TOUGH TIMES FOR SEABIRDS

These are tough times for seabirds and this issue of Africa – Birds & Birding focuses on the critical issues facing marine species. The African Penguin has officially been uplisted from Vulnerable to Endangered, with declining fish stocks taking their toll on the species’ ability to survive. Ian Michler’s Going in for the Krill reveals how the shrimp-like krill, a staple food source for many seabirds, is in danger of being over-harvested as a health-food.

Our cover features an outstanding photograph of two Swift Terns tussling for possession of a fish, evocatively illustrating how dependent many species are on this dwindling resource. There are more stunning images throughout the issue: photographer Chris van Rooyen captures an action sequence of an inexperienced Gabar Goshawk’s attempt to ambush its prey, while the timing of husband-and-wife team Johann and Lizet Grobbelaar was perfect as they caught the critical moment of interaction between a black-backed jackal and a Cape Vulture. There is also a bizarre account of a fight to the death between two Bearded Scrub-Robins, a rarely recorded phenomenon.

Visit the Africa – Birds & Birding magazine page at www.africageographic.com or look for the Aug/Sept issue in all good bookstores now.

It’s packed with all the usual delights to be expected from the continent’s premier birding magazine.