Distribution, abundance and habitat of Palearctic migrants in Lesotho (Maloti/Drakensberg region)

Grzegorz Kopij

doi:10.34080/os.v23.22571

Abstract

In total 33 Palearctic migrant species have been recorded in Lesotho so far, but more than half of them are uncommon. The most common species include Ciconia ciconia (1.6 birds/10 km in river valleys and 5.1 birds/10 km outside river valleys), Falco naumanni, Falco amurensis, Actitis hypoleucos (2.1 birds/10 km in large highland rivers and 1.9 birds in Senque River in the lowlands), Phylloscopus trochilus and Muscicapa striata. Data on their densities along water courses and in open grasslands and farmlands in Lesotho are provided. The number of wintering Falco naumanni was estimated at 2,500–2,800 at eight roosts and that of wintering Falco amurensis at 850–900 at eight roosts. The earliest arrival and the latest departure dates are given for most species. In general, the wintering Palearctic bird fauna is poor and the species occur in low densities.

Highlights

Study area and methodsAfrica is a wintering ground for more than four billion birds from about 200 Palearctic species (Moreau 1972)
One of the most evident gradients is the decline of the number of Paleactic species from north to south in southern Africa
Another well-known gradient is the decline of species diversity from lower to higher elevations. Both these gradients are relevant in Lesotho that is a high altitude country and one of the most southern regions in Africa

Summary

Introduction

Study area and methodsAfrica is a wintering ground for more than four billion birds from about 200 Palearctic species (Moreau 1972). Even in the most southern regions, such as the Western Cape or Lesotho, several dozens of Palearctic species are recorded every year. Four zones are recognized in Lesotho: highlands, foothills, lowlands and Senque Valley.

Results

Conclusion