The loss of habitat and suitable nesting sites has had a big impact on the wild population of Southern Ground Hornbills. By installing artificial nest boxes in suitable large trees, the APNR Ground Hornbill Project has been able to expand the territory of Kruger Ground Hornbills to the entire western boundary reserves of the Kruger Park in South Africa. Weather, and wear and tear from the birds (who sometimes can be quite destructive!) means that nests have to be replaced every couple of years to keep enticing the birds to breed. Gathering experience since 2000, the team has developed new nests, based on an innovative design in collaboration with Tshwane University of Technology. These are made of a double layer of wood, with a slight air gap between the layers to shade the nest from direct sunlight and to allow for convective cooling. The new nests also have an enclosed, hidden compartment on the roof, where equipment, such as cameras and scales (for weighing birds), can be installed. As with anything in groundbreaking conservation work, learning-as-you go is key! Help us to expand the home range of the Southern Ground Hornbill by sponsoring an artifical nesting box. The nests are secured into trees that are typically chosen by the birds as ideal sites and monitored using camera traps. Visit our conservation updates page for the latest developments in the project.
Click on the cards below to see the conservation successes we have had so far and the difference your donations have made!
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