BIRDS ASSOCIATED WITH PAFURI GALLERY FOREST

Abstract

The Pafuri River is really a misnomer applied to the Levhuvhu River after its junction with the Mutale River. This far northern area of the Kruger National Park represents a distinctive tropical intrusion into the Transvaal. Some indications of progressive elephant damage to the gallery forest are given from Mr Harold Mockford, who lived at Crooks' Corner for 47 years. This paper consolidates some observations on birds encountered there, including by mist-netting at Crooks' Corner. The Kruger Park distribution of at least 15 species is practically restricted to this area and associated with the gallery forest. This includes such peripheral species as the Thickbilled Cuckoo.