The Dabchick Wildlife Reserve (DWR) is situated in the Waterberg region of the Limpopo province. The reserve is roughly two-and-a-half hours’ drive from O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
DWR is over 1 000 hectares in size, which allows us to be involved in various conservation projects, as well as cater for visitors who want to experience the African wilderness and all its inhabitants, big and small. We offer the choice of luxury accommodation or a more rustic experience, according to your tastes.
𝘿𝘼𝘽𝘾𝙃𝙄𝘾𝙆 𝙒𝙄𝙇𝘿 𝘽𝙄𝙍𝘿𝙎
𝐃𝐖𝐑 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡!
𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
𝐂𝐮𝐭-𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐡 (𝘼𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙖 𝙛𝙖𝙨𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙖)
𝐈𝐔𝐂𝐍 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬:
Least Concern
The cut-throat finch is a widespread yet often overlooked resident of Africa’s savannas and open woodlands. Its range stretches from Senegal across the Sahel to Ethiopia, and southwards into South Africa, where it occurs in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng, and parts of the North West Province.
Despite their inconspicuous presence, these finches are relatively common and currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, they are increasingly targeted by the cagebird trade, which threatens wild populations.
Cut-throat finches are small birds - adults weigh just 18g - and feed primarily on seeds and termites. Their movements are nomadic, tracking seasonal rains and the flush of food that follows. They require access to reliable water sources and are often seen in pairs or small flocks, usually in association with other seed-eating species.
During the summer and autumn breeding season, monogamous pairs make use of abandoned nests, particularly those built by weavers, rather than constructing their own.
Dr Pamela Oberem shares: “𝘞𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘢𝘸 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 c𝘶𝘵-𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘵 f𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘩 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳, 𝘱𝘦𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴’ 𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘴 - 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮. 𝘘𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘳𝘥𝘴!”
Waterberg Biosphere Reserve
💡These borrowed nests hold clutches of two to seven eggs, which are incubated by both parents for around two weeks. The chicks fledge roughly three weeks after hatching.
Hybrids between the cut-throat finch and the closely related red-headed finch have been recorded in regions where their distributions overlap.
@top fans
𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝘿𝙖𝙗𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚? Share your experience in the comments!
🎼 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐬 & 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬
ebird.org/species/cutthr1?siteLanguage=en_GB
📸 Neil Hilton
🦆Dabchick Wildlife Reserve offers great bird and other photography opportunities! Book your stay now!
#Birdwatching #Ecotourism
AMES Foundation
For reservations, contact Anele by email: hospitality@dabchick.co.za
For more information, visit www.dabchick.co.za
#ConserveWildlife #ProtectBiodiversity #Africa #BirdOfTheMonth #CutThroatFinch #DabchickWildlifeReserve #WildlifeConservation #ConservationInAction ... See MoreSee Less
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@followers let’s celebrate the cut-throat finch!
Awesome !👌🏻a return to your rewilding reserve ? A regular beautiful visitor ? Great photo !
Never knew this bird
Very special!
So Beautiful 💯♥️
Great shot.🏆
Absolutely beautiful
Beautiful picture of a beautiful bird
Stunning photo!
Beautiful
Baie mooi foto
🌹🌹🌹
Pretty
Awesome
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@followers
𝐆𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡, 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬
Veterinarians are widely recognised for their critical role in animal health, animal welfare, and public health – particularly through safeguarding the quality of the meat, milk, and eggs we consume.
They are also pivotal in ensuring sufficient, safe food production for a rapidly growing human population – now exceeding 8.2 billion – through the control of animal diseases.
💡Through the “One Health” concept, veterinarians link the health of people, animals, and the environment. Yet their role in conservation is often overlooked.
In addition to preventing and treating disease in wild animals – on game ranches, within wildlife reserves, and across broader ecosystems – veterinarians’ work is deeply multi-disciplinary.
