NSHOM Docas Looh
Feeding Ecology, Movement patterns and Conservation implications of Yellow-billed Oxpeckers (Buphagus africanus) in Ndawara, Cameroon
Cameroon —
The Yellow-billed Oxpeckers here after referred to as YBOs perch and feed on ectoparasites. In a day an adult will take more than 100 engorged female Boophilus decoloratus ticks or 13,000 larvae but the farmers are not yet aware of the ecological role played by this species. Yellow-billed Oxpeckers (YBOs) Buphagus africanus was once on the brink of extinction due to increased use of vertebrate poisonous acaricides, the rinderpest epidemic of 1896-1897, possible reduction in large trees that provide nesting cavities and the over-hunting of large ungulates and during our field studies, we noted that the YBOs are facing numerous severe threats from anthropogenic activities but the livestock farmers are not yet aware of the negatives effects of their activities to them, humans and the environmental. We will assess the population status of YBOs in the Ndawara Ranch and determine their feeding ecology and movement patterns. Population status (seasonal variation and distribution) assessment using point count method, feeding patterns data collections have started through direct observation with the aid of binoculars, movement patterns will be assessed through radio tracking by triangulation, and administration of questionnaires approach to collect data on human perceptions and anthropogenic activities have also started.