AFRICAN MARSH HARRIER
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Circus ranivorus
IUCN RED LIST (Global status): Least concern
RED DATA BOOK OF BIRDS (Regional status): Endangered
POPULATION
The overall population numbers are not known, with estimates of between 10 000 to 100 000 individuals. However, in South Africa, it’s believed that 3 000 to 6 000 pairs remain.
KNOW YOUR AFRICAN MARSH HARRIER
The African Marsh Harrier is mostly brown, but has white feathers interlaced with the brown on the body, is light brown to white under the wings, with bars on the wings and the tale. Like the Black Harrier, they are strong flyers and swoop low over the veld in search of food.
WHERE ARE THEY FOUND?
These birds occur throughout most of sub-Saharan Africa.
WHAT HABITAT DO AFRICAN MARSH HARRIERS LIKE?
African Marsh Harriers breed in wetland areas, and are therefore most often seen in marshy areas. However, in the Overberg these birds are also often seen hunting over fynbos and grasslands.
THREATS
The IUCN warns that African Marsh Harrier numbers are declining. The main threat is the loss of wetlands, like the drainage of KwaZulu-Natal wetlands.
ACTION TO SAVE OUR AFRICAN MARSH HARRIERS
So little is known about African Marsh Harriers. In the Overberg region, numbers seem to be increasing, and this has been attributed to much of the invasive alien clearing work taking place. The Overberg Crane Group works with partners who coordinate big invasive alien clearing programmes. The aim is to monitor these numbers, and to raise awareness with land users to protect the Overberg’s rich wetland areas.
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
