New records of 45 bird species in the desert margins area of the North-West Province, South Africa

Abstract

New records and possible range extensions are reported on 45 bird species (ca 25% of the 167 species recorded during surveys) in the Bophirima district of the North-West Province, South Africa. The findings were compared with data in The Atlas of Southern African Birds. The main reasons for these new records may be ascribed to the low number of visits during the atlas project, higher precipitation during the time of our observations versus that of the atlas project, and possibly an increased suitability of the area for some bird species due to human habitation. These new records also provide additional information that may be useful in conservation planning, especially in arid areas. Heuningvlei Pan in particular, should be considered for additional conservation measures.