Their expertise spans evaluating veld (rangeland) conditions, monitoring animal health across properties, and conducting game counts. These game counts form the cornerstone of effective wildlife population management and have underpinned the remarkable success of sustainable use in South Africa: the rewilding of nearly 𝟐𝟎 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬 of previously marginal or damaged agricultural land into thriving, rewilded, vibrant mosaics of game ranches.
💡This rewilding movement has played a major role in saving species once on the brink of extinction, including the bontebok, oribi, black wildebeest, and both black and white rhinoceroses, among others.
Moreover, veterinarians have been instrumental in the safe translocation of millions of animals – a monumental contribution to conservation not only in Africa but worldwide.
@top fans AMES Foundation Waterberg Biosphere Reserve Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve - Wildlife
At 𝘿𝘼𝘽𝘾𝙃𝙄𝘾𝙆 𝙒𝙄𝙇𝘿𝙇𝙄𝙁𝙀 𝙍𝙀𝙎𝙀𝙍𝙑𝙀 and 𝙍𝙀𝙒𝙄𝙇𝘿𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙎𝙊𝙐𝙏𝙃𝙀𝙍𝙉 𝘼𝙁𝙍𝙄𝘾𝘼, we salute veterinarians – not only for safeguarding our health, our livestock, and our companion animals, but above all for their profound, often underappreciated contribution to rewilding, conservation, and securing the natural heritage for future generations.
🦆Dabchick Wildlife Reserve offers great wildlife and landscape photography opportunities! Book your stay now!
#Birdwatching #Ecotourism #wildlifephotography #rewilding
For reservations, email: hospitality@dabchick.co.za
For more information, visit www.dabchick.co.za
#ConserveWildlife #ProtectBiodiversity #Africa #WorldVeterinarianDay #RewildingAfrica #DabchickWildlifeReserve #WildlifeConservation #ConservationInAction ... See MoreSee Less
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@followers join us as we salute veterinarians – not only for safeguarding our health, our livestock, and our companion animals, but above all for their profound, often underappreciated contribution to rewilding, conservation, and securing the natural heritage for future generations.
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🌍 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙂𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙃𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙍𝙚𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝘿𝙖𝙗𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙈𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙡𝙢𝙖 𝙑𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮!
On this Earth Day, Dabchick Wildlife Reserve is proud to announce the release of its first southern ground hornbill (𝘽𝙪𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙫𝙪𝙨 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞) - a major step in a long-anticipated rewilding initiative in partnership with the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project.
Following years of consultation and careful planning, Dabchick has adopted a small group of suitable birds, with the aim of establishing a new, free-ranging population in the Alma valley.
💡This complements rewilding efforts on surrounding conservancies, contributing to a broader metapopulation in the region.
Waterberg Biosphere Reserve Waterberg-Nylsvley birding route guide Waterberg Nature Conservancy
Before the release, engaging with the local farming community was essential. Southern ground hornbills are not always well received, and their survival can be compromised by lead poisoning from scavenging on hunting remains. To address this, the AMES Foundation - Dabchick’s conservation partner - hosted an information session at the local farmers’ hall. Presentations by Dr Lucy Kemp and Justin Henry (BirdLife South Africa) highlighted the dangers of lead in ecosystems and offered practical alternatives, including lead-free ammunition sourced locally. The meeting drew strong interest and positive engagement.
💡Key to the project’s success was hands-on training for the Dabchick team - Mpilo Mhalanga, Erika Bezuidenhout, and Klaas Maluleke - at the Mabula centre near Loskop Dam. The team learned best practices for managing and caring for hornbills with minimal human contact to maintain their wild instincts. A holding pen was constructed to Mabula’s specifications, offering a transitional space before full release.
In November 2024, three birds - a mature male, an adult female, and a younger helper - arrived at Dabchick. The birds have settled well and will be released in stages to ensure gradual acclimatisation to their new environment. Post-release monitoring will track their movements and wellbeing.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project, the AMES Foundation, and all involved in this collaborative effort. With dedication and continued support, we look forward to these iconic birds thriving once again in the wild landscapes of the Alma valley.
