Biodiversity Management Plan for the Southern Ground-Hornbill (Bucorvus Leadbeateri) in South Africa

This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 17 DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT NO. 3921 29 September 2023 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 18 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 SCHEDULE ANNEXURE A Proposed lead agency: South African National Biodiversity Institute Little 2 0 2 3 BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SOUTHERN GROUND - HORNBILL Bucorvus leadbeateri IN SOUTH AFRICA Lead agency : South African National Biodiversity Institute Editors: Lucy Kemp, Coral Birss, Hanneline Smit Robinson, Antoinette Kotze, Gareth Tate, Rob Little This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 19 i This plan was developed jointly by the following contributing organisations: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Mabula Ground Hornbill Project, South African National Biodiversity Institute, FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, BirdLife South Africa, Endangered Wildlife Trust, South African National Parks, Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs, Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency, Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Montecasino Bird Gardens, Johannesburg City Parks: Joburg Zoo, Umgeni River Bird Park, CapeNature, South African Hunting and Game Conservation Association, the IUCN SSC Hornbill Specialist Group and Conservation Planning Specialist Group. Citation: Kemp, L.V., Birss, C., Smit-Robinson, H.A., Kotze, A., Tate, G and R.M. Little. 2023. Biodiversity Management Plan for the Southern Ground-Hornbill in South Africa. Jointly developed by the South African Southern Ground-Hornbill Action Group and the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries. Version 1.0 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 20 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 ii This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 21 iii TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD – Dr Alan Kemp ..................................................................................................................................................... 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................................................................................. 3 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................................................................................................................................... 6 ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................................................................. 7 GLOSSARY OF DEFINITIONS, SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL TERMS ........................................................................................... 10 LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................................................................................ 12 LIST OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................................................................................... 12 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................. 13 1.1. THE NEED FOR A BMP-S FOR THE SOUTHERN GROUND-HORNBILL ................................................................... 13 1.2 VISION AND DESIRED STATE ................................................................................................................................. 14 1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE BMP-S ................................................................................................................................... 15 1.4. BENEFITS OF THE BMP-S....................................................................................................................................... 15 1.5 ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES OF THE BMP-S ............................................................................................................ 15 2. SPECIES BIOLOGY AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION ................................................................................................. 17 2.1 SPECIES ECOLOGY AND BIOLOGY ......................................................................................................................... 17 2.2 POPULATION STATISTICS AND TRENDS ................................................................................................................ 28 2.3 RESEARCH ............................................................................................................................................................. 34 2.4 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONTEXT ................................................................................................................................ 35 2.5 CONSERVATION MEASURES .................................................................................................................................. 35 2.6 CONSERVATION STATUS AND LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT ......................................................................................... 38 3. PLANNING FRAMEWORK .............................................................................................................................................. 43 3.1 THE PLANNING CONTEXT ...................................................................................................................................... 43 3.2 KEY ROLE PLAYERS ................................................................................................................................................ 43 3.3 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ............................................................................................................................... 44 3.4 RELEVANT AGREEMENTS ...................................................................................................................................... 45 3.5 IDENTIFICATION OF LEAD AND IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES ................................................................................ 45 3.6 VERIFICATION FOR QUALITY OF CONTENT AND CONTEXT .................................................................................. 46 4. BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN ............................................................................................................................. 47 4.1 LEAD AND IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES .................................................................................................................. 47 4.2 IDENTIFIED THREATS AND CHALLENGES .............................................................................................................. 48 5. ACTION PLAN AND MONITORING FRAMEWORK .......................................................................................................... 55 5.1 Objective 1: TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND AWARENESS BETWEEN AND AMONG STAKEHOLDERS AND THE PUBLIC. ........................................................................................................................ 56 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 22 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 iv 5.2 Objective 2: TO SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE THE HEALTH AND BREEDING POTENTIAL OF THE WILD SGH POPULATION....................................................................................................................................................................... 58 5.3 Objective 3: TO REDUCE SGH OFFTAKE FOR BELIEF-BASED USES ................................................................. 60 5.4 Objective 4: TO REDUCE SGH MORTALITIES DUE TO PERSECUTION IN RESPONSE TO WINDOW DAMAGE ............................................................................................................................................................................. 61 5.5 Objective 5: TO REDUCE AND ELIMINATE THE CONFLICT AND MORTALITY OF SGH AS A RESULT OF CURRENT AND FUTURE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT. ................................................................................ 62 5.6 Objective 6: TO REDUCE HABITAT LOSS, DEGRADATION/ALTERATION AND FRAGMENTATION OF CORE SGH HABITAT. ..................................................................................................................................................................... 65 5.7 Objective 7: TO MINIMISE THE RISK OF INFECTION OF NCD AND OTHER INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN IN-SITU SGH POPULATIONS .................................................................................................................................................. 66 6. REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................................................. 68 7. APPENDICES .................................................................................................................................................................. 76 Appendix A: Invitation to workshop participants ................................................................................................................ 76 Appendix B: Contributors to compiling the first draft ......................................................................................................... 77 Appendix C: Attendance register and invitee list for the actions and relevant agreements workshop for implementation……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...81 Appendix D: Research needs. .............................................................................................................................................. 84 Appendix E: Detailed national monitoring plan ................................................................................................................... 87 Appendix F: SGH BMP-S Monitoring and Reporting Framework ........................................................................................ 88 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 23 1 FOREWORD – Dr Alan Kemp Initial fieldwork on the Southern Ground-Hornbill started over 50 years ago in the Kruger National Park but, in the last decade, there has been a surge in both research and conservation activities, theses and publications on the species, particularly in South Africa, of which this Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP-S) is the latest collation. Initially, research constituted field studies of behaviour, home range size and population dynamics, then began to explore the species' previous, current, national, and sub-Equatorial ranges. These studies highlighted at least four aspects of the species’ biology that have proved significant in subsequent biological studies and conservation action. The first is that the total range in South Africa had decreased historically by an estimated 50-70%. Second, each cooperatively breeding group, led by an alpha breeding pair, permanently occupies an extensive home range (70 250 km2) and hence exists at a low overall density. Third, no more than a single chick is raised during the summer breeding season, but any second-hatched chick dies early of neglect, is redundant to the population’s dynamics and hence available as extra stock for management interventions. Fourth, suitable nest holes in natural cavities may be inadequate or lacking in a group territory but can be successfully refurbished or replaced with artificial nests. Based on these discoveries, a programme of wild-harvesting, captive-breeding, and hand-rearing of newly hatched second chicks was initiated in 1999, followed by an attempt to re-establish a new group at Mabula Private Game Reserve in part of the original range of the species. Southern Ground-Hornbills are a large, long-lived species that take 8-10 years to reach maturity, so such artificial management is inevitably slow but, by now, chick-rearing, and juvenile reintroduction are efficient, three groups have been re-introduced at different historical localities and a younger neighbouring group already established alongside each of them. Over the same period, a range of studies, including under- and post-graduate theses, have extended our knowledge of the species biology, both nationally and internationally, so that this BMP-S is based on a complete revision of our previous knowledge and experiences. All these efforts have been informally coordinated at a national level by a national Action Group, led by a member elected chairperson. It has included, among others, field and laboratory researchers, veterinarians, husbandry experts, ecologists, government and non-governmental organisations, conservation managers, landowners, and community representatives, both local and visiting. In 2005, the first Population and Habitat Viability Assessment (PHVA) was held under independent local facilitators, a multi-authored national Recovery Plan was published in 2011 and by 2017 a second PHVA was conducted with an IUCN SSC facilitator and population modeler. This draft BMP-S in 2020 is the latest national conservation management plan for the species and, most importantly, it has included input and buy-in from all major provincial and national conservation agencies in the Limpopo, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape Provinces where the species still occurs or has occurred. Incidentally for the species, from my perspective of being actively involved in its study and conservation from their inception, management of the species has almost always been collaborative between various in- and ex-situ organisations, private, provincial, national, and both local and international. Currently, there are only an estimated 400-450 breeding females left in the wild in South Africa, each one living within its territorial group. Over half of these groups occur within the area of the Greater Kruger National Park, the remainder scattered across smaller conservation areas, private and commercial landowners, and various rural communities, while any natural em- and immigration is only expected via Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Swaziland. The species used to occur across the northern and eastern savannas of South Africa, but a gap has developed south of the Kruger National Park and extended into northern KwaZulu Natal and Swaziland, while a substantial population, still being documented, has survived in the rural areas of KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Cape, especially the areas of previous apartheid homelands. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 24 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 2 The permanent residency of each group on their territory is both an advantage and a disadvantage. It means that conservation managers do not have to pay particular attention to plans for age, seasonal or breeding movements, but rather can concentrate on sustaining the security and ecology of each known territorial aggregation or isolated territory. The national monitoring plan proposed in the BMP-S addresses this range-wide requirement and will provide an important index of the success of national and regional conservation measures. Attempts to manage the stability, and hopefully, the expansion and recolonization of populations, depends much more on management, even re-creation, of local or individual territories, especially by eliminating known and newly discovered threats to the species. Given the average extensive size of one territory, albeit those managed by a game ranger, neighbouring farmers, a village, or a community, it will require as much their commitment as that of any biologists involved, and this BMP-S will go a long way to directing, justifying and facilitating the various inter-organisational and inter personal interactions and the associated funding that are involved and required. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 25 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY One of only nine African savanna hornbill species, the Southern Ground-Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri: hereafter SGH) is listed as being of both international and national conservation concern (Taylor, Peacock & Wanless, 2015; BirdLife International, 2018; NEMBA), and is known across its sub-equatorial range as the rain bird or thunder bird by indigenous people who share its habitat. The species is one of just two species in the genus Bucorvus. The species is an apex predator and thus ecologically important, as well as holding immense cultural value to most of the language groups across its range. It is a typical K-selected species that breed slowly and cooperatively with massive spatial requirements. The life-history traits, social structures and behaviours of the SGH interest both scientists (Kemp, 1988; Kemp & Kemp, 1980, 2007; Chiweshe, 2007) and followers of traditional lore (Msimanga, 2000; Coetzee & Wilkinson, 2007; Muiruri & Maunda, 2010; Bruyns, Williams & Cunningham, 2013). Coincidentally, these are the same traits that make them ill-suited for survival under the growing ecological pressures of the Anthropocene (Crutzen, 2006). It is the long-lived, slow-breeding nature of the species that prevents it from being able to maintain stability against the myriad of anthropogenic threats that it faces. The SGH is proposed to be one of the swiftest declining bird species in South Africa. The species is listed as regionally Endangered in South Africa, Lesotho, eSwatini, and Namibia (Taylor, Peacock & Wanless, 2015) and globally Vulnerable (Birdlife International, 2018). In South Africa, the population range declined to less than 50% in just 15- 20% of a hornbill generation (Kemp, 2017). It is projected that, in Kenya, Zimbabwe and Botswana, populations also meet the criteria for being listed as Endangered (Simmons, Brown & Kemper, 2015). In South Africa, the species has strongholds in only the largest protected areas (e.g., the Greater Kruger National Park) and in areas where cultural protection is still strong (i.e. southern KwaZulu-Natal). A 2nd Population and Habitat Viability Assessment (PHVA) workshop held in August 2017 reviewed the knowledge base for the species, to ensure that conservation planning is sound and evidence-based, and to maximise limited conservation resources in terms of strategic capacity, funding and effort. In recognition of the immediate need for a legislated, nationally coordinated, conservation action plan at the PHVA workshop, the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project (MGHP) and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) initiated a primary workshop to initiate the development of this Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP-S). This document was produced because of that workshop, held between 13-15 May 2018, with four subsequent regional workshops in 2019. The BMP-S for the SGH will be subject to iterations brought about through realistic and relevant management dynamics. As such, it is important that those responsible for the implementation of this BMP-S recognise the need for, and apply, active adaptive management where necessary. This document is based on the outcomes of the 2nd PHVA (Kemp & Bruford, 2018), and includes elements of the Single Species Recovery Plan (Jordan, 2011 (Jordan, 2011) that required further attention. Section 9(1)(a)(i) and 43 of NEMBA 2004 (Act no 10 of 2004) provides for the issuing of national norms and standards for the management and conservation of South Africa’s biodiversity and its components. To this effect, the department developed the Norms and Standards for the development of BMP for Species (BMP-S), which were gazetted in March 2009 (Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism 2009). The purpose of these norms and standards is to provide a national approach and minimum standards for the development of a BMP-S. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 26 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 4 Stakeholder engagement during several workshops identified threats and challenges, including persecution for window-breaking, falling foul of poison bait set out for so-called pest species, electrocution on transformer boxes, loss of nest hollows, and trade, both for aviculture and for traditional belief-based use. AIM: to improve the conservation status of the SGH and secure its survival in perpetuity in the wild This is underpinned by the following GOALS. 1. Conservation of the SGH population. 2. Mitigate and manage the impact of current threats, including emerging diseases. 3. Long-term monitoring of SGH population dynamics and habitat. 4. Aligned legislation and mandates. 5. Effective communication, collaboration, and coordination among stakeholders. The prioritised STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES of the SGH BMP-S are as follows: i. Protect the remaining wild population to allow for population stability and initiate growth from the current estimated 439 groups supporting breeding females to the criteria needed to down list the species from Endangered to Vulnerable. ii. A target of 5% growth in the number of pentads where groups are reported per annum, through a combination of reintroduction, artificial nest provision, range-expansion, custodianship or enhanced monitoring, is required to meet this objective by 2042. iii. Long-term monitoring of SGH through citizen science and the Custodianship Programme. iv. Strong integration of cultural and ecological values in the conservation of the species. v. Effective communication, collaboration and coordination between stakeholders and the public for SGH conservation. The implementation of this BMP-S will benefit the following: i. The SGH population is stabilised as a basis for population growth. ii. The population is ecologically healthy and secure. iii. Indigenous knowledge systems will be formally incorporated into conservation planning. iv. The threats affecting various other threatened species that utilise the savanna and grassland biomes, for example, African wild dog Lycaon pictus, vulture species and Secretary birds Sagittarius serpentarius, will be addressed through the implementation of this BMP. The BMP-S for the SGH is aimed at identifying, allocating and undertaking the required, identified actions to enable stakeholders to contribute to the overall desired outcome for the species. This will enable the long-term survival of the species in nature and thereby ensuring that South Africans take responsibility for supporting a viable future for this Endangered species. VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF SOUTHERN GROUND-HORNBILLS: An increasing and healthy population with an increased conservation and cultural value in the Southern Ground-hornbill. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 27 5 The BMP-S process for the SGH has so far included 42 representatives from various groups of role-players and has prioritised a set of threats and commensurate actions towards achieving the overall aim and objectives of the BMP- S, the overall aim is to improve the conservation status of the SGH and secure its survival in perpetuity in the wild. The aim will be achieved through the following actions: 1. Improve the conservation status of SGH and improve its protection as part of meeting international biodiversity objectives through applied conservation action. 2. Address the threats responsible for declines in SGH population sizes. 3. Expand educational and awareness campaigns to improve public knowledge about the SGH and the importance of its role in the ecosystem and cultural heritage. 4. Identify and conduct research to generate knowledge and provide information relevant to conservation management requirements, both in- and ex-situ. 5. Improve and enforce legislation on SGH threats within its distribution range. The specificity of the operational goals and actions that are captured under the objectives is required to ensure that progress with implementation of the BMP-S can be tracked and those to whom responsibilities have been allocated can be held accountable for delivery. The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) specifies that all BMP-S be revised five years after approval. This BMP-S for the SGH is the first in a series of five-year iterations where each BMP-S will measure the success of the previous BMP S and make the necessary revisions. This will be done to ensure that the plan for the next five years is appropriate and applicable to any changes which may have occurred. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 28 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 6 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This plan was jointly developed at a stakeholder’s workshop organised by the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project (MGHP) and South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) attended by South African members of the South African Southern Ground-Hornbill Action Group and invited stakeholders (see Appendix C for the full list of participants). Without their dedication to the species and this process, developing this plan would not have been possible. Cape Nature is thanked for the excellent facilitation skills of Coral Birss. Lucy Kemp (MGHP) and Antoinette Kotze (SANBI) kindly facilitated and organised the workshop. Core sponsors of the MGHP funded travel and accommodation costs for the facilitator and participants: Disney Conservation Fund and San Diego Zoo Global. The plan represents the consensus view of those at the workshop. They represented the: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment,); Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs and Tourism; South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association; Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; Endangered Wildlife Trust; FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology; Children and Nature Conservation Trust Zimbabwe; Montecasino Bird Gardens; Pan-African Association of Zoos and Aquaria; BirdLife South Africa; University of KwaZulu-Natal; Mabula Ground Hornbill Project; South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association; IUCN Species Survival Commission Hornbill Specialist Group; and SANBI. As not all relevant stakeholders were able to attend the first workshop, Dr Kemp facilitated additional SGH BMP-S Actions and Relevant Agreements Workshops held at Howick (Ezemvelo KwaZulu Natal Wildlife: EKZNW), Loskop Nature Reserve (Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency: MTPA), Modimolle (Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism: LEDET) and Skukuza (South African National Parks: SANParks). These participants, representing EKZNW, MTPA and SANParks, are also thanked for their input and support. The BMP-S document represents the consensus view of the workshop, and not necessarily that of the editors, organizations or sponsors represented at the workshop(s). Dr Alan Kemp is thanked for invaluable inputs and the expert review. The editorial committee (L. Kemp, C. Birss, H. Smit-Robinson, A. Kotze, G. Tate and R. Little,) would also like to acknowledge: Marilyn Aitken, Vivienne Williams, Joseph Heymans, Melissa Whitecross, Kyle-Mark Middleton, Craig Whittington-Jones, Yvette Ehlers-Smith, Derek Engelbrecht, Lizanne Nek and Brent Coverdale (on behalf of EKZNW) are thanked for their contributions to the final draft. