Reading Johan's article on the Bearded Vulture got me thinking about another endangered bird of prey in South Africa, ie. the Verreaux's Eagle. It also got me thinking that often we read a species is endangered, but then think no further....perhaps we need to question just what is it that drives some species to such low populatin levels?

The most interesting characteristics of both the aforementioned birds is a) they inhabit mountainous regions and b) they are highly territorial and c) were highly persecuted by man. Couple this with the speedy encroachment and destruction of their habitats, and voila, you have an endangered species. That two such magnificent bird species could become endangered is truly sad. I remember when I lived on my parents farm, in the Piketberg area, watching the resident breeding pair soaring high in the thermals; and the pride I felt when their youngster joined them, circling high in the blue sky. I must add that the farmers of Piketberg are both very proud of their pair of eagles and very vocal in their insistence that these beautiful birds be protected.

all pix courtesy of PRWIN

• 25/08/2009 19:50 - GBTs' Bird Guide: Bearded Vulture
• 07/01/2009 13:11 - New chicks transmit data
• 24/09/2008 16:05 - A Sad Day...
• 10/09/2008 14:33 - Expedition to find Andalucia fails
• 03/09/2008 12:13 - Lammergeiers shed tracking devices
• 15/07/2008 16:32 - Bearded vultures get a champion
• 07/07/2008 10:43 - Bearded vulture snippet
• 08/06/2008 15:19 - No Xenophobia in my garden...