This study looked at the nesting habits of raptors, specifically the White-backed vulture (Gyps africanus) and the African fish eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer), in Lochinvar National Park in Zambia. The study's main goal was to see if tree species, height, girth size, and habitat influenced raptor nest placement within Lochinvar National Park. Two species were chosen to serve as ecological indicators for all raptors. Habitat types and tree species were identified, and tree species with nests were measured. The minimum height for nest placement was discovered to be 10 meters above ground, and Acacia woodland was discovered to be the most preferred habitat for nest placement. Raptors stayed away from human disturbance, such as roads, by locating their nests at least 100 meters away from human disturbance and from the National Park boundary inwards, or by abandoning the nest if human encroachment gets too close. The construction of new roads and buildings, as well as an increase in human activity in such habitats, may cause raptors to abandon their nests. New infrastructure in the National Park should avoid areas with a high density of raptor nests because raptors have been known to return to the same nest to lay eggs. More research is needed to evaluate the nesting materials used, as well as to determine whether raptors can swap nets or return to abandoned nests when human disturbance ceases.
Author (S) Details
Dr. Chansa Chomba
School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Mulungushi University, P.O. Box 80415, Kabwe, Zambia.
Eneya M’Simuko
School of Natural Resources, Copperbelt University, Kitwe, Zambia.
View Book :- https://stm.bookpi.org/CIEES-V5/article/view/1833
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