A basic principle of predator–prey relationships is that the prey species needs to be acutely aware of the danger of predation and to evolve finely tuned avoidance or escape mechanisms relevant to a specific predator species. The so-called pecking order among species often reflects which is the predator and which is the prey. This is well illustrated in gamebirds, which are the favoured prey of larger raptors.
While investigating the behavioural ecology and management of Greywinged Francolins on the Stormberg Plateau in the Eastern Cape, I was interested to find out how Grey-wings react when the danger of raptor predation is imminent. To put this to the test, I invited a group of experienced falconers to bring their birds and fly them after Greywings. The birds of prey in the group were a mix of well-trained adult Lanner and Peregrine falcons (long-winged raptors) and a couple of Black Sparrowhawks (a short-winged raptor).
Bu hikaye African Birdlife dergisinin January/February 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye African Birdlife dergisinin January/February 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
footloose IN FYNBOS
The Walker Bay Diversity Trail is a leisurely hike with a multitude of flowers, feathers and flavours along the way.
water & WINGS
WATER IS LIFE. As wildlife photographer Greg du Toit knows better than most.
winter wanderer
as summer becomes a memory in the south, the skies are a little quieter as the migrants have returned to the warming north. But one bird endemic to the southern African region takes its own little winter journey.
when perfect isn't enough
Egg signatures and forgeries in the cuckoo-drongo arms race
Southern SIGHTINGS
The late summer period naturally started quietening down after the midsummer excitement, but there were still some classy rarities on offer for birders all over the subregion. As always, none of the records included here have been adjudicated by any of the subregion's Rarities Committees.
prey for penguins
To stem the African Penguin's slide to extinction, government support for optimal no-take zones around South Africa's penguin colonies is critical.
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.
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.
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.
