The African Crowned Eagle stands as a majestic symbol of resilience and power, yet its populations face threats that endanger its survival. Among these threats are habitat loss and human encroachment, which have led to a decline in its numbers across its range. However, in the city of Durban, there exists a remarkable initiative dedicated to the conservation of this magnificent bird: The Crowned Eagle Project.
Preserving a Vital Stronghold
Durban's breeding population of African Crowned Eagles represents one of the densest concentrations of these birds in their range. It serves as a vital stronghold for the species, offering hope for its continued existence in the face of mounting challenges. Since its inception in 2012, The Crowned Eagle Project has been at the forefront of efforts to protect and monitor these urban-dwelling raptors.
Achievements of The Crowned Eagle Project
The dedication and efforts of The Crowned Eagle Project team have yielded significant accomplishments over the years:
ID Rings on Over 150 Eagles: By fitting identification rings to over 150 African Crowned Eagles, the project has enabled researchers to track individuals and gather valuable data on their movements and behaviors.
Monitoring 90 Nests in KZN: Through meticulous monitoring efforts, the project team oversees the well-being of 90 nests across KwaZulu-Natal, contributing to our understanding of breeding patterns and habitat requirements.
Rewilding Eagles: The project plays a crucial role in rewilding efforts, helping rehabilitate and release eagles back into their natural environment, where they can thrive and contribute to the population.
15 GPS Tags on Wild Eagles: Utilizing cutting-edge technology, the project has equipped 15 wild African Crowned Eagles with GPS tags, allowing for real-time tracking and in-depth studies of their movements and habitat use.
Training Students: The Crowned Eagle Project is committed to nurturing the next generation of conservationists, providing training opportunities for students interested in wildlife research and management.
How You Can Help
You too can contribute to the conservation of Africa's largest city-dwelling eagle by getting involved with The Crowned Eagle Project:
Report Sightings: If you spot a crowned eagle wearing an ID ring, please report your sighting to kzncrownedeagle@gmail.com. Include details such as the ring number, date, and location of the sighting, along with any accompanying photographs.
Make a Donation: Your financial support can make a difference in safeguarding the future of the African Crowned Eagle. Donations to The University of KwaZulu-Natal Foundation Trust are tax-deductible and directly benefit The Crowned Eagle Project.
Legal Entity Details for Donations:
Legal entity name: The University of KwaZulu-Natal Foundation Trust
Account holder: UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL
Bank: STANDARD BANK
Account number: 242095305
Account type: BUSINESS CURRENT ACCOUNT
Branch: PAVILION
Branch code: 045426
Your contribution, whether through reporting sightings or making a donation, plays a vital role in ensuring the survival of this iconic species and preserving its place in the urban landscape of Durban. Together, we can secure a brighter future for Africa's crowned eagles and the ecosystems they inhabit.
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