Understanding and Safeguarding Southern Africa’s Birdlife
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Welcome to the Regional Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini 2025
The Red Data Book of Birds 2025 online presents the most comprehensive and up-to-date regional assessments of bird species across Southern Africa.
Developed through rigorous scientific research and in collaboration with local and international experts, the Red Data Book provides critical insights into the conservation status of birds in the region.
The Red Data Book of Birds 2025 follows the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List framework, adapted to reflect the unique environmental challenges and species diversity of Southern Africa. The assessments follow the globally recognised IUCN Red List categories and criteria, offering an evidence-based guide to the risks of extinction faced by avian species in the region.
Explore the Science
The three principal objectives guiding the Regional Red Listing process resulting in this resource are
- Evaluate the risk of extinction of bird species within the region, identify contributing threats and mitigation measures.
- Share assessment outcomes to diverse decision-making and influencing entities, as well as the general public, in an easy and accessible manner as possible.
- Inform global Red List assessments coordinated by BirdLife International and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), particularly concerning southern African endemic bird species.
Discover Detailed Species Accounts with Conservation Information
Conservation Status
The conservation status of all bird species assessed, including population trends, distribution, and ecological data.
Identify Key Threats
Identification of the primary drivers of species decline, including habitat loss, climate change, and human activities.
Recommendations
Guidance on priority actions needed to protect vulnerable species and their habitats, aligned with regional and global conservation goals.
Explore Bird Species by Conservation Status
Why It Matters
Biodiversity is the foundation of healthy ecosystems, and birds are key indicators of environmental change.
With escalating pressures from human activities and climate change, many bird species in South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini are now at risk of extinction. By understanding their status, we can take informed steps to safeguard these species and the ecosystems they inhabit.
The Red Data Book serves as a critical tool for conservation practitioners, researchers, and policymakers working towards the long-term survival of Southern Africa’s avifauna.
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Our generous sponsors
Lee ATK, Rose S, Banda S, Bezeng SB, Maphalala MI, Maphisa DH, Smit-Robinson H (eds), The 2025 Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini. Johannesburg, South Africa: BirdLife South Africa.