The distribution, population size, movements and conservation of the African black oystercatcher Haematopus moquini

Abstract

The African black oystercatcher Haematopus moquini is endemic to southern Africa and occurs as a breeding species between Seal Island, South West Africa/Namibia and Mazeppa Bay, Transkei. Vagrants outside this area are rare further north than the Hoanib Estuary, South West Africa/Namibia and further east than Transkei. The present adult population is estimated to be 4781 birds of which 53% are found in the southwestern Cape Province, South Africa. Offshore islands support 29% of the world population and are identified as important localities for African black oystercatchers with a high breeding production. These birds face threats from human disturbance, expecially from off-road vehicles on the mainland, from introduced mammalian predators at islands and from competition with man for food and bait organisms. Ten islands and seven mainland sites are isolated as supporting more than 1% of the world population, and, together with their intertidal zones, are recommended for Nature Reserve status.