🦆Dabchick Wildlife Reserve offers great wild bird, wildlife and landscape photography opportunities! Book your stay now!
#Birdwatching #Ecotourism #wildlifephotography #rewilding
For reservations, email: hospitality@dabchick.co.za
For more information, visit www.dabchick.co.za
#ConserveWildlife #ProtectBiodiversity #Africa #DabchickWildlifeReserve #WildlifeConservation #ConservationInAction
#EarthDay2025 #GroundHornbillReturn #DabchickConservation ... See MoreSee Less
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Brilliant and well done to all involved in this amazing project
Beautiful photos Peter
Fantastic 💯
Beautiful!
Beautiful
Pragtige fotos
🌺🌺🌺
Nsingizi
Awesome
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𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞!
𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙣 𝙂𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙃𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙍𝙚𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝘿𝙖𝙗𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚 🌍
After years of planning with the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project, Dabchick has released its first bird into the wild - a major step toward restoring this iconic species to the Alma valley.
Waterberg Biosphere Reserve
Thanks to local farmers, conservationists, and the AMES Foundation, we’re building a future where ground hornbills can thrive once more.
𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙙. 𝙁𝙧𝙚𝙚. 𝙃𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣.
@top fans AMES Foundation Rewilding Africa REWILDING Southern Africa
#EarthDay2025 #RewildingSuccess #GroundHornbill #DabchickWildlife #ConservationInAction #AMESFoundation ... See MoreSee Less
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Brilliant. Amazing event.
This is awesome and exciting. May the Mabula Ground Hornbill thrive again.
, 😂😂
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𝘿𝘼𝘽𝘾𝙃𝙄𝘾𝙆 𝙒𝙄𝙇𝘿 𝘽𝙄𝙍𝘿𝙎
𝐃𝐖𝐑 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡!
𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
𝐘𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰-𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩
(𝙀𝙪𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙛𝙚𝙧)
𝐈𝐔𝐂𝐍 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬:
Least Concern
Also known as the Golden Bishop, the Yellow-crowned Bishop is a small, striking weaver found across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Ethiopia to South Africa. It has also been introduced to parts of southern Europe, Japan, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico.
𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Measuring 10–11 cm and weighing 11–20 g, the Yellow-crowned Bishop is a compact bird with a very short tail.
Breeding males are unmistakable, with a golden-yellow crown, nape, back, and rump. Their face, throat, and belly are black, set off by a bold yellow breastband tinged with chestnut. They have dark brown wings and tails, with paler feather edges.
Nonbreeding males and females are streaky brown with darker central streaks, a white eyebrow, and a whitish throat and belly—similar in appearance to a sparrow. Juveniles resemble females but have broader buffy feather edges before their first moult.
💡“𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺,” says Dr Pamela Oberem.
𝐇𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
The Yellow-crowned Bishop thrives in wetland areas with tall grass, making it a reliable indicator of healthy ecosystems. Though native to Africa, it has successfully established populations in Iberia, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico.
💡“𝘈𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘋𝘢𝘣𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘬, 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘵𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴,” remarks Dr Pamela Oberem.
This lively bird is often detected by its dry, buzzing calls and the peculiar “𝙩𝙨’𝙚𝙚” hissing song of breeding males.
@top fans
𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝘿𝙖𝙗𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚? Share your experience in the comments!
🎼 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐬 & 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬!
ebird.org/species/yecbis?siteLanguage=en_ZA
📸 Warwick Tarboton
🦆Dabchick Wildlife Reserve offers great bird and other photography opportunities! Book your stay now!
