Conserving the Southern Ground-hornbills of the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere

Endemic to the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere region, where QWABI Private Game Reserve is situated, the southern ground hornbill is considered an endangered species in Southern Africa due to the loss of its habitat.

Partnering with other reserves in the Waterberg, including Mabula, QWABI Private Game Reserve is actively engaged in conservation efforts to save this fascinating species, known locally known as the thunder bird.

Endangered Species

Southern Ground-hornbills are easily recognisable with their large beaks and striking red patterned faces against a pitch-black plume of feathers.

Already considered endangered in South Africa and Namibia, the Southern ground hornbill’s population continues to decline towards critically endangered status in South Africa. This is predominantly due to a loss of habitat because of development, agriculture, loss of large nesting trees and overgrazing. The species are also under threat due to the danger of secondary lead bullet poisoning of carcasses that the birds scavenge from and electrocution from transformer boxes.

The Project on the Ground
Mabula spearheaded the Ground Hornbill Project in the Waterberg region in 1999. This involved creating artificial nests that were safely placed above the flood line to help the Southern ground-hornbill eggs survive the rainy season. They also monitor the hornbills intensely and hand-rear redundant second-hatched chicks that would naturally die if left in their wild nests.

QWABI Private Game Reserve has been actively involved in the project since 2021, providing protected conservation areas for the Hornbill chicks to be reared away from danger. The team now has released four groups of birds on the reserve. While some of the birds do fly away to neighbouring reserves, repopulating the Waterberg region as intended, Bradley Algar, Reserve Manager at QWABI, confirms that the reserve’s population currently consists of three adult birds, two of which were raised by hand and one of which is a wild bird.

Environmental Dangers
One of the lesser-known causes of the Ground Hornbills’ falling numbers is that there are several game farms in the surrounding areas of Waterberg where hunting takes place. Bullets containing lead go into the carcasses, and the birds feeding on these become unsuspecting victims of secondary lead poisoning.

To try and reduce the occurrence of poisoning, QWABI Private Game Reserve has implemented a policy across the reserve that has banned the use of lead bullets. They also actively encourage the farms and reserves surrounding QWABI to replace all lead bullets.

QWABI’s Commitment to Conservation
QWABI Private Game Reserve is a hallmark conservation destination in the Bela Bela region, having successfully introduced all of the  Big 5 to the reserve. Over time, new generations of wild animals have been born and cared for on the farm.

With the environment at the forefront of the reserve’s priorities, QWABI got involved in the Ground Hornbill Project to provide a safe haven for the nurturing and eventual release of the healthy birds.

The reserve is well-staffed for conservation initiatives, with a resident ecologist onsite and a CEO who is a qualified vet.

Being in a UNESCO-declared savannah biosphere, it’s a pristine natural environment where wildlife can thrive. With this expertise, the endangered ground-hornbill eggs can be properly hatched in ideal conditions for healthy development and longevity.

Exclusive Lodges
QWABI Private Game Reserve is a five-star game reserve in UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere with two stunning lodges to accommodate safari adventurers. For couples seeking a romantic getaway, BABOHI is an ideal adults-only luxury destination, while LETAMO is a family-friendly lodge with a rich ecosystem, untouched wilderness and plenty of activities for everyone.

For bespoke hospitality, plan a winter getaway with luxury accommodation offerings amidst a natural treasure. Book with Newmark Hotels & Reserves today.