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The concept of a bird sanctuary is an interesting one.
At best, one can offer the right habitat and hope that the birds come, and if migratory, come back.
Around 200 species of birds have been observed on the Klipkop Wildlife Sanctuary.
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Statistics |
| South Africa |
± 850 |
| Klipkop |
168 |
| Migrants |
19 |
| Intra-African Mig. |
6 |
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Birds are another classic example of overlooked species.
The empathetic connection which mankind appears to have established with many mammals, has not for the most part crossed the divide.
Penguins, pelicans and owls are among the rare exceptions - popularised mostly through the arts and literature. The rest appear to fall into obscurity among all but amateur birders, ornithologists and keen gardeners.
Why are birds important?
Every single creature has a role to play in maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems.
Birds participate in decomposition, pollination and seed dispersal processes. Plant, animal and other bird life are dependent on these processes occuring.
If you think that is where the chain of cause and effect stops, think again. |
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For example, the decline in vulture populations in India have seen a significant rise in human deaths due to the spread of rabies from
increasing feral dog and rat populations. The interconnectedness of nature is both a fascinating and frightening thing.
Mankind ignores this fact at its own peril.
Which bird species do you find on Klipkop?
There are nearly 200 species of bird which have been spotted on Klipkop.
The terrific variety is due to Klipkop's location on Bankenveld:
a vegetation type that transitions between grassland and savanna offering grassy, wooded and wetland habitats.
There are too many species to individually list here, but include longclaw, kite, snake eagle, woodhoopoe, shrike, sunbird, waxbill, and whydah.
The complete bird list is available here (PDF, 84Kb).
Can you come birding on Klipkop?
If you have a private group who would like to visit the Sanctuary, you are welcome to
contact Tony Prince on 082-717-0667 for further details and bookings. Please note: Bookings are essential.
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During 2005, Klipkop ran a public monthly birding adventure.
Unfortunately, the programme is no longer conducted.
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What happened to the bird rehabilitation centre?
The Klipkop Wildlife Sanctuary hosted the Klipkop Rehabilitation Centre during the period 2001-2004.
The Centre, managed by Judy Davidson, specialised in the rehabilitation of birds and small mammals (see photos below).
With an outstanding record of success, thousands of birds were released either onto the Sanctuary or
other suitable sites, depending upon habitat and territorial requirements. Those which couldn't be released
remained permanent residents.
The Centre was financially sustained, firstly by Karl Gribnitz and then Tony Prince and Mary Lewis - all
founding members of the Landowners Association and contributors of land to the Wildlife Sanctuary.
Volunteers, from our International Volunteer Programme, also made a great contribution by helping out in the mornings.
The Centre moved from Klipkop and is now located in Endicott (just east of Springs). Judy Davidson remains the manager of the now Wildlife in Crisis centre.
Should you find any injured or ill bird or wildlife, please contact her on 072-124-4156.
Preserving habitat, and protecting birds from introduced predators, is the best we can do to ensure
the future of many avian species.
Sources:
1. SouthAfrica.info. "South Africa - for the birders!", South African Tourism,
http://www.safrica.info/ess_info/sa_glance/fauna_flora/birding.htm
