Not surprising given their tropical origin, Shoebills are sensitive to cool temperatures and susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite. However, these 4 were the only survivors of at least 20 (see Dodman, 2013). For example, on one occasion 4 Shoebills were recorded as exported to Belgium from Tanzania. While these numbers appear to be insignificant from a population perspective, it is likely that they do not account for a high number of individuals that never complete the journey. According to the UNEP-WCMC CITES Trade Database, 152 live, wild-caught Shoebills for commercial trade or zoological display (78 and 82 respectively) were recorded by importing countries from 1990 - 2019. The Shoebill has been included on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) since 1987. Additionally, a low breeding success rate in captivity (only two known occurrences to date) and high rate of mortality in transit maintain pressure on the wild population to satisfy an ongoing demand. While trade in the species is prohibited in all range states, law enforcement and policing resource capacity is ineffective in curbing illegal trade. Climate change and associated droughts are further compounding these threats.Ĭapture for commercial trade (both national and international) poses a significant threat to the Shoebill species as eggs and chicks are known to command a high price (more than $10,000 USD) in the caged bird trade and for display in zoos and private collections. In addition to hunting, habitat conversion and degradation related to agriculture, dam construction, natural resource extraction, and other human activities are markedly diminishing the quality and extent of suitable swamplands. Shoebills have endured a long history of exploitation for human consumption and persecution by some local cultures that believe these birds to be symbols of a bad omen. The species is categorized as vulnerable on the basis of a continuing decline - a trend showing no signs of slowing without more aggressive conservation measures. Kushan (1992).Īccording to the IUCN, the current global wild population of Shoebills is estimated to be between 5,000 to 8,000, equating to approximately 3,300 to 5,300 mature individuals. Their diets include a considerable range of wetland vertebrates, although they are primarily piscivorous. Shoebills can usually be found in or along poorly oxygenated waters like swamps, marshes, and bogs where they spend a majority of their time wading slowly or standing motionless before quickly collapsing upon unsuspecting prey - mainly large fish that come to the surface to breathe. The species is native to wetland regions of central and east Africa with a majority found in South Sudan, Uganda, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia. The Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) is a large-bodied, long-legged water bird named for its enormous shoe-shaped bill. Common name: Shoebill, Shoebill Stork, Whalehead, Whale-headed storkĬonservation status: Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |