Pelicans are back
The pelicans are back in Richards Bay - as spotted at Thulasihleka Pan and caught on camera by local birdwatcher, Pat de Korte
Tanya Waterworth
Thulasihleka Pan is one of Richards Bay's most important water bird areas and globally recognised as an Important Birding Area (IBA) and pelicans have been seen back in the pan.
In the winter months flocks of hundreds of Pelicans congregate here, including 85% of the endangered Pink Back Pelican.
According to the Zululand Birding Route's Manager, Michael Blose, the number of birds has drastically decreased due to environmental unfriendly incidents occurring in the pan.
'Last year we had less than 100 Pelicans. A flock of about 300 Great-White Pelicans has been spotted, which is not too bad, but the number of Pink-Backs is still not looking good.
'Changes in birds population is often an excellent indicator of the health of the environment.
'This knowledge and better understanding of birds can help us to plan better for more sustainable relationships with our natural environment,' said Blose.
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