Over the years, I’ve witnessed the gradual disappearance of rare and endangered birds from Lesotho, a trend that is deeply concerning.
During many field excursions across the country’s varied landscapes, I’ve noted a significant decline in their numbers. Once-common species of open grasslands and agricultural fields have become increasingly rare, sounding the alarm about the broader implications for our ecosystems.
Lesotho’s landscape is undergoing rapid changes, driven by population growth leading to agricultural expansion and land degradation. The mixed crop fields, some overgrown with invasive cosmos flowers that now dominate areas where grasslands once thrived, have significantly impacted the natural habitats of many bird species, including the Blue Korhaan. The landscape we now observe is a mosaic of mixed crops, a telling story of transformation and loss.
The Blue Korhaan’s decline is symptomatic of broader environmental challenges in Lesotho. In the arid south of Lesotho, korhaans are known by Basotho as Khupa. A Sesotho idiom, Khupa e behetse mahe lepalapaleng means “the korhaan has laid its egg on bare soil,” speaking to obvious truths that leave one dejected.
One of these would be that overgrazing by livestock, unsustainable farming practices and the encroachment of invasive plant species are all contributing factors to the decline of habitat specialists. Construction projects like the Polihali Dam have brought about significant habitat alteration, displacing both people and wildlife. Climate change is exacerbating these issues, with erratic weather patterns and extreme events further destabilising the delicate balance of our ecosystems.
Conservation has its own challenges in Lesotho. Each time I, or other conservationists, stop in a rural area to observe birds or plants, people crowd around us. Because we are in cars, they think we must be working on dam projects; we dare not talk about birds because they would not grasp the importance, or they would think we are crazy.
Ensuring that Lesotho can be a sanctuary for birds requires a concerted effort to balance development with conservation. This includes promoting sustainable land-use practices, controlling invasive species and enhancing community involvement in conservation initiatives. Just like the Jackal Buzzard’s vigilant watch, we need to stay alert and proactive in our efforts.
If the Blue Korhaan were to disappear, it would not only signify the loss of a species, but would also be a warning of broader ecological distress. With dedicated and collaborative action, we can turn the tide and ensure that the Blue Korhaan and other threatened species have a future in Lesotho’s landscapes.
– David Maphisa
This captivating and informative book focuses on the coastal and terrestrial bird species most at risk within South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini. Presented in an elegant large format, Birds on the Brink highlights the beauty, unique traits and vulnerabilities of these birds, while emphasising the human-induced threats, such as habitat loss, climate change, energy infrastructure and competition for resources. Personal accounts from scientists, conservationists and guides on the front lines offer insight into the science, skill and dedication required to safeguard these species. The birds featured are not merely fascinating creatures – they act as sentinels of biodiversity, whose decline signals concerning ecological shifts.
