Endemic Birds of the Ukhahlamba / Maloti Drakensberg: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

 

 

From majestic raptors to exquisite little thrushes and pipits, the Maloti Drakensberg is home to over 350 bird species —some found nowhere else in the world. This spectacular mountain region and its dramatic escarpment contain a myriad of microhabitats, from high-altitude alpine sites to grassy ridges and forested riverbanks in the foothills, giving rise to a great diversity of birdlife. There is a growing network of experienced local bird guides at many key sites who can assist you in finding them.

The diverse range of habitats in the Maloti-Drakensberg region supports a wide variety of birds. There are mountain streams, wetlands, steep grassy slopes, sandstone cliffs, basalt precipices and buttresses. The conservation laws governing many areas in this region aim to protect globally endangered species, such as the Bearded Vulture, the Cape Griffon (formerly known as the Cape Vulture), and the Wattled Crane. Several species are endemic to the region, including the Orange-breasted Rockjumper, the Drakensberg Siskin, and the Mountain Pipit.

 

Some endangered species in the region

 

 

 

 

The much-maligned Bearded Vulture (commonly but mistakenly known as the lammergeier, from the German for “lamb-hunter”), critically endangered,

has been persecuted to near extinction in North Africa. Although breeding sites are still found in the Ethiopian Highlands, the second most crucial African breeding site for these magnificent birds is the Maloti Drakensberg. Approximately 200 breeding pairs of Bearded Vultures remain in the Maloti-Drakensberg Mountains, and currently, none of the breeding sites are located within protected areas.

The Bearded Vulture is primarily a scavenger but prefers bone marrow over flesh. It will drop bones from great heights onto flat rocks (known as ossuaries) to shatter them, then extract the marrow or swallow and digest the pieces. Their long, narrow wings and wedge-shaped tails are easily recognisable in flight. The bird’s striking colours – black wings, ferric chest, white-feathered head, black mask, and beard decoration – make it exceptionally handsome. Legend has it that the rust-coloured feathers on the chest were caused by the bird rubbing white feathers against oxidised rocks to smooth and condition them.

 

 

Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus) The Bearded Vulture

Embracing the vast open sky, soaring on broad wings, a quest in search of shattered bones through the Ukhahlamba, the Barrier of Spears of the mighty Drakensberg Giants Castle nature reserve. We have travelled a great distance to find this majestic Vulture and watch it fly over these rugged mountains that stretch to distant horizons. Here, we had the great fortune of this unique experience as we were graced with its powerful presence. We watched in awe as it gracefully and silently soared up the valley and over the Lammergeier hide. From this camouflaged vantage point, we could record and witness this brief formative moment of this secretive creature. 

We offered our bones to the Vulture Gods, praying that this would entice them closer and encourage a landing at the highest banquet table in the Maluti Drakensberg. We watched and waited patiently, but ever watchful and cautious, he landed unsettled as if he could sense our presence. 

Contented with the continued display of multiple flyovers, fiery red eyes scanning the display. We bid farewell to the Critically Endangered Lammergeier and silently pray for its safety and continued existence amongst these grandiose hills it calls home. 

We departed with happy hearts, cherished memories, and a sense of good fortune to be among the few who have witnessed this impressive Vulture. 

Till next time we meet again, my good friends, the mountains are always calling, and we must return.

Alex Aitkenhead 

 

 

The Wattled Crane is a large, conspicuous bird with a distinctive white neck, grey back, and black belly. It has two whitish wattles beneath its chin. Lis’s habitat ranges from midland to highland wetlands and moist grasslands. These cranes, of which there are only about 70 nesting pairs in South Africa, are severely. Critically endangered due to the loss of their spongy wetland habitats, deaths caused by power line collisions, and consumption of poisoned grain left for other problem animals. They have the slowest reproductive rate of the three South African crane species.
In terms of global conservation.

 

 

 

The Cape Griffon (formerly known as the Cape Vulture), a southern African endemic, is also critical as it is common in the region; the Cape Griffon has fallen prey to poisoned bats and is regarded as vermin by many farmers, even though it rarely kills its decline is also attributed to electrocution on power lines, and reduced breeding success resulting from juvenile mortality. Estimates put the number of the Cape Griffon at between 8,000 and 10,000. About 10-15% of these nest within the
ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, foraging beyond the park’s borders during the daytime. Groups roost and nest on precipitous cliffs, which are white with their droppings. They prefer a mountainous country or an open country with inselbergs and escarpments. They are late risers, soaring between two and three hours after sunrise. Their tongues are serrated, enabling them to feed rapidly on the soft tissue of carcasses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also managed to tick off White-backed Vultures and a Hooded Vulture seen just before Giants Castle. We were fortunate to see at least one hundred or more Vultures on a stillborn Calf. These two species are way off range, but being vultures, it’s just how they travel.