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 29 7 ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS AEWA CMS Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds Convention of Migratory Species APNR Associated Private Nature Reserves AOO Area of Occupancy a.s.l. above sea level AZA Association for Zoos and Aquariums B-Tech Bachelor of Technology BMA Biodiversity Management Agreement BMP-S Biodiversity Management Plan for Species CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Cytb Cytochrome b CBD Convention on Biological Diversity DE Department of Energy DFFE Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid DPhil Doctor of Philosophy DoTa Department of Traditional Affairs DRC Democratic Republic of Congo DRDLR Department of Rural Development and Land Reform EAZA European Association of Zoos and Aquariums EC DEDEAT Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism ECPTA Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency EKZNW Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife EOO Extent of Occupancy EWT Endangered Wildlife Trust FAO Food and Agriculture Organization GAPDH Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase GDARD Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 30 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 8 HEI Higher Education Institutions IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature KNP Kruger National Park KZN KwaZulu-Natal LTT Lead Task Team LEDET Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism MGHP Mabula Ground Hornbill Project MTPA Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency MCP Minimum Convex Polygon MSc Master of Science MTech Master of Technology MtDNA Mitochondrial DNA NCD Newcastle Disease NDA National Development Agency NEMA National Environmental Management Act NEM: BA National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act NEM: PAA National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act NGO Non-Governmental Organisation NZG National Zoological Gardens NWPPWG National Wildlife Poison Prevention Working Group OAU Organisation of African Unity PAAZA Pan African Association of Zoos and Aquaria PFIAO Percy FitzPatrick Institute of Africa Ornithology PhD Doctor of Philosophy PCoA Principal Components Analysis PHVA Population and Habitat Viability Assessment PPMV-1 Pigeon paramyxovirus QDGC Quarter Degree Grid Cell SABAP2 South African Bird Atlas Project 2 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 31 9 SACNASP South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions SAHGCA South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association SANBI South African National Biodiversity Institute SANParks South African National Parks SARS South African Revenue Service SGH Southern Ground-Hornbill SOP Standard Operating Procedure SSC Species Survival Commission Tmax Full temporal data set ToPS Threatened or Protected Species TTT Thunderbird Task Team UCT University of Cape Town UFS University of the Free State UKZN University of KwaZulu-Natal UL University of Limpopo UP University of Pretoria USA United States of America WITS University of the Witwatersrand WG Working Group WLTP Women’s Leadership and Training Programme WRSA Wildlife Ranching South Africa This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 32 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 10 GLOSSARY OF DEFINITIONS, SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL TERMS In this BMP-S, unless the context indicates otherwise, a word or expression defined in the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM: BA, Act 10 of 2004) or Protected Areas Act (NEM: PAA, Act 57 of 2004) has the same meaning. “Biodiversity Management Plan for species” means a species management plan in terms of section 43 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004). “Biodiversity Management Agreement” – means an agreement concluded in terms of section 44 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act No.10 of 2004) “Biodiversity Management Agreement Annual Report” – means an annual report to be submitted to the Minister to ensure that key actions have been conducted in terms of biodiversity management agreements concluded “Conservation and Maintenance Expenditure” – means expenditure incurred to conserve or maintain land in terms of a biodiversity management agreement. “Qualifying Taxpayer” – means a person who has incurred expenditure to conserve or maintain land in terms of a biodiversity management agreement and who complies with the requirements of section 37C(1) of the Income Tax Act (Act No.58 of 1962) “Collaborators” means the parties approached to assist or included in the process to complete the actions of the Biodiversity Management Plan. “Dispersal” means the movement of SGH individuals from out of the group and territory, potentially to another group or available territory. “Ex-situ conservation” means the conservation of wild organisms and/or their genetic resources off-site or outside of their natural habitats. “Generation length” means the turnover rate of breeding individuals in a population. “Fledgling” means the stage where an SGH is ready to leave the nest, the stage between the chick and adult phases. “Habitat” is the natural home of the species. Often depending on the vegetation, topography and climate of the area. “In-situ conservation” means the conservation of biodiversity in the wild through the management of ecosystems and habitats natural to SGH, the maintenance of viable populations or the recovery to viability by populations of the species in their natural surroundings. “IUCN Red Data List” means the global list providing information on a species’ risk of extinction (usually by taxonomic unit), prepared under the auspices of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. ”K-selected” species possess relatively stable populations fluctuating near the carrying capacity of the environment. These species are characterized by having only a few offspring but investing high amounts of parental This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 33 11 care. “Monitoring” The collection and analysis of repeated observations, counts or measurements to evaluate the change in status, distribution or integrity, to track the impacts of directed management implemented to achieve a stated management objective. “Protected area” is any of the protected areas referred to in Section 9 of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003). “Rehabilitation” means the return of the SGH to its natural state, as it would be in the wild. “Stakeholder” means a natural or juristic person that has an interest in, or maybe affected by, a particular obligation or decision or activity relating to or resulting from a management plan, either as individuals or representatives of a group and including landowners where appropriate. “Species” means a kind of animal, plant or other organisms that do not normally interbreed with individuals of another kind, and includes any sub-species, geographic race, strain, hybrid or geographically separate population. “Threat” means any action or species that causes a decline in and compromises the future survival of one or more populations of a species, or anything that has a detrimental effect on the species. Threats can be human-induced or natural. The BMP-S should focus on mitigating human-induced threats to the species. “Viable” when referring to a population, means a population that can persist (and/or multiply over many generations) in the long-term without longterm intervention or assistance. When referring to habitat, it means suitable to the survival and persistence of the species. “Working group” means a number of individuals invited to form a group, in order to complete an action or actions set out in the Biodiversity Management Plan. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 34 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 12 LIST OF TABLES Table 1. Relative risks of poison to SGH according to habitat use and behaviour (from Kemp & Verdoorn, 2013). 49 Table 2. Chemical agents identified as a risk to SGH per poisoning type (from Kemp & Verdoorn, 2013) ................. 50 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Map of range distribution for both ground-hornbill species after Kemp (1995) ........................................... 18 Figure 2. Proposed range-state conservation status using IUCN Red List criteria for each range state where Southern Ground-Hornbill occupancy has been recorded (Kemp 2017) ....................................................................................... 19 Figure 3. Map of all Southern Ground-Hornbill records (1823 – 2015) at a scale of quarter-degree grid cells) across the biomes of South Africa (National Vegetation Map 2012) ........................................................................................ 28 Figure 4. The proportion of biomes occupied by Southern Ground-Hornbills recorded for all sighting’s records collated, the earliest being 1823 (National Vegetation Map 2012) .............................................................................. 29 Figure 5. Representative proportions of bioregions important to Southern Ground-Hornbills per biome ................. 29 Figure 6. The proportion of Southern Ground-Hornbill records per vegetation bioregions of South Africa ............... 30 Figure 7. Estimated number of groups over four time periods, with the minimum number of groups needed to downlist the species from Endangered to Vulnerable ................................................................................................... 31 Figure 8. Minimum convex polygons (MCP) for Southern Ground-Hornbill occurrence records in South Africa over time (years) ..................................................................................................................................................................... 31 Figure 9. Density kernels of all occurrence records across time (years) compared with those for the current distribution (2007-2015) for records analysed at a QDGC scale .................................................................................... 32 Figure 10.a) the prioritisation of threats by prevalence amongst participant concerns and b) prioritisation after discussion and analysis of scope, severity, irreversibility ............................................................................................... 49 Figure 11. Action Plan and Monitoring Framework adapted from the IUCN SSC schematic for species conservation planning methodology ..................................................................................................................................................... 60 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 35 13 1. INTRODUCTION One of only nine African savanna hornbill species, the Southern Ground-Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri: hereafter SGH) is listed as being of conservation concern (Taylor et al. 2015). It is known across its range as the rainbird or thunder bird by indigenous people who share its habitat. The SGH is one of just two species in the genus Bucorvus. Both species are top-order predators and thus ecologically important, besides holding immense cultural value to most indigenous language groups across its range. Both are typical K-selected species and have several significant life history characteristics, each independently increasing their vulnerability to extinction: they are diurnal, long lived, large, conspicuous, apex avian predators, with large spatial needs that result in low densities and therefore small population sizes per unit area (Kemp, 1995a). For the SGH, these features, together with its cooperative breeding and other complex social structures, combine to produce a naturally slow rate of reproduction and recruitment (Purvis et al., 2000). Added to this, the species faces many anthropogenic threats (BirdLife International, 2018), each growing in scale as human population growth expands across sub-equatorial Africa. The SGH has been described as one of the swiftest declining bird species in South Africa (Underhill, 2014). The species is formally listed by IUCN Red List criteria as globally Vulnerable (BirdLife International, 2018), but regionally Endangered in both South Africa (Taylor & Kemp, 2015) and Namibia (Simmons, Brown & Kemper, 2015), with populations in decline in most other adjacent range states (Kemp, 2017). In South Africa, it is also listed as a Threatened or Protected Species (ToPS), and thus accorded national protection (in terms of section 56(1) of the NEMBA, with permits required in terms of restricted activity (in terms of section 11), and yet populations are still declining and are already occupy less than 50% of their historical range in just 15-20% of a generation (Kemp, 2017). The SGH has strongholds in only the largest protected areas (i.e., the Greater Kruger National Park) and in areas where cultural protection is still vigorous (i.e. southern KwaZulu-Natal). The remaining groups inhabit mixed-land use commercial farmlands (crop cultivation, viticulture, forestry, livestock, and game) and communal farming areas. Ground-Hornbills act as “flagship species” for savanna and grasslands since they require large areas and significant protection measures that help to conserve a wide range of biodiversity with similar savanna and grassland requirements. Ground-hornbills are a vital part of our national heritage and have spiritual and experiential value for many people. 1.1. THE NEED FOR A BMP-S FOR THE SOUTHERN GROUND-HORNBILL A full review of the conservation biology of the species (Kemp, 2017) highlighted the need for increased coordination and implementation of proposed conservation actions from various conservation plans and suggestions (Morrison, et al. 2005; Jordan, 2011; Kemp & Bruford, 2018). Since the 1st Population and Habitat Viability Assessment (PHVA: an IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group product), held in 2005, much research has been conducted and published on the SGH, including six PhD and seven MSc studies, including through the reintroduction and captive breeding programmes. All this contributed to an extended knowledge base, and it was considered prudent to incorporate these data into a revised PHVA model to assess if current conservation planning is still relevant and evidence-based, and to ensure that strategic conservation resources are applied sustainably to the persistence of the species. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 36 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 14 Stochastic population modelling conducted during the 2nd PHVA showed clearly that the species' most important threats are anthropogenic, and that if poisoning is not addressed (both from agrochemicals and lead-based ammunition), the species will disappear from areas where such poisoning occurs. Under this scenario, protected areas, including large national parks and reserves, and non-protected areas where cultural protection remains vigorous, are expected to be the only SGH refugia that will persist with minimal conservation intervention. The PHVA shows the commitment of various stakeholders to various conservation actions that were deemed priorities by the group. Two chief priorities emerged: 1) That a BMP-S was required to ensure that the conservation of the species became a formal legislated priority for South Africa, rather than being efforts solely conceived and driven by NGOs and academics. 2) That collaborative and integrated management among and between stakeholders, as well as public support, is required for effective management of the population, and a more comprehensive forum was proposed as the vehicle for this. A BMP-S is thus essential, given the Endangered Red-list status, the requirement for inter-agency cooperation towards shared objectives for the conservation of the species, standardised monitoring, collaborative research, increased participation by diverse landowners, and opportunities as a flagship species where, given the vast spatial requirements, conservation efforts will also improve the outlook for other threatened species. It is also BirdLife South Africa’s designated Bird of the Year for 2020. This BMP-S, informed by the 2nd PHVA (Kemp & Bruford, 2018), was jointly developed by members of the South African Southern Ground-Hornbill Action Group and invited experts and representatives of many stakeholder organisations (see Acknowledgements). Also, to ensure the long-term survival of the species in the wild, NEMBA provides for monitoring and reporting on the progress with implementation of the plan. 1.2 VISION AND DESIRED STATE During the 2nd PHVA held in 2017 (Kemp & Bruford, 2018), the following vision statement was defined for the species: This vision was underpinned by four specific goals, which guided the development of the PHVA and the BMP-S. • A stabilized and growing Southern Ground-Hornbill population. • Mitigation of threats, especially those common to other species e.g., poisoning and lead toxicosis. • Strong integration of cultural and ecological values of the species. • Long-term monitoring of the Southern Ground-Hornbill through a national monitoring plan, using citizen science and a local and regional Custodianship Programme. To stabilize and then reverse the decline of the Southern Ground-Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri), with the aim to achieve its conservation down-listing within South Africa, and to support other range-state conservation efforts. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 37 15 Thus, the DESIRED STATE developed during the BMP-S stakeholder-engagement workshop is the following: 1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE BMP-S The prioritised strategic objectives of the Southern Ground-Hornbill BMP-S to meet the target of 5% growth in the number of pentads where groups are reported per year are as follows: 1. BMP-S uptake, adoption and implementation are driven by DFFE. 2. Combine and prioritise valid actions from the SGH Single Species Recovery Plan and the 2nd SGH PHVA, to produce a final state-of-the-art conservation plan for the species. 3. Ensure effective and consistent communication, collaboration and coordination between stakeholders and the public for Southern Ground-Hornbill conservation, within the Thunderbird Task Team (TTT) Collaborative Conservation branding. 4. Ensure implementation of and accountability for actions within the BMP-S. 5. Implement standardised monitoring and promote collaborative research to inform adaptive management. 6. Consistently and uniformly implement legislation, regulations, policies, guideline,s and protocols. 1.4. BENEFITS OF THE BMP-S The envisaged benefits of implementing the BMP-S are: • An ecologically healthy SGH population that remains stable and increasing, even in non-protected habitats. • Scientifically-sound population management is implemented, both in- and ex-situ, representing the full extent of the local genetic diversity. • Private and government sector support and investment in SGH conservation. • SGH conservation must be institutionalised, to ensure institutional membership of the TTT is continuous. • The support of owners, managers, and inhabitants of the land on which SGH are permanent residents is obtained. 1.5 ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES OF THE BMP-S The SGH BMP-S aims to identify and allocate the required, identified actions to enable stakeholders to contribute to the overall desired outcome of ensuring the long-term survival of the species in the wild. The outcomes that will ensure this: • Clear management goals and timeframes for their achievement. • Key role players and stakeholders identified. Southern Ground-Hornbills co-exist harmoniously with the people of South Africa due to positive changes in attitudes and behaviour, resulting in increased pride in and custodianship of a stable Southern Ground This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 38 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 16 • Acceptance and support of the BMP-S by stakeholders. • Defined and accepted roles and responsibilities by stakeholders and role players; • Institutionalise SGH with as a more formal grouping of SGH stakeholders Group to ensure swift action on PHVA/BMP-S recommendations; • A plan that comprehensively and concisely covers all aspects related to the conservation of the SGH, with realistic set targets for each five-year iteration; • Identified key performance indicators to assess progress towards defined goals; • Threat mitigation, including for the benefit of non-target species; • Guidance of ex-situ conservation efforts for the species; • Opportunities for job creation, capacity building and education for all communities that share the landscape with SGH; • Documentation and expansion of inherent cultural protection; and, • Publication of scientific papers and popular articles emanating from research and conservation actions. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 39 17 2. SPECIES BIOLOGY AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION 2.1 SPECIES ECOLOGY AND BIOLOGY The information below is drawn largely from the most recent species review (Kemp 2017). 2.1.1 Taxonomic description Order: Bucerotiformes Family: Bucorvidae Genus: One of two species in the genus Bucorvus (Gonzalez et al., 2013a). Taxon name: Bucorvus leadbeateri Vigors, 1882 Taxonomic level: species The Southern Ground-Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri) exhibits many unique, primitive and vestigial characteristics at the base of the Bucerotiform clade. The female does not seal herself into a nest cavity (Kemp 1995), no functional carotid artery is present (Garrod, 1876), shoulder nerve structures are reduced (Howell, 1937), 15 instead of the 14 neck vertebrae present as in other hornbills (Kemp, 1995), and an extra tendon runs from the pelvis to the femur (Fisher, 1946). Their limb structure allows them to walk efficiently, whereas most other hornbills prefer to hop, except for small members of the subgenus Tockus within the genus Tockus (Garrod, 1876; Kemp & Kemp, 1980a; Gonzalez et al., 2013a). The genus Bucorvus follows a north-south biogeographical dichotomy, with Northern (or Abyssinian) Ground Hornbill B. abyssinicus in savannas north of and B. leadbeateri south of the equator, likely caused by the separation of savannas through the expansion of equatorial rainforest (as suggested by Crowe & Kemp, 1988). The only area of overlap in their ranges is small (Kemp, 1995) and falls within a multi-species east African suture zone (Lorenzen et al., 2012). 2.1.2 Distribution The SGH has been reported in sixteen range-states: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Mozambique, Malawi, Angola, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, with one record for Zanzibar (Kemp 1995) and one for Lesotho (Maphisa in litt). Coarse range-distribution maps, based on historical, mostly museum-specimen localities, including that for the other Bucorvus species that occur north of the equator, B. abyssinicus (Kemp 1995; Sanft et al. 1849; Snow 1978) show the species to be parapatric (Fig. 1). The area of range overlap in southern Kenya and Uganda is small (Musila, 2007; Odull & Byaruhanga, 2009), with each species essentially found on either side of the equator and overlap attributed to dispersal rather than breeding individuals (Kemp 1995), with B. abyssinicus restricted to dry grasslands in northwest and B. leadbeateri to moister rangelands in the southwest Kenya (Musila, 2007). No reports of hybridization to date. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 40 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 18 Figure 1. Map of range distribution for both ground-hornbill species after Kemp (1995). 2.1.3 Conservation status Full range: The IUCN Red List status of SGH is Vulnerable (BirdLife International, 2019) with population declines for Kenya (BirdLife International, 2014), Malawi (Kalimira, 2007), Mozambique (Parker, 1999, 2005), Zambia (BirdLife International, 2014), Zimbabwe (Chiweshe, 2007; Maasdorp, 2007; Witteveen et al., 2013), Botswana, and Swaziland (Parker, 1994), with declines best enumerated and most dire for South Africa (Kemp & Webster, 2008; Underhill, 2014; Taylor & Kemp, 2015) and Namibia (Simmons, Brown & Kemper, 2015). This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 41 19 Figure 2. Proposed range-state conservation status using IUCN Red List criteria for each range state where Southern Ground-Hornbill occupancy has been recorded (Kemp 2017). South Africa: In South Africa, the species is regionally listed as Endangered (Taylor et al., 2015). This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 42 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 20 2.1.4 Genetic status The phylogeography of the SGH was assessed across their entire range by assessing patterns of variation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA: CO1, Cytb and ND2), nuclear DNA (GAPDH) gene sequences, and at 16 microsatellite loci. Phylogeographic reconstruction of these sequences refutes the previous distinction of two possible subpopulations based solely on mtDNA (Cytb) (Kemp 2017). The microsatellite loci assessed for SGH individuals from across the range showed some variation, with an average of 3.188 alleles per locus and a mean observed heterozygosity of 0.545. Population difference, using STRUCTURE and Principal Component Analysis (PCoA), revealed poor differentiation between samples from the southern and northern extremes of the range, with South African individuals being more distinctive. Results suggest that SGH are homogeneous, close to panmictic, with low levels of restriction to gene flow and some isolation by distance. These findings may make conservation management of the species less complicated as individuals from directly neighbouring countries would not need to be managed separately. However, as a precautionary measure, an analysis including additional markers to determine adaptive variation is being conducted (MGHP/SANBI), to ensure that the same pattern holds and elucidate any risks of mixing individuals from extremes of the range for captive-breeding purposes, such as pairing breeding stock from South Africa with birds from Tanzania. 2.1.5 Life history and reproduction The SGH has several significant life history characteristics, each independently increasing its vulnerability to extinction: it is diurnal, long-lived, large, conspicuous and a top-order avian predator, with large spatial needs that result in low densities, and small populations per unit area (Kemp, 1995). These features, together with cooperative breeding, living in territorial groups and other complex social structures, combine to result in naturally slow rates of breeding and recruitment (Purvis et al., 2000). Added to this, the species faces several anthropogenic threats (BirdLife International, 2019), each growing in scale and intensity as human development expands across sub equatorial Africa. Populations are consistently shown to be less vulnerable in larger protected areas (Chiweshe, 2007; Broms, Johnson & Altwegg, 2014), where known anthropogenic threats are absent or minimal. If habitat can be restored, or improved, by the provision of nest cavities and maintenance of wide-open foraging areas, it may be possible to raise populations to higher densities, allowing for enhanced population resilience in areas beyond the borders of formal protection. This would also assist conservation managers in deciding how densely reintroduced groups might be released into viable habitat where the population has become locally extinct. 2.1.6 Habitat requirements and resource assessment 2.1.6.1 Critical habitat Ground-hornbills are resident on strictly defended territories in savanna, grassland, and open woodland, foraging in open habitats within these biomes, from sea-level (Nupen in litt; pers. obs.) to altitudes as high as 3000 m a.s.l. (Kemp 1995). This generalised habitat description, however, does not describe the critical habitat factors that allow for the long-term survival of breeding groups at the highest density, for which data on factors that drive high/low productivity/density or create sources or sinks are needed. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 43 21 A fine-scale focus on the needs of family groups at several research sites in South Africa found seasonal variation in the use of territories with a reduction in home range sizes during the summer wet season (Wyness, 2011; Zoghby et al. 2015). This is the time when ground-hornbills are breeding, anchored to the nest as central place foragers as they regularly provision the female, and later the offspring (Dickens 2010; Wyness 2011; Theron et al. 2013). Daily travel distances averaged seven kilometres per day but were greater during the summer, despite being constrained to their nest, and lowest in early winter when ground-hornbills ranged across their full territory. One group failed late into a nesting attempt and resumed foraging again over a wider area, but with the lowest mean seasonal daily distances travelled, suggesting resources are indeed more abundant in summer (Zoghby, 2015). Group size appears to not correlate with habitat type, but large groups (> 3 birds) reared more chicks successfully than groups comprising only 2-3 individuals (Wilson 2010). Even if group size changes with time, territory size did not, suggesting that food is not a limiting factor. While group size does not appear to be an indicator of habitat quality (Kemp et al. 1989), group persistence might (Hulley & Craig, 2007). It has been suggested that at the southern extreme of the range in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, the available habitat was only visited during periods of overflow following high productivity in neighbouring areas and thus should not be considered as key or core habitat. This may hold around all margins of the range as similar patterns are reported for the arid Madikwe, in north-western South Africa. 