marine biodiversity skills needs and career opportunities.  Download (221 KB)

Africa welcomes feathered globetrotters! (19 September 2013)

BirdLife South Africa, the only national, dedicated bird conservation non-governmental organisation and member of BirdLife International, is preparing to welcome back the African-Eurasian migratory birds. Among the millions of birds migrating to Africa for the summer, one can observe representatives of five species impatiently awaited by participants of Spring Alive, a long-term educational campaign of BirdLife International. Its African edition, with the record breaking number of eleven participating countries, has just begun.  Download (133 KB)

Bird of the Year flies into King Shaka International Airport (11 September 2013)

The White-winged Flufftail is a small, somewhat mysterious bird species. First described in 1877 from Potchefstroom, the knowledge gained about this bird has in the ensuing 136 years been minimal. The White-winged Flufftail is listed regionally as Critically Endangered and considered to be on the brink of extinction.  Download (301 KB)

African Penguin Satellite Tracking Project launched (8 September 2013)

BirdLife South Africa, the only national, dedicated bird conservation non-governmental organisation and member of BirdLife International, initiated the second phase of its African Penguin Satellite Tracking Project (APST Project), at Dassen Island, just of the west coast of Cape Town.  Download (123 KB)

BirdLife South Africa supports the development of marine biodiversity skills (5 September 2013)

Biodiversity management underpins the very essence of life as we know it. Biodiversity professionals, therefore play a significant role in conserving and managing our ecosystems and in ensuring a sustainable future for current and future generations. BirdLife South Africa and GreenMatter, the implementing network for the national Biodiversity Human Capital Development Strategy (BHCDS), are partnering to integrate skills development and careers engagement into the upcoming Save the Seabirds Festival (SOS Festival) taking place during National Marine Week (7-13 October 2013).  Download (49 KB)

Intention to declare the Chrissiesmeer Protected Environment – Amendment of Gazette Notice (29 August 2013)

The Intention to declare the Chrissiesmeer Protected Environment was published in the Provincial Gazette on 21 June 2013 (Notice 209 of 2013, Provincial Gazette No. 2181, page 2) and notices appeared in the Beeld and Citizen newspapers thereafter. This was a result of several years of collaborative efforts from the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), funded by the South African National Biodiversity Institute, BirdLife South Africa and the Endangered Wildlife Trust, both funded by the WWF Nedbank Green Trust, and Chrissiesmeer landowners.  Download (395 KB)

Secretarybirds need your assistance (22 August 2013)

It may no longer be politically correct to call your assistant a ‘secretary’, and while we may not be able to rename them ‘Assistantbirds or PA-birds’, we can certainly save our avian Secretarybirds from looming extinction! A token gift for your assistant on Secretary’s Day, Wednesday 4 September 2013, could mean a great deal for Secretarybird conservation.  Download (365 KB)

The Republic of Korea moves to protect albatrosses (2 July 2013)

Albatrosses are the most highly threatened group of birds on earth. Longline fishing plays a large role in that situation. BirdLife International, through the Global Seabird Programme and supported by the UK BirdLife partner, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, recently signed an agreement with the Korean government and Sajo Industries, a major Korean tuna fishing company. The agreement paves the way for an Albatross Task Force Instructor to join a Korean scientific observer, and conduct the first ever experimental research on a Korean Bluefin tuna longliner, into how to mitigate seabird bycatch more effectively.  Download (93 KB)

Calling all photographers (1 July 2013)

The world’s oceans hold an astounding diversity of life. BirdLife South Africa celebrates this diversity with an annual ‘Oceans of Life’ Photographic Competition, to make the oceans and the wonders they contain more accessible to ordinary people, through the lens of a camera. BirdLife South Africa is pleased to announce the opening of the competition on 1 July 2013. The competition accepts images of all marine life, in all its diversity, from sharks to seabirds to fish and everything in between. Finalists, including the winning images will be exhibited for two months at the Iziko South African Museum from National Marine Week, starting 7 October as a part of the annual Save our Seabirds Festival.  Download (121 KB)

BirdLife South Africa welcomes code of conduct for wind energy (15 June 2013)

