African Wildlife & Environment Issue 84 2023

F W F N EW ESSLSEAT TLE RA D5 E(R2S0H2 I3P)

FWF RANGER AND THE ‘THUNDERBIRD’ (SOUTHERN GROUND HORNBILL)

Dr Lucy Kemp

We have made the world almost impossible for them to survive in – poison and spent lead ammunition in the veld kills whole groups at a time; as we lose big trees they lose nesting options; as we erect more buildings in their space, they see more enemies in every reflective surface, which results in broken windows and angry people. The MGHP uses science-based tools to slow the decline and then ultimately support the recovery of these birds. As the project has grown the team has worked further afield. Thanks to the Ford Wildlife Foundation the team now has a fleet of three Ford Rangers allowing effective work across a wide area, applying six key conservation strategies. MONITOR: You need to know what you have before making decisions about interventions. Our continent wide citizen science programme using WhatsApp has data streaming in from taxi drivers, cattle herders, traditional leaders, school principals, and teenagers on their way to school. RESEARCH: We need to understand our species that breeds so slowly and lives so long that today’s decisions will only show results in decades to come. MITIGATE: We work on every known threat to find solutions. To address window-breaking we use a perforated vinyl film (Contravision) on windows which cuts reflection but still allows light penetration and a view out. RESTORE: We harvest the second-hatched chicks from wild nests that would naturally die, and rear these to form new groups for reintroduction. EDUCATION: Most people are simply unaware of how endangered this species is and how simple changes can make the savannas and grasslands safer for them. IMPROVE: This includes capacity-building of a new generation of African conservationists, especially focussing on women, embracing technology, working in strong collaborations and building strong partnerships. For more details contact: project@ground-hornbill.org.za

Photograph: John Wesson

The Mabula Ground Hornbill Project (MGHP) started as a small project on a small reserve in Limpopo, but it has grown into an organisation dedicated to conserving Bucorvus leadbeateri throughout its range.This culturally and ecologically iconic species is in dire trouble.

MGHP Ford Ranger 'On the road again...'

10 | African Wildlife & Environment | Issue 84 (2023)