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WATERBERG PLATEAU

NAMIBIA
LOCALE

Area (ha):40,549
Altitude (m):1650-1700
# Species:302
# Excl Vagrants:302
# Endemics:1
# Near Endemics:6
Species/100 ha:0.7
Habitat: Open grassland, savanna woodland, springs

ABOUT THE BIRDING

Waterberg Plateau has recently been established as a National Park. The main feature is a sandstone massif rising 200 m above the arid plain of eastern Namibia. The habitat is open grassland, savanna woodland, some springs that support lush vegetation and attract game animals, and of course rocky cliffs that attract various raptors. The park can be explored by safari vehicles or on wilderness trails. A must-see target bird is Rueppell's Parrot. A small population of Violet Wood-hoopoe is also present, mainly around permanent water. Rosy-faced Lovebirds are common around the cliffs. A number of other notable birds are also present, including Orange River Francolin, Hartlaub's Francolin, Blue Crane, Bradfield's Swift, Damara Red-billed Hornbill, Carp's Tit, Rockrunner, and Rufous-winged Cisticola.

Various game animals can be seen at Waterberg as well, notably Black Rhinoceros, which was re-introduced, Red Hartebeest, Roan Antelope, and Sable Antelope. These species live atop the plateau and are somewhat trapped there since they have no easy way down. Leopard are present too but difficult to see.

LOCATION OF SITE

Waterberg Plateau is located 277 km north of Windhoek and about 70 km east of Otjiwarongo in eastern Namibia.