76-553: Bucorvus leadbeateri Bucorvus abyssinicus See text for the possible inclusion of Bycanistes The ground hornbills ( Bucorvidae ) are a family of the order Bucerotiformes , with a single genus Bucorvus and two extant species. The family is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa : the Abyssinian ground hornbill occurs in a belt from Senegal east to Ethiopia , and the southern ground hornbill occurs in southern and East Africa . Ground hornbills are large, with adults around
152-471: A Seeker II drone against rhino poachers, which was loaned to the South African National Parks authority by its manufacturer Denel Dynamics , South Africa. In June 2019, a Helix surveillance aircraft system was deployed on night missions in the park, and apprehended half a dozen suspected poachers. Other threats to poachers include the dangerous nature of the park itself. In February 2018,
228-482: A Kruger game ranger and policeman were the first to die in an anti-poaching operation, while other employees reported intimidation by poachers. A Kruger personnel strike affected some anti-poaching operations, and some employees have been directly implicated. Rangers in and around the park have been pressured or blackmailed by poaching syndicates to provide intelligence on the whereabouts of rhinos and anti-poaching operations. In December 2012, Kruger started using
304-617: A duller patch of grey in its place. Southern ground hornbills can be found from northern Namibia and Angola to northern South Africa and southern Zimbabwe to Burundi and Kenya . They require a savanna habitat with large trees for nesting and dense but short grass for foraging. The southern ground hornbill is a vulnerable species, mainly confined to national reserves and national parks . They live in groups of 5 to 10 individuals including adults and juveniles. Often, neighbouring groups engage in aerial pursuits. These birds are apex predator and thus ecologically important. They forage on
380-458: A fatal illness upon anyone who does so. For the Ndebele people, killing them is considered taboo and will bring death upon the killer. Furthermore, the Ndebele believe an elderly person will die if a southern ground hornbill comes near the home. The AmaXhosa people also have a taboo against killing them, as they may be messengers of death sent by a witch-doctor . The southern ground hornbill
456-625: A juvenile is essential for rearing young as an adult. In captivity, a maximum lifespan of 70 years is recorded, and it is generally believed that the life expectancy of a bird that survives long enough to fledge is as high as thirty years or more, which is comparable to that of more famously long-lived birds like the wandering albatross . Ground hornbills are believed to reach maturity at six to seven years, but very few breed at this age. Nests are almost always deep hollows in very old trees, though there exist reports ground hornbills have on occasions nested on rock faces. One to three eggs are laid at
532-412: A metre tall. Both species are ground-dwelling, unlike other hornbills. Also unlike most other hornbills, they are carnivorous and feed on insects, snakes, other birds, amphibians and even tortoises . They are among the longest-lived of all birds, and the larger southern species is possibly the slowest-breeding (triennially) and longest-lived of all birds. The genus Bucorvus was introduced, originally as
608-401: A necessary milestone in stemming the tide between South Africa and Vietnam, in addition to the one with China, while negotiations have not yet started with Thailand. The amount of rhino horn held in storage is not publicly known. Since 2009, some Kruger rhinos have been fitted with invisible tracing devices in their bodies and horns which enable officials to locate their carcasses and to track
684-637: A poacher was believed to have been trampled by elephants and then eaten by lions, leaving rangers to later find only a human skull and a pair of trousers, alongside a loaded hunting rifle. In December 2021, two accused poachers were arrested in the Kruger National Park's Skukuza after they were discovered in possession of unauthorized rifles and ammunition. Poachers make no distinction between white and black rhinos, but losses of black rhinos are low due to their reclusive and aggressive nature. Rhino horn fetches between $ 66,000 and $ 82,000 per kilogram, and
760-600: A subgenus, by the French naturalist René Lesson in 1830 with the Abyssinian ground hornbill Bucorvus abyssinicus as the type species . The generic name is derived from the name of the genus Buceros introduced by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 for the Asian hornbills where corvus is the Latin word for a "raven". A molecular phylogenetic study published in 2013 found that the genus Bucorvus
836-489: A variety of cultural beliefs also influence conservation efforts. Some of these beliefs benefit their preservation. An example is the Ndebele , who believe killing southern ground hornbills is taboo due to their negative associations. However, the birds are also used in traditional cultural practices and medicines which can be harmful. In some marketplaces and cultures, southern ground hornbills are used in traditional medicines, which often rely upon harvesting specific parts of
