The Animal Demography Unit (ADU) launched the Coordinated Waterbird Counts (CWAC) project in 1992 as part South Africa’s commitment to International waterbird conservation. This is being done by means of a programme of regular mid-summer and mid-winter censuses at a large number of South African wetlands. Regular six-monthly counts are regarded as a minimum standard; however, we do encourage counters to survey their wetlands on a more regular basis as this provides more accurate data. All the counts are conducted by volunteers; people and organisations with a passion for waterbird conservation. It is one of the largest and most successful citizen science programmes in Africa, providing much needed data for waterbird conservation around the world. Currently the project regularly monitors over 400 wetlands around the country, and furthermore curates waterbird data for over 600 sites. The project’s Goal & Objectives are outlined below:
To act as an effective long-term waterbird monitoring tool, benefiting conservation efforts worldwide.
- Ensure effective project management through working closely with a host of national and international stakeholders; steadily updating and integrating this network of people;
- Coordinate, prioritise and expand waterbird surveys on a national scale with the emphasis on long-term monitoring;
- Ensure effective data management throughout the project;
- Manage, maintain and expand the project database;
- Undertake effective IT development within the project, including the upkeep and expansion of the project website;
- Disseminate data and results through the project website, reports, scientific papers, popular articles, direct liaison with stakeholders, or any other useful means;
- Promote and facilitate the use of census data specifically for policy, planning and research purposes;
- Raise awareness and promote the project through the website, popular articles, newsletters, interviews, talks, or any other appropriate means;
- Submit census data towards the African Waterbird Census Programme in part fulfilment of South Africa’s contribution to international agreements such as Ramsar, Bonn and AEWA.
There are many reasons for collecting waterbird data from around the country. A comparison of counts from different wetlands gives indications of seasonal movements and the relative importance of sites for the conservation of different species. Long-term monitoring of population numbers on a site basis allows for the development of annual population indices to trace the fluctuations of populations. A few more reasons are listed below:
- better understand how waterbirds use wetlands;
- identify important wetlands for waterbird conservation;
- provide information support for management policies;
- assist in monitoring the health of wetlands;
- raise awareness of importance of wetlands as biodiversity hotspots;
- serve as an early warning system for wetland degradation;
- serve as an early warning system for waterbird population decline.
The development of this website in 2008 marks a new era in waterbird conservation in South Africa since the availability of data for much-needed conservation work is now a reality. The Animal Demography Unit in conjunction with the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) encourages you to use this site as a source of information. Furthermore, this site aims to serve as a wetland assessment tool. If you suspect problems around your wetland, raise the issue with the relevant authorities; take action. We hope that we will be able to continually expand and upgrade this information portal for you. We also encourage you to have a look at the TOTAL CWAC Report published in 1999. The report provides a useful summary of all the data collected between 1992 and 1997. A summary of the main findings contained in this report have also been published in Bird Numbers. The report can be ordered from Horizon Book Services, or directly from the ADU.
We encourage the use of the CWAC data for conservation, education, and recreational purposes. This information may not be incorporated into other websites, or used for explicit commercial gain. Please contact the project coordinator for further details. Effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the data; however, the ADU cannot guarantee that all data are correct. If you are aware of any errors or omissions in the data, please contact the project coordinator.
We at the ADU are proud of the achievements the CWAC project has made over the last sixteen years. We are thankful to all the people that contribute their time and money towards this worthwhile cause. This project is a success because of you! If you are not participating yet, please consider lending your support. Your participation will make a real contribution towards waterbird conservation, not only in South Africa, but truly on a global scale. Please feel free to have a look through the CWAC information sheets which contain all the relevant information. Alternatively contact the project coordinator (telephone 021 650 4698).
Latest news |
| 2010-03-12 | Les Underhill | | The world is gathering at Barberspan Bird Sanctuary | 
Over the coming weekend, there will be a daily report on the 2010 SAFRING Ringers' Conference on the SAFRING website. The first report is already there.
This conference represents the biggest gathering of people at Barberspan Bird Sanctuary for many years. This site was once one of the world's most renowned centres of excellence in waterbird research. Sadly, about 20 years ago it fell into disuse. Currently, the North West Parks and Tourism Board, aided by the ADU, is working hard to restore Barberspan to its former glory. The 2010 SAFRING Ringers' Conference is part of the rebuilding process. | | |
| | 2010-02-09 | Les Underhill | | Common Greenshank to Libya from Zimbabwe |
Italian wader researcher Nicola Baccetti, of the Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, in Bologna, emailed yesterday. "I found a South African ring a week ago in Libya. Could you please forward it to your ringing office? Ring size would fit a Turnstone or some similar-sized bird. The ring was Pretoria D08105, and the bird was shot most probably in 2005, and definitely in April or May, on a wetland called Sebkhat Bou Halgoum (between Tobruk and the Egyptian border, 31.59N 24.49E). The ring was hanging (and still is) on a string attached to the cellphone of a hunter whose name and address I ignore."
A check on the SAFRING records revealed that the ring had been put on a Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia which had been ringed as an adult 5 March 1994 at Whitehead Ponds, Chegutu, Zimbabwe, 18.08S 30.07E, by Tony Tree. The distance between the ringing site and the recovery site was 5600 km and the time elapsed was about 11 years. | | |
| | 2010-02-02 | Les Underhill | | Report from Barberspan, and the SAFRING Ringers' Conference |
ADU postdoc Magda Remisiewicz is currently at Barberspan Nature Reserve doing fieldwork. This is the site of the SAFRING Ringers' Conference next month.
Magda reports:
"We are having very good catches of waders – more than 60 in less than a week. Little Stints and Kittlitz's Plover are abundant, and there are also having more Ringed Plovers and Common Sandpipers than usual. There are lots of ducks and we trapped a few Yellow-billed Ducks in our walk-in traps for waders. There is also a
mixed flock Lesser and Greater Flamingos containing about 3000 birds.
"We are also making some local arrangements for the Ringers' Conference. There is enthusiasm here for all ringers attending to participate in a large quelea ringing project during that weekend.
"This past weekend the waterbird count was done for CWAC, coordinated by Mafeking Bird Club and the Westvaal Bird Club."
The dates of the Ringers Conference are 12–15 March. Dieter Oschadleus, SAFRING coordinator, says:
"Registrations for Barberspan are rolling in at a steady pace.
There are still quite a few places open but don't wait too long to
register, to ensure you get the type of accommodation you would like.
This conference is open to anyone interested in
ringing in particular, and the study of birds in general."
Details are on the SAFRING website
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