Weaver Wednesday 3: range changes in S Africa (Series)

Overview of range changes in SA

All species show increases and decreases of varying magnitude in different grid cells, but most weavers showed more increases than decreases. A new species was added to the South African list, the Chestnut Weaver! As a result this species shows the highest percentage increase, although only in a few grid cells. Six species had slightly more cells with decreases than increases: two savanna species (Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver, Scaly-feathered Finch), a wetland species (Southern Brown-throated Weaver), and 3 Euplectes species (Yellow Bishop, Yellow-crowned Bishop, Long-tailed Widowbird).

The species with the largest area of large increases is the Red-billed Quelea. Range expansions and large increases (in parts of their range) are also shown by White-browed Sparrow-Weaver, Thick-billed Weaver, Red-headed Quelea, Fan-tailed Widowbird, and White-winged Widowbird.

Major changes in the Kruger National Park are decreases by Lesser Masked Weaver, Village Weaver (large decreases throughout), Thick-billed Weaver, and Southern Red Bishop. White-browed Sparrow-Weaver and Scaly-feathered Finch are gradually expanding into the Kruger National Park.

Species list of weavers, showing overall changes in South Africa, with links to the Weaver Wednesday story.