Africa, with its extraordinary avian biodiversity and high degrees of endemism, provides a unique and dynamic context for advancing the science of birding. From critical highland ecosystems to expansive savanna and desert habitats, Africa’s varied landscapes host numerous remarkable avian species facing complex ecological threats. Recent growth in birding as both a practical science and a citizen science activity in Africa affords an unprecedented opportunity for advancing conservation biology, ecological understanding, and sustainable ecotourism efforts.

This Research Topic aims to consolidate the most recent scientific developments, innovative approaches, and diverse methodologies employed by African researchers or those studying African birds, while engaging traditional ecological knowledge, emergent technologies, and interdisciplinary practices within ornithological research.

Contributions are encouraged to cover key themes such as, but not limited to:

1. Citizen Science and Community Engagement in African Ornithology

- Advances and impacts of citizen science programs, such as regular bird counts and monitoring programs.

- Examining how community-driven efforts aid conservation outcomes, especially for endemic and migratory birds.

2. Conservation Biology and Management of Threatened African Birds:

- Studies assessing threats (e.g., habitat loss, climate change, pesticides, and wind energy infrastructure) and providing practical conservation solutions for endangered birds.

- Focus on critically endangered bird species endemic to African biodiversity hotspots.

3. Innovative Technologies and Methodologies for Bird Research:

- Applications of bioacoustics, stable isotopes, citizen-driven mobile applications, drones, and telemetry studies for avian monitoring and conservation.

- Development of data analytics, modeling techniques, and satellite imagery to enhance population and distribution mapping.

4. Avian Ecology, Behavior, and Migratory Patterns:

- Investigating the ecological roles, behavioral adaptations, and habitat preferences of African bird species.

- Migratory connectivity studies, including African-Eurasian flyways, and shedding light on intercontinental conservation approaches.

5. Integrating Birding with Sustainable Tourism Development:

- Analysis of ethically and ecologically sound birding-tourism models in Africa, including their economic, educational, and social benefits.

- Assessments of potential conflicts and management challenges associated with birding activities across different cultural contexts.

This Research Topic will contribute new insights into understanding and protecting African birdlife by integrating assessments, concepts, and practices from the latest ornithological research. Outcomes will help inform policies and initiatives that aim to expand bird conservation, foster community wellbeing, and sustainably develop bird-watching tourism across the African continent.

By promoting collaboration across disciplines, institutions, and countries, this project will also cultivate research capacities and foster awareness, appreciation, and preservation of Africa's unique avian heritage.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

The Science of Birding in Africa