Bird distribution dynamics 8 - Hadeda Ibis <i>Bostrychia hagedash</i> in South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland

Abstract

The Hadeda Ibis can be a mundane and somewhat automatic addition to an atlas list within the core of its range, but it should be remembered that Hadeda Ibis is one of the most dynamic and successful species in the SABAP2 region. In South Africa's most arid areas it is still expanding its range and increasing in abundance. The factors underpinning the increase are anthropogenic. As the effects of climate change play out - mainly drier and warmer conditions leading to ?hard, sun-baked soil? impenetrable to bills - it seems likely that the momentum of its expansion will be moderated and potentially reversed. The interplay of anthropogenic and climate change factors on the distribution and abundance of Hadeda Ibis makes this an interesting and important species to monitor during the forthcoming decades of the 21st century.