SOUTHERN GROUND-HORNBILL NESTING SITE

Selati Game Reserve, in collaboration with the Mabula Ground-Hornbill Project, is proud to announce a significant achievement – the installation of an artificial nest for a family of Southern Ground-Hornbills.

The Southern Ground-Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri) holds an ‘Endangered’ status in South Africa and is considered ‘Vulnerable’ across its broader African range by the IUCN. Their numbers continue to decline, especially outside formally protected areas. Our initiative, centered on creating a secure artificial nest, aims to bolster their numbers and stimulate their breeding activity.

The installation of this artificial nest involved several crucial steps, each carried out meticulously:

1. Identifying a Suitable Tree: A perfect habitat for the nest was our first priority.
2. Tree Ascending: Safely scaling the chosen tree was next.
3. Nest Fastening: Once up, the artificial nest was firmly tied.
4. Hoisting: The nest was then carefully hoisted up.
5. Nest Wedging: The nest was securely wedged into the tree.
6. Safe Descent: Finally, the team descended, leaving the nest ready for its new occupants.