Continued persecution threatens Southern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicoides breeding colonies along the Okavango River in northeastern Namibia

Abstract

At colonies of Southern Carmine Bee-eaters Merops nubicoides, large numbers were trapped and left to die in northeastern Namibia. Fishing nets were placed over the nesting tunnels by both local adults and children to trap adult birds entering/exiting the nesting sites. The birds were not killed for food nor captured for trade since the nets were never checked or emptied of trapped birds which were merely left to die but rather viewed as senseless mischievous entertainment. Young birds and eggs were destroyed by digging into the breeding banks and using long sticks.