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The Mabula Ground Hornbill Project is one of SATIB’s CSR Projects of which we are immensely proud. Here is a summary….a day in the life of……

 

2019 has already proven to be a busy year for the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project, in their efforts to slow and reverse the decline of the Endangered Southern Ground-Hornbill across, South Africa. In early February the team headed out, on the first big fieldtrip of the year, to KwaZulu-Natal, in the Melmoth and Eshowe areas, and the Kruger National Park to complete annual nest checks, to monitor the average breeding success of groups in the wild population and various other research programmes.

 

The continued support from SATIB Insurance Brokers Brokers means that the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project team can complete this important work anywhere in the country at any time, knowing that precious resources such as equipment and vehicles are safely insured. Without SATIB’s contribution to the Project, it would not be possible for the team to make such an impact, using such a diverse approach, which is necessary to conserve this charismatic and culturally important species.

 

In April, our environmental educator, Nthabiseng Monama, ventured to Manyeleti Game Reserve to visit local schools. Using a variety of tailor-made activities and learning resources, Nthabi can communicate the Project’s message of conservation for this iconic species, across age-groups and generations. Our education programme is on-going and there are two further excursions planned this year to Musina in Limpopo, and the Hlokozi and Centocow areas in KZN.

 

July has seen a huge leap forward in the Project’s attempt to make the ideal Southern Ground-Hornbill artificial nest, or so-named ‘super nest’. After over a year of materials testing and experimentation, five nests have been produced which will be tested in the Project’s specialised hand-rearing facility. It is hoped that these nests will be the final prototypes, and that they will stand strong against the powerful striking action of a ground-hornbill, whilst also providing the ideal environment to nurture and rear new chicks.

 

Another large part of the conservation effort for the species, is reintroductions of new groups into areas where Southern Ground-Hornbills historically occurred but are now locally extinct. In June this year, a female was successfully reintroduced along with a sub-adult male, whom had naturally dispersed from his group. The pair have bonded well and are successfully establishing their own territory, so we keep fingers crossed for the coming breeding season!