2.1.6.2 Habitat requirements Ground-Hornbills do not drink water, so proximity to water bodies is not vital (Kemp & Kemp, 1980b). However, distributions are often associated with drainage lines and water holes, where vegetation is usually taller and more established with large trees (Zoghby et al. 2015; Zoghby et al. 2016) and prey numbers higher. It is suggested that some populations are linked via corridors along large drainage lines in Zimbabwe (Chiweshe, 2007), congruent with patterns found in the northern Limpopo Province of South Africa, where groups are only encountered along the Mogalakwena and Limpopo Rivers, and historically the Crocodile and Olifants Rivers (Engelbrecht et al., 2007). This can be attributed to the higher biodiversity and herbivore and prey biomass expected in and around water bodies/courses, and the presence of the larger riparian trees needed for roosting and nesting. Broms (2014) however, found no significant correlation with any habitat variables when analysing atlas data. Ground-Hornbill groups show a marked preference for riparian zones to rest in during the heat of the day, attracted to the denser shade provided here, particularly during the hot summer season (Zoghby et al., 2015). The shade is vital for a large black bird that forages on the ground and exhibit signs of heat stress over 25°C. Their deeply black feathers may not reflect light (Mullen & Pohland, 2007) and, at temperatures below 8oC, they prefer to be in the open and exposed to the sun. When temperatures rise to 25oC they initiate heat-loss behaviours: raising feathers, moving into the dense shade, specifically the riparian zone, and at extremes flying up to perch to avoid ground radiation and allow heat loss via the bare underwings (Kemp, 1995b; Dickens, 2010). Mortality due to combinations of heat and drought is suspected to reduce populations to levels that take decades to recover (Paolilo, 1993; Newton, 2003; Chiweshe, 2007), and may have contributed to virtual but temporary extirpation of ground-hornbills in the arid Limpopo River Valley of South Africa (Theron et al., 2013). Ground-hornbills need to offload heat through their bill and facial skin from just 260C (Van Vuuren. et al 2020). Ground-Hornbills are faunivorous and scavenge, particularly on smaller prey items. They need to find and catch enough food throughout the day and the year within the boundaries of their territory, including during inter-annual This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 44 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 22 extremes of high and low rainfall and temperature, and therefore habitat must be able to provide for this. SGHs are opportunistic generalist feeders, eating whatever prey species they can catch, predominantly invertebrates, but also includes snakes, scorpions, small mammals and birds, crustaceans. This wide-ranging diet may conceal more selective feeding by season, age or habitat than has been so far reported, but it is a favourable life-history trait that removes the need for territorial habitat to include specific food sources and negates the need to choose reintroduction sites with specific food species. They forage as a group, wandering through their territory, catching or excavating any items they encounter. There are likely areas that are preferred at specific times of the year, correlated to known patterns of invertebrate emergences and other spatiotemporal variations, something that satellite tracking with simultaneous ground-truthing will be able to determine. For example, in the Kruger National Park (KNP) in winter, groups dig for prey around waterholes where increased dunging leads to increased dung beetle larvae concentrations (Kemp and Kemp 1980), especially in rhino and elephant middens and dung piles. Safety is an issue for a species with high immature mortality rates (70%; Kemp, 1995a), with juveniles being highly dependent on group support. Predation by large cats is the most likely risk (including leopard Panthera pardus; lion P. leo (Kemp, 1996); cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus; pers. obs); caracal Caracal caraca); serval(Leptailurus serval, and African wild cats Felis silvestris (Scott, 1999), and even domestic dogs (Ezemvelo pers. comm.). Attacks and kills by large avian predators, such as Martial (Polemaetus bellicosus) and Crowned (Stephanoaetus coronatus) eagles, have also been noted (Kemp A, pers comm.). Perceived predation risk plays an important role in microhabitat selection for several savanna species (Valeix et al., 2011) and although ground-hornbills are capable of rapid take-off, they still prefer to remain in open areas where visibility is better and quick escape is possible. Nest sites are important, not just for breeding but also social interactions within the group, and are used for multiple decades if available and persistent (Ranger, 1928). Nests are natural cavities in a tree (in forest edge or fragments, or lone large trees), a rocky cliff or an earth wall (with self-excavation into earth banks reported for a pair in captivity using their bills and feet to dig (Fairfield, 1973) and in the wild (A. Mngomezulu pers. comm.). Nests above 6 m high, with a wall 6 cm thick or greater are preferred (Carstens et al., 2019a), although Combrink et al. (2017) found no unknown or finer details of nest structure or microclimate that may affect success. Nests were more successful when the proportion of open woodland surrounding the nest site was higher, which may implicate foraging success, although this was less important if nests were artificial (Wilson & Hockey, 2013; Carstens et al., 2019b). Kemp and Begg (1996) found that most nests were located in trees in open areas with bare ground, or with grass of short to medium height, and that the nest was placed among only a few other prominent, large or dead trees, with the more successful nests surrounded by the most open habitat (Wilson & Hockey, 2013). In combination, these results suggest that the placement of artificial nests within territories could be optimised by placing them close to areas of short, open ground cover and/or open woodland. Besides, they should be constructed with walls > 6 cm and be placed at a height of 6 m or greater (Carstens et al., 2019b). Apart from the need for large trees for the provision of nesting cavities, SGH is also reliant on large trees or cliffs in the landscape for roosting (Zoghby et el. 2016). This duel importance of large trees is a strong motivator for management of the savanna for the persistence of mature trees, even if they are stands of exotic trees e.g. Eucalyptus. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 45 23 2.1.6.3 Vegetation structure Analysis of habitat use using satellite telemetry found that disturbed bare areas, with an associated higher mean grass biomass, were favoured (Wilson, 2010). It was suggested that these areas may provide the best foraging opportunities as (i) grass biomass was assumed to be a surrogate for food availability, (ii) detectability of prey is less constrained, and (iii) low stem density allows the ground-hornbills to move around with greater ease (Wilson, 2010), implying safety and/or energetic concerns. Wyness (2011) was unable to provide a mechanistic link between vegetation structure and habitat preference but suggested that marked seasonal patterns of habitat preference indicated that physical vegetation characteristics must have an influence. Thus, it appears vegetation structure may be of more significance than composition, as it is for many bird species (Lack, 1933; Macarthur, 1965). Repeatedly in the literature, in papers ranging from sighting records (Mundy 2003) to nest productivity (Wilson & Hockey, 2013), the overriding commonality is the presence of expansive areas of open habitat. Specifically, short grass less than 50 cm in height (Knight, 1990), with a noted preference for Cynodon species (Maasdorp, 2007), a grass that dominates grazing lawns. SGH habitat is even described as rangeland (Musila, 2007), implying the importance of grazed ground cover, be it maintained by grazing game species or domestic livestock. Subjectively, Kemp and Kemp (1980) found that groups appeared to occupy and spend much time on well-grazed areas. Further support for this hypothesis comes from further north in the range, where the species is reported to thrive in areas where grass levels are kept short by cattle grazing (Wilfred, 2007). This need for well-grazed areas has also been reported for Wattled Cranes (Bugeranus carunculatus), where conservation management promotes the use of cattle grazing where this can be well managed (Short & Rushworth, 2004). It has been hypothesised that, in Zululand, an increase in grass cover after removal and/or reduction of bulk grazers, such as cattle or buffalo, decreased the viability of habitats and led to localised population reductions (Kemp, A, unpublished report). Initially, it was proposed that to promote species persistence and growth a reduction in grazing was necessary (Seddon, 2011) but, given the new insights from communal grazing areas, this may not hold, at least for SGH. In some tribal trust areas of Zimbabwe, where the main habitat use is grazing and subsistence cropping, i.e. low and open habitat (Witteveen et al., 2013), the species is at a higher density than in protected savannas. Although in Botswana the species was shown to be more prevalent on wildlife reserves than in cattle farming areas, this analysis was based on atlas data with only a quarter-degree resolution that may not adequately reflect habitat structure, which is measured at a finer scale (Herremans, 1998). Even when trapping the species, more success was had in wide-open areas where the ground-hornbills were more at ease and prepared to be more inquisitive than in thicker vegetation (Kemp L. pers. obs.). High rainfall in the South African Lowveld (> 500 mm over a six-month breeding season) resulted in a decrease in reproductive success, with groups being most successful in years when rainfall ranged from 300 - 500 mm (Wilson, 2010). This was for a population heavily dependent on artificial nests where higher breeding success was attributed to artificial nests being less prone to flooding than natural nests, but it may be that summers of better rainfall lead to a denser ground cover vegetation, which increases the risk of ambush predation and reduces terrestrial foraging ability. Elsewhere within the range, where rainfall is consistently over 500 mm within a breeding season, viable populations occur at higher densities, and so this rainfall threshold may be a correlation rather than a proximate factor. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 46 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 24 Ground-Hornbills are often reported to move into freshly burnt areas to forage opportunistically on any maimed or burnt prey items (Runo, 2001), sometimes before the embers have even cooled (Kemp, L. pers. obs.). A study inthe KNP found that savannas have a short fire-return time, with post-fire habitats recovering rapidly, and even severe fires not disturbing bird communities significantly (Mills, 2004). Insect communities as a whole, rather than individual species, remain robust enough to support bird communities, possibly because most savanna insectivores are generalists that feed on a wide range of insect species (Mills, 2004). Woody vegetation on savannas is also not always as fire-affected as a ground cover. However, this does not hold for extreme fire policies, such as complete suppression or high frequency 'hot' fires, which alter habitat structure. It has been found that the dual and combined disturbances of fire and herbivory are necessary to limit woody tree and shrub cover, and so facilitate coexistence of a matrix of large roost trees and large open groundcover areas in the savannas (Staver et al., 2013), vital for ground-hornbills. Recent range-contractions appear largely to correlate with areas of bush encroachment and/or densification (Loftie-Eaton, 2014). At the other extreme, frequent large fires prevent areas of heavy grazing from persisting in the landscape, limiting the spread of grazing-adapted grasses, a favoured ground-hornbill habitat. In the long term, if fires were frequent, intense and widespread enough, then grazer-created lawn-grass patches should disappear, such as in Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park (Archibald et al., 2005). Frequent burning, an outdated management policy for many South African parks for the latter half of the 20th century, may have resulted in the legacy of bunch-grass dominated landscapes in these savannas (Bond & Archibald, 2003), with the loss of lawn grass species leading to cascade effects on associated biota. This holds for cattle rangelands where fires have long been used to manipulate animal movements and provide good forage (Hall 1984), and more recently patchy fires in rangelands have been advocated as a management tool to increase heterogeneity (Fuhlendorf & Engel, 2001). An analysis of exploratory dispersals showed that, at the extreme southern fringes of the range, occasional influxes of ground-hornbills are reported, always during the breeding season (Hulley & Craig, 2007). This may represent dispersal movements by particular social classes within the population into the mediocre habitat, during either optimal condition within the habitat or exceptionally productive environmental conditions in neighbouring areas, or both, but these colonisations were not persistent. This may be the first indication of dispersal from regions of high productivity (sources) into regions of low productivity (sinks). 2.1.7 Known diseases Little is known of the baseline health parameters for the species. However, the ex-situ conservation community has provided insights into what infectious diseases are relevant to SGH (clostridial enteritis, presumptive osteoarthritis (Anderson et al., 2013), Marek’s Disease (Cho & Kenzy, 1975), Aeromonas hydrophilia (Ocholi & Kalejaiye, 1990), West Nile Virus (Komar, 2003). They also can supply data on which are successful treatments (Anderson et al., 2013; Koeppel & Kemp, 2015) or treatments to be avoided that lead to fatality (Anderson et al., 2013). The genus is susceptible to stress caused by capture and handling, leading from immunodeficiency to fatalities (Ocholi & Kalejaiye, 1990). Captive-reared individuals show no resistance to Newcastle Disease (pigeon paramyxovirus PPMV-1, n=2) (Abolnik et al., 2008) but outbreaks are known to occur in areas where wild populations of ground-hornbills occur (Kemp, L pers. obs.). A species-specific vaccine for Newcastle Disease has been developed to support the reintroduction programme (Koeppel & Kemp, 2020). When species-specific information is not available, it is also possible to look at disease from a cladistic perspective to identify potential This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 47 25 risks, as has been successfully done for the Coraciiformes (Smith, 2003). Reports of zoonotic Salmonella, affecting both ground-hornbills and humans, have been published for the species (Smith et al., 2014). 2.1.8 Ex-situ populations Initially, much emphasis was placed on the development of a captive insurance population, to release offspring as part of the reintroduction programme. When it became apparent that the long-term holding of this species is not the most effective way to grow the reintroduction programme, that it comes with a risk of captive-selection influencing the survival chances of reintroduction candidates, and that there are insufficient facilities in South Africa to be able to hold genetically viable populations, it was decided by the stakeholder group during the 2nd PHVA to focus on the harvest of wild chicks that would naturally die, rather than try and continue to grow the scope of the captive holdings. At present (2020) all captive birds, including future reintroduction stock is numbered at 87, housed at 15 facilities, and managed according to a Pan African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZA) Conservation Stud Book. 2.1.9 Species’ role in the ecosystem The SGH, given its extensive spatial requirements, is both an umbrella, and a flagship species. SGH’s only ecosystem dependency, besides an adequate food supply, is on large tree species that naturally form large hollows for nesting (e.g. Ficus, Adansonia spp.) and for roosting. Several ectoparasites occur only on Bucorvus spp; including two host-specific Mallophaga genera of the amblyceran family, Menoponidae described thus far: Bucerophagus africanus (Bedford) 1929 (Bedford, 1929; Balter, 1968) with eggs laid on the neck and upper breast and cemented to the feather shaft (Balter, 1968) and B. productus (Bedford, 1929) and Chapinia africana (Bedford, 1929, Clay & Rothschild, 1938) and C. unilaterii (Canaris & Gardner, 2003). Bucorvellus docophorus (Ischnocera: Philopteridae) has also been described only for the Bucorvus genus (Clay & Rothschild, 1938; Elbel, 1964). Mutualism: Some avian species such as bee-eaters, drongos and flycatchers follow groups of SGH to catch flushed insects. SGH is known to steal prey from some raptor species, and vice-versa, besides being versatile and not fastidious in their prey selection and thus diet. They are culturally revered for their ability to kill and eat venomous snakes. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 48 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 26 2.1.10 Utilisation of the species National utilisation Live specimens Within South Africa, live trade appears to be restricted to exchange between aviculture institutions and zoos, managed by the PAAZA studbook. It is unknown whether there is the illegal trade in wild-caught specimens locally, but some inconsistencies have emerged, in that SGH are sold as other species, or vice-versa. Body parts Trade for the traditional use of body parts is considered a significant threat to SGH (Williams et al., 2013), especially in the context of the myriad other threats that SGH face. In South Africa, body parts are reported from all major traditional medicine markets (Johannesburg’s Faraday Market, Durban's Warwick Junction Market, Zululand's Mona Market; (Mander, Diederichs, et al., 2007; Mander, Ntuli, et al., 2007; Whiting, Williams & Hibbitts, 2011)). In one market, three carcasses were present (Whiting, Williams & Hibbitts, 2011), a significant number given that the loss of just four individuals per year drives decline (Morrison et al., 2005). No data exist for the extent of the traditional use of parts locally (i.e. that does not go through a market), but evidence of this use is common (Trail, 2007), and the rural use of the species is well and widely documented (Nevill, 1984; Chiweshe, 1998; Maasdorp, 2007; Williams et al., 2013; Coetzee, Nell & van Rensburg, 2014; Coetzee, Nell & Rensburg, 2014). To date, the only Range State where SGH is known to be routinely eaten as bushmeat is Mozambique (L. Kemp & M. Stalmans in prep.). Methods of the capture of wild-caught individuals are snaring, catapults, removal of females from nests, hunting with dogs and poison (Bruyns, Williams & Cunningham, 2013), and pursuit on horseback until exhausted (L. Kemp pers. comm.). It is proposed that, for ground-hornbills, use as traditional medicine outside of high-density population areas is influenced by cultural value, not by economic value as found in larger traditional medicine markets in major cities (Williams et al., 2013). No stockpiles are known to exist and nor are any expected given the low density of the species. International trade Live specimens International trade is primarily in the form of live trade for zoos and private collections, and parts, most commonly as taxidermy specimens or skulls. Data are difficult to find elsewhere as neither Bucorvus species is yet to be CITES listed and thus no data are available on CITES, TRAFFIC or FAO databases. Data from the US Fish and Wildlife Services show 48 individuals imported over the period 1999 to 2006, of which only seven were declared as captive bred (Trail, 2007). An internet search revealed that the species is readily available for sale, with two traders suggesting that any quantity can be met. Method of the harvest of wild-caught birds, as reported in interviews with traders, is by the capture of whole groups, removal of brooding females from nests with juveniles, or use of snares and poisons. Reports suggest increasingly more sophisticated methods of capture are being used: one example is a puppy in a noosed cage as bait, essentially a bal chatri trap. All methods have a high risk of injury and it must be assumed that a percentage of caught specimens die before being traded. Data for other hornbill species show that capture, transport and quarantine mortality rates range from 10 - 43% (Nilsson, 1985; MAFF, 1990), though maybe as high as 60% (Leader-Williams & Tibanyenda, 1996). The trade in wild specimens is most often reported from Tanzania, though sometimes the catch-all ‘Africa’ is used. Of concern were three separate adverts (China, Russia and Germany) that offered an unlimited number of specimens for sale. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 49 27 Prices range from USD 20 for live birds to USD 3500 for a taxidermy mount. By ageing the birds from the casque development, and bill size and colour, it is clear that the majority of specimens are adults. One juvenile skull, however, is so underdeveloped that the chick is likely to not have fledged (Kemp 2017). It has been reported that much live trade is conducted through the United Arab Emirates and Oman and that many birds will also be kept by Asian zoos, but also by private holders in Europe and the Middle East (K. Brouwer, in litt). In the two largest regulated zoo associations, the Association for Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in the United States of America and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), only 179 wild-caught founders are reported through their studbook reporting mechanisms. No sex skew was found. The regulated zoo community is likely to play a minimal part in the trade. The inclusion of the SGH in CITES Appendix II will allow for the undertaking of non- detriment findings, as well as the monitoring of trade and a better understanding of market forces, especially what is driving the annual quotas of more than 400 individuals in Tanzania. Once the quotas are provided, birds are reportedly caught regardless of whether there is a demand or not. An analysis of past trade in Tanzania for over three years (1998 – 2001) found that only 47% of Bucorvus caught were sold (Kiondo & Clamsen, 2002). The rest remain in trader holding grounds. Trade is supposedly restricted to Tanzania, the only Range State to offer annual quotas for export. However, exports of wild-caught birds from Zimbabwe and South Africa into the United States of America (US Fish and Wildlife data) have been reported (Trail, 2007), as well as from one other unspecified non- African country. Traders report that China and the Middle East are the major markets for live birds but will not assist with details. Structured zoo communities such as the AZA and EAZA organisations are moving towards developing sustainability in their institutions to remove the need for wild harvest, especially given the SGH’s threatened conservation status, slow-breeding, complex social structure and numerous other threats. Body parts Body parts are also reported from markets in Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique (Bruyns, Williams & Cunningham, 2013; Coetzee, Nell & van Rensburg, 2014), while use in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Namibia, and Botswana could not be confirmed (Coetzee, Nell & van Rensburg, 2014). Parts favoured are brain, head, heart, feathers, intestine and bones (Bruyns, Williams & Cunningham, 2013). Bodies are reported to be brought into the market either opportunistically or as a commission (Bruyns, Williams & Cunningham, 2013). Mounted (taxidermy) specimens are available for sale and in most cases, the origin is unknown, although some skulls for sale online are listed as Tanzanian. Impact of trade The removal of significant numbers of breeding-age adults from a population may have a larger overall impact than the removal of a similar number of juveniles. A loss of breeding-age adults, especially females, may result in an immediate decline in the reproductive capacity of the population. This problem may be especially acute for species with slow recruitment rates (Leader-Williams & Tibanyenda, 1996). In addition, the loss of experienced mentor birds from a group puts the younger, less experienced members of the group in danger of not acquiring required skills for survival and breeding. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 50 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 28 2.2 POPULATION STATISTICS AND TRENDS 2.2.1 Habitat preference and projected historical range and trends An analysis (conducted by Kemp 2017) used 7837 unique locality records for SGH, of which 233 were derived from the first bird atlas (SAPAB 1; 1987 – 1992 as Quarter-Degree Gird Cells: QDGC), and 133 QDGC derived from 349 pentads from the South Africa Bird Atlas Project 2 (SABAP 2). SABAP2 records for SGH only accounted for 61% (350 pentads) of total recorded occupancy. Additional sighting records solicited and collated by the MGHP database contributed a further 39% (571 pentads) of records, which enhanced coverage (Fig. 3). This yielded only 2.9% more QDGS than were used for the previous 2008 analysis (Kemp & Webster, 2008), despite the additional seven years’ worth of atlas data available and increased solicitation of sighting records. There are now essentially two populations, the population south of Swaziland almost entirely separated from the northern Lowveld and Bushveld population and those of neighbouring countries (SABAP 2). All records for South Africa (covering 425 QDGC or 255 275 km2) from 1823 (near Port Elizabeth; Vernon, 1986) to 2015, were assessed by biome and bioregion and finer scale vegetation units (Fig. 4). Figure 3. Map of all Southern Ground-Hornbill records (1823 – 2015) at a scale of quarter-degree grid cells) across the biomes of South Africa (National Vegetation Map 2012). This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 51 29 Figure 4. The proportion of biomes occupied by Southern Ground-Hornbills recorded for all sighting’s records collated, the earliest being 1823 (National Vegetation Map 2012). Within the predominantly savanna (51%) and grassland (36%) biomes, SGHs were found (95.8% of total habitat coverage) within nine finer-scaled bioregions (Fig. 5). The remaining 4.5% of occurrence records are minimally represented (each < 0.05% of the total coverage) and considered as marginal, or an artefact of the scale of analysis: Estuarine, Seashore, Eastern Strandveld, Azonal Forests, Waterbodies, Inland Saline Vegetation, Lower Karoo, Upper Karoo, Freshwater Wetlands and Dry Highveld Grassland. The sub-escarpment bioregions of mopane, Indian Ocean Coastal belt and sub-escarpment grassland bioregions were nearly fully occupied by SGHs. Figure 5. Representative proportions of bioregions important to Southern Ground-Hornbills per biome. Savanna This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 52 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 30 Figure 6. The proportion of Southern Ground-Hornbill records per vegetation bioregions of South Africa. Assessing these regions at the provincial level (Fig. 6), to allow for the guidance of provincial monitoring programmes, showed the Lowveld to be important in Mpumalanga (much of which is within the borders of the Greater KNP). In KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, however, the most important habitat was sub-escarpment grassland, a bioregion little protected and increasingly transformed. At the finest scale of habitat analysis, 118 vegetation units accounted for 85% of the habitat extent, but with the greatest proportion only 5.5% (Granite Lowveld), which suggested little habitat preference at this scale of analysis as the top 10 most inhabited unit types combined only accounted for 28% (ranging from 1.5 – 5.5 %) of the total habitat inhabited. Analysis of range extent over time was thus conducted at bioregion. Range and population trends: To assess population trends over time for the species, the QDGC scale was used to ensure comparative analyses with both current and historical records. Unlike for other range states, there is sufficient comparative data for three time periods as shown in Figure 7. Using habitat extent to assess range change Kemp and Webster (2008) used habitat extent, at biome scale, to determine the possible full historical range (Tmax) and found this to be 516 QDGC or approximately 410 000 km2. Using the finer scale analysis available with the National Vegetation Map, it was possible to refine this analysis to bioregions (based on the sum of the total areas for bioregions known to be, or have been, occupied by ground-hornbills: 454 235 km2), and exclude bioregions minimally utilised (those containing less than 0.5% of the entire recorded occurrence), giving a more conservative estimate of 221 187 km2 as the likely historical occupancy). Sub-Escarpment Grassland Bioregion Sub-Escarpment Savanna Bioregion Bi or eg io n This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 53 31 Figure 7. Estimated number of groups over four time periods, with the minimum number of groups needed to downlist the species from Endangered to Vulnerable. Figure 8. Minimum convex polygons (MCP) for Southern Ground-Hornbill occurrence records in South Africa over time (years). This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 54 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 32 Using a kernel density analysis (Fig. 9) to define the Area of Occupancy (AOO), declines were found for both the full extent of the range (23% at a 95% kernel isopleth) and for the core of the population (27% at a 50% kernel density isopleth). The core population has possibly been fragmented, into one in the Lowveld-KNP area and a second largely in KwaZulu-Natal Province. Figure 9. Density kernels of all occurrence records across time (years) compared with those for the current distribution (2007-2015) for records analysed at a QDGC scale. The overall small loss (4%) of the 95% density kernel belies the extent of loss of core habitat in the Eastern Cape, and gains quantified for the first time for the Limpopo River population as it recolonises its historical range, possibly from Zimbabwe (for more in-depth analysis see Kemp 2017). The current IUCN Red Data listing of Endangered (Taylor and Kemp, 2015) was based largely on the Kemp and This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 55 33 Webster (2008) analysis, whereby the following criteria were met: • A2bcd: Reduction in population size based on an observed population size reduction of 50% over the last three generations, where the reduction or its causes may not be ceased or reversible based on: (b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon; (c) a decline in area of occupancy, the extent of occurrence and/or quality of habitat; (d) actual or potential levels of exploitation. • 4bcd: An observed, estimated, inferred, projected or suspected population size reduction of ≥ 50% over any three-generation period up to a maximum of 100 years in the future, where the time must include both the past and the future, and where the reduction or its causes may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible, based on: (b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon; (c) a decline in area of occupancy, the extent of occurrence and/or quality of habitat; (d) actual or potential levels of exploitation. • C1: Population size estimated to number fewer than 2500 mature individuals and an estimated continuing decline of at least 20% within two generations, whichever is longer, (up to a maximum of 100 years in the future). This analysis of range contraction (Kemp 2017) concurs with, and spans the required 50% contraction criterion (4bcd) for Endangered but suggests a borderline assessment. If taking fine-scale pentad data into account, range contraction is greater than 50% and, given the scale of decline (15-20%) in just the last half-generation, with no indications of conservation action yet affecting slowing the decline, a conservative approach would be to accept that the range contraction is greater than 50% and that the current listing of Endangered should remain. 2.2.2 Population estimations Kemp (2000) estimated a population of 1500 - 2000 mature individuals based on an average group density of one group per 100 km2 and an average group size of 3.6. The modelling conducted for the 1st PHVA (2005) used an estimate of 410 - 700 groups, or 1290 - 2380 individuals, of which 1500 individuals would meet the threshold requirements for the number of mature (hence breeding) individuals. Kemp and Webster (2008) used SABAP 1 reporting rates to estimate a population of 2516 adults in 1992, with a likely historical population of 3124 mature individuals or 1560 groups. To estimate the current population, based on current (2009 - 2019) occurrence data, with the following assumptions maintained: 1) The average density per group in South Africa has a required area of 60 - 100 km2 (note this is not based on individual group home ranges/ territory sizes but several regional estimates of population density); 2) An average group size of 3.6 individuals is still used, to allow comparison with previous estimates. Regardless of the territory range used, the population estimates calculated from various assumptions about density This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 56 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 34 fall within the same range, and population contraction remains consistent at 64 - 82% if all bioregions were fully occupied or 44 - 73% for the minimum extent of the range. This concurs with the IUCN Red List Criterion C1 for listing as Endangered, with both range and population contractions showing the same trend. The pentad (estimated at 61 km2) also makes an excellent proxy for monitoring groups/territories as they cover roughly the same area. 2.3 RESEARCH Different aspects of SGHs are increasingly being researched. This research has now yielded twenty-six papers, six PhD, six MSc, one M. Tech, and three BSc. Honours/ B. Tech projects. Research has included distribution, conservation status, genetics, fine- and broad-scale habitat use, nest utilisation, use of artificial nests, vocalisations, parasites, Newcastle Disease, reintroductions, captive-rearing, dispersal, population dynamics and so on. Mark recapture studies have been undertaken since 1991 (tattoo) and 2005 (leg bands) in the Associated Private Nature Reserve (APNR), and in 2009 in the KNP. See reference list for all reports, theses, and publications. Ongoing research is being conducted by various stakeholders on populations in the KNP, APNR, Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Limpopo River Valley and Zululand and former Transkei (South Africa), Gorongosa National Park (Mozambique), Matobo district (Zimbabwe) and northern Namibia. These efforts have yielded a greater knowledge base for the species, reaffirmed many earlier findings, and highlighted difficulties in rapid and meaningful data generation for such a low-density and long-lived species. This research, until 2017, was collated in an in-depth review of the species and its conservation biology (Kemp, 2017). These research findings and recommendations are incorporated into the relevant sections of this document, and additional ongoing projects added. Long-term datasets of breeding productivity, territory size and group dynamics: Kruger National Park (1966 – 2015): Transvaal Museum, FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology UCT, Mabula Ground Hornbill Project, Endangered Wildlife Trust. Associated Private Nature Reserves: (2002 – ongoing), FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, UCT; Limpopo River Valley (2006 – ongoing), Mabula Ground Hornbill Project. Current research projects: Breeding productivity and density in an altered mixed mosaic landuse habitat: Melmoth and northern KwaZulu-Natal: (2010 – ongoing): MGHP. Breeding productivity and density in an altered/ enhanced savanah complex: Sabi Sands Wildtuin: (2014 – ongoing)- SSW/ MGHP. Using cultural value as a conservation tool: Southern KwaZulu-Natal: (2012 – ongoing), MGHP/ Women’s Leadership and Training Programme Habitat use and cultural value: Southern KwaZulu-Natal: (2017 – ongoing), Univ. of KwaZulu-Natal. Impact of climate change of nestling survival/ vocalisations/ social structures within groups - Associated Private Nature Reserves: (2000 – ongoing), FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, UCT. Lowveld range-expansion project feasibility study - MGHP/ SANParks/ WITS Understanding local extinction of SGH in eSwatini and feasibility of restoration – MGHP/ Univ of eSwatini This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 57 35 2.4 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONTEXT The species is occasionally reported in traditional medicine markets. Community benefits are the high cultural value of SGH. The most widespread and prevalent value of the species is the belief in their ability to predict, signal or bring the summer rains (Godfrey, 1941; Hockley & Archer, 1966; Vernon, 1974; Kioko et al. 2015; Kuckertz, 1983; Nevill, 1984; Vernon, 1986b; Chiweshe, 1998; Msimanga, 2000; Maasdorp, 2007; Muiruri & Maunda, 2010; Orlove et al., 2010; Koopman, 2011; Simelane, 2011; Brunton & Badenhorst, 2013; Chisadza, Tumbare & Nhapi, 2013; Okonya & Kroschel, 2013; Coetzee, Nell & Rensburg, 2014; Rusinga et al., 2014; Jiri, Mafongoya & Chivenge, 2015), so vital to a subsistence farmers’ survival. Accordingly, whole birds, alive or dead, or just some part, such as a feather, are reported to be placed in a riverbed to avert drought and crops are planted ‘when the birds call’. This power is believed to be so strong that the live bird, carcass or feather(s) must be removed later from the site, lest floods prevail. Their rain-related powers also extend to being able to avert lighting strikes (Derwent & Mander, 1997; Koopman, 2011; Coetzee, Nell & Rensburg, 2014). Already concern has been expressed, by the people who rely on them for climate prediction (Rusinga et al., 2014), taking the declining population of SGH as a sign of climate change that enabled them to know when it is worth preparing fields. There is trade in the species, both at a local level for traditional medicine and ritual practise (Anon, 1998; Msimanga, 2000; Kalimira, 2007; Maasdorp, 2007; Bruyns, Williams & Cunningham, 2013; Witteveen et al., 2013; Coetzee, Nell & van Rensburg, 2014), and across international borders for the zoo and aviculture trade (Trail, 2007). Across the range of the species, it has been reported that where cultural practices are respected there is inherent protection for the species (Trail, 2007). However, in areas where cultural taboos are less rigid the species becomes prey to traders and their suppliers, either opportunistically or as directed trade. It is difficult to quantify the scale of trade across the whole range, as the species is not listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and thus no formal reporting structures exist. Use of body parts is reported at a local scale but trade is reported for formal traditional medicine markets, not for domestic use. A continent-wide analysis found the species to be sold in two countries, in South Africa (Ngwenya, 2001) and Zimbabwe (Maasdorp, 2007; Bruyns, Williams & Cunningham, 2013) but used in a further three (Kenya, Swaziland and Namibia) (Williams et al., 2013). The scale of use reported from a market in western Zimbabwe was very low, but this is a region with strong cultural protection for the species (Bruyns, Williams & Cunningham, 2013). In South African markets carcasses are uncommon, with only 10% of traders stocking parts (Whiting, Williams & Hibbitts, 2011). 2.5 CONSERVATION MEASURES BirdLife International (2014) suggested priority actions that have already been initiated in South Africa, and to some extent in Zimbabwe, to; (i) conduct population surveys and establish monitoring programmes, (ii) begin awareness campaigns to prevent persecution, (iii) identify key stronghold habitats and prevent degradation and research the effectiveness of artificial nest-sites. In South Africa, these actions are in line with priorities drawn from initial stakeholder engagement to ensure sufficient research and action were invested in the species, with a total of 71 research and conservation interventions identified (Morrison et al., 2005). Several have been reiterated as priorities in the SGH Single Species Action Plan (Jordan 2011), with additional actions bringing the total list to 74 interventions. Only 13 have been completed, with 52 still in progress and a further nine still to be initiated. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 58 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 36 In South Africa, conservation efforts started in earnest in the late 1990s, when it first became apparent that the species was in serious decline (Theron, Turner & de Waal, 2007). By this stage, basic population parameters and biology were unknown, except for a long-term study in a large protected area, the KNP (Kemp & Kemp, 1980; Kemp, 1988, 1995a; Kemp, Joubert & Kemp, 1989; Kemp & Begg, 1996, 2001). Several conservation strategies were and continue to be tested and implemented, with successful reintroduction (Kemp et al., 2020) and artificial nest hollow (Carstens et al., 2019a) protocols being developed. Knowledge retention, however, is weak and more emphasis must be placed on scientific support for, and documentation of, decision-making processes, actions and outcomes. In South Africa, of the group that formed the initial stakeholder engagement a decade ago, only six of the original 35 participants are still involved, and insights have been lost due to having insufficient data collection, analysis and storage mechanisms in place. However, this group has been composed of people interested in supporting a future for this species, rather than formal representatives from government structures. The conservation of this species will require a long-term commitment and sustainable programmes supported with both finances and human resources. It will require the development of a ‘community of practice’ (Cundill, Roux & Parker, 2015) to ensure that the programme is truly able to benefit from the trans-disciplinary community of stakeholders and to be transparently cooperative. It is vital that data, even anecdotal, be accumulated and stored efficiently, and shared widely and transparently. 2.5.1 Development of coordinated conservation for the species Conservation efforts for the SGH have until recently been guided by the Southern Ground-Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri) Species Recovery Plan for South Africa (Jordan 2011) and largely implemented by the activities of the National SGH Action Group. National Southern Ground-Hornbill (SGH) Action Group (2001 – 2017) This group was formed in 2001 when the dilemma of multiple interests involved in SGH conservation was threatening to derail efforts to recover the species. This grouping was not a constituted group but aimed to coordinate and direct SGH conservation in South Africa, based initially on meetings conducted several times a year, which led to a national Species Recovery Plan compiled by all parties in 2011. Chairpersons are elected for two year terms: Ann Turner (2001-2010), Kate Carstens (nee Meares) (2010), Andre Botha (2011 – 2012), Lucy Kemp (2012 - ongoing). During this period the 1st Population and Habitat Viability Assessment was conducted in 2005. 2005 Population and Habitat Viability Assessment SGH conservation was defined by four themes: research into the biology of the species; research into the species’ ecological needs; quantification, qualification and mitigation of their threats; and stakeholder education and awareness. A national management plan for SGHs and their savanna habitat in the context of South Africa’s National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (2004) was a priority, with clear priorities identified for coordinated and focussed conservation. This led to the plan discussed below. 2011 SGH Single Species Recovery Plan The main aim of this Recovery Plan is to halt the decline in population size and range contraction of the SGH in South Africa, ultimately to contribute to an increase in numbers and range expansion. Halting the decline in the SGH would result in the return of the species to favourable conservation status and the down-listing nationally from Endangered to Vulnerable or even of Least Concern. However, the SGH has an exceedingly long estimated This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 59 37 generation time (3 generations over 100 years), and so down-listing based upon a short-term halt in the decline would be inappropriate and inconsistent with estimates of decline, which should be based, or projected, over 100 years for Red-listing purposes for this species. With a review of the Plan, two objectives were completed and four objectives are still relevant and included in this BMP-S: 1. Generate an increase in the SGH population by expanding their occurrence into parts of their historical range, from where it has become locally extinct. 2. Collect information on population threats and mortalities for SGH and determine their importance. 3. Investigate and implement in-situ and ex-situ management and conservation interventions to increase SGH populations in South Africa, and neighbouring countries that could potentially act as a sink or source for South African birds. 4. Increase awareness of the SGH and the threats acting upon the species, to increase tolerance towards the species and reduce persecution. 2017 Population and Habitat Viability Assessment In addition to preparing a BMP-S, and relevant to the timeframes of this BMP-S, the immediate priorities defined within the stakeholder process are: 1. Establish a more formal grouping of SGH stakeholders than the current Action Group, to ensure swift action on the 2nd PHVA recommendations. 2. Roll-out the monitoring plan already established for EKZNW across the country, to all relevant provincial and other conservation authorities. 3. Establish a national poison forum with other stakeholders, to address wildlife poisoning interventions beyond those focused on ground-hornbills. 4. Fully support the national lead task team to address lead toxicosis beyond efforts focused on SGH. 5. Characterise, encourage and expand cultural protection as it is currently manifested in South Africa. 2.5.2 Working Group colloquially known as the Thunderbird Task Team (2018 – ongoing) This group facilitates and coordinates the implementation of the outcomes and activities emanating from the 2nd PHVA and supporting actions for this BMP-S. This group will support the SGH BMP-S Steering Committee in coordinating the activities of the BMP-S, assisting implementation and facilitating accountability of the implementing agencies, by their annual reporting requirements. Objectives and responsibilities: • Establish a central repository for data and relevant information; • Facilitate and implement data sharing between different parties; • Perform a coordinating function to reduce the duplication and overlap of work/research; • Perform a conflict management function between different stakeholders; • Review and monitor the outcomes of the PHVA (or as defined within the BMP-S); • Create a platform for prioritising research; This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 60 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 38 • Facilitate partnerships between stakeholders, and find relevant new stakeholders; • Support and review funding initiatives; and • Implement adaptive management (monitoring and evaluation) to ensure a positive feedback loop. 2.5.2 Current conservation tools 1. Artificial nests: these have been tested and found to be a viable conservation tool, with a marked increase in the number of chicks fledging into a study area if the density of nest provision is considered (Carstens, 2019). 2. Harvest of redundant chicks from wild nests: the harvest of second-hatched chicks that would naturally die in the wild, and are therefore redundant and their harvest has no negative impact on the remaining wild population (Carstens 2017; Combrink et al. in press). There is no reduction in fitness in these doomed chicks (Kemp, Kemp & Turner, 2007; Kemp, 2017). These chicks thus form the basis of the stock for captive breeding and reintroductions. 3. Reintroductions: This has been trialled as a conservation tool, and after a decade of experimental reintroductions, is a viable tool for growing sub-populations where the species has become extinct within its historical range, so long as full new groups are created, rather than augmentation of individuals into existing groups (Kemp et al., 2020). 4. Ex-situ management: A small ex-situ population is managed as a PAAZA African Preservation Programme, with a studbook. 5. Education campaign for behaviour change: An education outreach campaign is conducted in areas where SGH persist beyond the borders of national parks, within protected areas, but also in areas where the SGH have become locally extinct and must be re-introduced to the communities as well as the landscape. The campaign is based on the Connect-Understand-Act model. (Squires, Lowry & Banks, 2016) and the community-based social marketing model (Asah & Blahna, 2013). 6. Custodianship: The MGHP works with individual landowners to mitigate threats and protect groups at a territory and nest-site level, in turn recognising and promoting their commitment to a future for SGH. 2.6 CONSERVATION STATUS AND LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT 2.6.1 International obligations 2.6.1.1 : African Convention for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources In 1969, before any reports of declines, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) signed the African Convention for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, under which both Bucorvus ground-hornbill species are fully protected by national laws of signatory states (of which South Africa is one) from any hunting, killing, capture or collection as an Annex 1, Class A species (Burhenne, 1970). 2.6.1.2 The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 61 39 South Africa is a Party to the CBD. Parties to the CBD adopted the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, in 2010 in Nagoya, Japan, to inspire broad-based action in support of biodiversity over the following decade by all countries and stakeholders. In recognition of the urgent need for action, the United Nations General Assembly also declared 2011 - 2020 as the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity. The Strategic Plan is comprised of a shared vision, a mission, strategic goals and 20 targets, and serves as a framework for the establishment of national and regional targets, promoting the three objectives of the CBD. The development and implementation of this BMP-S address Strategic Goal C: Improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity. This BMP-S specifically aims to contribute to Target 12: By 2020 the extinction of known threatened species has been prevented and their conservation status, particularly to those in decline, has been improved and sustained. This target specifically related to IUCN-listed threatened species and has two components: • Preventing extinction: those species that are currently threatened do not move into the extinct category; and, • Improving the conservation status of threatened species: Improved conservation status would entail a species increasing in population to a point where it moves to a lower threat status. Progress towards this target would help reach other targets contained in the Strategic Plan, including Target 13. Further actions taken towards this target could also help to implement commitments related to the species-focused multilateral agreements such as CITES (CBD 2013). 2.6.1.3 The World Heritage Convention The World Heritage Convention is a Convention concerning the protection of the world’s cultural and natural heritage. It provides for the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage, including the habitats of threatened species around the world considered of outstanding value to humanity. Countries submit places for designation under the World Heritage List. SGH is known to now occur in two South African World Heritage Sites: the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape and Maloti-Drakensberg Park, and were historically recorded for the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Barberton Makhonja Mountains. 2.6.1.4 IUCN Red List The species is listed as globally Vulnerable but Endangered in South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, and Namibia; (BirdLife International, 2018). 2.6.1.5 Lusaka Agreement Although not one of the seven Parties that have formally ratified the Agreement, South Africa is one of three other countries that are signatories to the Lusaka Agreement (1996). The Lusaka Agreement is a treaty between many African nations that seeks to “reduce and ultimately eliminate illegal trade in wild fauna and flora and to establish a permanent Task Force for this purpose.” 2.6.2 National legislation 2.6.2.1 National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) – (NEMBA) This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 62 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 40 NEMBA gives effect to the constitutional commitment to take reasonable legislative measures that promote conservation by providing for the management and conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of indigenous biological resources. Chapter 3 provides for the planning and monitoring of biodiversity. Sections 43 (1)(b) and (c) provide for any person, organisation or organ of state, desiring to contribute to biodiversity management, to submit to the Minister for approval a draft BMP-S for an indigenous or migratory species warranting special conservation attention. Section 44 empowers the Minister to enter into an agreement with any person, organisation or organ of state for the implementation of a BMP-S. Concerning the regulation of restricted activities involving SGH, NEMBA further empowers the Minister in terms of: • Section 56, to publish, by notice in the Gazette, a list of critically endangered species, endangered species, vulnerable species or protected species; • Section 57, to: • regulate the carrying out of restricted activities involving a listed threatened or protected species or a CITES-listed species using a permit, • prohibit the carrying out of a restricted activity involving a listed threatened or protected species, if such activity harms the survival of the species, or • exempt a person from the requirement of a permit concerning a listed threatened or protected species or a CITES-listed species. NEMBA further enables the issuing authority in terms of section 88(2)(e) to defer a decision to issue a permit or, in terms of section 92(a) to refuse a permit, in terms of section 93 to cancel a permit, or in terms of section 93B to suspend a permit, in certain circumstances. 2.6.2.2 National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004): Threatened or Protected Species (ToPS) Regulations, 2007 The ToPS Regulations, 2007, promulgated in terms of NEMBA came into force in February 2008. The regulations provide for the protection of species that are threatened or in need of protection to ensure their survival in the wild and give effect to the Republic's obligations. A permit is required for a person to carry out a restricted activity concerning SGH. These restricted activities include hunting, capturing, killing, importing or exporting into or from South Africa, having in possession or exercising physical control over any SGH; breeding, translocating, moving, selling, donating or accepting any SGH or any of its products or derivatives as a gift. It is compulsory in terms of the ToPS Regulations for the owner of a sanctuary, breeding facility, commercial exhibition facility, or for a wildlife trader to register his/her facility. However, the registration does not authorize the carrying out of any restricted activity; the afore-mentioned persons thus still need to obtain the relevant permit issued in terms of Chapter 7 of NEMBA. 2.6.2.3 National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act 57 of 2003) (NEMPAA) NEMPAA provides for the protection and conservation of ecologically viable areas representative of South Africa’s biodiversity and natural landscapes and seascapes in protected areas. Protected areas in South Africa offer a viable tool for habitat protection and the protection and maintenance of ecologically viable numbers of SGH and their This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 63 41 associated species and habitats. 