SECTION 10
#1732852663287912-746: A very good example. South of the Olifants River in the park's eastern half, this area provides the most important grazing land. Species such as red grass ( Themeda triandra ) and buffalo grass ( Panicum maximum ) predominate while the knob-thorn ( Acacia nigrescens ), leadwood ( Combretum imberbe ) and marula ( Sclerocarya afra ) are the main tree species. Several smaller areas in the park carry distinctive vegetation. The Pretoriuskop sourveld and Malelane mountain bushveld receive relatively high rainfall. Here sickle bush and silver cluster-leaf ( Terminalia sericea ) are prominent. The sandveld communities northeast of Punda Maria are equally distinctive, with
988-459: A wide variety of unique plant species. The bush-clad hills along the Levuvhu River also shelter an interesting floral diversity and some near-endemic species. All the big five game animals are found at Kruger National Park, which has more species of large mammals than any other African game reserve (at 147 species). There are webcams set up to observe the wildlife. Kruger supports packs of
1064-520: Is a South African National Park and one of the largest game reserves in Africa . It covers an area of 19,623 km (7,576 sq mi) in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in northeastern South Africa , and extends 360 km (220 mi) from north to south and 65 km (40 mi) from east to west. The administrative headquarters are in Skukuza . Areas of the park were first protected by
1140-410: Is currently thought that the ground hornbills, along with Tockus and Tropicranus , are almost exclusively carnivorous and lack the gular pouch that allows other, less closely related hornbill genera to store fruit. [REDACTED] Bucorvus leadbeateri Bucorvus cafer ( Vigors , 1825) The southern ground hornbill ( Bucorvus leadbeateri ; formerly known as Bucorvus cafer )
1216-546: Is heavily tied to its slow reproductive rates. Habitat loss, changes due to the agriculture, deforestation, electrocution from power lines, accidental poisoning, and persecution are the major factors that affect their populations. Persecution and hunting of the southern ground hornbill by human populations have continued to be complex issues. Recent studies have found the species has been hunted more than previously believed, including in protected areas. The majority of this hunting has likely been opportunistic. Overall, hunting
1292-622: Is likely not a key driver for their lowering numbers. However, it is still a factor of which to be aware when considering conservation efforts, especially because of their low reproductive rates and an incomplete knowledge about local hunting habits in their natural regions. Furthermore, the southern ground hornbill faces persecution due to behaviors like destroying windows in response to seeing its reflection. Annoyed homeowners in urban areas in South Africa have been known to kill birds that destroy property. The role of southern ground hornbills in
1368-620: Is not exempt from the threat of poaching that many other African countries have faced. Many poachers are in search of ivory from elephant tusks or rhino horns, which are similar in composition to human fingernails. The park's anti-poaching unit consists of 650 SANParks game rangers , assisted by the SAPS and the SANDF (including the SAAF ). As of 2013, the park is equipped with two drones borrowed from Denel and two Aérospatiale Gazelle helicopters, donated by
1444-545: Is one of the largest national parks in the world, with an area of 19,485 km (7,523 sq mi). The park is approximately 360 km (220 mi) long, and has an average width of 65 km (40 mi). At its widest point, the park is 90 km (56 mi) wide from east to west. To the north and south of the park two rivers, the Limpopo River and the Crocodile respectively, act as their natural boundaries. To
1520-474: Is one of two species of ground hornbill , both of which are found solely within Africa , and is the largest species in the hornbill order worldwide. It can be found in the southern regions of Africa, ranging from Kenya to South Africa . Within these regions, they inhabit both woodlands and savannas . The other species of the genus Bucorvus is the Abyssinian ground hornbill , B. abyssinicus . Southern ground hornbills are carnivorous and hunt mostly on
1596-642: Is planned near the western border of the park. Floods or raising of the walls of the Massingir and Corumana dams in Mozambique could potentially damage, by silting, the pristine gorges of the Olifants and Sabie rivers respectively. The Olifants River Gorge has a deep, single thread, pool-rapid structure which is home to many crocodiles, besides hippos and fish. The fish population of the Olifants has already been diminished by hundreds of dams in its upper reaches. Kruger
SECTION 20
