Challenges in nest monitoring of White-winged Flufftails Sarothrura ayersi in Ethiopia

The Critically Endangered White-winged Flufftail Sarothrura ayresi is only known to breed in the high-altitude wetlands of Ethiopia and South Africa. Several studies have documented the physical properties of nests in the well-known Berga wetland, Ethiopia; however, behavioural accounts of birds at...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ostrich 2020-07, Vol.91 (3), p.260-263
Main Authors: Howes-Whitecross, Melissa A, Howes, Caroline, Colyn, Robin B, Smit-Robinson, Hanneline A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
conservation
Critically Endangered
monitoring
northeastern Africa
wetland
White-winged Flufftail
Citations: Items that this one cites
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The Critically Endangered White-winged Flufftail Sarothrura ayresi is only known to breed in the high-altitude wetlands of Ethiopia and South Africa. Several studies have documented the physical properties of nests in the well-known Berga wetland, Ethiopia; however, behavioural accounts of birds at these nests are limited. Remote monitoring techniques have revolutionised the ability to detect and observe elusive species, such as wetland rallids. We discuss the challenges experienced during a pilot study to collect observations at nests of White-winged Flufftails on the breeding grounds in Ethiopia. Lessons learnt from placement of camera traps at nest sites and conservation implications for future monitoring are discussed and guidelines for camera trap deployment are provided.
ISSN:0030-6525
1727-947X
DOI:10.2989/00306525.2020.1794996