Range expansion of the yellowbilled oxpecker Buphagus africanus into the Kruger National Park, South Africa

Abstract

Yellowbilled oxpecker, long believed extinct as a breeding species in the Republic of South Africa, has been recorded regularly in the Kruger National Park since 1979. The first definite indication of breeding was recorded in January 1984, and final confirmation of breeding was observed in December 1985. The recovery of the ungulate populations of the park from overhunting and rinderpest during the long period of absolute protection stretching from 1902, has ensured a suitable habitat for immigrant yellowbilled oxpeckers. -from Author