#17328526632871672-672: Is rare in birds: probably the only other example is the ornate hawk-eagle of Neotropical rainforests. The southern ground hornbill is classed as vulnerable to extinction globally; however, in South Africa , where most studies on the species have been carried out, it is listed as endangered. They have also been classified as endangered in Lesotho , Namibia and Swaziland . Southern ground hornbills in these countries, along with Kenya , Tanzania, Malawi , Zambia , Zimbabwe , and Mozambique , require conservation interventions to help increase their numbers. The bird's classification as endangered
1748-456: Is subject to several threats, including intensive poaching, urban development at its borders, global warming and droughts, animal overpopulation, and mining projects. Light pollution produced by rest camps and nearby towns affects the biodiversity of Kruger National Park. In particular, it alters the composition of nocturnal wildlife and the hunting behaviour of predators. In 2022 it was announced that Nkosi City , an R8 billion development
1824-743: Is the first instance of a termitophilous species from the family Armadillidae . Many species of mosquito occur in the park, including the Culex , Aedes and Anopheles genera which target mammals. A. arabiensis is the most prevalent of the 9 or more Anopheles species in the park, and their females transmit malaria . As of 2018, 350 species of arachnids , excluding ticks and mites, are known from Kruger. These are mostly true spiders , including 7 species of baboon spider , but also 9 scorpion and 7 pseudoscorpion species, 18 solifugid species (sun and roman spiders), 2 species of harvestmen and 1 species of tailless whip scorpion . The park's ecosystem
1900-472: Is well known for its associations with rain, drought, lightning and general weather forecasts. It is believed by some, such as the Ndebele and those who live in coastal Tanzania , that its early morning calls are a sign of rain. Cultures such as the Xhosa believe the southern ground hornbill can be used to bring rain and end droughts. This association has led the southern ground hornbill to be attributed with
1976-704: The Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe, and with the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique. The park is part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere , an area designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as an International Man and Biosphere Reserve . Sabi Game Reserve was initially created to control hunting and to protect the diminishing number of animals in
2052-617: The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park . The national anti-poaching committee oversees all activities and coordinates interested parties. Kruger's big game poachers operate with night vision instruments and large caliber rifles, fitted with suppressors and sophisticated telescopic sights . They are mostly Mozambique citizens who initiate their carefully planned incursions from the border region of South Africa and Mozambique. In 2012, about 200 poachers were apprehended, while about 30 were killed in skirmishes. In July 2012,
2128-469: The IUCN as of 2018, and as ‘Endangered’ in South Africa , Lesotho , Namibia and Eswatini . This is a large bird, at 90 to 129 cm (2 ft 11 in to 4 ft 3 in) long. Females weigh 2.2 to 4.6 kilograms (4.9 to 10.1 lb), while the larger males weigh 3.5 to 6.2 kilograms (7.7 to 13.7 lb). The average weight of eight females was 3.34 kg (7.4 lb) whilst that of eight males
2204-552: The Makuleke people by the government in 1969 and about 1500 of them were relocated to land to the south so that their original tribal areas could be integrated into the greater Kruger National Park. In 1996 the Makuleke tribe submitted a land claim for 198.42 km (19,842 ha), namely the Pafuri or Makuleke region in the northernmost part of the park. The land was given back to
2280-707: The Pafuri triangle. In 1926, Sabi Game Reserve, the adjacent Shingwedzi Game Reserve, and farms were combined to create Kruger National Park. During 1923, the first large groups of tourists started visiting the Sabi Game Reserve, but only as part of the South African Railways ' popular "Round in Nine" tours. The tourist trains travelled the Selati railway line between Komatipoort on the Mozambican border and Tzaneen in
2356-467: The RAF to augment its air space presence. Automated movement sensors relay intrusions along the Mozambique border to a control center, and a specialist dog unit has been introduced. Buffer zones have been established along the border with Mozambique, from where many poachers have infiltrated the park, as an alternative to costly new fences. The original 150 km long fences were dropped in 2002 to establish
Ground hornbill - Misplaced Pages Continue
2432-519: The Sabie , Olifants , Letaba and Luvuvhu while the Crocodile River (Mpumalanga) and Limpopo River run along the parks border. The climate of the Kruger National Park and lowveld is subtropical/tropical, specifically a hot semi-arid climate ( Köppen BSh ). Summer days are humid and hot. The rainy season is from September until May. The Kruger National Park website lists September and October as
