Rationale
(Changed due to Genuine (recent))
The regional population of the attractive Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus satisfies the population trend criterion of A1 for regionally Endangered (an observed, estimated, inferred or suspected population-size reduction of ≥ 50% over the past three generations (41 years), where the reduction or its causes may not have ceased or may not be understood or may not be reversible). In addition, the population size is estimated to number less than 1 000 mature individuals and a continuing decline of at least 20% within the next two generations (27 years) is predicted, satisfying criterion C1.
Distribution
This species is restricted to sub-Saharan Africa, although a small population exists in the Arabian Peninsula (Ferguson-Lees and Christie 2001). In southern Africa, it is found throughout South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and southern Mozambique (Simmons 2005). Within the region, the species has been largely extirpated outside of protected areas, with Kruger National Park now holding the majority of the regional population, followed by Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and the northern KwaZulu-Natal parks of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The adults are largely sedentary (Brown et al. 1982), while juveniles disperse from their natal areas (Simmons 2005). Two atlas records from Beaufort West in Western Cape and Kenton on Sea in Eastern Cape probably represent vagrant records and not a shift in the distribution of the regional population and explain the increase in EoO. The AoO, on the other hand, has shown a decrease of 38% since SABAP1.
Population
The global population has not been quantified (BirdLife International 2014). Barnes (2000) estimated the regional population at c. 1 400 mature individuals in 2000, although no mention was made of the manner in which this estimate was obtained. Watson and Maritz (2000) reported that, although Bateleur populations were stable in the protected-area network in South Africa, there had been a virtual 100% decline outside of these areas from the 1940s to 1980s. SABAP2 data indicate a 38% decrease in AoO since SABAP1. In addition to this, reporting rates within the species' strongholds, namely Kruger National Park and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, are lower in SABAP2 than in SABAP1. It has also declined in Swaziland, from a previous population of 25 breeding pairs to just four pairs (Monadjem and Rasmussen 2008). The species is highly visible as well as easily recognisable and it is unlikely that it was under-reported during the atlasing periods. Taking into account the reported decreases, the regional population is estimated at c. 900 mature individuals. Confidence in this regional population estimate is moderate to low.
Population trend
The overall rate of decline in the global population is difficult to estimate, but is suspected to have been moderately rapid over the past 41 years or three generations (BirdLife International 2014). Assuming that the estimate of 1 400 provided by Barnes (2000) was correct, and based upon a current regional population of c. 900 mature individuals, the decrease in the region has been c. 73% over the past three generations. Confidence in this regional population trend estimate is moderate to low.
Threats
Habitat transformation, which has led to a decrease in the available prey base, is most likely the leading reason for the Bateleur's demise outside of protected areas (Barnes 2000). Its tendency to scavenge puts this species at particular risk from indiscriminate poisoning, especially by small-stock farmers (Watson 1986). Even birds within protected areas, such as the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, may have declined due to persecution and poisoning from stock farmers outside of the park (Barnes 2000), illustrating the importance of buffer zones around protected areas. Illegal harvesting of this species for use in the muthi trade is a recent trend, which needs to be further investigated.
Conservation
Underway
The Bird of Prey Working Group of the Endangered Wildlife Trust has been active with an awareness and education programme for land-owners and stock farmers in Northern Cape, which has been successful in reducing the number of poisoning incidents (AJ Botha pers. comm.). The Bateleur is listed under Schedule 2: Specially Protected Wild Animal of the Limpopo Environmental Management Act No 7 of 2003.
Proposed
A Population and Habitat Viability Assessment (PHVA) is recommended, as is a Biodiversity Management Plan, culminating in a National Species Recovery Plan. The awareness programme run by Endangered Wildlife Trust needs to be expanded to parts of the species' former range.
Research
* A study of the dispersal and movement of immature birds outside of protected areas requires investigation.
