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SOUTHERN GROUND HORNBILL POPULATION AND HABITAT VIABILITY ASSESSMENT – REVIEW Johannesburg Zoo14 May 2008
REVIEW REPORT
Hosted by: The Ground Hornbill Action Group, Mabula Ground Hornbill Project and Johannesburg Zoo
Participants in the Southern Ground Hornbill PHVA Review 14 May 2008: Johannesburg Zoo
Sponsored by: SASOL LimitedJohannesburg Zoo Individuals who self funded their expenses
Click here for the List of Acronyms
Click here for a list of the participants and their contact details |
THE WAY FORWARD
Twenty Nine Ground hornbill experts and enthusiasts from fifteen different institutions gathered to review the conservation work done during the past four years and to prioritize the work needing to be done in the next two.
This document covers the problems, solutions and actions with time lines and responsibilities, and lists those of high priority:
· Share past and new data for analysis. · Find a fail-safe transmitter attachment for wild birds before research and release can continue. · Collect easier sightings data of 'juveniles', to show where there are females and nests. · Erect artificial nests, where needed outside of conservation areas, to assist successful breeding in the wild. · Prepare a model and systematically collect genetic samples for DNA testing and analysis. · Include further data onto the Natural World website for analysis. · Provide criteria for up-listing in the IUCN Red Data Book and national registration. · Compile a new husbandry manual to increase production from the Captive Breeding Programme.
The Ground Hornbill Action Group meets every April and October and will assist in implementing recommendations from this review.
OPENING OF MEETING:
Ann Turner, of the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project, welcomed everyone to the Action Group Meeting to review the PHVA, which was held in February 2005, and thanked Johannesburg Zoo for hosting this meeting. She commented that the wonderful turn out shows how many collaborators there are now working together for ground hornbills.
INTRODUCTION: ANDRE BOTHA (Facilitator)
Andre Botha opened the meeting with a power point presentation to sum up the work from the previous PHVA as well as the aims and goals of this review.
A re-assessment of the Management Strategy and Conservation Objectives for the Southern Ground Hornbill PHVA, SAWC 7-11 Feb 2005
Working Groups • Biology • Ecology • Education, Awareness and Legislation • Threats • Population Dynamics and Modeling Overarching themes
Summary of Problem Statements and Solutions per Working Group 2005
5 Most important goals & solutions
1. Coordinated research on: • Habitat requirements • Limiting factors associated with habitat such as: Choice of nesting sites, Availability of foraging areas, Effect of rainfall on habitat, Availability of prey species
2. Establish and register a Ground Hornbill Management Plan – In the context of NEMA (2004): Challenge and oppose land-use changes that will negatively affect the species
3. Nest manipulation and population augmentation Nest repair and modification: Nest boxes, Supplementary feeding, Second chick/egg removal, Double clutching, Cross fostering, Group supplementation Reintroduction of individuals and groups, Manipulation of productivity and recruitment 4. Ageing and sexing verification – Verify currently accepted characteristics: Both in captivity and in the field, Consider changes in characteristics with age
5. Education and Awareness Campaign – Encourage tolerance – Create a working relationship with: • Land-owners • General public
Consensus reached on: • Continuation of supplementation and harvesting, but in collaboration with a research project to be developed to provide empirical data • Vastly increase levels of coordination and communication for continued cooperation • All projects need to work together to contribute to the bigger picture • Convene a small group to discuss the following: Make decisions on which nests could be used A way forward to integrate harvesting and research For which projects and how these could work together
Purpose of today’s Workshop • To review the Solutions and Actions as decided on at the PHVA in 2005 with regard to: • Progress • Priority • Achievability • Relevance • Working Groups will decide on the important issues within their area of focus to be worked on during the next two - three years • Use PHVA and summaries of work achieved as guideline
Remember… …whatever we decide today must be to the benefit of the Southern Ground Hornbill
Click here for the WORKING GROUP REPORTS:
Click here for Appendix 1: Map of Distribution in KZN, Athol Marchant
Click here for Appendix 2: Umgeni River Bird Park, Shaun Wilkinson
Click here for Appendix 3: Studbook updates, Tracy Rhese
Click here for Appendix 4: Presentation on Newcastle Vaccination |