2508-457: The endangered African wild dog , of which there are thought to be only about 400 in the whole of South Africa. A fairly uniform aggregate of bird species is present from the southern to central areas of the park, but a decline in diversity is noticeable in the mopane -dominated flats northwards of the Olifants . Most species breed in summer when rains sustain most vegetable and animal food, but
2584-447: The 1980s. Due to international and national efforts, including a worldwide ban on ivory sales beginning in 1989, the poaching was abated for many years, but a sharp rise in 2014 has continued and the numbers of elephants poached per year in the park is growing at an alarming rate. Following approval by CITES, 47 tonnes of stockpiled ivory from Kruger were auctioned on 6 November 2008. The sale fetched approximately US$ 6.7 million which
2660-483: The Abyssinian ground hornbill is the larger species on average, at 110 cm (43 in), than the southern species, at 102 cm (40 in), but published maximum weights and standard measurements indicate the southern species is slightly larger. Average weights are not known for the Abyssinian species. The southern ground hornbill is black with vivid red patches of bare skin on the face and throat (yellow in juvenile birds), which are believed to keep dust out of
2736-502: The CITES ban has proved largely ineffectual against the trade in rhino horn. The second horn is sometimes also hacked from the skull to obtain about 100 ml of moisture that is sold locally as traditional medicine Muti . Poaching rhino horn escalated in the 21st century, with 949 rhinos killed in Kruger in the first 12 years, and more than 520 in 2013 alone. A memorandum of agreement is seen as
2812-572: The Limpopo. 219 species of butterfly and skipper are native to the park. The fastest and most robust of these belong to the genus Charaxes , of which 12 species have been recorded. Genera Papilio and Acraea are also well-represented, with about 10 and 15 species respectively. The total number of Lepidoptera species in the park is unknown but could be in the order of 7,000, many of which range widely in African savanna . The mopane moth in
2888-572: The Makuleke people, however, they chose not to resettle on the land but to engage with the private sector to invest in tourism. This resulted in the building of several game lodges from which they earn royalties. In the late 1990s, the fences between the Kruger Park and Klaserie Game Reserve , Olifants Game Reserve, and Balule Nature Reserve were dropped and incorporated into the Greater Kruger Park with 400,000 ha (4,000 km ) added to
2964-626: The Reserve. In 2002, Kruger National Park, Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe , and Limpopo National Park in Mozambique were incorporated into a peace park , the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park . The park lies in the northeast of South Africa, in the eastern parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. Phalaborwa , Limpopo is the only town in South Africa that borders the Kruger National Park. It
3040-442: The ability of southern ground hornbills to flourish. Due to the encroachment of human populations, it is not unheard of to see a group's territory encompass a variety of areas, from pristine habitats to commercial agricultural lands. Southern ground hornbills can have clutches ranging from one to three eggs, but only one of these are raised. With only one egg being raised, conservationists have taken it as an opportunity to raise
3116-497: The ability to provide protection from weather-related problems. It is believed that if the proper traditional ritual is used, the bird can protect against lightning and drought. Rituals differ per culture and necessity for protection, as such a variety of parts may be needed from the bird, and may also involve dancing and singing. This particular usage has been seen within areas of South Africa and Mozambique . Due to their association with rain and drought, some cultures rely upon
Ground hornbill - Misplaced Pages Continue
3192-479: The area. The reserve was located in the southern one-third of the modern park. James Stevenson-Hamilton became the first warden of the reserve in 1902. Singwitsi Reserve , named after the Shingwedzi River and now in northern Kruger National Park, was proclaimed in 1903. During the following decades all the native tribes were removed from the reserve and during the 1960s the last were removed at Makuleke in
3268-563: The beginning of the wet season , but siblicide ensures that only one nestling is ever fledged. The eggs measure 73 millimetres (2.87 in) by 56 millimetres (2.20 in) and are pure white in colour but very rough in texture. After a 40 to 45-day incubation period and an 85-day fledging period, the young remain dependent on their parents and helpers for between one and two years depending on climatic conditions, longer than any other bird. This means that ground hornbills can normally breed successfully only every third year. Triennial breeding