#Birdwatching #Ecotourism
For reservations, contact Anele by email: hospitality@dabchick.co.za
AMES Foundation Waterberg Biosphere ReserveFor more information, visit www.dabchick.co.za
#ConserveWildlife #ProtectBiodiversity #Africa #BirdOfTheMonth #GoundHornbill #MabulaGroundHornbill #DabchickWildlifeReserve #WildlifeConservation #ConservationInAction ... See MoreSee Less
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@followers @top fans See more amazing photo captures by Warwick Tarboton: www.warwicktarboton.co.za/birdpgs/826GoBis.html
@followers join us in celebrating the exquisite Yellow-crowned Bishop!
Love this.
Beautiful photo!
Love this
Breeds etery year naar my house in Bloemfontein...but the rain was not enough
Pragtig
Te pragtig.
Te pragtig
🥰🥰🥰
Jonatha Camiinho Da Victoriia
Lovely 🌹
Awesome
Fabulous
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Join us in wishing Dr Peter Oberem a very happy birthday! His leadership, wisdom, and passion for conservation inspire us every day.
@top fans Dabchick Wildlife Reserve AMES Foundation Waterberg Biosphere Reserve
Thank you, Dr Peter, for your guidance and unwavering dedication.
Wishing you a year filled with success, joy, and the wild beauty you cherish! 🎈🎈🎈
🦆Dabchick Wildlife Reserve offers great bird and other photography opportunities! Book your stay now!
#Birdwatching #Ecotourism
For reservations, email: hospitality@dabchick.co.za
For more information, visit www.dabchick.co.za
#ConserveWildlife #ProtectBiodiversity #Africa #Wetlands #Savannah #Bushveld #DabchickWildlifeReserve #WildlifeConservation #ConservationInAction ... See MoreSee Less
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Wildlife Ranching South Africa
@followers join us in celebrating Dr Peter Oberem 🎈🎈🎈
Beautiful. Thank you. Very much appreciated
Happy Birthday Dr Peter
Happy birthday, Dr Peter Oberem 🎈🎈🎈
Happy birthday Dr Peter 🥂
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𝙇𝙚𝙩’𝙨 𝙤𝙗𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚 2025 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝘿𝙖𝙮!
💡On 20 December 2013 at the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), March 3 was declared United Nations World Wildlife Day (WWD). This day holds significance as the day that the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed in 1973. The UNGA Resolution designated the CITES Secretariat as the facilitator for the global observance of this special day for wildlife on the UN calendar.
🌍 UN World Wildlife Day has now become the global annual event dedicated to wildlife.
United Nations United Nations Development Programme - UNDP
💡People everywhere rely on wildlife and biodiversity-based resources to meet our needs - from food, to fuel, medicines, housing, and clothing. For us to enjoy the benefits and the beauty that nature brings us and our planet, people have been working together to make sure ecosystems are able to thrive and plant and animal species are able to exist for future generations. So, let’s celebrate wildlife and the important conservation work being done around the world!
💡𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚!
www.wildlifeday.org/en/about?
🎬 𝙒𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨!
www.youtube.com/live/E4kfldDNrCw?si=5xjuhzqLSBw6FA4R
📸 White rhinoceros, white rhino or square-lipped rhinoceros (𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙪𝙢 𝙨𝙞𝙢𝙪𝙢) by Keith Collins.
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
𝐈𝐔𝐂𝐍 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬: Near Threatened
@top fans Dabchick Wildlife Reserve AMES Foundation
🦆Dabchick Wildlife Reserve offers great bird and other photography opportunities! Book your stay now!
#Birdwatching #Ecotourism
For reservations, email: hospitality@dabchick.co.zaFor more information, visit www.dabchick.co.za
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@followers World Wildlife Day 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬! www.youtube.com/live/E4kfldDNrCw?si=5xjuhzqLSBw6FA4R
𝘿𝘼𝘽𝘾𝙃𝙄𝘾𝙆 𝙒𝙄𝙇𝘿 𝘽𝙄𝙍𝘿𝙎
𝐃𝐖𝐑 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡!
𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐥 (𝘽𝙪𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙫𝙪𝙨 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞)
𝐈𝐔𝐂𝐍 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬:
Global: Vulnerable
Regional: Endangered
The southern ground hornbill (𝘽𝙪𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙫𝙪𝙨 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞) has a wide distribution across Africa south of the equator.
