Highlights and Observations of the Fox’s Weaver

Highlights and Observations of the Fox’s Weaver: One rare bird species in the Ploceidae family is the Fox’s Weaver (Ploceus spekeoides). This is the only endemic bird species found in Uganda, and it is exclusive to the northeastern region. A small tract of wetlands in northern Uganda that are sometimes flooded is home to the poorly documented species Ploceus spekeoides (Collar and Stuart, 1985; Byaruhanga et al., 2001). Records for the species are from Lake Bisina and Lake Opeta, two Important Bird Areas. Records from Lake Kyoga’s surroundings at Nakasongola and Rhino Camp in Arua are also available. According to Nawanga et al. (2015), its preferred habitat is papyrus-fringed lakes with neighbouring woodland grassland, which is a common habitat in Eastern Uganda.

Key highlights and Observations of the Fox’s Weaver

The Fox’s weaver is among the special birds for Uganda and is only found in Uganda and nowhere else in the world. The species is poorly studied and has only been recorded in the seasonally flooded wetlands in Teso Subregion in the North-Eastern part of the Country. Previous records were from L.Opeta, L.Kyoga and L.Bisina fringes, where the species preferred Papyrus swamps with nearby trees but nesting on trees in wetlands or over water.

The species was thought to migrate further north to South Sudan during the dry season, when it breeds primarily during the major rainy season. The species has not been documented to breed since August 1996, when 47 nests were counted in the vicinity of Lake Bisina (Byaruhanga et al., 2001). January 2010 marked the most recent trustworthy sighting. Seven birds were counted, two of which were male. (Nalwanga and associates, 2015). Records from the surroundings of Lake Kyoga, which is close to Nakasongola, and Rhino Camp in Arua are also available.

Aims of the expedition report

Besides highlights and observations of the Fox’s Weaver, the primary objective of Nature Uganda’s expedition was to verify the range of existence and identity of the Fox’s Weaver in north-eastern Uganda following reports from nearby birdwatchers about the sightings of this bird species in the region.

Geographic Scope: Highlights and Observations of the Fox’s Weaver

The study was undertaken in Omugetum village in Magoro Sub-County Katakwi District in North-Eastern Uganda. The area lies on the fringes of Lake Opeta and the vegetation of the area is described as seasonally flooded wooded grassland dominated by acacia species, especially Vachellia drepanolobium. The area experiences a single rainy season, mean annual figures range between 500 and 700 mm, and mean annual temperatures range between 25 and 29 degrees Celsius (Byaruhanga et al., 2001).

Nature Uganda conducted a survey on July 11, 2018 The survey team was led by Mr. Achilles Byaruhanga (Executive Director Nature Uganda), Dr. Dianah Nalwanga (Director Research and Monitoring, Nature Uganda) and 5 other members of staff. The survey was timed to coincide with the breeding season of the species, according Fry and Keith (2004). Unlike the previous Fox’s weaver survey carried out by Nature Uganda in 2015, that surveyed many sites in Eastern Uganda, this survey was specific and targeted only the area along Magoro Angisa road. The transect measured approximately 2 km along the Magoro–Angisa road.

During the study, GPS readings were obtained for every colony of Fox’s weavers discovered, and the number of birds observed throughout the transect was noted. Additionally, significant habitat data, such as predominant vegetation and nest recordings, were documented.

Findings

Five male and two female Fox’s weaver birds were among the seven that were observed during the transect. 32 Fox’s weaver nests were counted along the transect; 28 of them were determined to be active and 6 to be dormant. On whistling-thorn acacia trees, the majority of these nests were constructed. The nests’ proximity to pools of water was also observed. In the course of the excursion, the team identified thirty different species of birds, including the IUCN red-listed Fox’s weaver and the Karamoja Apalis, which is considered vulnerable.

Nesting habits: Highlights and Observations of the Fox’s Weaver

Using grass and stripes as the common pliable building materials, the majority of Fox’s weaver’s nests found during the survey were constructed on whistling-thorn Acacia trees. In the region, this species predominates among woody plants. Despite the fact that little is known about the ecology and behaviour of the Fox’s weaver, the researchers saw the Hira weavers’ consuming ants that are dependent on the Acacia whistling thorn for cover. The Acacia and certain ant species have a mutualistic relationship, which is thought to explain the Fox’s weaver’s strong affection for the Acacia.

As seen in the survey, the fox’s preferred nesting location may be crucial to understanding the ecology and behaviour of this species as well as to forming conservation plans to safeguard Uganda’s only native bird species. Over grazing in the grassland was one of the main dangers to the habitat, as most people in the area are cattle keepers. The already threatened species are put at risk when portions of the grassland are burned during the dry months to promote the growth of fresh feed. Other activities that endanger Fox’s Weaver’s habitat include fishing, one of the most popular activities in the area.

In conclusion, the fact that the survey was conducted during what is thought to be the Fox’s weaver breeding season, which runs from June to August, is what makes it successful. It is impossible to overstate the importance of the reports of sightings provided by other birders and local guides, which inspired Nature Uganda to launch the expedition. Regarding the Fox’s weaver’s distribution, reproduction, dangers, and population, not much is currently known. Identification and conservation of the species are hampered by the paucity of information. The burning of the grasslands was the biggest threat to the habitat; however, it is unclear how serious a hazard it was. Wetland habitat degradation is believed to be the primary cause of this species’ declining population.

Recommendations

1. To effectively create conservation strategies and activities for the fox’s weaver’s protection, year-round research is necessary to have a deeper understanding of the behaviour and ecology of this species.

2. To accurately determine the number and distribution of the species, a more thorough investigation of the grasslands surrounding Lake Opeta and the Bisina area is needed.