3344-410: The best habitat. The southern ground hornbill is an obligate cooperative breeder , with each breeding pair always assisted by at least two other birds. Experiments in captivity have found that birds without six years experience as helpers at the nest are unable to breed successfully if they do become breeders. This suggests that unaided pairs cannot rear young and that the skill gained in helping as
3420-517: The bird as "[an] unlucky and an aggressive bird associated with evil and death." Some in Tanzania also believe it to host angry spirits. Others in Zimbabwe believe it can bring misfortune and should not be approached. This has led to a range of reactions to the southern ground hornbill, from avoidance to killing. For example, the Taveta people have a cultural belief that killing a southern ground will bring
3496-437: The bird. To date, research suggests that cultural uses do not have a significant impact on their populations. For example, the Ndebele healers use the bird for traditional medicine, but must follow a strict ritual process that could take months or years to prepare. Additional research documents plant alternatives to southern ground hornbill use for cultural belief uses. While investigation into traditional medicine trade of
3572-400: The birds' eyes while they forage during the dry season . The white tips of the wings (primary feathers ) seen in flight are another diagnostic characteristic. The beak is black and slightly curved and presents a casque, more developed in males. Female southern ground hornbills are smaller and have violet-blue skin on their throats. Juveniles to six years old lack the prominent red pouch, having
3648-491: The colour of their throats: the male's is pure red and the female's is a deep violet-blue. Southern ground hornbills are a culturally pervasive and important species in southern Africa. Kruger National Park , located within South Africa, lists southern ground hornbills as one of their ‘Big Six’ bird species. However, their numbers have been declining, due in part to persecution, habitat destruction , cultural beliefs, and other factors. They are listed globally as ‘Vulnerable’ by
3724-554: The continent. Across the continent the African elephant population decreased 30% in the period between 2007 and 2014. It is foreseen that the placement of wire traps to procure meat would eventually become the most challenging form of poaching. A scheme has been proposed to reward adjacent communities with the proceeds of game sales in return for their cooperation in game preservation. The larger communities include Bosbokrand, Acornhoek, Hazyview, Hoedspruit, Komatipoort, Malelane, Marloth Park, Nelspruit and Phalaborwa. Communities along
3800-492: The driest periods, culminating at the beginning of the rainy season late in October. Because the park spans 360 kilometres or 220 miles from north to south, climate can vary throughout the park. Skukuza in the southern part of the park is about 2 to 3 °C (3.6 to 5.4 °F) cooler throughout the year than Pafuri in the north, with significantly more rainfall. Plant life consists of four main areas, which correspond roughly to
3876-485: The east, the Lebombo Mountains separate it from Mozambique. Its western boundary runs parallel with this range, roughly 65 km (40 mi) distant. The park varies in altitude between 200 m (660 ft) in the east and 840 m (2,760 ft) in the south-west near Berg-en-Dal. The highest point in the park is here, a hill called Khandzalive. Several rivers run through the park from west to east, including
SECTION 50
#17328526632873952-553: The extent of these beliefs and whether they will persist into the future are uncertain, especially due to the modernization of Africa. In several cultures, the southern ground hornbill is associated with death and unluckiness. Broadly speaking, some view them as a sign, or bringer, of death, destruction, loss, and deprivation. These beliefs have been most prevalent in South Africa , Zimbabwe , and Malawi and are spread across many countries and peoples. Some residents of Burundi , Kenya , Tanzania , Zambia , and Mozambique associate
4028-455: The four quadrants of the park. The main veld types are determined by the rainfall gradient (400 to 750 mm per annum) and geological substrates. Shrub mopane covers almost the entire northeastern part of the park. This area lies in the park's western half, north of the Olifants River. The two most prominent species here are the red bush-willow ( Combretum apiculatum ) and the mopane tree ( Colophospermum mopane ). This area lies between
4104-482: The government of the South African Republic in 1898, and it became South Africa's first national park in 1926. To the west and south of the Kruger National Park are the two South African provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga , respectively. To the north is Zimbabwe and to the east is Mozambique . It is now part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park , a peace park that links Kruger National Park with
