The Southern Carmine Bee-eater - Merops nubicoides - occurs across sub-equatorial Africa and breeds in colonies on river banks.

The Southern Carmine Bee-eaters of the Caprivi and South Western Zambia are under threat.

From mid to end August the birds start breeding on the banks of the Zambezi in the Caprivi and South Western Zambia. These breeding colonies have been targeted by poachers who have been netting the birds at these breeding colonies. The strikingly beautiful Carmine Bee-eaters are culled for their exquisite dark pink feathers which are sold to Chinese businessmen in Lusaka. This trade needs to be stopped and the breeding colonies need to be protected this coming breeding season.

For more information go to "The Namibian," 17/01/2012 website.