Encounter with the rare African Black Oystercatcher in South Africa (00003810)

Description: The African Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini) is the only species of oystercatchers that breeds in Africa. They breed between March and September in South Africa. This rare endemic coastal bird is acutely threatened with extinction. Although 75 percent of the world population of the African Black Oystercatcher lives in South Africa and on the coast of Namibia, less than 500 breeding pairs were counted in 2001. The species is on the red list, and immediate protective measures are urgently required.

Location: Western Cape, Dyer Island, South Africa

Date of Capture: 13.05.2001