4180-537: The ground, where they feed on reptiles , frogs , snails , insects and mammals up to the size of hares . Southern ground hornbills rarely drink. Their range is limited at its western end by the lack of trees in which to build nests. Southern ground hornbill groups are very vocal: contact is made by calls in chorus which can usually be heard at distances of up to 3 kilometres (1.86 mi). The calls allow each group to maintain its territory, which must be as large as 100 square kilometres (40 sq mi) even in
4256-450: The ground. Their food ranges from insects to small vertebrates. Their nests are often found in high tree cavities or other shallow cavities, such as rock holes in cliff faces. These birds are a long-lived species, having lifespans in the range of 50–60 years, and up to 70 in captivity. In relation to their long lives, they do not reach sexual maturity until 4–6 years old, and begin breeding around 10 years old. Their sex can be identified by
4332-731: The larger birds of prey conversely breed during the dry winter, when their prey is most exposed. Out of the 507 species of birds found at Kruger, 253 are residents, 117 non-breeding migrants, and 147 are nomads. Constituting the southern lowveld , the park's avifaunal affinities are mainly with the tropical north. Some representatives of this group are the African openbill , hooded vulture , Dickinson's kestrel , white-crowned lapwing , brown-necked parrot , Senegal coucal , broad-billed roller , trumpeter hornbill , Böhm's spinetail , tropical boubou , Meves's starling and scarlet-chested sunbird . Some 30 waterbird and wader species are dependent on
4408-514: The northern half of the park is one of the best known, and communities outside the park have at times been given permits to harvest their caterpillars. The park has a high diversity of termites and 22 genera are known to occur, including the mound-building genera Macrotermes , Cubitermes , Amitermes , Odontotermes and Trinervitermes . A new species of woodlouse , Ctenorillo meyeri , has been discovered inside termite nests , east of Phalaborwa and near Mopani Rest Camp . It
4484-404: The park and 78 nests were known, of which 50% were active. A 2013 study estimated that 904 pairs of white-backed vulture , 78 pairs of lappet-faced vulture and 60 pairs of white-headed vulture breed in the park. Kruger is inhabited by 114 species of reptile, including black mambas , African rock pythons , and 3,000 Nile crocodiles . As yet, knowledge of the densities and distributions of
4560-407: The park's boundaries. Work started on the southern boundary along the Crocodile River and in 1960 the western and northern boundaries were fenced, followed by the eastern boundary with Mozambique. The purpose of the fence was to curb the spread of diseases, facilitate border patrolling and inhibit the movement of poachers . The Makuleke area in the northern part of the park was forcibly taken from
4636-444: The reclusive Pel's fishing owl , which is localized and seldom seen. The 2011 aerial survey found 22 martial eagle nest sites, the 2015 survey an additional 17, while the 2020 survey found 70 nest locations in all, though the activity of these has yet to be determined. There are 25 to 30 breeding pairs of saddle-billed storks in the park, besides a handful of non-breeding individuals. In 2012 178 family groups of ground hornbills roamed
SECTION 60
#17328526632874712-575: The remaining eggs in captivity. Rehabilitation projects, such the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project, have been hand-rearing these extra chicks with the goal of reintroducing them to the wild, although reintroducing this species has proven challenging. The southern ground hornbill's loud voice and large size have made it a focal point in many traditional African cultures. They have inspired a variety of cultural beliefs throughout many peoples that are within its broad historical range. However,
4788-495: The reptiles, especially on smaller spatial scales, is limited by sampling bias and a strong dependence on the park's public infrastructure is evident. 34 species of amphibians are found in the park, as well as 49 fish species. A Zambezi shark, Carcharhinus leucas , also known as the bull shark , was caught at the confluence of the Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers in July 1950. Zambezi sharks tolerate fresh water and can travel far up rivers like
4864-438: The rivers or associated dams, including the African finfoot , white-backed night heron , white-crowned lapwing and water thick-knee . Other species are limited to riparian thicket or forest, including African goshawk , crested guineafowl , Natal spurfowl , Narina trogon , Pel's fishing owl , bearded scrub robin , terrestrial brownbul and black-throated wattle-eye . This habitat is often reduced by drought or floods or
4940-471: The smuggled horns by satellite. South Africa's 22,000 white and black rhinos represent some 93% of these species' world population, 12,000 of which are found in Kruger. In July 2022, Navara , an elephant poacher who frequented Kruger, was arrested in Maputo in a sting operation for possessing rhino horns. As of 2023, he is serving a 30-year prison sentence. Kruger experienced significant elephant poaching in