BirdLife South Africa has welcomed the recent launch of the South African Wind Energy Association’s (SAWEA) recommended Code of Conduct for Wind Energy Development. It is often suggested that birds and wind energy are not compatible. While it is true that poorly located wind farms can impact on birds (through causing injury or mortality if birds collide with the turbines, or by displacing sensitive species), bird conservationists and wind farm developers are working towards the same goal: a greener future for all. Download (315 KB)

An Arctic adventure of a lifetime awaits! (8 June 2013)

Today we celebrate the world’s oceans. World Oceans Day is an annual opportunity to honour the world’s oceans, celebrate what they provide and appreciate their aesthetic and spiritual values. Conserving marine life, and creating awareness surrounding the marine environment, are central to this year’s theme: “Together we have the power to protect the ocean.”  Download (124 KB)

World Penguin Day (25 April 2013)

Penguins have captured the world’s imagination, with their comical waddle, beautiful plumage and almost human-like qualities. World Penguin Day happens on 25 April every year to raise awareness about this remarkable group of birds.  Download (141 KB)

Prince Edward Islands MPA applauded (9 April 2013)

The protection of the oceans and marine biodiversity is one of the greatest challenges and opportunities facing humanity. Not only do the oceans provide irreplaceable protein for human consumption, but they are a critical link in efforts to minimise global climate change.  Download (126 KB)

Wetlands and water management: where is South Africa heading? (4 February 2013)

World Wetlands Day is celebrated internationally on 2 February every year. This year’s theme is “Wetlands and Water Management” and is linked to the United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation.  Download (87 KB)

Wind farm in Lesotho could cause the local extinction of vultures (24 January 2013)

BirdLife South Africa and BirdLife International are very concerned that the proposed development of a wind farm at Letseng in Lesotho could have severe impacts on the already declining populations of Cape Vultures and Bearded Vultures. South Africa and Lesotho share the responsibility of safeguarding the populations of Bearded Vultures and Cape Vultures in the Lesotho Highlands and the surrounding escarpment of South Africa.  Download (100 KB)

Save Mapungubwe Coalition Statement (7 December 2012)

The Save Mapungubwe Coalition withdraws from the Memorandum of Understanding with Coal of Africa Limited, and joins the Environmental Monitoring Committee for the Vele Colliery.  Download (240 KB)

BirdLife South Africa guidelines to help reduce the impact of solar energy on birds (23 November 2012)

BirdLife South Africa has developed guidelines to ensure that the generation of electricity from solar energy does not negatively impact on South Africa’s birds. The guidelines are designed to minimise the impact on birds of Solar Facilities and Associated Infrastructure in South Africa.  Download (251 KB)

Petra Diamonds champions the Secretarybird (12 November 2012)

BirdLife South Africa and Petra Diamonds working together to protect Secretarybirds. BirdLife South Africa is pleased to announce that Petra Diamonds has agreed to support its efforts to conserve Secretarybirds by becoming a Species Champion for this species, under BirdLife International’s Preventing Extinctions Programme.  Download (366 KB)

Shocking Amur Falcon massacre in northeast India (9 November 2012)

The massacre of tens of thousands of migrating Amur Falcons (Falco amurensis) killed in Nagaland, Wokha district in northeast India, has shocked the world (see http://www.conservationindia.org/campaigns/amur-massacre). Conservation India claimed that about 12 000 – 14 000 Amur Falcons were hunted for commercial sale and human consumption most days during October 2012 in Nagaland and it is believed that this killing is not limited to this particular district only.  Download (308 KB)

Keeping track of penguins (2 November 2012)

Where do African Penguins go when they’re not breeding? This may sound like the opening line to a lame joke, but currently it’s a fascinating scientific question, the answers to which could help stop the precipitous population decrease of this endangered species.  Download (82 KB)

The Great Penguin Run to set world record (17 October 2012)

The African Penguin is one of only two seabirds that breeds along our coastline that is listed as globally Endangered by BirdLife International. Rather than do nothing about it, David Chamberlain (the Viidamago Foundation) is doing what he does best – running stupendous distances to raise awareness. In so doing, he hopes to set the (measured) world endurance record. His mission is to challenge ordinary people to do something extraordinary. To sit up, take note of their surroundings, and do something above and beyond themselves, for a cause that really needs their assistance.  Download (68 KB)

Sending out an SOS for National Marine Week (27 September 2012)

Seabirds are the most threatened group of birds in the world, with almost one third of all seabird species threatened with extinction. Most of the majestic albatross species that roam the Southern Ocean have rapidly declining populations and closer to home our iconic African Penguin is now classified as Endangered. The annual Save Our Seabirds (SOS) Festival aims to raise awareness about the plight of seabirds and celebrate the beauty of marine life.  Download (129 KB)

Put the BIG into Birding Big Day (11 September 2012)

The annual Birding Big Day is an important event on BirdLife South Africa’s calendar. It is a fun, yet competitive day for South Africa’s bird-watchers, both beginners and competitive twitchers alike. The event raises awareness about birds, allows for the collection of data, while at the same time raising much needed funds for the organisation’s important bird conservation work.  Download (76 KB)

Knysna Toyota drives bird conservation (29 August 2012)

BirdLife South Africa has received a very generous sponsorship of two Toyota Hilux single cab vehicles from Knysna Toyota. The vehicles are helping to drive two headline bird conservation programmes at BirdLife South Africa; namely seabird conservation and conserving Important Bird Areas (IBA) in the Western and Eastern Cape.  Download (76 KB)

What will your secretary be up to? (22 August 2012)

As Wednesday September 5th approaches, bosses will be scratching their heads on how to honour their secretaries on Secretary’s Day – without asking them to order flowers for themselves. A lunch? Chocolates? A letter? Flowers again? Here’s an innovative idea that ticks all the boxes: green, thoughtful, different, lasting, makes a real difference, can help a school, bragging rights. BirdLife South Africa is undertaking a scientific project to understand exactly what is happening to South Africa’s Secretarybirds.  Download (385 KB)

Investec and BirdLife South Africa partner in pursuit of responsible renewable energy development (3 August 2012)

Investec Capital Markets and BirdLife South Africa announce the appointment of a Birds and Renewable Energy Manager to actively participate in the renewable energy sector. Download (156 KB)

Satellite tracking to assist in the conservation of South Africa’s Secretarybirds (3 July 2012)

BirdLife South Africa, the largest dedicated bird conservation NGO in South Africa, the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Birds of Prey Programme (EWT-BoPP), and the University of the Witwatersrand have launched a collaborative satellite tracking project on one of South Africa’s most charismatic raptors, the Secretarybird.  Download (151 KB)

More South African birds “in the red” (11 June 2012)

BirdLife International has announced the 2012 update of the IUCN Red List for birds. This is the first update since the 2008 Threatened Birds of the World, a comprehensive assessment of the status of the world’s birds. Of the 10 064 bird species recognised by BirdLife International, the status/categories of 208 have changed. Approximately 13% of the world’s birds are now listed as threatened (Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable) as compared to 12% in 2008.  Download (360 KB)

Save Mapungubwe Coalition (6 June 2012)

Feedback on progress in negotiations between the Save Mapungubwe Coalition and Coal of Africa Limited regarding the Vele colliery.  Download (215 KB)

Black Eagles and Live cameras going to Extremes for Wildlife Conservation (31 May 2012)

Africam.com, known for live streaming video of African wildlife on the internet, is launching a new camera that will broadcast the wild Black Eagles of Roodekrans from Johannesburg, South Africa. At the moment the female Black Eagle Emoyeni, which means upon the wind, is sitting on her two eggs which are expected to hatch sometime in the next few days.  Download (118 KB)

Securing natural resources in the face of unsustainable development (22 May 2012)

The increase in mining applications in certain parts of the country may be good news for certain sectors of the South African economy. More mines could mean economic growth, but other sectors, especially agriculture, tourism and biodiversity, are facing the prospect of losing important natural resources.  Download (70 KB)

Save Mapungubwe (16 May 2012)

Save Mapungubwe Coalition’s response to future engagement with Coal of Africa Limited regarding coal mining at the Vele Colliery.  Download (15 KB)

IOTC moves to protect albatrosses (26 April 2012)

The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) agreed to measures that, if appropriately implemented by tuna longline fishing vessels, will result in significant reductions in albatross mortality.  Download (53 KB)