Projects

Our research focuses on the Southern Ground-Hornbill’s social system, and the dynamics and benefits of group living. We aim to understand the mechanisms underlying the stability of cooperation in this species and the consequences of social behaviour for individual fitness and population dynamics. Currently , we are investigating whether cooperation aids Ground-Hornbills in coping with extreme weather conditions, which are becoming more prevalent due to the climate emergency facing our planet.

Our research employs a multifaceted approach, using a combination of long-term data, field observations, and experiments. This comprehensive methodology allows us to gather a wide range of data, from behavioural patterns to physiological responses, providing a holistic understanding of the species. Additionally, we conduct landscape-level research to better understand the complex interactions within the ecosystems that support Southern Ground-Hornbills, with the goal of protecting the habitats where these birds occur. This research helps inform conservation strategies aimed at ensuring the long-term health of their habitat.

Given the endangered status of Southern Ground-Hornbills in South Africa, our research not only contributes to academic knowledge but also plays a vital role in informing conservation efforts. Specifically, our findings support initiatives such as the re-introduction program run by the Mabula Ground-Hornbill Project.

Nesting Sites

Artificial Nest Boxes

173

Chicks Fledged

Years of monitoring

In the early years of the project, it was identified that there was a shortage of natural nesting sites, and so artificial nests began to be installed throughout the area. Today, the project actively monitors 35 known nesting sites within the APNR, of which only five are natural; the remaining 30 are artificial nest boxes.

Since the project began in 2000, a total of 173 Ground-Hornbill chicks have successfully fledged from nests in the APNR. Remarkably, 143 of these chicks originated from artificial nests installed by the project. This highlights the critical role that artificial nesting sites play in supporting the Southern Ground-Hornbill population in the region; without them, we would likely see a significant decline in numbers.

By offering suitable artificial nests, we are not only helping to boost the Southern Ground-Hornbill population but also encouraging these birds to breed consistently year after year. In the APNR, groups successfully breed on average every three years, in contrast to the nine-year interval for successful breeding observed in Kruger National Park. The increased breeding activity within the APNR creates opportunities for expanding the population into surrounding areas, contributing to the long-term conservation of the species.
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The research and monitoring conducted by the project play a crucial role in informing The Mabula Ground-Hornbill Project and the national species recovery plan. This collaboration contributes significantly to the conservation of Southern Ground-Hornbills, as the Mabula Ground-Hornbill Project works towards reintroducing these birds into their historical range and expanding the population.

The Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR) has been the primary location for the project’s long history of research and conservation efforts. It consists of a collection of five privately owned reserves located on the western boundary of the Kruger National Park in northeastern South Africa. These private nature reserves are Klaserie (600 square kilometers), Timbavati (540 square kilometers), Umbabat (310 square kilometers), Balule (350 square kilometers), and Thornybush (140 square kilometers).

Encompassing a diverse landscape of savannah, woodlands, and riverine areas, the APNR offers a rich habitat that supports a wide variety of wildlife, including the Southern Ground-Hornbill. This area provides essential resources for many species, including large carnivores such as lions, leopards, and hyenas, megaherbivores like elephants, rhinos, and giraffes, and various game species such as antelope, zebra, and wildebeest.

The APNR is a cooperative organisation established to harmonize the interests of its members and to act as a unified body in interactions with government entities. In 1993, the fences separating the APNR from the Kruger National Park were removed to promote wildlife migration, leading to the creation of the Greater Kruger National Park. In December 2018, a landmark cooperative agreement was signed with the Kruger National Park, further solidifying the commitment to conservation and collaboration in the region.