Newsletter / Blog
2012-04-15 How many endemic bird species in Zambia?
Zambia has one endemic bird which is the Chaplin’s Barbet.
The Chaplin's Barbet
or Zambian Barbet - Lybius chaplini – is endemic to
south central Zambia, where
they are restricted to an area between the upper Kafue River
to Kabanga in the Kalomo District. Habitat is moist to dry savanna, grassland and
arable land, between 900 and 1,400 m. This threatened bird was recently
renamed, the Zambian barbet. It was formerly named after a colonial governor.
Description
It is a
plump-looking barbet, with a large head and a heavy bill. Plumage is mostly white, except for the distinctive red markings
around the eyes. The tail is black and the black wing feathers are edged
yellow.
Call
The song is a
noisy cackle and it snaps its bill loudly making a grating, buzzy noise.
Food
Its diet consists
mainly of figs. They also eat other fruits and insects. These birds are found
almost exclusively in open woodland where the Ficus sycomorus is abundant and feed in small
groups.
Breeding
The breeding
season is from August to November. They nest in the cavities in trees. The female
lays between 2 to 4 eggs that are incubated by both parents for between 13 to
15 days.
Conservation Status – Vulnerable
Commercial
agriculture and fuel wood collection are responsible for a substantial
reduction in habitat suitable for the Zambian barbet. Over the past 20 to 30
years, there has been a significant decline in this species distribution and
abundance. Unfortunately most of the Zambian Barbet populations occur outside
of protected areas, with the exception of small numbers within Kafue National
Park. However, following its recent name change
and re-classification on the IUCN Red List, conservationists hope to raise the
species’ profile amongst local people. The priority is to engage them in
conservation efforts and particularly to increase awareness of the importance
of preserving fig trees the birds main food source.
Birdwatching
Ask Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures to create a custom tour for you to see
these striking Barbets. |