Status, distribution and numbers of birds in the Ogongo Game Park, north-central Namibia

Abstract

In 2012, a simplified territory mapping method was employed to study the distribution and numbers of all birds breeding in the Ogongo Game Park (OGP). OGP is situated approximately 50 km north-west of Oshakati, in the Outapi district, Omusati region, North-Central Namibia. The area of the park is approximately 1000 ha. The vegetation of OGP comprises mainly mopane savanna Colophospermum-Acacia nilotica. In total, 142 bird species were recorded: 101 breeding residents, 19 regular visitors, 10 irregular visitors, 3 vagrants, 10 Palaearctic migrants. Maps showing the distribution of identified territories are presented for all breeding species. The dominant species were Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola (14.2%), Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris (9.3%), White-browed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser mahali (9.3%) and Blue Waxbill Uraeginthus angolensis (8.3%). Nine other species were classified as subdominant, comprising a further 27.7% of all breeding birds.