‼️It is Globally Listed as Vulnerable (VU). In South Africa (RSA) however, its population is considered to be declining. Its distribution is now largely limited to conservation areas, so it was therefore Regionally Listed as EN in 2015. A regional estimate for RSA in 2008 estimated a population of around 1 400 individuals.
It is a unique and endangered bird species which has disappeared from 70% of its former range in South Africa, and the remaining populations are mostly only found in the Kruger National Park and various other conservation areas.
Although these large-bodied birds can fly, they have evolved a terrestrial habit to exploit a more carnivorous diet. Their long legs, short tails and short toes allow them to walk smoothly, rather than hop like other hornbills.
‼️Ground hornbill numbers have been drastically affected by human expansion, overgrazing and loss of trees, as well as poisoning by agricultural poisons and from lead contained in bullets.
The male birds are territorial and tend to smash windows when they see themselves reflected and are therefore persecuted by humans.
They are co-operative breeders with the group composed of one dominant male and one mature female bird, assisted by non-breeding helpers. The birds nest in large trees where these are available, or on rock faces or in holes in earth banks.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐚 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 (𝐌𝐆𝐇𝐏)
Mabula Ground Hornbill Project
The conservation efforts of the ground hornbill which have been initiated by the Mabula Ground Hornbill group are based on the observation of scientists Alan and Meg Kemp, who spent years studying the breeding and social behaviour of the birds. The Kemps observed that although the female laid and incubated two eggs, only one of the hatching chicks was fed, as the parents favour the stronger one for survival. They found that if the second unhatched egg was removed when there was one strong hatchling present, they could artificially incubate this egg and successfully raise the hatchling to adulthood.
💡The Mabula Ground Hornbill Project was initiated by the Kemp’s daughter, Dr Lucy Kemp, who, even as a child, had been involved in the raising of hornbill chicks. Supported by various funders, she and her team have harvested eggs from the wild in various parts of southern Africa, raising the chicks and socialising the birds in groups in “bush schools” in which the birds learn from each other how to forage in the wild. Breeding groups consist of a male and female, plus a few female helpers who assist them with feeding the chicks.
Over the years the Mabula project has accumulated prodigious knowledge and experience on the captive breeding of birds. Apart from the technicalities of feeding the hatchlings and chicks, they have done a lot of research on the feasibility of using artificial nests, given that suitable large trees have disappeared from many areas. After extensive trial and error, they hit on the right formula with regard to size and materials. These nests can be used at rewilding sites to encourage birds to breed.
🎬 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬! Visit
youtu.be/BtfQSBh48bI?si=Z0llD2TiFZgxmOFd to watch the video: ‘The Bringers of Thunder’. Published by Mabula Ground Hornbill Project.
💡Thus far, a number of successful rewilding projects have been executed but also many, many setbacks and disappointments have been endured.
AMES Foundation Dabchick Wildlife Reserve
💡“After years of collaboration with the MGHP, Dabchick Wildlife Reserve has successfully adopted a small group of birds suitable for rewilding. Their release in the Alma Valley will help expand the existing population on neighbouring conservancies, with the goal of establishing a viable metapopulation.” – Dr Pamela Oberem
Waterberg Biosphere Reserve Waterberg Tourism
💡𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙪𝙥𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨!
🎼 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐬 & 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬!
ebird.org/species/soghor1?siteLanguage=en_ZA
📸 Johan Swanepoel
@top fans
🦆Dabchick Wildlife Reserve offers great bird and other photography opportunities! Book your stay now!
