The European Roller is a spectacular Afro-Palearctic migrant, undertaking an epic journey of over 10,000 km each year to spend the summer months in southern Africa, typically from November to March. While globally listed as Least Concern, the species is considered Near Threatened in southern Africa due to ongoing population declines since the 1970s, including local and national extinctions across parts of Europe.

Recognised for its conservation significance, the European Roller is listed under Appendices I and II of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), and is included in Category A of the African-Eurasian Migratory Landbird Action Plan (AEMLAP) Species List. It is also a priority species under the East Atlantic Flyway Initiative (EAFI) and is featured in the Flyway Action Plan for the European Roller, adopted in 2017 as part of the Strategic Plan for Migratory Species (2015–2023).

This strategic framework outlines urgent research and conservation actions, including:

  1. Investigating the habitat needs and migration routes of the species,

  2. Conserving and managing the key habitats it relies on throughout its life cycle.

South Africa has been identified as a key country along the species’ migration route. While conservation efforts have historically focused on European breeding grounds, expanding tracking and monitoring in the southern end of the flyway is essential. By understanding the overwintering behaviour and threats faced in Africa, we can ensure conservation actions are effective and inclusive of all stages of the European Roller’s remarkable journey.

Two subspecies are recognised and occur within its overwintering sites in southern Africa, namely C. g. garrulus (from the Western Palearctic) and the C. g. semenowi (from western and central Asia), although C.g. semenowi is the dominant species. It is thought that the population from Asia, considered the dominant subspecies within the region, may not be declining at such a fast rate, but without monitoring data, this can’t be confirmed.

The main aims of this project are to:

  1. Gain a better understanding of the migration of European Rollers
  2. Identify key stop-over sites utilised by European Rollers from within their overwintering sites, which may be used to secure additional key habitat for this species and to understand some of the threats faced at these key sites
  3. Understand their habitat preference within South Africa, to ensure these sites are well protected for this life-stage of the species
  4. Implement a long-term monitoring project at key sites within South Africa (and beyond)
  5. Use the European Roller as a flagship species for the support of flyway-wide conservation.

The project, with support from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, was established in December 2021 in the Kruger National Park and two private nature reserves in KwaZulu Natal. Since then, the project has expanded to include several additional reserves across South Africa. Data is collected by citizen scientists, reserve staff and BirdLife South Africa staff during the period of peak abundance of European Rollers in South Africa.

Monitoring Migration

As of March 2024, seven European Rollers have been fitted with lightweight, solar-powered satellite trackers to help unlock the secrets of their extraordinary migrations. Each tag weighs just 3.8 grams—well under the recommended ethical limit of 3% of the bird’s body mass—ensuring minimal impact on the bird’s flight and behaviour.

In addition to satellite tracking, we have also colour-ringed 20 individuals, each with a uniquely coded blue leg ring for easy identification in the field.

Together, these efforts are enabling us to build a clearer picture of the migratory routes, critical stopover sites, and threats these birds face on their long journeys across continents.

Help us deploy more satellite tags!

One Lotek Sunbird tracker costs R53 000 / $2 825

Data fees per month is estimated to cost R1 300 / $70 per tracker

Created using the Donation Thermometer plugin https://wordpress.org/plugins/donation-thermometer/.R407,000Raised R198,000 towards the R407,000 target.R198,000Raised R198,000 towards the R407,000 target.49%

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Monitoring Reports

Report 2024
Report 2023
Report 2022

Project Updates - Field Notes

Click on each blog to get an exciting update on the project #WhereInTheWorldIsHera

FAQs

Why are we studying European Rollers?

Global migratory bird populations are in decline. The European Roller is one such bird. In just 15 years, the population has declined by more than 30%, with records of local and national extinctions throughout Europe.

The charismatic, well-liked, European Roller acts as a flagship species for migratory birds. Advocating for the protection of this species, will indirectly benefit other species too.

Why do we need to tag more individuals?

Statistically, we need the data of 6 individuals, who have completed 2 migration cycles (i.e. fly back and forth to their breeding grounds, twice).

Why? We need enough movement data to make any sort of deductions for research purposes.

There are many risks involved in tagging birds, as you’ve seen with Royal Wasi, sometimes technology fails us, or the bird dies.

How can I get involved?

  1. If you live on a farm/game reserve or drive a public road often where European Rollers are known to occur – join our monitoring project.
  2. Share our posts, help us raise awareness about migratory birds and what we’re trying to do to help protect them and their habitats.
  3. Donate towards the cause or start your own fundraising campaign.

Every bit counts!

Why do we need to ring individuals?

Statistically we need to ring 50 individuals. Ringing birds is a cheaper method of researching bird migration than fitting satellite tags.

By recapturing a bird with a ring or finding a ring from a deceased bird, scientists can see where that bird has been. This helps them map migration routes and identify important stopover and wintering areas for different species.

We would like to thank the following donors for their support:
Future for Nature Foundation, Sabi Sabi Foundation, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Ecological Restoration Fund and Marc Solomon.