5016-499: The southern ground hornbill ability to spot and hunt small creatures within tall grass, it has been associated with the ability to alter human perceptions. Though traditional rituals, the bird can be called on to improve or change a human's ability to alter reality, create illusions, and expand awareness. In Zimbabwe , Malawi and South Africa the bird can be used in attempts to improve a human's ability to find food, creatures and even enemies. Furthermore, it's believed by some that
5092-525: The southern ground hornbill as a timekeeper as well. They can mark both seasonal and daily changes, such as a change from the wet to dry season. Slight variations are found country to country. In Malawi , some believe that sightings of southern ground hornbills means the fields should be prepared. Some in Kenya and Tanzania use the bird as a marker for the dry season and thus time when to move cattle. Within areas of South Africa , their calls are associated with
5168-465: The southern ground hornbill can be used to alter the perceptions of oneself. Thus, it has lent itself to be used in rituals to provide authority for leaders in certain cultures. Other cultural uses or beliefs include ridding one of bad or evil spirits, taking revenge on others or instigating fights, empowering a person, and causing dreams to become reality. Kruger National Park Kruger National Park ( Afrikaans: [ˈkry.(j)ər] )
5244-442: The southern ground hornbill has occurred, the bushmeat trade remains poorly understood, and it has only been seen to occur in areas of Malawi . This bird species is especially threatened by the loss of trees and general habitat loss, as they require vast amounts of space for their territories. The removal of large trees for agriculture or wood harvesting, disturbances near nesting grounds, agricultural changes, all deeply affect
5320-443: The start of the rainy season. These beliefs generally do not carry harmful consequences for southern ground hornbills, but killing, displacing, or otherwise using them to end or start rainy seasons has been reported. Those that claim to rely upon it for determining the weather have blamed climate change for confused predictions, claiming it affects the hornbill's ability to call out at the traditional time. Possibly influenced by
5396-539: The then northern Transvaal . Kruger National Park was proclaimed in 1918 and a commission established to pursue its planning and development. The first secretary of the commission was Johannes Andries (Dries) de Ridder , a civil servant. Warden James Stevenson-Hamilton retired on 30 April 1946, after 44 years as warden of the Kruger Park. He was replaced by Colonel J. A. B. Sandenbergh of the South African Air Force . In 1959, work commenced to completely fence
5472-426: The understorey is opened up by elephant. Some of the larger birds require large territories or are sensitive to habitat degradation. Six of these birds, which are by and large restricted to Kruger and other extensive conservation areas, have been assigned to a fanciful grouping called the "Big Six Birds". They are the lappet-faced vulture , martial eagle , saddle-billed stork , kori bustard , ground hornbill and
5548-466: The western boundary and roughly the centre of the park south of the Olifants River. Combretums , such as the red bush-willow ( Combretum apiculatum ), and Acacia species predominate while there are a great number of marula trees ( Sclerocarya afra ). The Acacias are dominant along the rivers and streams, the very dense Nwatimhiri bush along the Sabie River between Skukuza and Lower Sabie being
5624-492: Was sister to the rest of the hornbills. The genus Bucorvus contains two species: [REDACTED] Male [REDACTED] Female [REDACTED] Male [REDACTED] Female A prehistoric ground hornbill, Bucorvus brailloni , has been described from fossil bones in Morocco , suggesting that prior to Quaternary glaciations the genus was either much more widespread or differently distributed. It
5700-462: Was 4.2 kg (9.3 lb); thus they average around 35% percent heavier than any Asian hornbill species. Wingspan is from 1.2 to 1.8 m (3 ft 11 in to 5 ft 11 in). The wing chord is 49.5 to 61.8 cm (19.5 to 24.3 in), the tail from 29 to 36 cm (11 to 14 in), the tarsus from 13 to 15.5 cm (5.1 to 6.1 in) and the culmen from 16.8 to 22.1 cm (6.6 to 8.7 in). Stevenson and Fanshawe report that
5776-673: Was allocated to increased anti-poaching measures. The intention was to flood the market, crash prices and make poaching less profitable. But instead, the legal sale was followed by "an abrupt, significant, permanent, robust and geographically widespread increase" in elephant poaching, as subsequent research showed. The latest Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), summit voted down proposals for further one-off ivory sales from stockpiles for having led to increases in poaching across
#286713