 

The Cape Parrot lives in and near evergreen mist belt forests along the eastern escarpments of the region. It can be seen actively clambering around in search of fruits and berries or flying high overhead in pairs or larger groups, with its loud screeches resounding between the trunks of the remaining forest. This is a critically endangered species, primarily due to habitat loss. Good places to see them include the Marutswa Forest Boardwalk near Bulwer and the Xumeni Forest near Creighton.

 

 

Other interesting bird species in the Drakensberg

The Bald ibis is notable for its naked red-domed crown, red bill, iris, and legs, as well as its glossy green plumage. It enjoys foraging in short grasslands at mid-to-high altitudes, especially after fires, and is often found on overgrazed pastures and cultivated lands. It breeds in communal roosts, the nests precariously perched on ledges against high cliffs such as those in the Mokhotlong area. The word Mokhotlong means the place of the Bald Ibis”

 

The Orange-breasted Rockjumper (sometimes called the Drakensberg Rockjumper) is found on the region’s steeper rocky slopes and low cliffs. These birds are often found in pairs or family groups, leaping from rock to rock with little wing action, although they fly and glide well. They also run fast, sometimes with their tails cocked. If you approach their nest or young, they become very wary and vocal, running to and fro, disappearing and reappearing at different places.

 

The Drakensberg Siskin is a well-camouflaged small bird endemic to the Drakensberg that sings all day long. It is found in montane scrub and Afro-alpine grasslands. Its diet consists mainly of seeds and insects, and it forages on the ground among rocks and low vegetation or in bushes and trees. The nest, made of grass and lined with animal hair, is built in a hollow rock or a bush among stones.

 

 

 

The endemic and rare Mountain Pipit breeds at altitudes above 2,000 m. It is very similar to the Grassveld Pipit, although somewhat larger. Its habitat is short montane grassland and the eastern slopes of the escarpment. The Mountain Pipit was recently awarded full species status, previously considered a subspecies of the Grassveld Pipit.

 

 

 

The near-endemic Bush Blackcap is an uncommon resident in the Lesotho Highlands and the ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, with its status listed as near-threatened. This small bird, slightly larger than a sparrow, is jet black from the top of its head to its mantle, with a pale throat and belly. It enjoys evergreen mistbelts, montane forests, and adjacent scrubby hillsides. It is a pretty, inquisitive bird and creeps around the middle layers of the forest edge or low down in the scrub with slow, deliberate movements. Its diet consists mainly of fruit.

 

 

 

Birds in this region that are endemic to southern Africa include the Jackal Buzzard, Buff-streaked and Sickle-wing Chats, Fairy Flycatcher, Rudd’s Lark, Yellow-breasted, Rock, and Long-billed Pipits, Gurney’s Sugarbird, Cape and Sentinel Rock Thrushes, Grey-wing Francolin, Ground Woodpecker, Barratt’s Warbler, Spotted Prinia, and Layard’s T-Babbler.

 

All information Co (the Maloti Drakensberg Experience)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to Professor Peter Ryan, who also chose to visit and explore the Giant’s Castle Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park. We had just completed the #Flocktomarionagain and headed straight into the mountains from the port. Along the way, we stopped to ask for directions, and it happened to be Peter, who was also headed in our direction. Peter put us onto so many wonderful birds, the Wattled Cranes were the first major lifer just before Giants Castle. We invited Peter to join us at the lammergeier hide during this fantastic encounter with these elegant but Critically Endangered Cranes. He certainly brought us some luck, and after about forty minutes, he called the first of many Bearded Vultures.

Celebration was in order when Peter and his wonderful wife, Coleen, departed, leaving our family to marvel over another Critically Endangered bird, the Lammergeier (Lamb Hunter). Bearded Vultures are restricted to this small Maloti Drakensberg and Lesotho area. Peter assisted us in ticking off other stunning birds, such as the Bush Blackcap and the Barrat’s Warbler.