News and Stories
Swifts and Swallows: Convergent Evolution in Action
Every summer, our skies around Hoedspruit are full of agile and fast birds flying around picking insects out of the air. In the dying days of our summer, some such as the barn swallow, muster in large numbers in trees and along wires for the long journey back to the far reaches of the Northern Hemisphere. Given that swifts and swallows are so similar in form, habits, and feeding, one could be forgiven for thinking that they are related. They
The Truth About Keystone Species
The Truth About Keystone Species The idea of keystone species has become central to how many people understand ecosystem dynamics, particularly within the fields of conservation and wildlife guiding. For those working in safari guiding or nature education, grasping the origin, development, and current challenges of the keystone species concept is essential for accurate interpretation of ecological relationships and informed communication with clients or audiences. Origins of the Keystone Species Concept The keystone species concept was first introduced by the
Some of my short videos about birds
Here are some of the short-form videos that I have posted to TikTok about birds. This is a fairly random mixture. Use Newest First if you want to see the latest ones, or Oldest first if you want to start from the beginning.
Finding a New Species, Lithophyllum cuneatum, and the parallel with grasses
Finding a New Species, Lithophyllum cuneatum, and the parallel with grasses Once upon a time, I had the incredible privilege of spending a year on sabbatical in Fiji. While there, I dived almost every day, studying the calcified coralline algae on the coral reefs there. I was based out of the Marine Studies Program building on the shore of the lagoon behind the amazing offshore barrier reef. The building was a Second World War wooden building that we always joked
Digging deep into the genus Euplectes
Digging deep into the genus Euplectes This webinar explores what Bishops and Widows have to teach us. It is part of a series delving into how to create a better understanding of birds leading to an improved birding experience. The genus Euplectes belongs to the weaver family, the Ploceidae, and comprises the bishops and widowbirds. All 17 species of Euplectes are native to sub-Saharan Africa, and are well represented in South Africa. All members of this genus have colourful males,
Colour as made, seen and evolved in birds
Colour as Made, Seen and Evolved in Birds Bird colours are often very beautiful, but many are often fairly drab. Have you ever wondered how bird colours have evolved, how colours are produced, and how birds see colour? In this webinar Dr Keats will explore selection pressures that lead to particular colours patterns evolving, delve into the basic methods of colour production in birds, and look into how birds see colour and how that differs from how we see colour.