SOUTHERN BLACK KORHAAN
Southern Black Korhaan used to be seen all the time in the Western Cape. Today, they’re a rare sight.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Afrotis afra
IUCN RED LIST (Global status): Vulnerable
RED DATA BOOK OF BIRDS (Regional status): Vulnerable
POPULATION
Their numbers have not been quantified. But anecdotal evidence suggests a vast decline in numbers.
KNOW YOUR SOUTHERN BLACK KORHAAN
These slightly ‘awkard’ birds have a black neck and head, with a white spot on the cheek (the males). The bodies’ upper parts are barred black and brown.
WHERE ARE THEY FOUND?
The Southern Black Korhaan is endemic to southwestern South Africa.
WHAT HABITAT DO SOUTHERN BLACK KORHAAN LIKE?
Southern Black Korhaan like renosterveld scrub and semi-arid Karoo. They’ll make use of farmland when there’s no natural vegetation available.
THREATS
These birds are mostly impacted by a loss of habitat. A decrease in cover means eggs and chicks are more vulnerable to predators. It’s believed climate change could make things worse for the Southern Black Korhaan.
ACTION TO SAVE OUR SOUTHERN BLACK KORHAAN
The Overberg Crane Group has partnered with the Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Trust, a Trust working to protect the renosterveld remnants. This is key to protecting the Southern Black Korhaan. Monitoring their numbers would also allow a greater understanding as to the threats.
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