2.6.2.4 Income Tax Act No. 58 of 1962 Section 37C(1) makes provision for a tax deduction of conservation and maintenance expenditure for qualifying taxpayers where a BMA has been concluded in terms of a BMP for a duration of at least five years. BMAs will have and Annexure specific to the species, detailing the key actions that can be conducted by the Implementer of the BMA, based on the BMP for the species or ecosystem. A BMA annual report is required to confirm that key actions detailed in the Annexure have been conducted. 2.6.3 Other relevant South African legislation Apart from the National Environmental Management Act No. 107 of 1998 (NEMA), its related Specific Environmental Management Acts and the nine provincial conservation acts/ordinances are the regulatory instruments for the regulation of animal species in South Africa, noting that nature conservation is a concurrent national and provincial mandate. Supporting decision-making instruments include National Norms and Standards and Provincial Conservation and Regulatory Policies. Province Provincial legislation Gauteng (including KwaNdebele and Bophuthatswana) Listed as Protected Game (Schedule 2) and Wild Animals to which the provisions of section 43 apply (Schedule 5), in terms of the Nature Conservation Ordinance, 12 of 1983 Gauteng Nature Conservation Ordinance, 1983 (2005 amendment); Gauteng Nature Conservation Act, 2014. Limpopo (including Venda and Gazankulu) and Lebowa Listed as a Specially Protected Wild Animal (Schedule 2) in terms of the Limpopo Environmental Management Act, 7 of 2003; Limpopo Environmental Management Act, 2003 Limpopo Nature Conservation Ordinance, 1983 – Limpopo Environmental Management Act, 2003; Gazankulu Nature Conservation Act, 5 of 1975, Venda Nature Conservation Act, 10 of 1973. North West (including Bophuthatswana and Lebowa) Listed as Protected Game (Schedule 2) and Wild Animals to which the provisions of section 43 apply (Schedule 5), in terms of the Nature Conservation Ordinance, 12 of 1983. Cape Nature Environmental Conservation Ordinance, 19 of 1974; North West Nature Conservation Ordinance, 1983; Bophuthatswana Nature Conservation Act, 1973; Lebowa Nature Conservation Act, 1973, and tribal rule. Mpumalanga (including Gazankulu and KaNgwane) Listed as Protected Game (Schedule 2) n terms of the Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act, 10 of 1998 Mpumalanga Ordinance, 1983 - Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act, 10 of 1998; Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act Regulations 1999; Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Policy 2004. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 64 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 42 Free State (including Qua Qua) Listed as Protected Game (Schedule 1) Section 2, in terms of the Nature Conservation Ordinance, 8 of 1969. Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance, 8 of 1969; Qua Qua Nature Conservation, 5 of 1976; Nature Conservation Regulations 1983 KwaZulu-Natal (incl. Kwazulu) Specially protected in terms of the Nature Conservation Ordinance, 15 of 1974 KwaZulu Nature Conservation Act, 29 of 1992 - KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Management Act, 9 of 1997; Natal Nature Conservation Ordinance, 15 of 1974, as amended; KwaZulu Nature Conservation Act, 8 of 1975; KwaZulu-Natal Environmental, Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management Bill, 2014. Northern Cape (including Bophuthatswana) Listed as a Protected Wild Animal (Schedule 2) in terms of Nature and Environmental Conservation Ordinance, 19 of 1974 Northern Cape Nature Conservation Ordinance, 19 of 1974 Eastern Cape (incl. Ciskei and Transkei) Listed as a Protected Wild Animal (Schedule 2) in terms of the Cape Nature and Environmental Conservation Ordinance, 19 of 1974. Eastern Cape Nature Conservation Ordinance, 19 of 1974; Nature Conservation Regulations 955 of 1975; Ciskei Nature Conservation Act, 10 of 1987; Transkei Decree 9 of 1992. Western Cape Listed as a Protected Wild Animal (Schedule 2) in terms of the Western Cape Nature Conservation Laws Amendment Act, 3 of 2000 Western Cape Nature Conservation Ordinance, 19 of 1974; Western Cape Nature Conservation Regulations 955 of 1975; Western Cape Nature Conservation Board Act, 15 of 1998; Western Cape Nature Conservation Laws Amendment Act, 3 of 2000; Western Cape Biodiversity Bill 2019. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 65 43 Other Acts, such as the Animals Protection Act, 71 of 1962 as amended, which regulates animal welfare in South Africa is also applicable to wildlife. The Animal Health Act, 7 of 2002, Animals Diseases Act, 35 of 1984, Medicines and Related Substances Control Act, 101 of 1965, and the Animal Matters Amendment Act, 42 of 1993, which all fall within the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, may also prove relevant to SGH conservation as they play a significant role in veterinary care of animals, as well as their translocation. 3. PLANNING FRAMEWORK 3.1 THE PLANNING CONTEXT The SGH BMP-S has a logical structure with a 5-year time horizon. The plan has a long-term vision and a shorter term conservation goal covering the period of this plan. By achieving the short-term goal, progress will be made towards realising the longer-term vision. To achieve this a combination of the IUCN Guidelines for Species Conservation Planning and the Guidelines contained in the Norms and Standards for BMP-S were also used. Focus on addressing anthropogenic threats was used to guide workshop processes. Each of the steps required by the Norms and Standards for BMP-S was followed. 3.2 KEY ROLE PLAYERS Key role players and stakeholders in the conservation management of SGH are the following: • Those government departments and agencies (at a national, provincial and local level) that have been mandated in terms of legislation, to protect this species, and to implement the actions identified in this plan to ensure the long-term survival of this species in the wild. • Other government departments and agencies involved in regulating activities that may impact on achieving the conservation objective for the species. • Private landowners (commercial farmers, wildlife ranchers); • Communal land managers (Traditional authorities/ councils); • Researchers and research institutions involved with research relevant to the species. • Non-governmental organisations, at both a national and international level providing funding for management implementation, research, students and projects. • Organisations that are involved in developing and implementing various aspects of the SGH BMP- S. National Government and Conservation Agencies Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) South African National Parks (SANParks) Department of Energy (DE) National Development Agency (NDA), and Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) Provincial Government Departments and Conservation Agencies Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (EC/D DEDEAT) Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) CapeNature (facilitation) Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 66 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 44 Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MPTA) Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW), and State Veterinary Services Higher Education Institutions University of the Free State (UFS) University of Cape Town (UCT) University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) University of Limpopo (UL) University of Pretoria (UP), and University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) Captive institutions Montecasino Bird Gardens Johannesburg Zoo Umgeni River Bird Park Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre Zaagkuilsdrift Bird Sanctuary Ubhetyana-o-Africa Lory Park, and National Zoological Garden of South Africa (NZG) Non-Government BirdLife South Africa (Birdlife SA) Children and Nature Conservation Trust Zimbabwe Mabula Ground Hornbill Project (MGHP) Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) Wildlife Ranching South Africa (WRSA) South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association (SAHGCA) Women’s Leadership and Training Programme (WLTP) Pan-African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZA) National Wildlife Poison Prevention Working Group (NWPPWG), and Lead Task Team (LTT Other Sabi Sands Wildtuin (SSW) Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR) Private game reserves ESKOM Municipalities 3.3 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT Identified interested and affected parties were invited to participate in the initial SGH BMP-S workshop via e-mail in January 2018 (see Appendix A for the invitation). The list of participants and provisional agenda for the workshop is attached as Appendix B, and includes experts on SGH, representatives of conservation management agencies, representatives of wildlife ranching and hunting associations, private landowners and researchers (many of whom also participated in the 2nd PHVA workshop in 2017). Invitees were requested to participate in the workshop to facilitate the drafting of a BMP-S for SGH and were also requested to recommend additional stakeholders who they thought could contribute to the proposed workshop. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 67 45 The Stakeholder Workshop was held on 15 - 17 May 2018. The workshop included presentations on the current state of knowledge for SGH. The group as a collective developed the Desired State and identified the key threats to the long-term survival of SGH in nature. Break-away groups led by designated facilitators then compiled objectives and action plans for each threat. The proceedings of the workshop were used to compile the draft BMP S for SGH. This draft was compiled by MGHP with an editing committee from PFIAO, Cape Nature, BirdLife SA, EWT and SANBI. MGHP was tasked to further lead four workshops to ensure full inclusivity before the adoption of a strategy based on the outcomes of the BMP-S workshop and to contribute to developing mechanisms to enable the achievement of the objectives of the BMP-S (see appendix C for invitee list and attendance register). Once the draft was completed it was circulated to all participants for comment, before being submitted to the DFFE for gazetting for public participation (for a minimum of 30 days). Stakeholders involved in the initial workshop were provided with the draft SGH BMP-S, and encouraged to provide further inputs via the public participation process to be included in the final draft, to ensure transparency. The final draft of the plan, once approved by DFFE, will be compiled and submitted, within 90 days of receipt of comments, to the Minister for approval. 3.4 RELEVANT AGREEMENTS Taking the implementation of this BMP-S forward, the key role players have all accepted their various roles and responsibilities and consider the plan to be a document binding them to these. As such, additional agreements are not required, although it will be necessary to monitor implementation very carefully and introduce relevant agreements where these are deemed necessary. The basis of future inter-agency cooperative agreements will be defined by the Terms of Reference of membership of Project Thunderbird and additional formal Memoranda of Understanding and/or protocols between agencies to tackle sub-objectives that may be required. In addition to the literature cited in the references below, the following are also relevant: • NEMBA (Act No.10 of 2004) • Provincial Conservation Legislations • Norms and Standards for BMP-S (March 2009) • TOPS 3.5 IDENTIFICATION OF LEAD AND IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES SANBI is proposed as the overall lead agency for the SGH BMP-S, and the workshop identified additional implementing agencies (government agencies e.g., SANParks), and collaborators (NGOs and other stakeholders) for the respective actions under each Objective Target. The workshop and all stakeholders present concluded and reached consensus on all identified actions under each objective target. It should be noted that although EC DEDEAT, KZN EKZNW and LEDET could not attend the original workshop MGHP took individual workshops to each of these provinces, and to SANParks, to ensure action plans were developed with their consensus, input and comments. This exercise informed further discussion and final agreement on who the respective lead and responsible agencies are, as well as the collaborators. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 68 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 46 3.6 VERIFICATION FOR QUALITY OF CONTENT AND CONTEXT The BMP-S has been compiled with input from other stakeholders including relevant specialists in the field. The process was overseen by DFFE. This document is also based on the recommended actions from the Single Species Recovery Plan and Population and Habitat Viability Assessment. To ensure this is done adequately, the expert review was sought and was reviewed by Dr Alan Kemp for verification of the quality of content and context. Dr Alan Kemp started studying hornbills in the KNP as a postgraduate student in 1966, but from 1972 focused his attention entirely on the SGH. From then, until he retired from the Bird Department of the Transvaal (now Ditsong) Museum of Natural History in 2001, he continued long-term data collection and conducted several auxiliary projects on the SGH (35 years). During this time, he developed a wider interest in the conservation biology of hornbills, especially the SGH. By 1999, as he was closing his research projects, he initiated an effort to raise, release and breed redundant second-hatched chicks that could be harvested with no impact on the wild parent populations. This expanded into an NGO, the MGHP that now has a national footprint and primary leadership role in the conservation of this species, and which extends across the SGH’s total range in subequatorial Africa. His original studies on the SGH identified several of the basic information, principles and approaches that are now being applied to conservation of the SGH, and he has relished keeping up with the numerous new studies, discoveries, techniques, ideas, conferences, theses and publications that have resulted or are underway. He is registered as a Natural Scientist with SACNASP, in the fields of Zoology and Ecology. Before he retired, he started an IUCN SSC Hornbill Specialist Group, which Dr L Kemp has revived and is now the African co-chair. He was the editor of the ornithological journal Ostrich (now African Journal of Ornithology) for three years and further developed his editorial and critical skills over the years by refereeing articles for various scientific journals, examining post-graduate theses (MSc., PhD.) and helping non-English speakers (Afrikaans, Thai) with drafting their research. He has also prepared and published several books on hornbills and birds of prey, including for Oxford University Press. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 69 47 4. BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN 4.1 LEAD AND IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES 4.1.1 Lead agency SANBI is proposed as the lead agency, supported by DFFE and the Thunderbird Task Team. 4.1.2 Steering Committee The Thunderbird Task Team (TTT) should become formalised as the SGH BMP-S Working Group but remain known as the TTT; and a steering committee can be proposed from within this group to oversee administration, governance, and implementation. 4.1.3 Implementing Agencies DFFE Regulation, monitoring, evaluation and annual reporting SANParks Population monitoring, reporting, legislative oversight, education and awareness, permits, research ECPTA Population monitoring, reporting, legislative oversight, education and awareness, permits, research EC DEDEAT Population monitoring, reporting, legislative oversight, education and awareness, permits, research SANBI Coordination of implementation, research, monitoring, reporting and research facilitation MPTA Population monitoring, reporting, legislative oversight, education and awareness, permits, research, rearing. LEDET Population monitoring, reporting, legislative oversight, education and awareness, permits, research EKZNW Population monitoring, reporting, legislative oversight, education and awareness, permits, research GDARD Permits DE Education and awareness DALRRD Reporting, education and awareness, permits, research SAVC Veterinary reporting and research 4.1.4 Collaborating Agencies MGHP Population management, monitoring, research facilitation and reporting BirdLife SA Transformer box mitigation: BirdLife South Africa/ ESKOM/ Education materials WLTP Community liaison and training SAHGCA Awareness, custodianship WRSA Awareness, custodianship This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 70 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 48 PAAZA and all captive facilities Captive-breeding for reintroduction and current captive stock for education. NWPPWG Policy change, awareness, outreach, advocacy EWT Research HEIs Research (committee to approach various HEIs with project proposals) Private game reserves Awareness, custodianship 4.1.5 Relevant agreements There is formal inter-agency agreement as far as the conservation of SGH is concerned between the PFIAO and MGHP, and research agreements between MGHP and SANParks. Implementing agencies will formalise governance responsibilities as assigned with provinces. A Memorandum of Understanding is in place between MGHP and BirdLife SA, with MGHP being a BirdLife SA Species Guardian for the population management, monitoring, research facilitation and reporting of SGH in South Africa. 4.2 IDENTIFIED THREATS AND CHALLENGES Threats were defined according to the Conservation Measures Partnership’s Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation. The threats are then listed in order of priority from the greatest perceived risk to the population to the lowest (which it must be noted is still considered a considerable threat to the population). This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 71 49 Figure 10.a) the prioritisation of threats by prevalence amongst participant concerns and b) prioritisation after discussion and analysis of scope, severity, irreversibility. 4.2.1 THREAT: Poisoning SGH are faunivorous and scavenge, particularly on smaller prey items, and therefore will ingest meat that may contain poisons, which can lead to severe illness or mortality of individuals or multiple members within the same group. A review, using all existing poisoning data, highlighted what land-use types pose a higher poisoning threat to SGH (Table 1) and, which chemicals are implicated (Table 2). Indirect methods of poisoning include: • Incorrect/off-label/illegal use of agrochemicals/pesticides by livestock and game ranchers who deliberately lace carcasses with toxins to remove predators (i.e., jackal, hunting dogs), which leads to secondary poisoning of scavenging SGH. • Domestic use of pesticides that are then ingested as secondary poisoning by SGH (i.e., rodenticide, Red billed Quelea control). Use of veterinary drugs in livestock, which is then ingested by SGH through the consumption of meat or faeces. • Ingestion of any offal or winged or injured prey after a hunt, where spent lead ammunition or its fragments may be present leading to lead toxicosis. It is not just the risk of mortality, but the sub-lethal effects of poisons on the health and survival prospects of SGH after ingestion. Table 1. Relative risks of poison to SGH according to habitat use and behaviour (from Kemp & Verdoorn, 2013). HABITAT USED RISK POSSIBLE EVENTS Very high High Med. Low Natural: minimal management Natural: significant management Agricultural: crop production Agricultural: extensive livestock Agricultural: mixed crop & livestock Agricultural: mixed livestock & game Communal: pastoral livestock All areas ? X Deliberate: damage caused by SGHs Secondary: predator poisoning, rodenticide Accidental: spray drift with resultant poisoned prey and uncontrolled Red-Billed Quelea control Accidental: predator poisoning, disused dip tanks Accidental: spray drift, predator poisoning, disused dip tanks Accidental: predator poisoning, disused dip tanks Accidental: disused dip tanks Toxic effluents in natural water bodies ? X ? X X X X X X This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 72 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 50 Table 2 Chemical agents identified as a risk to SGH per poisoning type (from Kemp & Verdoorn, 2013). Event/Chemical agents Al Ca NF Me1 EG Ox Me2 Pa CP CF Fe CY OT Pb Predator poisoning Deliberate SGH poisoning Crop production Red-billed Quelea control Disused dip tanks Water pollution Spent lead ammunition available to scavengers Key: Al = aldicarb, Ca = carbofuran, NF = 1080, Me1 = methomyl, EG = ethylene glycol, Ox = oxamyl, Me2 = methamidophos, Pa = parathion, CP = chlorpyrifos, CF = chlorfenvinphos, Fe = fenthion, CY = cyanophos, Pb = lead, OT = others (Clostridium, heavy metals, acids, organochlorines) Type of Poisoning Lead toxicosis Off-label / illegal acquisition and use of agrochemicals Secondary poisoning Scope All areas where shooting using lead ammunition occurs National scale National scale Severity High in affected areas High – nationally available even in most rural areas High Irreversibility High High High Summary Threat Rating 65 65 65 Comments South Africa is a signatory to the AEWA CMS requirement to reduce lead use. Lead Task Team of the WPPWG A large body of literature showing risks to both human and avian ingestion of lead. Provincial nature conservation removes lead ammunitions from culling and hunting operations. Enforcement and awareness required. Awareness, legislation required and development of new and improved substances, greater engagement with the veterinary fraternity and the WPPWG. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 73 51 4.2.2 THREAT: Cultural use SGH is culturally revered throughout their range, however, this cultural belief system relies on some offtake from the SGH population. Currently, due to legislation protecting the species, any offtake without a permit is considered illegal and with current population estimated no offtake can be considered sustainable, other than harvest of second-hatched chick. Threat Illegal offtake for medicinal use Illegal offtake in times of drought Scope Low (<5%) Low (<5%) Severity Low (<5%) Low (<5%) Irreversibility 100% 100% Comments All current literature suggests low numbers of carcasses being found in traditional markets, engagement with communities Only occurs in times of drought, ritual only performed by specific members of the communities, impossible to generalise belief systems across areas (feathers, carcass, live staked bird, sweat), very powerful if not managed will cause floods. Differences in belief structure have different effects on SGH population dynamics and persistence. suggests offtake is opportunistic. Without this importance, it is unlikely these birds would have persisted across KZN and the Eastern Cape. At what level is offtake sustainable or what segment of the population? * Surveillance for novel/ imported threats 4.2.2 THREAT: Persecution for window-breaking SGH are actively persecuted for breaking windows (Vernon 1986; Kemp 1995; Maasdorp 2007b; Forsberg 1994), and occasionally for predation on poultry. These birds will attack their reflections in windows (Oatley, 1967; Vernon, 1982; Forsberg, 1994) or shiny reflective surfaces (such as metallic coloured vehicles), which results in broken window panes, often in large quantities as they move from pane to pane. This puts the whole group at risk of injury from broken glass but also leads to intense conflict with humans. Persecution by irate land-owners or communities leads to direct mortality or reduced productivity, with confirmed reports of a community burning the resident SGH group’s nest (Blouberg, Limpopo) due to window-breaking at a local school, or stoning a nest causing abandonment, again due to broken windows at the nearest school (Melmoth, KwaZulu-Natal). This behaviour is universal and reported from across their range. Mitigation to prevent them from seeing their reflections is the only way to reduce the human-wildlife conflict, with a temporary and cheap solution using a solution of wood ash or paint on the panes (Chiweshe, 2007) and a more permanent one using perforated one-way-vision vinyl film, though a high-end, attractive solution is yet to be sourced for lodges and the like (MGHP unpublished data). Experiments in the use of commercial acoustic bird-scarers failed (MGHP unpublished data). This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 74 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 52 Threat Persecution for window-breaking Scope No scientific data are available other than that it is widespread. Severity Damage is high and actual persecution is moderate at most, probably 5% of the population in South Africa, however within this group severity is high. Irreversibility Low – if 5% of the population is killed every year it will take time to reverse the situation. Comments Variation in geographical area risk is relative to cultural beliefs and attitudes to use mortal response or not. 4.2.3 THREAT: Disease The species has shown susceptibility to Newcastle Disease and very likely also Avian Influenzas. These diseases may enter wild populations due to naturally occurring outbreaks or due to poor biosecurity by the poultry industry. However, as the species readily coexist in rural communities, subsistence farming also poses a risk, especially as dead stock is more likely to be disposed of improperly. Threat Disease Scope Low known threat; potentially high - two cases of individual birds (NW Province) Severity Individual to the group level This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 75 53 Irreversibility It is 100% reversible, with identification of the prevalence and vaccination (orally), however, it is not treatable. Comments Two positive reports in NW Province, risk to reintroduced birds because they are captive-reared. Difficult to recover carcasses from NCD mortalities. It may be difficult to vaccinate wild birds, and it is not known how many repeat booster applications are needed. However, vaccines may be possible in the future. 4.2.6 THREAT: Electrocution The emerging threat posed by energy provision (e.g. transformer boxes) and energy generation (e.g. wind farms) infrastructure, through 1) electrocution and 2) potential collision. Who: Utility companies (e.g. Eskom, municipalities) and Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Why: The need to expand/increase energy infrastructure equals an increased risk to birds, which could lead to either death or injury. Threat Transformer boxes Distribution poles Powerlines Wind turbines Scope Moderate Low Low Unknown Severity Moderate Low Low Unknown Irreversibility Very high Very high Low Unknown Comments Changing infrastructure would benefit the species; further research required to quantify the threat (modelling of many transformer boxes over distribution range of species). Central incidents register (Eskom EWT Partnership). Personal observations; no reported records in Central incidents register (Eskom-EWT Partnership). Changing infrastructure would benefit the species. Personal observations; young birds landing on powerlines; collision risk: one collision recorded on Central incidents register (Eskom EWT Partnership). Knowledge gap on potential collision or flying at risk height; Species-specific guidelines to be developed for SGH; turbine; Improve monitoring protocol to influence turbine placement; tracking to determine flight height (altitude) (GPS or satellite transmitters); test avoidance behaviour; territorial display could potentially be mitigated through shutting down on-demand of turbines; monitoring of the use of habitat under turbines through field observations;). ; then model overlap between wind resource and species' distribution range to assess the potential threat of wind turbines to species in South Africa. 