| |
UPDATE ON RETRIEVED OYSTERCATCHER
<< BACK
In our January newsletter we reported on a ringed African Black Oystercatcher Haematopus moquini, which was injured and brought to DICT for care. This species is found only on the coasts of South Africa and Namibia, and not only do these birds mate for life, but some pairs are known to have been together for nearly 20 years. Oystercatchers obtain all their food from the inter-tidal zone of rocky and sandy shores and their preferred prey is limpets and mussels. African Black Oystercatchers are thought to have a lifespan of about 35 years or more, and start breeding at three to four years of age.
Unfortunately our bird did not make it, however we were able to gain some valuable information on the bird’s history by sending the ring number (654462) to SAFRING (South African Bird Ringing Unit). This particular individual was ringed by MCM (Sea Fisheries) on 02/021988, and re-trapped on 26/12/2008, which means the bird was 20 years of age, which is remarkable! The coastal breeding sites of these birds render them vulnerable to human disturbance, with eggs and chicks at risk of being crushed by people or vehicles, as well as being exposed to predation by domestic dogs.
This individual was ringed at Waenhuiskrans, Arniston, in the Western Cape (34º40'S20º14'E), and recovered at Pearly Beach, in the Western Cape of South Africa (34º40'S19º20'E). This means that this extraordinary little bird traveled 82km in 7633 days, an amazing feat for a species that is largely resident, migrating only short distances to nursery areas after fledging and then returning to their natal sites to breed.
| |
.jpg)
