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Melodious Lark Spotlewerik Mirafra cheniana Records: 65 Red Data Book: Near-Threatened. |
Drafted by Faansie Peacock 1st Draft: 27 December 2004 Reviewed on 9 May 2005 by Etienne Marais Send comments/inputs to the |
Distribution: This species occurs widely, albeit sparsely in the grassland areas of the region. Apparently most common in the grasslands to the north-east of the region (north and north-east of Bronkorstspruit. But also Bapsfontein, Rayton and Verena/Mabusa areas. Also occurs in the Brandbacht conservancy, Rietvlei Dam NR and in Suikerbosrand NR. Significant numbers in localities east of Pretoria and between Midrand and Centurion. A few records from grassland in the bushveld regions to the north (Buffelsdrift, Pienaarsrivier) Gaps in Knowledge: Extent of distribution in the South of the Area (south of Heidelberg, Vaaldam area, Winter records, Numbers Habitat: Grassland, in rather flat to slightly undulating terrain is favoured. Tolerant of mild disturbance and often occurs on the edge of suburbia, sandworks and agricultural areas, where it is particularly attracted to Eragrostis pastures. Status and movements: Breeding resident. Locally abundant at breeding sites. Movements in winter not well understood. May remain in breeding areas for some time afterwards, but often displaced due to veldt fires at the end of winter, after which time only returns if grass cover once again becomes suitable. Somewhat nomadic, with local movements. Winter records at Mabusa, Cullinan. Population: During the summer display flights of males population estimates were made of 1.3 - 5.1 (av: 2.0) pairs / ha (Peacock (1997). Conservation: Most records were obtained from outside protected areas, with relatively low impact agricultural practises. Overgrazing and veld management practises may be primary threats. Suikerbosrand and Ezemvelo Nature Reserve are two important conservation areas where this bird occurs, although numbers here may be less than 5% of the Population. | |