4.2.7 THREAT: Habitat loss and fragmentation SGH require vast expanses of suitable habitat to forage and to breed successfully (SGH in South Africa have displayed home ranges of up to 250 km2). They also have a specific set of habitat requirements/parameters to This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 76 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 54 persist (10 – 40 % bush cover etc.). The total loss of critical core SGH habitat across southern Africa has been directly associated with range decreases in the species. Much of this is irreversible (urbanisation and industrialisation) and closely linked with the precipitous human population increases and expansion in Africa. Another major threat is the alteration and fragmentation of suitable habitat linked with land-use changes and management practices (livestock, fire etc.) Although some groups have been able to survive in some transformed/degraded landscapes, this habitat is largely unusable to the species. Threat Habitat loss Habitat degradation/alteration and fragmentation Loss of nesting and roosting sites Complete irreversible loss of habitat. • Monoculture • Land-use changes • Pollution • Bush encroachment/alien invasive plant species • Land management practices • Agricultural infrastructure (i.e. dip tanks) • Elephants • Removal of large forestry trees • Collection of large dead hollow trees for firewood Scope High (<75%) Very High (<80%) Low Severity High High Low - medium Irreversibility Very low/not possible (0-5%) Medium Low Comments Urbanization and development May be potential to manage and improve land-use changes and management practices to restore suitable habitat for SGHs. Artificial nests can be built and supplied. Further research required to understand the importance of roost sites. 4.2.8 CHALLENGE: To implement nation-wide monitoring Participants were concerned that it is difficult to census such a species occurring at a naturally low-density. This would lead to uncertainty about the value of conservation action or surveillance for localised declines. However, the proposed monitoring plan developed by MGHP and EKZNW, as accepted at the 2nd PHVA in 2017, was presented and again accepted as a valid, low-cost manner of nation-wide population monitoring. See Appendix F for the access to the monitoring plan. 4.2.9 CHALLENGE: Insufficient communication between agencies involved in SGH research and conservation and various government agencies (both national and provincial) This was raised as a challenge since the 1st PHVA (2005) and again at the 2nd PHVA (2017), that there was a need for greater communication, coordination of activities and the dissemination and sharing of information. 4.2.10 CHALLENGE: Capacity constraints This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 77 55 Capacity constraints may be a challenge and agencies must indicate if this is so for in their response to DFFE when receiving their letters requesting implementation. 5. ACTION PLAN AND MONITORING FRAMEWORK The SGH BMP-S incorporated the IUCN-SSC framework for conservation planning (see Fig. 11) and was used to guide stakeholder engagement and planning workshops to define the objectives, and the actions to achieve the collaboratively defined desired state. These actions, as identified for each objective, will need to be implemented by the identified lead and implementing agencies, to mitigate the identified threats (habitat loss, poisoning, electrocution, disease, and belief-based off-take) and challenges (effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders). Figure 11. Action Plan and Monitoring Framework adapted from the IUCN SSC schematic for species conservation planning methodology. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 78 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 56 5.1 Objective 1: TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND AWARENESS BETWEEN AND AMONG STAKEHOLDERS AND THE PUBLIC. 5.1.1 Objective Target: Establish and maintain productive partnerships for SGH conservation. ACTION 5.1.1 FORMALISE INTER-AGENCY COLLABORATION TO COORDINATE A ND REVIEW IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SGH BMP-S. THE Lead agencies: Implementing agencies: Collaborators: SANBI ECPTA; EC DEDEAT; EKZNW; MPTA; LDEDET; GDARD; SANParks; DFFE MGHP, Birdlife SA; HEIs Essential activities: • Establish a Steering Committee • Develop Terms of Reference (ToR) for SGH BMP-S Working Group • Inter-agency agreements identified, drafted and f inal ized. Expected Outcome in 5 yrs.: • Operational Steering Committee with accountable reporting. • Effective inter-agency collaboration and coordination. • Accountability on BMP-S implementation and impact. Monitoring and Evaluation: • Steering committee established. • Terms of reference for SGH WG • Annual M&E reports. • Inter-agency agreements. Funding / Resources Timeframe Measurable Indicators / Outputs Each agency to commit budget for and fund their commitment. Within year one. 1. Steering Com meetings with minutes (frequency defined by SC once formed). 2. SGH WG Terms of Reference. 3. Annual M&E Report. Challenges: Continuity and continued participation. Cost of participation, especially for smaller NGOs. Create an improved mechanism for virtual communication e.g., video conference (hybrid meetings). ACTION 5.1.2 DEVELOP PRODUCTIVE PARTNERSHIPS WITH STAKEHOLDERS FOR SGH CONSERVATION Lead agencies: DFFE Implementing agencies: ECPTA; EC DEDEAT; EKZNW; MPTA; LDEDET; GDARD; SANParks; SANBI, DFFE Collaborators: MGHP, Birdlife SA, all captive facilities, HEI and all other members of TTT Essential activities: • Develop stakeholder matrix that reflects existing programmes and the necessary critical interventions. • Develop stakeholder engagement strategy with clear targets and responsibilities. • Develop, package, a n d d i s t r i b u t e stakeholder-specific resource content and tools as approved by SC. • Investigate and guide the implementation of appropriate incentives for participation in SGH conservation. • Facilitate complete threat mitigation for SGH in core habitat. • Develop and implement management guidelines and SOPs for: o Elephant damage to nests and nesting trees. o Bush encroachment and invasive species control o Land use practices This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 79 57 o Anthropogenic disturbance of nesting and roosting sites. Expected Outcome in 5 yrs.: • Multi-stakeholder involvement in SGH conservation. • Surveys will show that the public is more informed about the conservation status of SGH and how to protect them due to flagship environmental awareness programmes. • Effective management plans implemented, effective custodianship leads to mitigation of impacts of land use, SGH habitat conservation and community empowerment to support conservation activities. Monitoring and Evaluation: • The number of stakeholder engagements. • The number of awareness tools and brochures developed and disseminated. • The number of awareness interventions implemented. Funding / Resources Timeframe Measurable Indicators / Outputs Each agency and partner organisation to fund its commitment Within one year of gazetting Then ongoing. • The number of awareness and educational campaigns run by each agency. • The number of awareness tools and brochure distributed by each agency. • The number of voluntary stewardship/custodianship sites identified and established • Best practice guidelines for land management in SGH habitat developed. Challenges: Funding is needed to (i) produce and distribute educational and awareness materials; (ii) cover travel, time, and expenses of staff involved in awareness campaigns and arranging custodianship; (iii) monitor the measurable indicators and outputs (M&E). This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 80 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 58 5.2 Objective 2: TO SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE THE HEALTH AND BREEDING POTENTIAL OF THE WILD SGH POPULATION 5.2.1 Objective Target: To reduce poisoning of SGH in South Africa by improved reporting and monitoring networks for all SGH poisoning events in South Africa with a measurable reduction in agrochemical poisoning events relating to SGH in South Africa. ACTION 5.2.1.1 Improve reporting of all SGH mortalities to the national mortality database Lead agencies: Implementing agencies: Collaborators: DFFE ECPTA; EC DEDEAT; EKZNW; MPTA; LDEDET; GDARD; SANParks; SANBI; DFFE; SAVC MGHP, Birdlife SA Essential activities: • Centralised population monitoring (MGHP) and mortality database. • Data sharing agreements: MGHP custodians of a national database. • Awareness campaign to ensure that a wide range of stakeholders report SGH poisoning events. Expected Outcome in 5 yrs.: • An effective model for assessing and mitigating impacts of agrochemicals on SGH. Monitoring and Evaluation: • Annual report to NWPPWG, and all WG, by MGHP. Funding / Resources Timeframe Measurable Indicators / Outputs Agency operational budget. • Annually • National mortality database. Challenges: Standardised reporting. ACTION 5.2.1.2 Collection of data on the prevalence of lead in SGH Lead agencies: DFFE Implementing agencies: ECPTA; EC DEDEAT; EKZNW; MPTA; LDEDET; SANParks; SANBI, DFFE; SAVC Collaborators: MGHP, Birdlife SA, EWT, SAHGCA, WRSA; HEIs Essential activities: • Opportunistic sampling of blood (from living birds) or, liver, bone eggshells collected from nests whenever any authorized member of any partner agency handles SGHs or visits nests. • SOP for sample/specimen collections developed (including chain-of-custody and post-mortems) • Monitoring protocol and programme implemented. • Develop and implement non-lead ammunition campaigns. Expected Outcome in 5 yrs.: • Lead prevalence database established and distributed to stakeholders annually. • Surveys to show that stakeholder interest in non-lead ammunition has improved. An increase in the proportion of shooters that have switched from lead ammunition to non-toxic alternatives relative to baseline surveys. Monitoring and Evaluation: • Standardised reporting of samples collected. • Annual report on lead-prevalence and additions to the lead database distributed to stakeholders. Funding / Resources Timeframe Measurable Indicators / Outputs Agency operational budget. • Ongoing • The number of biobank samples added to National collections each year. • Sample collection SOP developed. • National lead prevalence database established. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 81 59 Number of samples / events added to the National lead (Pb) database each year. Challenges: Limited sampling opportunities and funding for post-mortems. Funding for sampling equipment to store samples and specimens. ACTION 5.2.1.3 Report on SGH poisoning and collaborate with the National Wildlife Poison Prevention Working Group (NWPPWG), including the Lead Task Team (LTT) and Pesticide Task Team (PTT) Lead agencies: Implementing agencies: Collaborators: DFFE ECPTA; EC DEDEAT; EKZNW; MPTA; LDEDET; GDARD; SANParks; SANBI, DFFE MGHP, Birdlife SA, EWT, LTT Essential activities: • An increased number of people arrested and convicted for intentional and unintentional poisoning of SGH Expected Outcome in 5 yrs.: • Improved conviction of offenders. • Reduction in poisoning impacts on SHG. Monitoring and Evaluation: • Annual report on poisoning to stakeholders. Funding / Resources Timeframe Measurable Indicators / Outputs Agency operational budget. • Annually and ongoing • Training modules developed. • SOP for veterinary care and rehabilitation developed. • The number of stakeholders trained. • Annual poisoning report. • Stakeholder engagements. Challenges: available capacity ACTION 5.2.1.4 Raise awareness relating to the impacts of agrochemicals (illegal/off-label) and lead ammunition on SGH. Lead agencies: Implementing agencies: Collaborators: DFFE ECPTA; EC DEDEAT; EKZNW; MPTA; LDEDET; SANParks; SANBI, DFFE MGHP, Birdlife SA, LTT Essential activities: • Develop and distribute awareness material relating to the impacts of agrochemicals (illegal/off-label) and lead ammunition on SGH. • Engage and assign SGH Custodians. • Update and review SGH Custodianship Programme material and training modules. • Conduct research and publish articles on the prevalence and impacts of agro chemicals and lead ammunition. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 82 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 60 Expected Outcome in 5 yrs.: • Effective mitigation measures for the impacts of agrochemicals and lead ammunition on SGH implemented. • Reduction in SGH agrochemical and lead poisoning. • Survey data will show improved knowledge of the prevalence and impacts of agrochemicals and lead ammunition. Monitoring and Evaluation: • Survey relevant stakeholders to monitor knowledge and awareness of lead and poisoning impacts on birds and SGHs. • Analyse trends in SHG agrochemical and lead poisoning events reported in the National database curated by MGHP. Funding / Resources Timeframe Measurable Indicators / Outputs Agency operational budget. • Survey stakeholder/custodians annually. • Within 2 years of gazetting. • Custodianship training annually. 1. Awareness material and training modules developed and distributed to SGH Custodians 2. The number of SGH Custodianship engagements and agreements in place 3. The number of publications (popular and peer reviewed) on the prevalence and impacts of agrochemicals and lead ammunition. Challenges: Sourcing funding to ensure Custodian Programme can be fully implemented and maintained. 5.3 Objective 3: TO REDUCE SGH OFFTAKE FOR BELIEF-BASED USES 5.3.1 Objective Target 1: SGH are culturally revered throughout their range, however, these cultural belief systems rely on some offtake from the SGH population and so we seek a measurable reduction in illegal off-take in SGH and co-management of off-takes by traditional leaders to reduce illegal offtake of SGH. ACTION 5.3.1.1 Expand cultural protection in South Africa, through engagements with indigenous knowledge systems and traditional leaders Lead agencies: DFFE Implementing agencies: ECPTA; EC DEDEAT; EKZNW; MPTA; LDEDET; SANParks; SANBI, DFFE Collaborators: MGHP, Birdlife SA, HEIs, Traditional Leadership Councils, WLTP, Traditional Healers Council, DoTA, All relevant language group community leaders. Essential activities: • Conduct research and publish findings on cultural perceptions and values. • Stakeholder and community engagements. • Co-management conservation plans developed and implemented. • Community engagement strategy developed and implemented. • Capacity assessment of community leadership structures. • Capacity development of community leadership structures for sustainable management and off-takes of SGH. • SGH awareness and training Expected Outcome in 5 yrs.: • Effective implementation of cultural protection for SGH • Community involvement and co-management of SGH off-takes • Enhanced awareness and appreciation for SGH. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 83 61 Monitoring and Evaluation: • pre-and post- intervention perception surveys. • Monitor trends in number of SGH taken as off-take for belief-based uses. Funding / Resources Timeframe Measurable Indicators / Outputs Agency operational budget. • Within 1 year of gazetting • Within 1 year of gazetting and ongoing • Within 3 years of gazetting and ongoing • Within 5 years of gazetting and ongoing • Publications (popular and peer reviewed) on cultural perceptions and values of SGH. • Off-take assessments. • The sustainable off-take simulator developed and implemented. • Community engagements and training. • Facilitated co-management agreements. Challenges: Sensitive approach required to prevent any perverse outcomes. 5.4 Objective 4: TO REDUCE SGH MORTALITIES DUE TO PERSECUTION IN RESPONSE TO WINDOW DAMAGE 5.4.1 Objective Target: To enhance communities and landowner awareness concerning SGH window damage and change attitudes of affected parties away from lethal or injurious actions against SGH. ACTION 5.4.1.1 Improve mitigation measures against the impacts of breaking windows by SGH and implement protocols on how to protect windows from being broken by the birds Lead agencies: Implementing agencies: Collaborators: DFFE ECPTA; EC DEDEAT; EKZNW; MPTA; LDEDET; SANParks; SANBI, DFFE MGHP, Birdlife SA, HEIs, Traditional Leadership Councils, WLTP, Traditional Healers Council, DoTA Essential activities: • Establish and maintain a SGH window-breaking register database. • Research and publish findings on cost-effective mitigation measures against the impacts of breaking windows by SGH. • Develop and distribute awareness material relating to breaking of windows by SGH in areas of risk, such as at schools, with affected communities, private landowners and SGH Custodians. • Develop and implement Immediate Response and Mitigation Protocols. • Foster relationships with industrial suppliers of mitigation materials and facilitate provisioning to high-risk areas. Expected Outcome in 5 yrs.: • Reduced impacts of window-breaking by SGH • Reduced SGH mortalities due to persecution in response to window damage. Monitoring and Evaluation: • The trend in SGH window-breaking incidents recorded in the database. Funding / Resources Timeframe Measurable Indicators / Outputs This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 84 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 62 Agency operational budget. • Ongoing • Every two years after gazetting • Within one year of gazetting, ongoing. • Within one year of gazetting • National SGH window-breaking register database established. • Revised education and awareness materials for the mitigation of responses to SGH window damage. • The number of business and industry partnerships established for providing alternate window protection materials. Challenges: Cost of implementing effective mitigation measures. 5.5 Objective 5: TO REDUCE AND ELIMINATE THE CONFLICT AND MORTALITY OF SGH AS A RESULT OF CURRENT AND FUTURE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT. 5.5.1 Objective Target 1: To reduce and eliminate the mortalities of SGH through modification and mitigation of existing energy infrastructure, including distribution poles and power lines, within 5 years since gazetting, for zero SGH electrocutions due to unsafe distribution poles and minimise SGH collisions on power line spans. ACTION 5.5.1.1 Modification and marking electrical-provision infrastructure to reduce SGH mortality Lead agencies: DFFE Implementing agencies: DE; ECPTA; EC DEDEAT; EKZNW; MPTA; LEDET; SANParks; SANBI, DFFE Collaborators: MGHP, Birdlife SA, HEIs, EWT; Eskom, IPPs, BARESG Essential activities: • Establish and maintain a SGH electrocutions and collision register database. • Develop high-incident-potential site identification model (within distribution range overlapping power distribution/ transmission lines). • Research and publish findings of incidents of electrocutions and collisions causing injury and mortality in SGHs and assess the effectiveness of mitigation measures implemented. • Develop guidelines for the effective insulation of transformer boxes, live components of all new transformer boxes and marking of provisioning infrastructure for implementation by ESKOM in partnership with BirdLife SA. Expected Outcome in 5 yrs.: • Fewer reported incidents of S G H electrocutions and collisions in high incidence-potential areas. • Reduction in mortalities from baseline. Monitoring and Evaluation: • Reporting on the number of modified structures. • The trend in the number of SGH electrocutions/collisions reported. Funding / Resources Timeframe Measurable Indicators / Outputs This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 85 63 Agency operational budget. • Within one year of gazetting and then ongoing – annual feedback and report. • Within three years of gazetting and ongoing. • Engagement between Eskom and EWT/BirdLife SA/Mabula Ground Hornbill Project. • Publications (popular and peer reviewed) on the effectiveness of mitigation measures. • Adaptive management implementation of research findings. Challenges: Knowledge gaps. Cost of mitigation and modification of electricity provisioning infrastructure. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 86 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 64 5.5.2 Objective Target 2: To assess the potential for wind farms as an emerging threat to SGH. ACTION 5.5.3.1 Develop appropriate mitigation and monitoring protocols for the potential impact of wind farms/turbines on SGH Lead agencies: Implementing agencies: Collaborators: DFFE ECPTA; EC DEDEAT; EKZNW; MPTA; LDEDET; SANParks; SANBI; DFFE ; DE MGHP, Birdlife SA, HEIs, EWT, Eskom, IPPs, BARESG Essential activities: • Report any incidents of SGH injury or mortality due to wind turbines and associated infrastructure to ESKOM/ EWT database. • Develop high-incident-potential site identification model (within distribution range overlapping distribution of wind turbines). • Research and publish findings of incidents of SGH collisions with wind turbines. • Develop and include guidelines for the effective pre-and post-construction monitoring of SGH in existing BirdLife SA/EWT Best Practice Guidelines. • Engage with national and Provincial Environmental Authorisation authorities. Expected Outcome in 5 yrs.: • Environmental Authorisations for wind farms to include guidelines and recommendations that mitigate threats to SGH posed by green-energy infrastructure (wind turbines and the associated power storage and distribution networks). • Species-specific guidelines for potential threat mitigation developed and implemented. Monitoring and Evaluation: • SGH mortalities trends in BirdLife SA occasional report on recorded bird fatalities at wind farms in South Africa. Funding / Resources Timeframe Measurable Indicators / Outputs Agency operational budget. • Within one year of gazetting • Within one year of gazetting and ongoing. • Within one year of gazetting; information made available and best practice guidelines updated within three years of gazetting. • Within 5 years of gazetting. • Within one year of gazetting. • Updated BirdLife South Africa/EWT Best Practice guidelines for Wind Energy Facilities. • Stakeholder engagements at BARESG (Birds and Renewable Energy Specialist Group) and BAREF (Birds and Renewable Energy Forum) • Surveillance and monitoring results made available by avifaunal specialists and published by BirdLife South Africa, to update the Best Practice Guidelines accordingly. • Publications (popular and peer reviewed) on the impacts of wind farms on SGH. • Species-specific guidelines for mitigation of impacts developed. Challenges: Environmental Authorisations to include specialist monitoring results. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 87 65 5.6 Objective 6: TO REDUCE HABITAT LOSS, DEGRADATION/ALTERATION AND FRAGMENTATION OF CORE SGH HABITAT. 5.6.1 Objective Target 1: To reduce, halt and reverse the loss of core SGH habitat ACTION 5.6.1.1 Inform land use planning policies to secure core areas for SGH Lead agencies: Implementing agencies: Collaborators: DFFE ECPTA; EC DEDEAT; EKZNW; MPTA; LDEDET; SANParks; SANBI, DFFE; DAFF: DE; Municipalities MGHP, BirdLife SA, HEIs, EWT Essential activities: • National SGH monitoring plan implemented across all provinces. • Maintain national SGH population monitoring database. • SGH data informs Bioregional Conservation Plans / Biodiversity Spatial Plans. • BCPs/BSPs inform land-use planning policies, protected area expansion strategies (including stewardship), IDPs and SDFs. • SGH included in BirdLife South Africa Best Practice Guidelines for EIA assessments. • Develop and mainstream best practice land-use guidelines. • Develop SGH conservation reintroduction guidelines. • Protected Area Management Plans include SGH population monitoring. • Integrate impacts of climate change on the mapping of climate change corridors in conservation planning products. Expected Outcome in 5 yrs.: • SGH targets integrated into land-use planning tools and policies, • Reduction in SGH-unfriendly land management practices Monitoring and Evaluation: • The trend in environmental authorisation conditions favouring SGH • Populations status and trends. Funding / Resources Timeframe Measurable Indicators / Outputs Agency operational budget. • Within 1 year of gazetting • Within 1 year of gazetting, revised annually. • Within 1 year of gazetting • National SGH spatial distribution database • Provincial population monitoring databases • SANParks population monitoring databases. • National SGH population monitoring database. • Best Practice Guidelines for EIA assessments including SGH • SGH Conservation Translocation and Reintroduction Guidelines. • Best Practice Land Use guidelines for SGH (and stewardship). • Climate change corridors include SGH parameters. Challenges: Compliance with Environmental Authorisation conditions; Conservation Plans not mainstreamed into IDPs and SDFs. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 88 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 66 5.7 Objective 7: TO MINIMISE THE RISK OF INFECTION OF NCD AND OTHER INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN IN-SITU SGH POPULATIONS 5.7.1 Objective Target: To maximize prevention by rapid response, containment and awareness of Newcastle Disease (NCD) and other infectious disease outbreaks in the distribution range of SGH. ACTION 5.7.1.1 To mitigate against the impacts of Newcastle Disease (NCD) and other infectious disease outbreaks in the distribution range of SGH. Lead agencies: Implementing agencies: Collaborators: DFFE ECPTA; EC DEDEAT; EKZNW; MPTA; LDEDET; GDARD; SANParks; SANBI, DFFE; NDA; MGHP, Birdlife SA, HEIs, EWT; Poultry Industry Essential activities: • Assess the frequency and severity of historical NCD and other infectious disease outbreaks in the distribution range of SGH. • Develop SGH Disease Risk Assessment. • Maintain national NCD outbreaks register database. • Maintain/establish NCD outbreak reporting protocol. • Facilitate disease outbreak notification to stakeholders. • Develop and implement an NCD/Infectious Disease Outbreak Reaction Protocol (including post-mortem and sampling). Expected Outcome in 5 yrs.: • Maximised prevention of NCD outbreak impacts on SGH populations; • Rapid response and containment of NCD and other infectious disease outbreaks in the SGH distribution range. Monitoring and Evaluation: • Disease outbreak trends. Funding / Resources Timeframe Measurable Indicators / Outputs Agency operational budget. • Within one year of gazetting. • NCD incident reporting database and protocols for conservation agencies, small scale, or subsistence- scale poultry farmers and stakeholders. • NCD Reaction Protocol including a post-mortem of SGH carcasses, and sampling of live birds. • NCD Disease risk assessment for SGH. • Revised education and awareness materials for the response to NCD outbreaks. Challenges: National NCD reporting skewed to poultry species; Low reporting/ submission of carcasses for testing. ACTION 5.7.1.2 Assess the feasibility of using the NCD vaccination protocol for the protection of wild SGHs. Lead agencies: DFFE Implementing agencies: State Veterinary Services Collaborators: MGHP, Birdlife SA, HEIs, EWT; PAAZA; Poultry Industry This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 89 67 Essential activities: • Maintain a database of all vaccination administration, type, frequency and resulting blood titres; • Analysis of titres to assess the efficacy of various vaccine protocols. • Finalize and implement the vaccine protocol for the NCD. Expected Outcome in 5 yrs.: • Rapid response and containment of NCD outbreaks in the SGH distribution range. Monitoring and Evaluation: • NCD outbreak and vaccination trends. Funding / Resources Timeframe Measurable Indicators / Outputs Agency operational budget. • Within one year of gazetting • Within one year of gazetting • Within two years of gazetting • National SGH mortality database includes reporting relevant to NCD. • Development of vaccination protocols for in situ SGHs and trials of implementation. Challenges: Risk associated with the handling of specimens. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 90 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 68 6. REFERENCES Abolnik, C., Gerdes, G.H., Kitching, J., Swanepoel, S. & Romito, M. 2008. Characterization of pigeon paramyxoviruses (Newcastle disease virus) isolated in South Africa from 2001 to 2006. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research. 152:147– 152. Anderson, K., Garner, M.M., Reed, H.H., Cook, K., Aguilar, R., Horton, S., Case, A.L. & Wolf, K.N. 2013. Hemorrhagic diathesis in avian species following intramuscular administration of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan. 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This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 98 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 76 7. APPENDICES Appendix A: Invitation to workshop participants *Image from one of six tapestries depicting the cultural value of the species to the Xhosa people by these Keiskamma Arts Trust, a collaborative artwork led by Cebo Mvubu. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 99 77 Appendix B: Contributors to compiling the first draft PRIMARY WORKSHOP: 15TH – 17TH MAY 2018 7.1. Attendance register This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 100 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 78 7.2. List of participants and contact details. Participants Alf Rewin Mabula Ground Hornbill Project alf@ground-hornbill.org.za Antoinette Kotze SANBI-NZG A.kotze@sanbi.org.za Cindi Mncedisi Department of Environmental Affairs MCindi@environment.gov.za Craig Whittington Jones GDARD Craig.Whittington Jones@gauteng.gov.za David Ehlers-Smith Univ. of KwaZulu-Natal smithd1@ukzn.ac.za Elaine Reeve Montecasino Bird Gardens curator@montebg.co.za Evans Mabisa Children and Nature Conservation Trust evannmabiza@yahoo.com Gareth Tate Endangered Wildlife Trust garetht@ewt.org.za Hanneline Smit-Robinson BirdLife South Africa hanneline.smit robinson@birdlife.org.za Humbu Mafumo Department of Environmental Affairs HMafumo@environment.gov.za Joanne Meyer Sabbatical joannefshr@yahoo.com Kara Heynis Lory Park kara@lorypark.co.za Lizanne Nel SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association lizanne@sahunt.co.za Lucy Kemp Mabula Ground Hornbill Project/ IUCN Hornbill Specialist Group project@ground-hornbill.org.za Megan Murison Endangered Wildlife Trust meganm@ewt.org.za Melissa Whitecross Birdlife South Africa melissa.whitecross@birdlife.org.za Merlyn Nkomo Children and Nature Conservation Trust Zimbabwe merynomsa@gmail.com Nomusa Mkhungo Women's Leadership and Training Programme gnomusam@gmail.com Nthabiseng Monama Mabula Ground Hornbill Project education@ground-hornbill.org.za Patience Shito Mabula Ground Hornbill Project patience@ground-hornbill.org.za Rob Little FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology rob.little@uct.ac.za Stanley Tshitwamulomoni Department of Environmental Affairs StanleyT@environment.gov.za Tebogo Mashua Department of Environmental Affairs TMashua@environment.gov.za Tim de Jongh Eastern Cape Nature Conservation Tbone.DeJongh@deaet.ecape.gov.za Tracy Rehse National Zoological Gardens of South Africa tracy@nzg.ac.za Yvette Ehlers-Smith Univ. of KwaZulu-Natal yvetteehlers@hotmail.com Apologies Alan Kemp Retired (ex- Ditsong Museum of Nat. History) leadbeateri@gmail.com Andre Botha Endangered Wildlife Trust andreb@ewt.org.za This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 101 79 Arnaud Le Roux Wildlife Ranching South Africa arnaudleroux109@gmail.com Brent Coverdale Ezemvelo Kwazulu-Natal Wildlife Brent.Coverdale@kznwildlife.com Candice Pierce Sabisand Wildtuin ecoofficer@sspt.co.za Coleen Downs Univ. of KwaZulu-Natal Downs@ukzn.ac.za Craig Mulqueeny Ezemvelo Kwazulu-Natal Wildlife Craig.Mulqueeny@kznwildlife.com Damin Dallas Sabisand Wildtuin conservation@sabisand.co.za Dane Antrobus Manyoni Reserve wildlife@manyoni.co.za Dean Pienke Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency dean.peinke@ecpta.co.za Deon Cornelius Ubhetyan O Africa corneliusdeon49@gmail.com Delecia Gunn Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency delecia@loskopnaturereserve.co.za Derek Englebrecht University of Limpopo fauna.pburg@mindsmail.co.za Don Leitch Retired (ex-sugar cane, citrus and pecan farming) dongilly@iafrica.com Ed Hurn Lory Park eha@icon.co.za Erika Albers Wildlife Ranching South Africa erika@mlpmedia.co.za Ertjies Rohm Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency ernst@mtpa.co.za Eugene Marais Retired (ex-National Zoological Gardens) eugenemarais6@yahoo.com Grace Nkgweng Johannesburg Zoo gnkgweng@jhbcityparks.com Ian Rushworth Ezemvelo Kwazulu-Natal Wildlife Ian.Rushworth@kznwildlife.com Jannie Coetzee Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency jannie@loskopnaturereserve.co.za Joanne Marias Mitchell's Park Zoo joanne.marias@durban.gov.za John Werth Pan-African Association of Zoos and Aquaria johnw@zoosafrica.com Joseph Heymans LEDET HeymansJA@ledet.gov.za Kabelo Senyatso BirdLife Botswana blb@birdlifebotswana.org.bw Kate Carstens Wild Bird Trust kfcarstens@gmail.com Katja Koeppel Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute katja koeppel@gmx.net Kobus Pienaar LEDET PienaarAJ@ledet.gov.za Kobus Havemann Mabula Private Game Reserve rm@mabulatimeshare.co.za Kyle Middleton Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology nghututu@gmail.com Lente Roode Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre lentelidiaroode@icloud.com Lucy Young Univ. of Johannesburg lucyyoung861@gmail.com Malcolm Cumming Mabula Ground Hornbill Project mal@ibi.co.za Matthew Hutchinson Princeton University mcch@princeton.edu Megan Loftie-Eaton African Demography Unit, UCT meg.loftie.eaton@gmail.com Mike Harman Retired (ex- Johannesburg Zoo) mikehornbill@gmail.com Nokulinda Mkhize Sangoma nokulinda@ithonga.co.za Nollie Cilliers Boscia Birds nollie@plantae.co.za This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 102 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 80 Raymond Jansen Tshwane Univ. of Technology JansenR@tut.ac.za Sarah Chabangu National Zoological Gardens of South Africa sarah@nzg.ac.za Sharon Louw Ezemvelo Kwazulu-Natal Wildlife louws@kznwildlife.com Sharon Thompson SANParks sharon.thompson@sanparks.org Shaun Wilkinson Montecasino Bird Gardens shaun@montebg.co.za Sophie Vrard Pan-African Association of Zoos and Aquaria sophie@zooafrica.com Tarryn Bristow Umgeni River Bird Park tarryn@urbp.co.za Werner Marais Umgeni River Bird Park werner@urbp.co.za This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 103 81 Appendix C: Attendance register and invitee list for the actions and relevant agreements workshop for implementation. 1) LEDET (Modimolle) Participants Joseph Heymans Environmental Officer HeymansJA@ledet.gov.za Karin Steenkamp Deputy Director Steenkampk@ledet.gov.za Apologies Kobus Pienaar Permit officer PienaarAJ@ledet.gov.za 2) MTPA (Loskop Nature Reserve) Participants Klaas Modau Loskop Dam Nature Reserve Manager gwetshiwe@telkomsa.net Ertjies Rhom Game capture manager ernst@mtpa.co.za Hannes Botha Herpetofauna Scientist nilecrocs@gmail.com Jannie Coetzee Ecologist jannie@loskopnaturereserve.co.za Delecia Gunn Principal nature conservator delecia@loskopnaturereserve.co.za Gait Jan Sterk Senior Conservator Apologies Johan Eksteen Manager Ecological Services Johan.Eksteen@mtpa.co.za This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 104 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 82 3) EKZN (Howick) Participants Cathy Hanekom District ecologist Sonja Kruger Park Ecologist Ian Rushworth Manager: Ecological Advice West Brent Coverdale Animal Scientists (Mammals and birds) Apologies Craig Mulqueeny Manager: Ecological Advice East This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 105 83 4) South African National Parks (Skukuza) Participants Cathy Greaver Regional ecologist Cathy.Greaver@sanparks.org Danny Govender Disease Ecologist and Veterinarian danny.govender@sanparks.org Chenay Sims GIS & Remote Sensing Analyst Chenay.Simms@sanparks.org Sharon Thompson Avian Research and logistics coordinator sharon.thompson@sanparks.org Sophie Neller Minutes sophie@ground-hornbill.org.za Apologies Conrad Strauss Park Manager at Mapungubwe conrad.strauss@sanparks.org Navashni Govender Senior Manager: Conservation Management navashni.govender@sanparks.org Mphadeni Nthangeni Marakele Park Manager mphadeni.nthangeni@sanparks.org Marisa Coetzee Senior Manager: Park Planning and Conservation Management Marisa.Coetzee@sanparks.org Letsie Coetzee letsie.coetzee@sanparks.org Sam Ferreira Scientist: Large Mammal Ecology sam.ferreira@sanparks.org Peter Buss Veterinary senior manager peter.buss@sanparks.org This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 106 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 84 Appendix D: Research needs. As a BMP-S is not a research strategy and focusses on adaptive management implementation research requirements are not fixed and changes with implementation but research strategies should support the BMP-S implementation. The following list of research was identified as important at the BMP-S workshop and includes the research requirements identified during the PHVA that are yet to be completed. It was emphasised that research needs to speak to desired outcomes and achievable outcomes. This is in addition to ensuring all existing data is analysed and published, and that no data lies dormant with agencies, but is used to continue to grow the evidence base for conservation planning and action. Veterinary Health • Investigate the suitability, dosages and pathways of veterinary drugs. • Initiate toxicology studies. • Compile risk assessments of NCD in captive and wild populations. Agri-Science • Identification and dissemination of information of the agrochemicals (herbicides, pesticides) that will impact SGH health and survival. • Model current potential impacts of agrochemicals on SGH. • Investigate drugs used in agriculture (herbicides, pesticides) that can impact on the health and survival of SGH. • Identify areas of different uses and availability including rural areas. Social Sciences • Study to investigate shared anthropogenic threats of culturally important species that include SGH and species e.g. Secretary birds. • Continue to investigate activities and monitor use in traditional medicine markets. • Investigate current local illegal use of SGH by communities. Indigenous Knowledge Systems • Investigate and quantify levels and trends in knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, beliefs and behaviour of all stakeholder groups that share their land with SGH (MGHP/ UKZN underway) Breeding / Biology • Investigate and monitor the survivability of 2nd egg hatchlings during the entire growth period. Develop a technique to accurately confirm the sexes of birds. • Investigate group dynamics in different areas. • Investigate skewed mortality in females. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 107 85 • Develop more effective techniques for an accurate census to include citizen science reporting and new methods (apps) for monitoring. Modelling energy developments • Model high-risk areas (identified for renewable energy and provision) concerning occupied SGH distribution. • Determine the overlap of wind farms or wind resource (potential wind farms) and SGH distribution. • Model impact of wind turbines – the effect of potential collisions. Look at Transkei area with new developments of proposed wind farms. Only vulture information available thus far. • Identify emerging threats posed by energy providers. • Conduct post-construction monitoring at existing wind farms aimed to better understand avoidance behaviour and how birds interact with infrastructure. Transformer boxes – further research required to qualify the threat. • Model overlap of transformer boxes with species distribution range. • Determine the number of transformer boxes over distribution range. • Assess how many cases to qualify scope. • Investigate more suitable infrastructure. • Conduct behavioural studies as to why birds use the infrastructure. • Conduct a study to investigate alternative mitigation measures eg detracting the birds from using transformers (noise, height). • Investigate and develop alternative monitoring and evaluation technologies. Habitat • Scale the risk of a potentially emerging threat: invasive alien plant species, including indigenous plant species e.g. Pteridium aquilinum. • Conduct risk assessments for climate change. • Monitor and manage the impacts of surrounding land. • Understand what burning regime would best support both SGH and optimal grassland species richness. To support the development of habitat management guidelines and thus address burning and grazing intensity to take quantify difference between short/well grazed grass and overgrazing. • Investigate the feasibility by applying bioregional plans for data deficient areas within the distribution range. • Secure and safeguard stronghold/core areas for SGH breeding and foraging sites both within and outside protected areas - monitoring and research required. • Investigate the impact of human infrastructure on mortalities. • Use of telemetry (GPS or satellite transmitters) in areas of potential conflict to track birds (core and home range) and do fine-scale innovative modelling. • Track birds to determine flight height. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 108 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 86 • Identify possible corridors to allow for gene flow in populations/groups in Zululand, southern KNP. • Investigate the distribution and home-range use within mixed landscapes. • Identify areas suitable for release through bioregional plans. • Describe forage areas in more detail with regards to bush encroachment, under grazing, loss of nests, disturbances. • Investigate the degree of increasing habitat fragmentation on the genetic health of SGH populations. • Investigate the effectiveness of disposal of biological waste, chicken litter and carcasses by farms, including facilities feeding animals. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 110 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 88 Ap pe nd ix F: SG H BM P S M on ito rin g a nd R ep or tin g F ra m ew or k SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS OB JE CT IV E 1 TO ES TA BL ISH A ND M AI NT AI N EF FE CT IV E C OM M UN IC AT IO N AN D AW AR EN ES S B ET W EE N AN D AM ON G ST AK EH OL DE RS A ND TH E P UB LIC OB JE CT IV E T AR GE T 1 .1 Ob je ct ive Ta rg et : E sta bl ish an d m ain ta in p ro du ct ive pa rtn er sh ip s f or SG H co ns er va tio n AC TI ON 1. 1. 1 Fo rm ali se in te r-a ge nc y co lla bo ra tio n to c oo rd in at e an d re vie w th e i m pl em en ta tio n of th e S GH B M P S DF FE Es ta bl ish a St ee rin g Co m m itt ee W ith in ye ar on e Ea ch ag en cy to co m m it bu dg et fo r an d fu nd th eir co m m itm en t EC PT A, E C DE DE AT , E KZ NW , M PT A, LD ED ET , GD AR D, SA NP ar ks , SA NB I, DF FE ; M GH P, B ird Lif e S A SA NB I St ee rin g C om m itt ee m ee tin gs w ith m in ut es (fr eq ue nc y t o be d ef in ed b y th e S C on ce in p lac e) Co nt in ui ty an d co nt in ue d pa rti cip at io n De ve lo p Te rm s o f Re fe re nc e ( To R) fo r SG H BM P S W or kin g Gr ou p W ith in ye ar on e M GH P SG H W G Te rm s o f Re fe re nc e Co st o f pa rti cip at io n/ cr ea te an im pr ov ed m ec ha ni sm fo r vir tu al co m m un ica tio n e .g . vid eo co nf er en cin g In te r-a ge nc y ag re em en ts id en tif ie d an d in iti at ed W ith in ye ar on e SA NB I An nu al M &E re po rt Co pi es o f i nt er a ge nc y ag re em en ts su bm itt ed to th e s te er in g c om m itt ee AC TI ON 1. 1. 2 De ve lo p pr od uc tiv e pa rtn er sh ip s wi th s ta ke ho ld er s fo r S GH co ns er va tio n DF FE This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 111 89 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS St ak eh ol de r m at rix wi th e xis tin g pr og ra m m es an d re qu ire d cr iti ca l in te rv en tio ns de ve lo pe d W ith in ye ar on e, on go ing (u pd at ed ) an nu all y h er ea fte r. St ak eh ol de r m at rix to b e su bm itt ed to st ee rin g co m m itt ee an d up da te d ea ch ye ar af te r i np ut fr om st ak eh ol de rs . St ak eh ol de r en ga ge m en t s tra te gy wi th cl ea r t ar ge ts an d re sp on sib ilit ies de ve lo pe d W ith in on e y ea r of ga ze tti ng Ea ch ag en cy to fu nd it s co m m itm en t EC PT A, E D DE DE AT , E KZ NW , M PT A, LD ED ET , GD AR D, SA NP ar ks , SA NB I, DF FE ; M GH P, B ird Lif e S A Aw ar en es s a nd ed uc at io na l c am pa ign s Fu nd in g De ve lo p a nd pa ck ag e sta ke ho ld er sp ec ifi c re so ur ce co nt en t a nd to ol s a s a pp ro ve d by SC Th en o ng oi ng Di st rib ut io n o f a wa re ne ss to ol s/ br oc hu re s Fu nd in g f or p rin tin g, an d di st rib ut io n. In ve st iga te an d gu id e th e d ev el op m en t o f ap pr op ria te in ce nt ive s fo r p ar tic ip at io n in SG H co ns er va tio n W ith in on e y ea r o f ga ze tti ng Vo lu nt ar y ste wa rd sh ip /c us to di an sh ip sit es id en tif ied an d es ta bl ish ed M ax im um cu st od ian sh ip fo r S GH in co re ha bi ta t W ith in on e y ea r o f ga ze tti ng Be st p ra ct ice g ui de lin es fo r l an d m an ag em en t i n SG H ha bi ta t d ev el op ed De ve lo p an d im pl em en t W ith in on e y ea r o f ga ze tti ng This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 112 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 90 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS m an ag em en t gu id el in es fo r e le ph an t da m ag e to n es ts , b us h en cr oa ch m en t a nd in va siv e s pe cie s co nt ro l, l an d us e pr ac tic es an d di st ur ba nc e o f n es tin g an d ro os tin g s ite s OB JE CT IV E 2 TO SI GN IFI CA NT LY IM PR OV E T HE H EA LT H AN D BR EE DI NG PO TE NT IA L O F T HE W ILD SG H PO PU LA TIO N OB JE CT IV E T AR GE T 2 .1 To re du ce p oi so ni ng o f S GH in So ut h Af ric a b y i m pr ov ed re po rti ng an d m on ito rin g n et wo rk fo r a ll S GH p oi so ni ng ev en ts in So ut h Af ric a w ith a m ea su ra bl e re du ct io n in ag ro ch em ica l p oi so ni ng ev en ts re lat in g t o SG H in So ut h Af ric a. AC TI ON 2. 1. 1 Im pr ov e r ep or tin g o f a ll S GH m or ta lit ies to th e na tio na l m or ta lit y d at ab as e DF FE Ce nt ra lis e p op ul at io n m on ito rin g a nd m or ta lit y d at ab as e es ta bl ish ed An nu all y Ag en cy op tio na l bu dg et EC PT A, E C DE DE AT , E KZ NW , M PT A, LD ED ET , GD AR D, SA NP ar ks , SA NB I, DF FE ; M GH P, B ird Lif e S A Na tio na l m or ta lit y da ta ba se es ta bl ish ed St an da rd ise d re po rti ng Da ta sh ar in g ag re em en ts : M GH P cu st od ian s o f t he na tio na l d at ab as e W ith in on e y ea r o f ga ze tti ng M GH P Fu nd in g a nd h um an ca pa cit y AC TI ON 2. 1. 2 Co lle ct io n of da ta on th e p re va len ce o f le ad in SG H DF FE This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 113 91 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS An o pp or tu ni sti c sa m pl in g o f b lo od (fr om liv in g b ird s) or , liv er , b on e, eg gs he lls co lle ct ed fr om n es ts On go in g Ag en cy op tio na l bu dg et EC PT A, E C DE DE AT , E KZ NW , M PT A, LD ED ET , GD AR D, SA NP ar ks , SA NB I, DF FE ; M GH P, Bi rd Lif e S A, EW T, SA HG CA , W RS A Bi ob an k s am pl es Tr ain in g a nd pe rm iss io ns to ta ke an d tra ns po rt bi ol og ica l sa m pl es . SO P fo r sa m pl e/ sp ec im en co lle ct io ns de ve lo pe d (in clu di ng ch ain o f cu st od y a nd p os t m or te m s) W ith in on e y ea r o f ga ze tti ng M GH P Sa m pl e c ol le ct io n S OP de ve lo pe d M on ito rin g p ro to co l an d pr og ra m m e im pl em en te d W ith in on e y ea r o f ga ze tti ng LT T Na tio na l le ad pr ev ale nc e da ta ba se e st ab lis he d De ve lo p an d im pl em en t n on le ad am m un iti on ca m pa ign s W ith in on e y ea r o f ga ze tti ng LT T AC TI ON 2. 1. 3 Re po rt on SG H po iso ni ng an d co lla bo ra te w ith th e Na tio na l W ild lif e P oi so n P re ve nt io n W or kin g G ro up (N W PP W G) DF FE De ve lo p an d im pl em en t t ra in in g m od ul es fo r d ea lin g An nu all y a nd on go in g Ag en cy op tio na l bu dg et EC PT A, E C DE DE AT , E KZ NW , M PT A, LD ED ET , Tr ain in g m od ul es de ve lo pe d Av ail ab le ca pa cit y This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 114 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 92 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS wi th po iso ne d/ in ju re d SG H GD AR D, SA NP ar ks , SA NB I, DF FE ; M GH P, Bi rd Lif e S A, EW T Re po rt SG H po iso ni ng to N W PP W G SO P f or ve te rin ar y c ar e an d re ha bi lit at io n de ve lo pe d Co nd uc t p oi so n re sp on se an d sit e tra in in g ( all bi rd s-o f pr ey ), in clu di ng m an ag em en t o f ca rc as s r et rie va l a nd di sp os al Nu m be r o f s ta ke ho ld er s tra in ed SO P f or ve te rin ar y c ar e an d re ha bi lit at io n of af fe ct ed in di vid ua ls de ve lo pe d An nu al po iso ni ng re po rt AC TI ON 2. 1. 4 Ra ise aw ar en es s r ela tin g t o i m pa ct s o f a gr oc he m ica ls (il le ga l/o ff lab el) an d lea d am m un iti on o n SG H DF FE De ve lo p a nd di st rib ut e aw ar en es s m at er ial re lat in g t o t he im pa ct s of ag ro ch em ica ls (il le ga l/o ff lab el ) a nd W ith in tw o y ea rs of ga ze tti ng Ag en cy op tio na l bu dg et EC PT A, E C DE DE AT , E KZ NW , M PT A, LD ED ET , GD AR D, SA NP ar ks , Aw ar en es s m at er ial an d tra in in g m od ul es de ve lo pe d a nd di st rib ut ed to SG H Cu st od ian So ur cin g f un di ng to en su re C us to di an Pr og ra m m e c an b e fu lly im pl em en te d an d m ain ta in ed This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 115 93 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS le ad am m un iti on on SG H SA NB I, D FF E; M GH P, B ird Lif e S A En ga ge an d a ss ign SG H Cu sto di an s Cu sto di an sh ip tra in in g a nn ua lly SG H Cu st od ian sh ip en ga ge m en ts an d ag re em en ts in pl ac e Up da te an d re vie w SG H Cu st od ian sh ip Pr og ra m m e m at er ial an d tra in in g m od ul es Pu bl ica tio ns (p op ul ar an d pe er re vie we d) o n th e pr ev ale nc e a nd im pa ct s o f ag ro ch em ica ls an d le ad am m un iti on Re se ar ch an d p ub lis h ar tic le s o n th e pr ev ale nc e an d im pa ct s o f ag ro ch em ica ls an d le ad am m un iti on OB JE CT IV E 3 TO R ED UC E S GH O FF TA KE FO R BE LIE F BA SE D US ES OB JE CT IV E T AR GE T 3 .1 SG H is cu ltu ra lly re ve re d th ro ug ho ut th eir ra ng e, ho we ve r, th es e c ul tu ra l b eli ef sy ste m s r ely o n so m e o fft ak e f ro m th e S GH po pu lat io n an d so w e s ee k a m ea su ra bl e r ed uc tio n in ill eg al of f-t ak e i n SG H an d co m an ag em en t o f o ff ta ke s b y t ra di tio na l le ad er s t o re du ce ill eg al of fta ke o f S GH . AC TI ON 3. 1. 1 Ex pa nd c ul tu ra l p ro te ct io n in S ou th A fri ca , t hr ou gh en ga ge m en ts wi th in di ge no us kn ow led ge sy ste m s a nd tra di tio na l le ad er s DF FE Re se ar ch an d pu bl ish fin di ng s o n cu ltu ra l pe rc ep tio ns an d v alu es W ith in on e y ea r of ga ze tti ng Ag en cy op tio na l bu dg et EC PT A, E C DE DE AT , E KZ NW , M PT A, LD ED ET , GD AR D, SA NP ar ks , Pu bl ica tio ns (p op ul ar an d pe er re vie we d) on cu ltu ra l Th e s en sit ive ap pr oa ch re qu ire d t o This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 116 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 94 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS SA NB I, D FF E; M GH P, Bi rd Lif e S A, HE Is, Tr ad iti on al Le ad er sh ip Co un cil s, W LT P, Tr ad iti on al He ale rs Co un cil , D oT A, A ll re lev an t lan gu ag e gr ou p co m m un ity lea de rs. pe rc ep tio ns an d v alu es of SG H pr ev en t a ny pe rv er se ou tc om e St ak eh ol de r a nd co m m un ity en ga ge m en t Of f-t ak e a ss es sm en ts Co m an ag em en t co ns er va tio n p lan s de ve lo pe d an d im pl em en te d W ith in o ne ye ar of ga ze tti ng an d on go in g Su st ain ab le of f-t ak e sim ul at or s Co m m un ity en ga ge m en t s tra te gy de ve lo pe d an d im pl em en te d Co m m un ity en ga ge m en t Ca pa cit y as se ss m en t o f co m m un ity l ea de rs hi p str uc tu re s W ith in th re e ye ar s o f g az et tin g an d on go in g This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 117 95 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS Ca pa cit y d ev el op m en t of co m m un ity le ad er sh ip st ru ct ur es fo r s us ta in ab le m an ag em en t a nd o ff ta ke s o f S GH W ith in fi ve ye ar s of g az et tin g an d on go in g Fa cil ita te co m an ag em en t ag re em en ts OB JE CT IV E 4 TO R ED UC E S GH M OR TA LIT IE S D UE TO PE RS EC UT IO N IN R ES PO NS E T O W IN DO W D AM AG E OB JE CT IV E T AR GE T 4 .1 To en ha nc e c om m un iti es an d lan do wn er aw ar en es s c on ce rn in g S GH w in do w d am ag e, an d ch an ge at tit ud es o f a ffe ct ed p ar tie s a wa y f ro m le th al or in ju rio us ac tio ns ag ain st SG H. AC TI ON 4. 1. 1 Im pr ov e m iti ga tio n m ea su re s a ga in st im pa ct s o f br ea kin g w in do ws b y S GH an d im pl em en te d pr ot oc ol s o n h ow to pr ot ec t w in do ws fr om be in g br ok en b y t he b ird s DF FE Es ta bl ish an d m ain ta in an SG H wi nd ow br ea kin g r eg ist er da ta ba se On go in g EC PT A, E C DE DE AT , E KZ NW , M PT A, LD ED ET , GD AR D, SA NP ar ks , SA NB I, DF FE ; M GH P, Bi rd Lif e S A, HE Is, Tr ad iti on al Le ad er sh ip Co un cil s, W LT P, Tr ad iti on al He ale rs Co un cil , D oT A Na tio na l S GH w in do w br ea kin g r eg ist er da ta ba se es ta bl ish ed Re se ar ch an d p ub lis h fin di ng s o n co st ef fe ct ive m iti ga tio n Ev er y t wo ye ar s af te r g az et tin g Ag en cy op tio na l bu dg et Re vis ed e du ca tio n an d aw ar en es s m at er ial s f or th e m iti ga tio n of This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 118 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 96 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS m ea su re s a ga in st th e im pa ct s o f b re ak in g wi nd ow s b y S GH re sp on se s t o S GH w in do w da m ag e De ve lo p a nd di st rib ut e aw ar en es s m at er ial re lat in g t o br ea kin g o f wi nd ow s b y S GH in ar ea s o f r isk , s uc h as sc ho ol s, wi th af fe ct ed co m m un iti es , p riv at e lan do wn er s a nd Cu sto di an s W ith in on e y ea r of ga ze tti ng , on go in g Nu m be r o f b us in es s a nd in du st ry p ar tn er sh ip s es ta bl ish ed fo r p ro vid in g alt er na te w in do w pr ot ec tio n m at er ial De ve lo p an d im pl em en t I m m ed iat e Re sp on se an d M iti ga tio n Pr ot oc ol s W ith in on e y ea r of ga ze tti ng Fo st er re lat io ns hi ps wi th in du st ria l su pp lie rs o f m iti ga tio n m at er ial s a nd fa cil ita te pr ov isi on in g t o hi gh ris k a re as OB JE CT IV E 5 TO R ED UC E A ND EL IM IN AT E T HE CO NF LIC T A ND M OR TA LIT Y O F S GH A S A R ES UL T O F C UR RE NT A ND FU TU RE EN ER GY IN FR AS TR UC TU RE D EV EL OP M EN T OB JE CT IV E T AR GE T 5 .1 To re du ce an d eli m in at e th e m or ta lit ies of SG H th ro ug h m od ifi ca tio n an d m iti ga tio n of ex ist in g e ne rg y i nf ra str uc tu re , in clu di ng d ist rib ut io n po les an d po we r l in es , w ith in 5 ye ar s s in ce ga ze tti ng , f or ze ro SG H ele ct ro cu tio ns d ue to u ns af e di str ib ut io n po les an d m in im ise SG H co llis io ns o n po we r l in e s pa ns . This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 119 97 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS AC TI ON 5. 1. 1 M od ifi ca tio n an d m ar kin g ele ctr ica l-p ro vis io n in fra str uc tu re to re du ce SG H m or ta lit y DF FE Es ta bl ish an d m ain ta in an SG H ele ct ro cu tio n/ co llis io n re gis te r d at ab as e W ith in o ne ye ar of ga ze tti ng an d th en o ng oi ng an nu al fe ed ba ck re po rts Ag en cy op tio na l bu dg et DE , E CP TA , E C DE DE AT , E KZ NW , M PT A, LD ED ET , GD AR D, SA NP ar ks , SA NB I, DF FE ; M GH P, Bi rd Lif e S A, HE Is, EW T, ES KO M En ga ge m en t b et we en ES KO M an d E W T/ Bi rd Lif e SA /M GH P Kn ow le dg e g ap s De ve lo p h igh in cid en t po te nt ial si te id en tif ica tio n m od el (w ith in d ist rib ut io n ra ng e o ve rla pp in g po we r d ist rib ut io n lin es ) Pu bl ica tio ns (p op ul ar an d pe er re vie we d) o n th e ef fe ct ive ne ss of m iti ga tio n m ea su re s Co st o f m iti ga tio n an d m od ifi ca tio n o f ele ct ric ity pr ov isi on in g in fra str uc tu re Re se ar ch an d pu bl ish fin di ng s o f i nc id en ts o f ele ct ro cu tio n/ co llis io ns an d ef fe ct ive ne ss o f m iti ga tio n m ea su re s im pl em en te d W ith in th re e ye ar s o f ga ze tti ng an d on go in g Ad ap tiv e m an ag em en t im pl em en ta tio n of re se ar ch fi nd in gs De ve lo p gu id el in es fo r th e e ffe ct ive in su lat io n of tr an sfo rm er b ox es , liv e c om po ne nt s o f a ll ne w tra ns fo rm er bo xe s an d m ar kin g o f This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 120 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 98 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS pr ov isi on in g in fra st ru ct ur e f or im pl em en ta tio n by ES KO M in pa rtn er sh ip wi th B ird Lif e S A OB JE CT IV E T AR GE T 5 .2 To as se ss th e p ot en tia l f or w in d fa rm s a s a n e m er gin g t hr ea t t o SG H. AC TI ON 5. 2. 