Nest Record Data of Namibia

Nest record data in Namibia have been collected on nest record cards for many years, with some additional historical data going back to the 1800s. Nests are recorded either as single nests or as breeding colonies. Some species have over 100 nest records, particularly those which have been the focus of research projects, with lappetfaced vulture topping the list at over 300 cards. Others with over 100 cards include ostrich, whitefronted plover and African marsh warbler.

Data recorded typically include: species, quarter degree square or location, observer and contact details, year, month, description of the nest and the nest site, height (if not on ground), altitude, tree species, habitat, other notes. For each observation of the nest the date, time and number of eggs and young is recorded. Not all information is available for every observation, and some observations are not of actual nests but of chicks or juvenile birds.

Uses of the data include:

• Identifying species which regularly breed in Namibia
• Identifying important breeding sites in Namibia
• Providing baseline data on e.g. egg size, clutch size, seasonality, breeding success
• Assessing effects of factors such as geographical location, rainfall and human disturbance on breeding attempts.