The capture of a large number of Red-billed Oxpeckers Buphagus erythrorhynchus and their subsequent maintenance and behaviour

Abstract

The capture and relocation of oxpeckers Buphagus spp. has been previously documented on several occasions. However, the issue of capturing, transporting and holding, both temporarily and permanently, a large number (n > 100) of oxpeckers has yet to be addressed or recorded. We detail the conditions and procedures utilised for such purposes at the Mokopane Biodiversity Conservation Centre of the National Zoological Gardens, South Africa. Included are aviary design, diet plan, host incorporation, management and behaviour of captive Red-billed Oxpeckers B. erythrorhynchus. It is hoped that the protocol described will assist future capture-translocation operations and contribute to the successful permanent holding of large numbers of oxpeckers.