In 2016 the international conservation community developed a globally recognised standard to identify KBAs – the most important sites for biodiversity on the planet.
‘The global standard sets out criteria for the identification of sites contributing significantly to the persistence of biodiversity around the world, in terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. It provides clear guidance on where conservation efforts should be focused, including for international financial investment, establishing protected areas and avoiding further loss of important biodiversity,’ says Daniel Marnewick, the KBA Community Chair and Africa representative, and manager of the Regional Conservation Programme at BirdLife South Africa.
South Africa is the first country in the world to complete a comprehensive national KBA assessment for all its ecosystems and across multiple groups of species (mammals, birds, plants, fish, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates).
The process started in 2018, when BirdLife South Africa and SANBI partnered to initiate a KBA assessment in South Africa. The partnership’s first task was to establish a KBA National Coordination Group, which BirdLife South Africa and SANBI co-chair.
The WWF Nedbank Green Trust and SANBI funded the national process and support Marnewick’s national role in leading this process and his regional support role in Africa.
This story is from the September - October 2020 edition of African Birdlife.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September - October 2020 edition of African Birdlife.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
agrochemicals and birds
By the year 2050, it is estimated that 171 million more hectares of agricultural land will be needed to feed a global population of 10 billion people.
arrivals and departures
The Mouse-Free Marion Project is committed to ensuring that breeding seabirds can return to a predator-free Marion Island.
FULL skies
High summer brings high entertainment to Botswana's Mababe Community Concession and Kazuma Pan.
specials IN THE MIST
With a distinct habitat and climate, Zimbabwe's Eastern Highlands are a must-visit destination for any birder wanting to see a bevy of special birds.
MIDRAND marvel
Gauteng birders don't need to travel far to get their feathery fix. Midway between Johannesburg and Pretoria, Glen Austin Pan has become a favourite patch for this returnee expat.
IN TOO DEEP...again
The annual sardine run along South Africa's east coast is a thrill and a challenge for underwater photographers, especially if you throw birds and inclement weather into the mix.
a journey through the mysteries of moult
As a bird researcher in South Africa’s botanically diverse fynbos biome, I have come to regard bird ringing as part of my journey to understanding moult.
Southern SIGHTINGS
The midsummer period lived up to its reputation as the busiest time for rarities in southern Africa and produced a host of really good records, including several that got twitchers racing all over the subregion to try and add these mega ticks to their lists. As always, none of the records included here have been adjudicated by any of the subregion's Rarities Committees.
storm petrels in Kalk Bay
According to Roberts 7, both Wilson’s and European storm petrels occasionally seek the shelter of breakwaters during periods of strong onshore winds, but this is seldom observed off South Africa.
power-napping penguins
Periodic reduction in neural activity (sleep) is found in all animals with brains and seems to be essential to restore effective brain function. There is plenty of evidence of the adverse effects of not getting enough sleep, and recent research in humans has identified getting sufficient sleep as one of the four core pillars of living a long and healthy life.