1 De ve lo p a pp ro pr iat e m iti ga tio n a nd m on ito rin g pr ot oc ol s f or p ot en tia l im pa ct s o f w in d fa rm s/ tu rb in es o n SG H DF FE Es ta bl ish an d m ain ta in SG H wi nd tu rb in e co llis io ns re gis te r W ith in on e y ea r of ga ze tti ng Ag en cy op tio na l bu dg et EC PT A, E C DE DE AT , E KZ NW , M PT A, LD ED ET , GD AR D, SA NP ar ks , SA NB I, DF FE , D E; M GH P, Bi rd Lif e S A, HE Is, EW T Up da te B ird Lif e SA /E W T Be st P ra ct ice G ui de lin es fo r W in d En er gy Fa cil iti es En vir on m en ta l Au th or isa tio ns to in clu de sp ec ial ist m on ito rin g r es ul ts De ve lo p h igh in cid en t pr ot oc ol si te id en tif ica tio n m od el (w ith in d ist rib ut io n ra ng e o ve rla pp in g di st rib ut io n of w in d tu rb in es ) W ith in o ne ye ar of ga ze tti ng an d on go in g St ak eh ol de r e ng ag em en ts an d BA RE SG (B ird s a nd Re ne wa bl e E ne rg y Sp ec ial ist G ro up ) a nd BA RE F ( Bi rd s a nd Re ne wa bl e E ne rg y F or um ) Re se ar ch an d pu bl ish fin di ng s o f in cid en ts of co llis io ns w ith w in d tu rb in es W ith in on e y ea r of ga ze tti ng ; in fo rm at io n m ad e a va ila bl e Su rv ei lla nc e a nd m on ito rin g r es ul ts m ad e av ail ab le b y a vif au na l sp ec ial ist s a nd pu bl ish ed This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 121 99 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS an d b es t p ra ct ice gu id eli ne s up da te d wi th in th re e y ea rs o f ga ze tti ng by B ird Lif e S A, to up da te th e B es t P ra ct ice Gu id el in es ac co rd in gly De ve lo p an d in clu de gu id el in es fo r e ffe ct ive pr e an d po st co ns tru ct io n m on ito rin g o f S GH in ex ist in g B ird Lif e SA /E W T B es t P ra ct ice Gu id eli ne s W ith in fiv e y ea rs of ga ze tti ng Pu bl ica tio ns (p op ul ar an d pe er re vie we d) o n th e im pa ct s o f w in d fa rm s o n SG H En ga ge na tio na l a nd Pr ov in cia l En vir on m en ta l Au th or isa tio n au th or iti es W ith in on e y ea r of ga ze tti ng Sp ec ies sp ec ifi c g ui de lin es fo r m iti ga tio n on im pa ct s de ve lo pe d OB JE CT IV E 6 TO R ED UC E H AB IT AT LO SS , D EG RA DA TI ON /A LT ER AT IO N AN D FR AG M EN TA TI ON O F C OR E S GH H AB ITA T OB JE CT IV E T AR GE T 6 .1 To re du ce , h alt an d r ev er se th e l os s o f c or e S GH ha bi ta t AC TI ON 6. 1. 1 In fo rm la nd u se pl an ni ng po lic ies to se cu re co re ar ea s fo r S GH DF FE M ain ta in na tio na l S GH sp at ial d ist rib ut io n da ta ba se W ith in on e y ea r of ga ze tti ng Ag en cy op tio na l bu dg et EC PT A, E C DE DE AT , E KZ NW , M PT A, LD ED ET , GD AR D, SA NP ar ks , SA NB I, D FF E, D E, Na tio na l S GH sp at ial di st rib ut io n da ta ba se Co m pl ian ce w ith En vir on m en ta l Au th or isa tio n co nd iti on s; Co ns er va tio n P lan s This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 122 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 10 0 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS M un ici pa lit ies ; M GH O, Bi rd Lif e SA , H EI s, EW T no t m ain st re am ed in to ID Ps an d SD Fs M ain ta in n at io na l S GH po pu lat io n m on ito rin g da ta ba se Pr ov in cia l p op ul at io n m on ito rin g d at ab as e SG H da ta in fo rm s Bi or eg io na l Co ns er va tio n Pl an s/ Bi od ive rs ity Sp at ial P lan s W ith in on e y ea r of ga ze tti ng , re vis ed an nu all y SA NP ar ks po pu lat io n m on ito rin g d at ab as e BC Ps /B SP s i nf or m lan d us e p lan ni ng po lic ie s, pr ot ec te d ar ea e xp an sio n st ra te gie s ( in clu di ng st ew ar ds hi p) , ID Ps an d SD Fs Na tio na l S GH po pu lat io n m on ito rin g d at ab as e SG H in clu de d in Bi rd Lif e S A Be st Pr ac tic e G ui de lin es fo r EI A as se ss m en ts W ith in on e y ea r of ga ze tti ng Be st Pr ac tic e G ui de lin es fo r E IA as se ss m en ts in clu di ng SG H De ve lo p m ain st re am be st pr ac tic e l an d us e gu id eli ne s SG H Co ns er va tio n Tr an slo ca tio n an d Re in tro du ct io n G ui de lin es This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 123 10 1 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS De ve lo p SG H co ns er va tio n tra ns lo ca tio n a nd re in tro du ct io n gu id eli ne s Be st P ra ct ice La nd u se Gu id el in es fo r S GH (a nd ste wa rd sh ip s) Pr ot ec te d Ar ea M an ag em en t P lan s in clu de d SG H po pu lat io n m on ito rin g Cl im at e c ha ng e c or rid or s in clu de SG H pa ra m et er s In te gr at e im pa ct s o f cli m at e c ha ng e o n t he m ap pi ng o f c lim at e ch an ge co rri do rs in co ns er va tio n p lan ni ng pr od uc ts OB JE CT IV E 7 TO M IN IM ISE TH E R ISK O F I NF EC TI ON O F N EW CA ST LE D ISE AS E A ND O TH ER IN FE CT IO US D ISE AS ES IN IN S IT U SG H PO PU LA TIO NS OB JE CT IV E T AR GE T 7 .1 To m ax im ize pr ev en tio n by ra pi d re sp on se , c on ta in m en t a nd aw ar en es s o f N CD an d ot he r i nf ec tio us di se as e o ut br ea ks in th e d ist rib ut io n ra ng e o f S GH . AC TI ON 7. 1. 1 To m iti ga te a ga in st im pa ct s of N CD a nd o th er in fe ct io us d ise as e ou tb re ak s i n th e di str ib ut io n ra ng e of SG H DF FE As se ss h ist or ica l N CD an d ot he r i nf ec tio us di se as e o ut br ea ks in th e d ist rib ut io n r an ge of SG H W ith in on e y ea r of ga ze tti ng Ag en cy op tio na l bu dg et EC PT A, E C DE DE AT , E KZ NW , M PT A, LD ED ET , GD AR D, SA NP ar ks , SA NB I, D FF E, N DA ; M GH P, B ird Lif e S A, NC D in cid en t r ep or tin g da ta ba se an d p ro to co ls fo r co ns er va tio n ag en cie s, sm all sc ale or su bs ist en ce sc ale p ou ltr y f ar m er s a nd sta ke ho ld er s Na tio na l N CD re po rti ng sk ew ed to po ul try sp ec ies This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 124 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 10 2 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS HE Is, EW T, Po ul try In du str y De ve lo p S GH D ise as e Ri sk A ss es sm en t NC D Re ac tio n Pr ot oc ol in clu di ng a po st m or te m of SG H ca rc as se s, an d sa m pl in g o f l ive b ird s Lo w re po rti ng /s ub m iss io n of ca rc as se s f or te sti ng M ain ta in N at io na l N CD ou tb re ak s r eg ist er da ta ba se NC D Di se as e r isk as se ss m en t f or SG H M ain ta in /e sta bl ish NC D ou tb re ak re po rti ng p ro to co l Re vis ed e du ca tio n an d aw ar en es s m at er ial s f or a re sp on se to N CD ou tb re ak s Fa cil ita te d ise as e ou tb re ak no tif ica tio n to st ak eh ol de rs De ve lo p an d im pl em en t NC D/ In fe ct io us Di se as e O ut br ea k Re ac tio n Pr ot oc ol (in clu di ng p os t m or te m an d s am pl in g) AC TI ON 7. 1. 2 As se ss th e f ea sib ilit y o f u sin g t he N CD va cc in at io n pr ot oc ol fo r t he p ro te ct io n of w ild SG H DF FE This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 125 10 3 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS M ain ta in a da ta ba se of all va cc in at io n ad m in ist ra tio n, ty pe , fre qu en cy an d re su lti ng b lo od ti tre s W ith in on e y ea r of ga ze tti ng Ag en cy op tio na l bu dg et EC PT A, E C DE DE AT , E KZ NW , M PT A, LD ED ET , GD AR D, SA NP ar ks , SA NB I, D FF E, N DA , St at e Ve te rin ar y Se rv ice s; M GH P, Bi rd Lif e SA , H EI s, EW T, P AA ZA , Po ul try In du str y Na tio na l S GH m or ta lit y da ta ba se in clu de s re po rti ng re le va nt to N CD Th e r isk as so cia te d wi th h an dl in g sp ec im en s An aly sis o f t itr es to as se ss th e e ffi ca cy of va rio us va cc in e pr ot oc ol s W ith in on e y ea r of ga ze tti ng De ve lo pm en t o f va cc in at io n p ro to co ls fo r in si tu SG H an d tra ils o f im pl em en ta tio n Fin ali se an d i m pl em en t th e v ac cin e p ro to co l fo r t he N CD W ith in tw o y ea rs of ga ze tti ng This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 126 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 10 4 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS St ak eh ol de r m at rix wi th e xis tin g pr og ra m m es an d re qu ire d cr iti ca l in te rv en tio ns de ve lo pe d St ak eh ol de r en ga ge m en t s tra te gy wi th cl ea r t ar ge ts an d re sp on sib ilit ies de ve lo pe d W ith in on e y ea r of ga ze tti ng Ea ch ag en cy to fu nd it s co m m itm en t EC PT A, E D DE DE AT , E KZ NW , M PT A, LD ED ET , GD AR D, SA NP ar ks , SA NB I, DF FE ; M GH P, B ird Lif e S A Aw ar en es s a nd ed uc at io na l c am pa ign s Fu nd in g De ve lo p a nd pa ck ag e sta ke ho ld er sp ec ifi c re so ur ce co nt en t a nd to ol s a s a pp ro ve d by SC Th en o ng oi ng Di st rib ut io n o f a wa re ne ss to ol s/ br oc hu re s In ve st iga te an d gu id e th e d ev el op m en t o f ap pr op ria te in ce nt ive s fo r p ar tic ip at io n in SG H co ns er va tio n Vo lu nt ar y ste wa rd sh ip /c us to di an sh ip sit es id en tif ied an d es ta bl ish ed Fa cil ita te sa fe sp ac es fo r S GH in co re ha bi ta t Be st p ra ct ice g ui de lin es fo r l an d m an ag em en t i n SG H ha bi ta t d ev el op ed De ve lo p an d im pl em en t This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 127 10 5 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS m an ag em en t gu id el in es fo r e le ph an t da m ag e to n es ts , b us h en cr oa ch m en t a nd in va siv e s pe cie s co nt ro l, l an d us e pr ac tic es an d di st ur ba nc e o f n es tin g an d ro os tin g s ite s OB JE CT IV E 2 TO SI GN IFI CA NT LY IM PR OV E T HE H EA LT H AN D BR EE DI NG PO TE NT IA L O F T HE W ILD SG H PO PU LA TIO N OB JE CT IV E T AR GE T 2 .1 To re du ce p oi so ni ng o f S GH in So ut h Af ric a b y i m pr ov ed re po rti ng an d m on ito rin g n et wo rk fo r a ll S GH p oi so ni ng ev en ts in So ut h Af ric a w ith a m ea su ra bl e re du ct io n in ag ro ch em ica l p oi so ni ng ev en ts re lat in g t o SG H in So ut h Af ric a. AC TI ON 2. 1. 1 Im pr ov e r ep or tin g o f a ll S GH m or ta lit ies to th e na tio na l m or ta lit y d at ab as e DF FE Ce nt ra lis e p op ul at io n m on ito rin g a nd m or ta lit y d at ab as e es ta bl ish ed An nu all y Ag en cy op tio na l bu dg et EC PT A, E C DE DE AT , E KZ NW , M PT A, LD ED ET , GD AR D, SA NP ar ks , SA NB I, DF FE ; M GH P, B ird Lif e S A Na tio na l m or ta lit y da ta ba se es ta bl ish ed St an da rd ise d re po rti ng Da ta sh ar in g ag re em en ts : M GH P cu st od ian s o f t he na tio na l d at ab as e AC TI ON 2. 1. 2 Co lle ct io n of da ta on th e p re va len ce o f le ad in SG H DF FE This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 130 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 10 6 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS An o pp or tu ni sti c sa m pl in g o f b lo od (fr om liv in g b ird s) or , liv er , b on e, eg gs he lls co lle ct ed fr om n es ts On go in g Ag en cy op tio na l bu dg et EC PT A, E C DE DE AT , E KZ NW , M PT A, LD ED ET , GD AR D, SA NP ar ks , SA NB I, DF FE ; M GH P, Bi rd Lif e S A, EW T, SA HG CA , W RS A Bi ob an k s am pl es SO P fo r sa m pl e/ sp ec im en co lle ct io ns de ve lo pe d (in clu di ng ch ain o f cu st od y a nd p os t m or te m s) Sa m pl e c ol le ct io n S OP de ve lo pe d M on ito rin g p ro to co l an d pr og ra m m e im pl em en te d Na tio na l le ad pr ev ale nc e da ta ba se e st ab lis he d De ve lo p an d im pl em en t n on le ad am m un iti on ca m pa ign s AC TI ON 2. 1. 3 Re po rt on SG H po iso ni ng an d co lla bo ra te w ith th e Na tio na l W ild lif e P oi so n P re ve nt io n W or kin g G ro up (N W PP W G) DF FE De ve lo p an d im pl em en t t ra in in g m od ul es fo r d ea lin g An nu all y a nd on go in g Ag en cy op tio na l bu dg et EC PT A, E C DE DE AT , E KZ NW , M PT A, LD ED ET , Tr ain in g m od ul es de ve lo pe d Av ail ab le ca pa cit y This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 131 10 7 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS wi th po iso ne d/ in ju re d SG H GD AR D, SA NP ar ks , SA NB I, DF FE ; M GH P, Bi rd Lif e S A, EW T Re po rt SG H po iso ni ng to N W PP W G SO P f or ve te rin ar y c ar e an d re ha bi lit at io n de ve lo pe d Co nd uc t p oi so n re sp on se an d sit e tra in in g ( all bi rd s-o f pr ey ), in clu di ng m an ag em en t o f ca rc as s r et rie va l a nd di sp os al Nu m be r o f s ta ke ho ld er s tra in ed SO P f or ve te rin ar y c ar e an d re ha bi lit at io n of af fe ct ed in di vid ua ls de ve lo pe d An nu al po iso ni ng re po rt AC TI ON 2. 1. 4 Ra ise aw ar en es s r ela tin g t o i m pa ct s o f a gr oc he m ica ls (il le ga l/o ff lab el) an d lea d am m un iti on o n SG H DF FE De ve lo p a nd di st rib ut e aw ar en es s m at er ial re lat in g t o t he im pa ct s of ag ro ch em ica ls (il le ga l/o ff lab el ) a nd W ith in tw o y ea rs of ga ze tti ng Ag en cy op tio na l bu dg et EC PT A, E C DE DE AT , E KZ NW , M PT A, LD ED ET , GD AR D, SA NP ar ks , Aw ar en es s m at er ial an d tra in in g m od ul es de ve lo pe d a nd di st rib ut ed to SG H Cu st od ian So ur cin g f un di ng to en su re C us to di an Pr og ra m m e c an b e fu lly im pl em en te d an d m ain ta in ed This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 132 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 10 8 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS le ad am m un iti on on SG H SA NB I, D FF E; M GH P, B ird Lif e S A En ga ge an d a ss ign SG H Cu sto di an s Cu sto di an sh ip tra in in g a nn ua lly SG H Cu st od ian sh ip en ga ge m en ts an d ag re em en ts in pl ac e Up da te an d re vie w SG H Cu st od ian sh ip Pr og ra m m e m at er ial an d tra in in g m od ul es Pu bl ica tio ns (p op ul ar an d pe er re vie we d) o n th e pr ev ale nc e a nd im pa ct s o f ag ro ch em ica ls an d le ad am m un iti on Re se ar ch an d p ub lis h ar tic le s o n th e pr ev ale nc e an d im pa ct s o f ag ro ch em ica ls an d le ad am m un iti on OB JE CT IV E 3 TO R ED UC E S GH O FF TA KE FO R BE LIE F BA SE D US ES OB JE CT IV E T AR GE T 3 .1 SG H is cu ltu ra lly re ve re d th ro ug ho ut th eir ra ng e, ho we ve r, th es e c ul tu ra l b eli ef sy ste m s r ely o n so m e o fft ak e f ro m th e S GH po pu lat io n an d so w e s ee k a m ea su ra bl e r ed uc tio n in ill eg al of f-t ak e i n SG H an d co m an ag em en t o f o ff ta ke s b y t ra di tio na l le ad er s t o re du ce ill eg al of fta ke o f S GH . AC TI ON 3. 1. 1 Ex pa nd c ul tu ra l p ro te ct io n in S ou th A fri ca , t hr ou gh en ga ge m en ts wi th in di ge no us kn ow led ge sy ste m s a nd tra di tio na l le ad er s DF FE Re se ar ch an d pu bl ish fin di ng s o n cu ltu ra l pe rc ep tio ns an d v alu es W ith in on e y ea r of ga ze tti ng Ag en cy op tio na l bu dg et EC PT A, E C DE DE AT , E KZ NW , M PT A, LD ED ET , GD AR D, SA NP ar ks , Pu bl ica tio ns (p op ul ar an d pe er re vie we d) on cu ltu ra l Th e s en sit ive ap pr oa ch re qu ire d t o This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 133 10 9 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS SA NB I, D FF E; M GH P, Bi rd Lif e S A, HE Is, Tr ad iti on al Le ad er sh ip Co un cil s, W LT P, Tr ad iti on al He ale rs Co un cil , D oT A, A ll re lev an t lan gu ag e gr ou p co m m un ity lea de rs. pe rc ep tio ns an d v alu es of SG H pr ev en t a ny pe rv er se ou tc om e St ak eh ol de r a nd co m m un ity en ga ge m en t Of f-t ak e a ss es sm en ts Co m an ag em en t co ns er va tio n p lan s de ve lo pe d an d im pl em en te d W ith in o ne ye ar of ga ze tti ng an d on go in g Su st ain ab le of f-t ak e sim ul at or s Co m m un ity en ga ge m en t s tra te gy de ve lo pe d an d im pl em en te d Co m m un ity en ga ge m en t Ca pa cit y as se ss m en t o f co m m un ity l ea de rs hi p str uc tu re s W ith in th re e ye ar s o f g az et tin g an d on go in g This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 134 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 11 0 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS Ca pa cit y d ev el op m en t of co m m un ity le ad er sh ip st ru ct ur es fo r s us ta in ab le m an ag em en t a nd o ff ta ke s o f S GH W ith in fi ve ye ar s of g az et tin g an d on go in g Fa cil ita te co m an ag em en t ag re em en ts OB JE CT IV E 4 TO R ED UC E S GH M OR TA LIT IE S D UE TO PE RS EC UT IO N IN R ES PO NS E T O W IN DO W D AM AG E OB JE CT IV E T AR GE T 4 .1 To en ha nc e c om m un iti es an d lan do wn er aw ar en es s c on ce rn in g S GH w in do w d am ag e, an d ch an ge at tit ud es o f a ffe ct ed p ar tie s a wa y f ro m le th al or in ju rio us ac tio ns ag ain st SG H. AC TI ON 4. 1. 1 Im pr ov e m iti ga tio n m ea su re s a ga in st im pa ct s o f br ea kin g w in do ws b y S GH an d im pl em en te d pr ot oc ol s o n h ow to pr ot ec t w in do ws fr om be in g br ok en b y t he b ird s DF FE Es ta bl ish an d m ain ta in an SG H wi nd ow br ea kin g r eg ist er da ta ba se On go in g EC PT A, E C DE DE AT , E KZ NW , M PT A, LD ED ET , GD AR D, SA NP ar ks , SA NB I, DF FE ; M GH P, Bi rd Lif e S A, HE Is, Tr ad iti on al Le ad er sh ip Co un cil s, W LT P, Tr ad iti on al He ale rs Co un cil , D oT A Na tio na l S GH w in do w br ea kin g r eg ist er da ta ba se es ta bl ish ed Re se ar ch an d p ub lis h fin di ng s o n co st ef fe ct ive m iti ga tio n Ev er y t wo ye ar s af te r g az et tin g Ag en cy op tio na l bu dg et Re vis ed e du ca tio n an d aw ar en es s m at er ial s f or th e m iti ga tio n of This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 135 11 1 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS m ea su re s a ga in st th e im pa ct s o f b re ak in g wi nd ow s b y S GH re sp on se s t o S GH w in do w da m ag e De ve lo p a nd di st rib ut e aw ar en es s m at er ial re lat in g t o br ea kin g o f wi nd ow s b y S GH in ar ea s o f r isk , s uc h as sc ho ol s, wi th af fe ct ed co m m un iti es , p riv at e lan do wn er s a nd Cu sto di an s W ith in on e y ea r of ga ze tti ng , on go in g Nu m be r o f b us in es s a nd in du st ry p ar tn er sh ip s es ta bl ish ed fo r p ro vid in g alt er na te w in do w pr ot ec tio n m at er ial De ve lo p an d im pl em en t I m m ed iat e Re sp on se an d M iti ga tio n Pr ot oc ol s W ith in on e y ea r of ga ze tti ng Fo st er re lat io ns hi ps wi th in du st ria l su pp lie rs o f m iti ga tio n m at er ial s a nd fa cil ita te pr ov isi on in g t o hi gh ris k a re as OB JE CT IV E 5 TO R ED UC E A ND EL IM IN AT E T HE CO NF LIC T A ND M OR TA LIT Y O F S GH A S A R ES UL T O F C UR RE NT A ND FU TU RE EN ER GY IN FR AS TR UC TU RE D EV EL OP M EN T OB JE CT IV E T AR GE T 5 .1 To re du ce an d eli m in at e th e m or ta lit ies of SG H th ro ug h m od ifi ca tio n an d m iti ga tio n of e xis tin g en er gy in fra str uc tu re , i nc lu di ng d ist rib ut io n po les a nd p ow er li ne s, wi th in 5 y ea rs s in ce g az et tin g, fo r z er o SG H ele ct ro cu tio ns d ue to u ns af e di str ib ut io n po les an d m in im ise SG H co llis io ns o n po we r l in e s pa ns . This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 136 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 11 2 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS AC TI ON 5. 1. 1 M od ifi ca tio n an d m ar kin g ele ctr ica l-p ro vis io n in fra str uc tu re to re du ce SG H m or ta lit y DF FE Es ta bl ish an d m ain ta in an SG H ele ct ro cu tio n/ co llis io n re gis te r d at ab as e W ith in o ne ye ar of ga ze tti ng an d th en o ng oi ng an nu al fe ed ba ck re po rts Ag en cy op tio na l bu dg et DE , E CP TA , E C DE DE AT , E KZ NW , M PT A, LD ED ET , GD AR D, SA NP ar ks , SA NB I, DF FE ; M GH P, Bi rd Lif e S A, HE Is, EW T, ES KO M En ga ge m en t b et we en ES KO M an d E W T/ Bi rd Lif e SA /M GH P Kn ow le dg e g ap s De ve lo p h igh in cid en t po te nt ial si te id en tif ica tio n m od el (w ith in d ist rib ut io n ra ng e o ve rla pp in g po we r d ist rib ut io n lin es ) Pu bl ica tio ns (p op ul ar an d pe er re vie we d) o n th e ef fe ct ive ne ss of m iti ga tio n m ea su re s Co st o f m iti ga tio n an d m od ifi ca tio n o f ele ct ric ity pr ov isi on in g in fra str uc tu re Re se ar ch an d pu bl ish fin di ng s o f i nc id en ts o f ele ct ro cu tio n/ co llis io ns an d ef fe ct ive ne ss o f m iti ga tio n m ea su re s im pl em en te d W ith in th re e ye ar s o f ga ze tti ng an d on go in g Ad ap tiv e m an ag em en t im pl em en ta tio n of re se ar ch fi nd in gs De ve lo p gu id el in es fo r th e e ffe ct ive in su lat io n of tr an sfo rm er b ox es , liv e c om po ne nt s o f a ll ne w tra ns fo rm er bo xe s an d m ar kin g o f This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 137 11 3 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS pr ov isi on in g in fra st ru ct ur e f or im pl em en ta tio n by ES KO M in pa rtn er sh ip wi th B ird Lif e S A OB JE CT IV E T AR GE T 5 .2 To as se ss th e p ot en tia l f or w in d fa rm s a s a n e m er gin g t hr ea t t o SG H. AC TI ON 5. 2. 1 De ve lo p a pp ro pr iat e m iti ga tio n a nd m on ito rin g pr ot oc ol s f or p ot en tia l im pa ct s o f w in d fa rm s/ tu rb in es o n SG H DF FE Es ta bl ish an d m ain ta in SG H wi nd tu rb in e co llis io ns re gis te r W ith in on e y ea r of ga ze tti ng Ag en cy op tio na l bu dg et EC PT A, E C DE DE AT , E KZ NW , M PT A, LD ED ET , GD AR D, SA NP ar ks , SA NB I, DF FE , D E; M GH P, Bi rd Lif e S A, HE Is, EW T Up da te B ird Lif e SA /E W T Be st P ra ct ice G ui de lin es fo r W in d En er gy Fa cil iti es En vir on m en ta l Au th or isa tio ns to in clu de sp ec ial ist m on ito rin g r es ul ts De ve lo p h igh in cid en t pr ot oc ol si te id en tif ica tio n m od el (w ith in d ist rib ut io n ra ng e o ve rla pp in g di st rib ut io n of w in d tu rb in es ) W ith in o ne ye ar of ga ze tti ng an d on go in g St ak eh ol de r e ng ag em en ts an d BA RE SG (B ird s a nd Re ne wa bl e E ne rg y Sp ec ial ist G ro up ) a nd BA RE F ( Bi rd s a nd Re ne wa bl e E ne rg y F or um ) Re se ar ch an d pu bl ish fin di ng s o f in cid en ts of co llis io ns w ith w in d tu rb in es W ith in on e y ea r of ga ze tti ng ; in fo rm at io n m ad e a va ila bl e Su rv ei lla nc e a nd m on ito rin g r es ul ts m ad e av ail ab le b y a vif au na l sp ec ial ist s a nd pu bl ish ed This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 138 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 11 4 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS an d b es t p ra ct ice gu id eli ne s up da te d wi th in th re e y ea rs o f ga ze tti ng by B ird Lif e S A, to up da te th e B es t P ra ct ice Gu id el in es ac co rd in gly De ve lo p an d in clu de gu id el in es fo r e ffe ct ive pr e an d po st co ns tru ct io n m on ito rin g o f S GH in ex ist in g B ird Lif e SA /E W T B es t P ra ct ice Gu id eli ne s W ith in fiv e y ea rs of ga ze tti ng Pu bl ica tio ns (p op ul ar an d pe er re vie we d) o n th e im pa ct s o f w in d fa rm s o n SG H En ga ge na tio na l a nd Pr ov in cia l En vir on m en ta l Au th or isa tio n au th or iti es W ith in on e y ea r of ga ze tti ng Sp ec ies sp ec ifi c g ui de lin es fo r m iti ga tio n on im pa ct s de ve lo pe d OB JE CT IV E 6 TO R ED UC E H AB IT AT LO SS , D EG RA DA TI ON /A LT ER AT IO N AN D FR AG M EN TA TI ON O F C OR E S GH H AB ITA T OB JE CT IV E T AR GE T 6 .1 To re du ce , h alt an d r ev er se th e l os s o f c or e S GH ha bi ta t AC TI ON 6. 1. 1 In fo rm la nd u se pl an ni ng po lic ies to se cu re co re ar ea s fo r S GH DF FE M ain ta in na tio na l S GH sp at ial d ist rib ut io n da ta ba se W ith in on e y ea r of ga ze tti ng Ag en cy op tio na l bu dg et EC PT A, E C DE DE AT , E KZ NW , M PT A, LD ED ET , GD AR D, SA NP ar ks , SA NB I, D FF E, D E, Na tio na l S GH sp at ial di st rib ut io n da ta ba se Co m pl ian ce w ith En vir on m en ta l Au th or isa tio n co nd iti on s; Co ns er va tio n P lan s This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 139 11 5 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS M un ici pa lit ies ; M GH O, Bi rd Lif e SA , H EI s, EW T no t m ain st re am ed in to ID Ps an d SD Fs M ain ta in n at io na l S GH po pu lat io n m on ito rin g da ta ba se Pr ov in cia l p op ul at io n m on ito rin g d at ab as e SG H da ta in fo rm s Bi or eg io na l Co ns er va tio n Pl an s/ Bi od ive rs ity Sp at ial P lan s W ith in on e y ea r of ga ze tti ng , re vis ed an nu all y SA NP ar ks po pu lat io n m on ito rin g d at ab as e BC Ps /B SP s i nf or m lan d us e p lan ni ng po lic ie s, pr ot ec te d ar ea e xp an sio n st ra te gie s ( in clu di ng st ew ar ds hi p) , ID Ps an d SD Fs Na tio na l S GH po pu lat io n m on ito rin g d at ab as e SG H in clu de d in Bi rd Lif e S A Be st Pr ac tic e G ui de lin es fo r EI A as se ss m en ts W ith in on e y ea r of ga ze tti ng Be st Pr ac tic e G ui de lin es fo r E IA as se ss m en ts in clu di ng SG H De ve lo p m ain st re am be st pr ac tic e l an d us e gu id eli ne s SG H Co ns er va tio n Tr an slo ca tio n an d Re in tro du ct io n G ui de lin es This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 140 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 11 6 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS De ve lo p SG H co ns er va tio n tra ns lo ca tio n a nd re in tro du ct io n gu id eli ne s Be st P ra ct ice La nd u se Gu id el in es fo r S GH (a nd ste wa rd sh ip s) Pr ot ec te d Ar ea M an ag em en t P lan s in clu de d SG H po pu lat io n m on ito rin g Cl im at e c ha ng e c or rid or s in clu de SG H pa ra m et er s In te gr at e im pa ct s o f cli m at e c ha ng e o n t he m ap pi ng o f c lim at e ch an ge co rri do rs in co ns er va tio n p lan ni ng pr od uc ts OB JE CT IV E 7 TO M IN IM ISE TH E R ISK O F I NF EC TI ON O F N CD A ND O TH ER IN FE CT IO US D ISE AS E I N IN S IT U SG H PO PU LA TIO NS OB JE CT IV E T AR GE T 7 .1 To m ax im ize pr ev en tio n by ra pi d re sp on se , c on ta in m en t a nd aw ar en es s o f N CD an d ot he r i nf ec tio us di se as e o ut br ea ks in th e d ist rib ut io n ra ng e o f S GH . AC TI ON 7. 1. 1 To m iti ga te a ga in st im pa ct s of N CD a nd o th er in fe ct io us d ise as e ou tb re ak s i n th e di str ib ut io n ra ng e of SG H DF FE As se ss h ist or ica l N CD an d ot he r i nf ec tio us di se as e o ut br ea ks in th e d ist rib ut io n r an ge of SG H W ith in on e y ea r of ga ze tti ng Ag en cy op tio na l bu dg et EC PT A, E C DE DE AT , E KZ NW , M PT A, LD ED ET , GD AR D, SA NP ar ks , SA NB I, D FF E, N DA ; M GH P, B ird Lif e S A, NC D in cid en t r ep or tin g da ta ba se an d p ro to co ls fo r co ns er va tio n ag en cie s, sm all sc ale or su bs ist en ce sc ale p ou ltr y f ar m er s a nd sta ke ho ld er s Na tio na l N CD re po rti ng sk ew ed to po ul try sp ec ies This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 No. 49379 141 11 7 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS HE Is, EW T, Po ul try In du str y De ve lo p S GH D ise as e Ri sk A ss es sm en t NC D Re ac tio n Pr ot oc ol in clu di ng a po st m or te m of SG H ca rc as se s, an d sa m pl in g o f l ive b ird s Lo w re po rti ng /s ub m iss io n of ca rc as se s f or te sti ng M ain ta in N at io na l N CD ou tb re ak s r eg ist er da ta ba se NC D Di se as e r isk as se ss m en t f or SG H M ain ta in /e sta bl ish NC D ou tb re ak re po rti ng p ro to co l Re vis ed e du ca tio n an d aw ar en es s m at er ial s f or a re sp on se to N CD ou tb re ak s Fa cil ita te d ise as e ou tb re ak no tif ica tio n to st ak eh ol de rs De ve lo p an d im pl em en t NC D/ In fe ct io us Di se as e O ut br ea k Re ac tio n Pr ot oc ol (in clu di ng p os t m or te m an d s am pl in g) AC TI ON 7. 1. 2 As se ss th e f ea sib ilit y o f u sin g t he N CD va cc in at io n pr ot oc ol fo r t he p ro te ct io n of w ild SG H DF FE This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 142 No. 49379 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 29 SEpTEMbER 2023 11 8 SE CT IO N BM P S A CT IO NS & AC TIV ITI ES TIM EF RA M E FU ND IN G / RE SO UR CE S IM PL EM EN TIN G AG EN CI ES / CO LL AB OR AT OR S RE SP ON SIB LE AG EN CY (R EP OR TIN G) M EA SU RA BL E O UT CO M ES PR OG RE SS CH AL LE NG ES / CO RR EC TIV E M EA SU RE S IM PL EM EN TA TIO N IM PL IC AT IO NS M ain ta in a da ta ba se of all va cc in at io n ad m in ist ra tio n, ty pe , fre qu en cy an d re su lti ng b lo od ti tre s W ith in on e y ea r of ga ze tti ng Ag en cy op tio na l bu dg et EC PT A, E C DE DE AT , E KZ NW , M PT A, LD ED ET , GD AR D, SA NP ar ks , SA NB I, D FF E, N DA , St at e Ve te rin ar y Se rv ice s; M GH P, Bi rd Lif e SA , H EI s, EW T, P AA ZA , Po ul try In du str y Na tio na l S GH m or ta lit y da ta ba se in clu de s re po rti ng re le va nt to N CD Th e r isk as so cia te d wi th h an dl in g sp ec im en s An aly sis o f t itr es to as se ss th e e ffi ca cy of va rio us va cc in e pr ot oc ol s W ith in on e y ea r of ga ze tti ng De ve lo pm en t o f va cc in at io n p ro to co ls fo r in si tu SG H an d tra ils o f im pl em en ta tio n Fin ali se an d i m pl em en t th e v ac cin e p ro to co l fo r t he N CD W ith in tw o y ea rs of ga ze tti ng