Notes on Two, Inland and Island, Multi-Species Heronries in the Northern Part of Nyerere National Park, Tanzania

Abstract

Two multi-species heronries, inland and island, found in the northern part of Nyerere National Park in Tanzania are described. A total of 12 waterbird species were breeding. The inland heronry, located in a bushwillow patch amidst the open savanna habitat, hosted all 12 species. From the drone images taken at the inland heronry, we estimated 3492 individuals for five white bird species (egrets and Africa Sacred Ibis), and 1729 and 160 individuals for the African Openbill and African Spoonbill, respectively. Additionally, we estimated 11 and 55 breeding pairs of spoonbills and ibises, respectively, at the island heronry. Documentation of such large multi-species heronries is limited in Tanzania, especially in the southern region. Therefore, we hope this note will encourage researchers to explore the region for more heronries because these are important sites for waterbirds population management.