Birds of the Ozabeni section of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park

Abstract

A study of the birds of Ozabeni, a section of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, was made during the period 1985-95. No previous ornithological study had been made of this section of the Park, which is situated in the northern coastal region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Ozabeni contains thirteen distinct habitat types ranging from coastal dune forest in the east to floodplain pans and swamps in the west and includes the finest remaining example of coastal grassland in South Africa. The ornithological importance of Ozabeni is reflected in the large number of bird species recorded, some 366 excluding 15 pelagic birds, and including nearly half the number of species listed as rare or endangered in the South African Red Data Book - Birds (1984).

The status and habitat preferences are given for all species recorded and several aspects of ornithological significance are discussed. Recommendations are made regarding issues needing further study, the utilisation of resources within the area and development affecting the reserve.

This study was originally presented to the Natal Parks Board now Ezemvelo Wildlife under the title "The birds of the Ozabeni Section of the Greater St Lucia Wetland park".