Footage from the Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR) Ground Hornbill Project have captured several southern ground hornbill chicks from artificial nests in the APNR bordering the Kruger area.
The clips mark a milestone for the project, which has been running for 20 years and has tripled the population of the species in the region. Southern ground hornbills are listed as vulnerable globally and endangered in South Africa, Namibia and Eswatini.
The species has a long lifespan, reaching up to 60 years, with low breeding success. Only one female in a group lays eggs and, in the wild, a group successfully fledges a chick on average every six to nine years. Chicks spend about three months in the nest and take around eight years to reach full maturity.
Artificial nest boxes have been introduced to address habitat loss, replacing large tree cavities used for breeding. The approach supports conservation within the species’ natural range, contributing to broader ecosystem preservation.
Preparation for the breeding season begins in winter when teams repair or replace nest boxes ahead of the September to December breeding period. Chicks typically fledge between February and March.
The project is funded largely through private donations and research grants with Wild Wonderful World collecting donations on their behalf in South African and the US. Donations can be made here.
Take a look at the footage below:
