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The Selati Wilderness Foundation has teamed up with BirdLife South Africa to bring you The Selati Martial Eagle Project – a brand-new conservation fundraising initiative that uses live-streaming technology backed by a panel of experts to share insights into the breeding behavior of a pair of Martial Eagles that nest on the Selati Game Reserve.
We are inviting all bird enthusiasts to join us on this exciting journey of discovery and to make a contribution to conservation!
What is this project all about?
Like many large raptors, Martial Eagles are biennial breeders, rearing a single chick every two years. We started studying this resident pair and their young in 2017 and we ringed the chick born in 2020.
In 2021 we installed a live-streaming camera system at the nest ahead of the anticipated 2022 return to the nest, which will allow us to document the pair’s complete breeding cycle, from nest preparation, to hatching, to the fledgling’s first flight, with minimum disturbance to the birds.
Having experienced the special magic of watching these magnificent birds nurture new life, we want to share this unique opportunity with bird enthusiasts worldwide and offer them the chance to help us protect future generations of Martial Eagles.
Contributors will have access to action on the nest via live-stream video and will receive regular highlights packages, supported by expert insights. You can also opt in to instant notifications so you’ll never miss an interesting moment at the nest site. Don’t miss the chance to learn more about these fascinating birds, and help them survive and thrive in their natural habitat.
How long will this project be live?
The project and live camera feeds will run until the end of the breeding cycle of the Martial Eagle pair, when the fledgling leaves the nest. We expect that activity will cease at the end of November. Below you will find a timeline and estimation of what to expect during the breeding cycle.
How will your contributions be used?
By becoming a member, you will get to experience and learn more about the fascinating life of this pair of Martial Eagles as well as directly contribute to conservation. The proceeds from this campaign will be split 50-50 between BirdLife South Africa and the Selati Wilderness Foundation and will be deployed to further the conservation objectives of the two organizations as detailed on their websites and Facebook pages. Your contribution will go a long way towards protecting the Martial Eagles and other endangered species on the Selati Game Reserve.
How do I get on board?
Choose between becoming a monthly member or pay a once-off membership fee. Once a member you can make a further donation to become a project patron. Patrons can request a section 18A certificate for their donation and will be entered into a draw to win a weekend for two at the Selati Game Reserve big birding weekend in November 2022. Details of these options are set out below.
What does your membership provide?
- Access to a live streaming video feed from the nest.
- An option to receive alerts to action taking place via WhatsApp.
- Insights provided by a panel of experts.
- Regular highlights packages.
- A monthly newsletter.
Ready to join us?
Choose a membership option below:
Become a patron
After choosing your membership option, please feel free to become a patron by choosing a donation amount below:
Martial Eagle Project: Patron
R500,00 – R3000,00
If you are a member and wish to make a greater contribution to the cause, you can become a Patron by selecting one of the patron options below and donating a further R500 or more. In addition to the benefits of membership, Patrons will be entered into a competition draw (get an extra entry for every R500 donated) and will stand a chance to win the opportunity for two to participate in the Selati Game Reserve big birding weekend in November 2022. This hosted and fully catered weekend coincides with the arrival of many of our favorite migrants and will allow the winners to enjoy the magnificent Selati in the company of other enthusiasts and experts.
Terms & Conditions:
- Please note that you need to purchase a membership option first before becoming a patron. Patrons can only access the live stream and receive membership benefits if they have a monthly or paid-up membership.
- Your donation will be treated separately from your membership and you can request a section 18 A certificate for the value of your donation (only applicable to donations R 1000 and more).
- Please note that should the project be terminated early for whatever reason, donors will not be eligible for a refund.
- Competition terms and conditions apply.
Thank you for your support!
If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us:
Rob Snaddon | [email protected]
If you need any technical support, please contact
Tania Steyn | [email protected]
Disclaimer
While it is the intention to run this project for the duration of the Martial Eagle breeding cycle, the project is being conducted in the wild and there are a number of factors that could come into play that could result in early termination. These include inter alia damage to the equipment and/or nest due to weather or animals (elephant) or the birds abandoning the nest. We regret to advise that paid-up members and patrons will not be eligible for a refund in the event of an early termination. Monthly members will be able to terminate their membership in the event of an early termination.