Angola is a country located in southwestern Africa bordering Namibia, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Angola has a diverse landscape including arid coastal plains, tropical forests, and plateaus. This varied habitat makes Angola home to a number of endemic bird species found nowhere else in the world.
Endemic Birds of Angola
According to the Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive published by Lynx Edicions in 2020, there are 14 endemic bird species found only in Angola. These endemic Angolan birds are:
- Angola Cave-chat
- Angola Slaty Flycatcher
- Bocage’s Longbill
- Bocage’s Sunbird
- Braun’s Bushshrike
- Gabela Akalat
- Gabela Bushshrike
- Gabela Helmetshrike
- Monteiro’s Bushshrike
- Pulitzer’s Longbill
- Quailfinch
- Rufous-tailed Palm Thrush
- Swierstra’s Francolin
- Yellow-billed Oxpecker
These 14 species are found exclusively within the borders of Angola and nowhere else on Earth. The diversity of endemic birds reflects the diversity of habitats and ecosystems within Angola from lowland forests to highland plateaus.
Key Endemic Bird Species
Some of the most noteworthy endemic Angolan birds include:
Gabela Helmetshrike
The Gabela helmetshrike (Prionops gabela) is a striking black and yellow bird found only in highland forest habitats above 5,000 feet in elevation. It feeds on insects and other small invertebrates. This species is considered endangered with a declining population due to habitat loss.
Monteiro’s Bushshrike
Monteiro’s bushshrike (Telophorus bocagei) is a handsome gray, black, and white bird that inhabits lowland forests. It is classified as vulnerable due to its small range and declining population. Habitat destruction is the main threat.
Gabela Bushshrike
The Gabela bushshrike (Laniarius amboimensis) is another endemic shrike found in forests of west-central Angola. It has glossy blue-black plumage and a bright red eye. It is considered a near-threatened species.
Swierstra’s Francolin
Swierstra’s francolin (Pternistis swierstrai) is a rare partridge found only in highland grasslands above 6,500 feet elevation. It is classified as endangered with fewer than 10,000 individuals remaining. Overgrazing and agricultural expansion threaten its limited habitat.
Yellow-billed Oxpecker
The yellow-billed oxpecker (Buphagus albinucha) is the only oxpecker endemic to Angola. This striking black and yellow bird perches on large mammals and feeds on their ectoparasites. It is considered near threatened due to habitat loss.
Geographic Distribution
Angola’s endemic birds are concentrated in several key habitats and regions of the country:
Southwest Angola
Southwestern Angola along the Atlantic coast is home to lowland forest endemics like the Gabela akalat, Angola cave-chat, Angola slaty flycatcher, and Rufous-tailed palm thrush.
West-Central Angola
Moist forests in west-central Angola support endemic birds like the Gabela bushshrike, Gabela helmetshrike, Monteiro’s bushshrike, and others.
Central Highlands
The Central Highlands or Planalto of Angola above 5,000 feet host unique high-elevation endemics including Swierstra’s francolin and the yellow-billed oxpecker.
Isolated Mountains
Isolated mountain ranges across Angola also harbor endemic birds, especially localized species like Bocage’s longbill found only on Mount Moco.
Threats and Conservation
Angola’s endemic birds face a number of conservation threats:
- Habitat loss and degradation from deforestation, agricultural expansion, overgrazing, and development
- Hunting and trapping for food, pets, or the cagebird trade
- Climate change impacts
- Small population sizes and limited ranges increase vulnerability
Conservation actions needed to protect Angola’s endemic birds include:
- Habitat protection in key endemic areas through parks, reserves, and other protected zones
- Sustainable forest management and agricultural practices
- Anti-poaching and anti-trafficking law enforcement
- Environmental education programs for local communities
- Ecotourism development to provide economic alternatives
- Species-specific conservation plans for threatened endemics
Protected areas like Bicuar and Mavinga National Parks preserve important endemic bird habitat. Researchers recommend additional protected areas be established in key endemic zones not currently conserved. Continued research, monitoring, and community-based conservation will also benefit Angola’s unique endemic birds.
Conclusion
Angola is home to 14 endemic bird species found nowhere else on Earth. These birds are concentrated in the southwest lowland forests, west-central moist forests, central highlands, and isolated mountain ranges. Iconic endemics include the Gabela helmetshrike, Monteiro’s bushshrike, Swierstra’s francolin, and yellow-billed oxpecker. Habitat loss, exploitation, and climate change threaten many endemic birds. Conservation actions like protected areas, sustainable resource use, anti-poaching measures, environmental education, and ecotourism are needed to ensure the survival of Angola’s unique avian treasures.
