Evidence for a possible range expansion of White-fronted Bee-eater Merops bullockoides into the Western and Eastern Cape Provinces, South Africa

Abstract

Many bird species are undergoing rapid range shifts in response to habitat change, climate change, and anthropogenic factors. Although ranges shift, these shifts may not be accurately reflected in static range maps, particularly if range maps are not updated regularly. We observed a White-fronted Bee-eater (Merops bullockoides) while birding in the Western Cape province of South Africa, an area not currently covered by this species’ known range. However, after investigating some other recent reports on the popular citizen science platform eBird, and comparing to changes in occurrence of this species from the Southern Africa Bird Atlas Projects, we suspect that this species is undergoing a range shift into the Western and Eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa. We illustrate this potential range shift with evidence from these citizen science platforms as well as from the literature. We conclude with a recommendation for conservation managers to adapt dynamic range maps for use in conservation decisions.