Bushlore Africa gives Martial Eagle Conservation new 4×4 wheels
The South African population of Africa’s largest eagle has declined by 60% over the last 20 years. Here’s how Bushlore is helping HawkWatch protect Martial Eagles in the Kruger National Park.
Martial Eagles are Africa’s largest species of eagle. These massive birds are found in low densities in savannah habitats where they typically select large trees for nesting. Unfortunately, South Africa’s population of Martial Eagles has decreased by 60% over the last 20 years.
HawkWatch International, in collaboration with the FitzPatrick Institute of Ornithology and EWT, has made it their mission to help save this iconic species. Led by Dr Megan Murgatroyd, a small team of researchers aim to monitor Martial Eagle breeding attempts in the Kruger National Park, as well as monitor the adults via GPS tracking.
Combined, this information will contribute towards a better understanding of why the population is in decline, and help develop solutions to both improve breeding success and prevent mortality of Martial Eagles.
HawkWatch protecting Marshal Eagles
Bushlore Africa is proud to be part of this initiative through the sponsorship of one of our vehicles. With a reliable set of wheels at their disposal, the team has been able to access the various Martial Eagle nests in the Kruger Park: 21 known nest sites and 9 new ones. Currently, the team has observed chicks that have fledged this year.
The team is in the process of deploying GPS tags on adult Martial Eagles.
‘These tags give us invaluable information on the movements of these birds and can teach us about their habitat requirements and where they are feeding,’ Dr. Megan Murgatroyd explained in a recent Facebook post.
If you are ever lucky enough to stop any of the colour ringed eagles while in the Kruger National Park, feel free to drop an email with the date, time, GPS location and (if possible) a photograph to martialeaglesightings@gmail.com.
Make sure you’re following the Martial Eagle Conservation project on Facebook for regular updates on the team’s progress.
READY FOR A SELF-DRIVE ADVENTURE?
PROUD MEMBER OF