#Birdwatching #Ecotourism
For reservations, email: hospitality@dabchick.co.za
For more information, visit www.dabchick.co.za
#ConserveWildlife #ProtectBiodiversity #Africa #BirdOfTheMonth #GoundHornbill #MabulaGroundHornbill #DabchickWildlifeReserve #WildlifeConservation #ConservationInAction ... See MoreSee Less
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@followers 💡After years of collaboration with the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project (MGHP), Dabchick Wildlife Reserve has successfully adopted a small group of birds suitable for rewilding. Waterberg Biosphere Reserve Their release in the Alma Valley will help expand the existing population on neighbouring conservancies, with the goal of establishing a viable metapopulation. Stay tuned for more rewilding updates! AMES Foundation
These birds entered a house in Mabula through the thatch roof and did damages inside to the tune of about R3k. Never knew they did things like that.
Never seen it fly🤔
Iwundundu! Name derived from its "wundundu, wundundu" cry
They are highly endangered.
Wow just saw this bird this morning on Safari Sunrise, thank you for the information given on this beautiful bird
Amazing 👏 wonderful initiative with these beautiful birds xx
Great picture. Dabchick wild life Reserve. Bird fantastic picture of the ground hornbill. Thanks for sharing this with us on social media. It is very interesting and informative. Take care and kind regards Magda
I love these birds especially their sound when they are singing deep in the forest ♥️♥️
Insingizi
Beautiful picture 💕
AMAZING 😍
Fantastic photo!🍻👌👌
Puik foto.
Beautiful
Awesome
Ingududu
Awesome
Ngududu
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Waterberg Biosphere Reserve Waterberg Tourism
@followers @top fans
We are honoured to join the Global Rewilding Alliance network and to be recognised for our commitment to rewilding through storytelling. REWILDING Southern Africa is dedicated to sharing powerful stories of restoration, innovation, and collaboration, inspiring action for a wilder, greener future. Conservation is everyone’s legacy and concern… be part of our journey! 🌍
𝙇𝙚𝙩’𝙨 𝙤𝙗𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚 2025 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙋𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙣 𝘿𝙖𝙮!
African Pangolin Working Group
The pangolin, a unique and endangered mammal, is typically regarded as the highlight of any safari. Pangolins are the only animals on the planet completely covered in protective scales, which they employ to defend themselves by curling into a tight ball when threatened.
Their diet is primarily composed of ants and termites, which they dig up with their powerful claws.
‼️Unfortunately, these fascinating species are frequently trafficked for their scales, which are highly valued in Asian traditional medicine markets. As a result, pangolins are now considered one of the world's most endangered animals.
𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐍 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄!
1. africanpangolin.org/
2. www.worldwildlife.org/stories/the-fight-to-stop-pangolin-extinction
3. speciesstatus.sanbi.org/assessment/last-assessment/2120/
𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬:
African ground pangolin (𝙎𝙢𝙪𝙩𝙨𝙞𝙖 𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙞).
𝐈𝐔𝐂𝐍 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬: Vulnerable
𝐖𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: From 5 to 27 kilograms depending on the species.
𝐒𝐢𝐳𝐞: From 30 to 90 centimetres exclusive of the tail. Adult tail length ranges from about 26 to 70 centimetres.
𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐧: Little data; estimated up to 20 years in captivity.
𝐇𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭: All species are never far from a water source.
𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐭: Wholly myrmecophagous, meaning that they only feed on ants and termites. A single pangolin consumes 200,000 ants or termites in a single day or literally tens of millions each year.
𝐆𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Up to 5 months.
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬: Leopard, hyaena, humans.
@top fans AMES Foundation Rewilding Africa
🦆Dabchick Wildlife Reserve offers great wildlife photography opportunities! Book your stay now!
#Birdwatching #Ecotourism
For reservations, email: hospitality@dabchick.co.zaFor more information, visit www.dabchick.co.za
#ConserveWildlife #ProtectBiodiversity #Africa #Wetlands #Savannah #Bushveld #DabchickWildlifeReserve #WildlifeConservation #ConservationInAction #Pangolin #WorldPangolinDay ... See MoreSee Less
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Fabulous photo’s
Bathi isthwalo lento