Abstract
The breeding biology of the Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus) was studied in Hlane National Park, north-eastern Swaziland. This breeding colony was first recorded in 1964. A minimum of 15 pairs bred there in 2003. Counts from aerial census suggest that equally large numbers have been breeding there since, at least, 1995. Marabous selected nesting sites in relatively low-crowned trees of Acacia tortilis and A. nilotica, which were situated well away from rivers or standing water. Eggs were laid bimodally between June and September. Mean clutch size was 2.1 eggs and fecundity (or productivity) was 0.41 chicks/pair/annum. Measurements taken from chicks of known age allowed for the calculation of growth rates. The Marabou population in Swaziland cannot sustain itself without immigration from other populations. However, due to the relatively large number of pairs that have bred continuously and regularly for the past three or four decades, this population is viewed as being of regional conservation significance.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
