The Secretarybird Diaries: breeding observations of an iconic raptor
Secretarybirds (Sagittarius serpentarius) are one of the world’s most iconic raptors, but how much do we actually know about them? Recent declines across their sub-saharan range have led to the initiation of several research and conservation projects, with the aim of learning more about these fascinating birds and how we can protect them.
My PhD research is specifically aimed at better understanding the effect of high heat loads on the breeding cycle of Secretarybirds. This falls under the broader Hot Birds Research Project, and is a collaboration between the HBRP and BirdLife South Africa.
Secretarybirds build large, open nests on top of trees that are directly exposed to the sun. They also inhabit arid areas that are expected to see increasing temperatures and extreme heat events in the coming decades. This makes it vitally important to understand their limitations with regards to climate change, and how this may affect our conservation strategies for this species.
Additional Details
Webinar link - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84412892533?pwd=pXibfUbKFURTn3Ex0gvj40cfuKGmmu.1
Meeting ID - 844 1289 2533
Passcode - 374576
Event platform - zoom
Organizer
Wesley Gush is a keen birder, ornithologist and nature enthusiast. He has a Masters in Conservation Biology from the University of Cape Town, and has spent time working on wildlife reserves in his home province of the Eastern Cape, as well as abroad in Zimbabwe and the USA. He currently sits on the management committee for Amakhala Game Reserve.
Wesley has published research on Brown Hyena and Rudd’s Lark, but his current focus is on better understanding the potential threat of climate change on the Secretarybird. He is also a sports fanatic and partial to a good Eggs Benedict.