Open image gallery
The regional population of the specialised, partly nocturnal Bat Hawk Macheiramphus alcinus is stable, but estimated to be less than 250 mature individuals satisfying criterion D1 (population size estimated to number less than 250) and justifying its reassessment as regionally Endangered.
The species has an extremely wide global distribution. The African race, M. a. anderssoni, occurs in sub-Saharan Africa from Gambia east to Ethiopia, and south to the subtropical regions of eastern South Africa (Ferguson-Lees and Christie 2001). In southern Africa, it occurs from northern Namibia, east to northern Botswana and the Okavango Delta, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. In South Africa, it has been recorded in the extreme north-eastern parts of Limpopo Province, along the northern Drakensberg Escarpment and the southern slopes of the Soutpansberg, as well as in the Lowveld regions of Mpumalanga. Vagrants are occasionally reported from KwaZulu-Natal (Pooley 1967), Gauteng and even Eastern Cape provinces. The Bat Hawk occurs regularly in four IBAs in the region, namely Kruger National Park (SA002), Soutpansberg (SA003), Wolkberg Forest Belt (SA005) and Blyde River Canyon (SA127). Its occurrence is unpredictable and isolated vagrant records suggest some nomadism or dispersing juveniles.
The species is nowhere common, with an estimated global population of 1 000-10 000 mature individuals (BirdLife International 2014). Bat Hawks occur at low densities in the region. For example, in the Tzaneen district of Limpopo, four pairs occupy an area of c. 300 km2, with a mean distance to the nearest neighbouring nest of 14.5 km (GD Engelbrecht unpubl. data). At the time of writing, Bat Hawks had been recorded in only 21 pentads during SABAP2 and, given their large home ranges of greater than 450 km2, it is possible that records from some neighbouring pentads represent the same individual/pair. It is difficult to estimate population numbers owing to the species' crepuscular and nocturnal habits and its habit of roosting in densely foliaged trees. It may, therefore, be under-recorded, but at present, the available evidence suggests a population size of 75-100 mature individuals in the region. The confidence in this estimate is medium.
The global population trend appears to be stable (BirdLife International 2014). Most monitored nest sites active in SABAP1 were still active in SABAP2, and the regional population likewise appears to be stable. Nevertheless, although the species does not appear to be under any immediate threat in the region, it deserves close monitoring.
The species is generally sparse throughout its range and has large home ranges (greater than 450 km2). It is therefore difficult to assess all threats. These hawks show little fear of humans, making them an easy target for persecution, e.g. for perceived predation on chickens (Hustler and Dean 2005). Locally, it may be threatened indirectly by deforestation, which may impact upon bat populations. It is not known to be affected by pesticides, but its principal food source, insectivorous bats, may be negatively affected. In South Africa, nests tend to be built on the outer branches of pale, smooth-barked trees (especially Eucalyptus spp.), which renders them susceptible to destruction by strong winds. In general, the species appears to be relatively little affected by humans.
No direct conservation measures are underway. Nest monitoring takes place in the Tzaneen area and artificial nesting platforms have been placed at some nests. The University of Limpopo is monitoring nests to determine breeding success. Plantation managers in Limpopo are aware of nests on their properties and nesting trees are protected.
A Population and Habitat Viability Assessment is recommended, as is a Biodiversity Management Plan.
* A census of all known nests, which will contribute to a more accurate estimate of the regional population, is urgently required. New potential nesting areas should be identified and searched for additional pairs.
* Research should be conducted into the species' general ecology and breeding success.
* Tracking of juveniles may yield valuable information about juvenile dispersal and movements.