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The Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus is a globally Near Threatened Palearctic migrant to the region. Known population declines are attributed primarily to threats faced on its breeding grounds in the Northern Hemisphere, but mortalities sustained during migration and on its African wintering grounds have recently been highlighted. The global status of Near Threatened is adopted as the regional status.
The Pallid Harrier is a Palearctic migrant that breeds from the Volga River, eastwards through the Urals, southern Siberia, northern Kazakhstan and north-western China (Terraube et al. 2009). It migrates south in the austral summer to the Indian subcontinent and open woodlands and grasslands of eastern and central Africa (Terraube et al. 2012). However, a number of birds do move as far south as southern Africa. Within the region the species occurs across the eastern half of the country, but there are no notable strongholds anywhere except Kruger National Park. Higher densities mapped around Gauteng are almost certainly just a reflection of more observers in that region. The species is represented in a number of IBAs, but is probably at best a sparse, transient visitor to such areas.
The global population has been quantified at 9 000-15 000 pairs (Galushin et al. 2003). Reliable population estimates of the species on its migration routes and wintering grounds are difficult to obtain primarily due to the rarity of the species, its broad-front migration strategy and difficulties in field identification (Galushin et al. 2003). Simmons (2005) believes it unlikely that more than 500 birds visit southern Africa in the austral summer. Confidence in the global population estimate is low, and population estimates need to be quantified.
The global population is known to be undergoing a steep decline in Europe while declines in its Asiatic strongholds thought to be mirroring that of Europe although not as steep (BirdLife International 2014). However, the reliability of Asian population estimates is not high, and population monitoring is further complicated by the extreme nomadism of this species (Terraube et al. 2012). These population declines are not recent, with Davygora and Belik (1994) reporting declines at the western limits of the species' range, with populations in Asia, although less well documented, also in decline (Davygora and Belik 1994). A large decline occurred in Europe during 1970-1990 when up to 30% of the population was lost (Tucker et al. 1994). The species continued to decline between 1990-2000, with overall trends exceeding the 30% threshold over three generations (18 years) (BirdLife International 2014). Steyn (1982) who observed that ‘the species was formerly common but is now rarely seen', reported these declines as far back as 1982. Confidence in the global trend estimate is low.
Declines have been attributed to habitat destruction and degradation, reduction in prey availability and contamination by toxic pesticides on breeding and wintering areas (Davygora and Belik 1994, Terraube et al. 2009). Within the region, poisoning, destruction of grassland and pan systems, and persecution are suspected to have contributed to the global population declines (Barnes 2000). Conversely, the species may have benefited from the large-scale clearance of forested areas in the Palearctic. The fragmentation of most suitable habitats (open areas with natural vegetation) highlights the Pallid Harrier's vulnerability to current land-use changes in Africa and associated loss of natural vegetation. Mortality during migration and on wintering areas is also a significant threat, in particular illegal hunting on the migratory pathways or habitat degradation in stopover areas (Terraube et al. 2012). The widespread capture and shooting of raptors, including harriers, have been reported on migration corridors in Georgia, along the Black Sea Coast and in several Middle East countries (van Maanen et al. 2001). Although comprehensive information is lacking, anecdotal evidence indicates that migratory birds are facing considerable hunting and trapping pressure. Priority should be given to assessing the sensitivity of Pallid Harriers to illegal hunting along the migration routes (Terraube et al. 2012).
A species action plan focusing on the management of the global population was compiled in 2002 (Galushin et al. 2003). Although no regional species-specific conservation measures are underway for this species (RE Simmons pers. comm.), the species is protected under international agreements that South Africa is party to, as well as national and provincial legislation. The species is listed under Category 1 of the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia Agreement of 1979. In addition, it is listed as Endangered under the National Environmental Management Act: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004 and is ‘Fourth schedule: Specially Protected' under the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Management Amendment Act No 5 of 1999.
Extensive recommendations have been made for the species within its northern hemisphere range including the conservation of wetlands and ponds in typical steppe grassland and semi-desert environments, the encouragement of moderate grazing programmes, research into diet and foraging range size, and their role in the movement of populations. Within the region, it is essential that pesticides, harmful to this raptor species, be banned from use and that full legal protection is extended to the Pallid Harrier.
* Key, preferred wintering habitats within the region, and the extent to which these are protected, being degraded or affected by current land-use changes needs to be evaluated.
* Information on mortality risks for migrating and wintering birds needs to be collated.