Weaver Wednesday 3 [239] - Range changes [2]: White-browed Sparrow-Weaver

Weaver Wednesday 3: range changes in S Africa (species text)

White-browed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser mahali

Range changes in SA

1. Population increase in the Eastern Cape
The White-browed Sparrow-Weaver has increased in numbers and range in the Eastern Cape, spreading southwards through the Cradock district since 1950.

2. Historic southern limit
Other than the isolated Eastern Cape population, the southern limit of the White-browed Sparrow-Weaver is about 31S, although the limit of the core (higher reporting rate) is about 30S.

3. Population increase in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park shows large increases between SABAP1 and SABAP2, so that the central core range of the White-browed Sparrow-Weaver appears to extend into the Park.

4. Population increase in the Free State
There are widespread large increases in reporting rate in the Free State (other than the western parts).

5. Population increase in KwaZulu-Natal
There are increases and decreases in reporting rate in localised grids in KwaZulu-Natal - there are also additional published sightings in other parts of the province, showing increasing records, probably due to increasing bush encroachment.

6. Population increase in the Lowveld and Kruger National Park
There are increases in reporting rate in the Lowveld and Kruger National Park - there are also additional published sightings in this region, showing increasing records, probably due to increasing bush encroachment.

Range changes elsewhere