Action Plan

The Raptors Namibia Action Plan was developed at a Birds of Prey workshop at Waterberg Plateau Park in February 2005.

The Action Plan aims to address some of the threats facing raptors today in Namibia - disturbance, particularly at breeding sites; the misuse of poisons and pesticides; electrocution and collisions with overhead lines; habitat degradation; persecution; illegal harvesting; and drowning in reservoirs. Several of the actions are already being implemented, but will benefit by increased co-ordination; new actions will be incorporated into existing programmes/initiatives where possible, with a focus on increasing public involvement.

The six-point plan identifies the following priorities. Click on the [Expand] and [Hide] buttons to see and hide the detailed actions identified:

1. Promote co-ordination and communication [Expand]

1.1	Appoint working group co-ordinators
1.2	Develop a raptor working group with sub-groups for projects
1.3	Promote co-ordination and communication for all projects below (see also 3)
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2. Obtain information/data [Expand]

2.1	Assess/determine needs for further information
2.2	Aerial surveys
	--> Co-ordinate where possible
2.3	Ringing programmes
	--> Reassess rationale/objectives and continue with ringing programmes
	--> Increase effort to obtain ring resightings/recoveries
	--> Increase public involvement in programmes (see also 4)
2.4	Satellite/radio tracking programmes
	--> Continue with tracking programme for Cape Vultures
	--> Expand the programmme to other targetted species/areas
2.5	Avifaunal database
	--> Update existing database
	--> Provide internet access to database
	--> Determine procedures for entry of information by participants
2.6	Raptor Road Counts
	--> Reinstate the programme
	--> Popularise the roadcounts
	--> Determine data needs to determine status and population trends; identify focal species
2.7	Further research programmes
	--> Traditional beliefs and knowledge of raptors
2.8	Analyse data and provide feedback (see 3)
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3. Promote awareness and education [Expand]

3.1	Target relevant audiences, working through existing initiatives where possible
	--> Commercial and communal farming areas/conservancies
	--> Roadcount participants, MET/MAWRD, bird/nature clubs
	--> Media
	--> Schools, Polytechnic, UNAM
	--> Tourists, tourism staff/guides
3.2	Methods/materials
	--> Newsletter, website, radio programmes, technical reports, electronic and hard copies, popular "fun" information, competitions, posters
	--> Brochure on correct procedures for bird trapping and ringing (see 5.3)
	--> Develop further awareness materials as required
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4. Manage raptor populations and habitats by addressing threats [Expand]

4.1	Apply scientific results (see 2) for developing practical conservation measures
4.2	Prioritise and address threats outlined in Red Data Book, including:
	--> Disturbance, particularly at breeding sites
	--> Misuse of poisons, pesticides and other agricultural chemicals
	--> Electrocution and collisions with overhead lines
	--> Habitat degradation
	--> Direct persecution
	--> Illegal harvesting (Investigate a sustainable supply for traditional medicine trade)
	--> Drowning in reservoirs
4.3	Develop species and/or area-based action plans in consultation with local communities (commercial and communal farms, conservancies) by:
	(1) promoting awareness of conservation issues;
	(2) agreeing on priorities and process at a meeting; and
	(3) implementing and supporting actions
4.4	See also 5
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5. Build capacity [Expand]

5.1	Circulate a questionnaire to determine needs for implementing projects
5.2	Identify targets for capacity building
	--> Land custodians (see 4.3)
	--> General public, especially youth and volunteers
	--> Government institutions
5.3	Promote training and skills development through existing organisations/initiatives
	--> Polytechnic, UNAM
	--> Namibia Bird Club
	--> NamRingers (Recruit and provide training courses for new ringers; Compile a brochure on procedures for trapping and ringing (see 3.2)
5.4	Lobby with MET and/or like-minded institutions for ornithological posts/services
5.5	Increase financial capacity
	--> Investigate partnerships e.g. with BirdLife International, Wildlife Society, CBNRM agencies
	--> Compile fundraising proposals
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6. Define protocols and policy and promote the enforcement of legislation [Expand]

6.1	Compile list of priority species for blood sampling for DNA etc. and co-ordinate sampling protocol
6.2	Although important, further aspects under this point will be addressed on an ad hoc basis at this stage
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