DENHAM’S BUSTARD
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Neotis denhami
IUCN RED LIST (Global status): Near threatened
RED DATA BOOK OF BIRDS (Regional status): Vulnerable
POPULATION
Population numbers are not known, but the IUCN warns that the population is declining, hence being listed as Near Threatened.
KNOW YOUR DENHAM’S BUSTARD
These large birds can be up to 1m tall. They have prominent white necks and chests, which male Bustards puff out when seeking a mate. They have shades of brown on their backs, and a black-and-white head and wings.
WHERE ARE THEY FOUND?
Denham’s Bustard populations are dotted throughout Africa, like Zambia, Angola and even further north. In South Africa, Denham’s Bustards generally occur along a coastal strip, from the Cape Town region to just below Mozambique.
WHAT HABITAT DO DENHAM’S BUSTARD LIKE?
Denham’s Bustards enjoy grasslands and shrubland, as well as farmland.
THREATS
Denham’s Bustards are threatened by habitat loss, with grassland often converted to agriculture. Like Blue Cranes, Denham’s Bustards are also affected by power line collisions, while accidental poisonings have also been recorded.
ACTION TO SAVE OUR DENHAM’S BUSTARD
The Overberg Crane Group has partnered with the Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Trust – a Trust working to save the renosterveld remnants, and other Bustard habitat. The Crane Group also raises awareness of Bustard conservation with land users, while communicating with Eskom in cases of power line collisions.
THE IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES/RED DATA BOOK OF BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA:
| Not Evaluated | Data Deficient | Least Concern | Near Threatened | Vulnerable | Endangered | Critically endangered | Extinct in the wild | Extinct |
DEAD OR INJURED BIRDS
Blue Cranes and other birds are often found dead or injured in the Overberg. Please report dead or injured birds to our OCG Extension Officer, Keir Lynch by email to support@bluecrane.org.za or phone 084 369 0969.
REPORT RINGED BIRDS
Hundreds of Blue Cranes have had rings placed on their legs over the years. We use these rings to identify Blue Cranes. With this information, we can learn more about them. If you see a Blue Crane with rings on its legs, please let us know.
SUPPORT
The Overberg Crane Group is the only organisation dedicated to protecting our Overberg's birds, like Blue Cranes and Cape Vultures. We need your help to protect our threatened bird species from possible future extinction.
BIRDLASSER APP
There’s a convenient way for bird lovers to note the birds they see – using the BirdLasser app. You can download the BirdLasser app to your cellphone. It’s also a great tool for bird lovers to keep accurate records of their sightings
