FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology

Cisticolas are masters of coexistence. In some parts of Africa, up to 15 species live side by side in the same area, each occupying its own ecological niche.

With 53 recognised species worldwide, the genus Cisticola ranks among the most species-rich bird genera on Earth. All but one species occur in Africa, highlighting the continent's incredible avian diversity.

The Sociable Weaver Project is seeking a Field Manager from August 2026 (6–8 months minimum). Join a long-term research project at Benfontein Nature Reserve studying cooperation in sociable weavers.
📅 Apply by 15 June 2026
https://sociableweaverproject.com/recruitment/managers

🎓 Applications are open for the 2027 Conservation Biology MSc at the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology. Train to tackle real-world conservation challenges in an interdisciplinary, science-based programme.

📅 Applications close 31 August 2026.

https://bit.ly/3Q15FJg

Wind energy creates a “green–green” dilemma: cutting emissions but risking biodiversity. For Verreaux’s Eagle, fixed high-risk collision models improve protection by ~6–7% without reducing developable space, helping bridge the research–implementation gap.
https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.13799

A reminder that our next FitzPatrick Seminar will take place on Thursday 21 May at 13:00 📚

“The birds and the bees: trait-based assembly of plant-animal networks,” presented by Zafar Monier, explores how traits shape interactions between plants, pollinators, and seed predators in the Cape Floristic Region.

📍 Niven Library, John Day Building

🦅The distribution of Verreaux's Eagles is closely tied to mountains and hyrax across sub-Saharan Africa. Long seen as a hyrax specialist, some populations show higher breeding success with a more diverse diet, revealing surprising ecological flexibility.
https://doi.org/10.1111%2Fjav.00944

Bird of the Month: Verreaux’s Eagle 🦅
This month, we spotlight the Verreaux's Eagle, a powerful cliff-dwelling raptor of Africa’s rocky landscapes. Known for the striking white “V” on its back and its precision hunting, it’s a key apex predator in these ecosystems.

Please note: Today's seminar scheduled for Wednesday 13 May at 13:00 with Charles Mpofu has been cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

We’re excited to announce the next Seminar on Wednesday 13 May at 13:00 📚

Charles Mpofu will present on Wattled Crane ecology, movement patterns, breeding success, and conservation in the Okavango Delta.

📍 Niven Library, John Day Building