Opening of the Alte Kalköfen Bird Observatory in southern Namibia, February 2025

Abstract

The Alte Kalköfen Bird Observatory, probably the fifth in Africa, was formally opened on 8 February 2025 after a two-year proof-of-concept study. Unlike most bird observatories, the research opportunities it presents are primarily focused on resident and nomadic species rather than on migrants. The Alte Kalköfen Bird Observatory is located in semi-desert, and a key strategy to survive and reproduce in these kinds of arid environments is nomadism. Almost all nomadic bird species are poorly researched; thus one of the key goals of the Alte Kalköfen Bird Observatory is to capitalize on the research opportunities for studying these processes. We aim to gain an understanding of the biology and ecology of nomadic species; this is a missing component which is needed to maintain and develop biodiverse natural habitats for all animals in the district.