Millions of swallows saved by new radar system
04/05/2006 00:00:00Bird detection radar is being installed at a new airport in South Africa to help save five million swallows threatened by airport expansion. Pilots flying in and out of La Mercy Airport in South Africa – being built for the 2010 World Cup - will be warned when large numbers of swallows are flying to an adjacent reedbed below and asked if they want to delay landing or approach from another direction.
The swallows, many of which breed in the UK and other parts of Europe, roost overnight at the site, swooping and diving above the reeds for up to 45 minutes catching airborne insects before seeking sanctuary below. The site was threatened last November by construction of the new Durban International Airport, prompting public outcry worldwide and campaigns against the development by conservationists in South Africa and the UK.
Neil Smith of BirdLife South Africa, said: ‘This is a fantastic result and one that has taken a year of bargaining to achieve. The airport operators now appreciate just how important this reedbed is to maintaining international swallow populations.
‘We’re confident that little harm will be done to the swallows which means the number of birds flying to Britain each spring should not be affected by this development. The support of people from the UK and elsewhere has been crucial in persuading the airport operators to take these unprecedented steps. ‘
Major tourism attraction
The swallow spectacle over Mount Moreland attracts tourists and sightseers from all over the world and is regarded as one of South Africa’s most stunning wildlife attractions.
Neil Smith of BirdLife South Africa, said: ‘This is a fantastic result and one that has taken a year of bargaining to achieve. The airport operators now appreciate just how important this reedbed is to maintaining international swallow populations.
‘We’re confident that little harm will be done to the swallows which means the number of birds flying to Britain each spring should not be affected by this development. The support of people from the UK and elsewhere has been crucial in persuading the airport operators to take these unprecedented steps. ‘
Major tourism attraction
The swallow spectacle over Mount Moreland attracts tourists and sightseers from all over the world and is regarded as one of South Africa’s most stunning wildlife attractions.
‘The swallows have no other roosting site for thousands of miles because the reedbed is surrounded by swathes of sugar cane plantations,’ Neil Smith said. ‘If the reedbed had been destroyed, the birds would have had no-where else to go.’
Mount Moreland has this year been classified an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International because of its importance to the swallows. The reedbed is thought to host more than eight per cent of the millions of swallows breeding in Europe and is also important for lesser kestrels, corncrakes and crowned eagles.
Swallow populations have fallen in Britain probably because of drought and pesticide use on their migration route and the conversion of farm buildings and other UK nesting sites.
Dr Chris Magin, Africa Officer for the RSPB, which has helped lobby for the new solution, said: ‘The threat to this roost raised huge concerns across the world and this agreement is an excellent example of collaboration between conservationists and business.
‘It would have been a tragedy if these swallows were forced away because swallow populations throughout Europe would have been affected. The bird is an icon of autumn in South Africa just as it is a glorious symbol of spring in the UK.’
Mount Moreland has this year been classified an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International because of its importance to the swallows. The reedbed is thought to host more than eight per cent of the millions of swallows breeding in Europe and is also important for lesser kestrels, corncrakes and crowned eagles.
Swallow populations have fallen in Britain probably because of drought and pesticide use on their migration route and the conversion of farm buildings and other UK nesting sites.
Dr Chris Magin, Africa Officer for the RSPB, which has helped lobby for the new solution, said: ‘The threat to this roost raised huge concerns across the world and this agreement is an excellent example of collaboration between conservationists and business.
‘It would have been a tragedy if these swallows were forced away because swallow populations throughout Europe would have been affected. The bird is an icon of autumn in South Africa just as it is a glorious symbol of spring in the UK.’
