I stood on the granite ledge overlooking the sea, a black oystercatcher silently approaching me with caution. 

She moved slowly, edging toward her well-hidden nest nestled in the rocky crevice.

With each crash of waves against the sloping cliffs, she flitted between the lower granite ledges. Her movements were deliberate, her pauses long as she waited for the perfect moment to forage among the barnacle-covered shelves. When the sea pulled back, revealing its hidden treasures, she quickly swallowed a few choice mussels before the next wave surged in.

Satisfied with her meal, she took flight and landed atop a larger ledge. Her black feathers contrasted sharply with her yellow-rimmed eyes—features that seemed designed to help her focus amid the challenging light and sea spray. Her cautious landing hinted at a destination of significance. It was her nest, a spot she had chosen with great care. Almost impossible to see, a few twigs sheltered tiny chicks hidden within a small crevice. Silently, she settled in, her dark form blending seamlessly with the shadows and striations of the quartz-like granite. With one quick glance in my direction, she lowered her head, becoming nearly invisible against the rock face.

Conservation Status of the African Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini) in Southern Africa

The African black oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini), an iconic shorebird found along the southern coastline of Africa, is a conservation success story that underscores the importance of habitat preservation and community awareness. Recognisable by its jet-black plumage, vivid red bill, and yellow-rimmed eyes, this bird is endemic to the coasts of Namibia, South Africa, and Mozambique. Its survival is closely tied to the health of the region’s rocky intertidal zones, making it a flagship species for coastal conservation in Southern Africa.

Population and Distribution

The African black oystercatcher is found exclusively along the southern and southwestern coasts of Africa, from the Skeleton Coast in Namibia to Algoa Bay in South Africa, with smaller populations extending to Mozambique. It thrives in rocky shorelines where it forages for mussels, limpets, and other invertebrates. Unlike some of its relatives, which inhabit diverse coastal environments, this species has a strong preference for undisturbed rocky beaches, making it particularly sensitive to habitat changes.

During the 1980s, the African black oystercatcher population faced a significant decline, with fewer than 5,000 individuals recorded. Habitat disturbance from tourism, uncontrolled human activities, and predation by invasive species such as rats and feral cats contributed to this downturn. Recognising its vulnerability, conservationists and local governments worked together to address these threats, ultimately leading to the bird’s downlisting from “Near Threatened” to “Least Concern” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List in recent years.

Conservation Efforts in Southern Africa

Southern Africa has become a model for coastal bird conservation through targeted efforts to protect species like the African black oystercatcher. Collaborative actions between conservation organisations, government agencies, and local communities have yielded impressive results. The same models now apply to many other species such as the black-shouldered kite.

Thanks to decades of focused conservation efforts, the African black oystercatcher population has rebounded significantly. Once considered near-threatened, the species now boasts a stable and growing population estimated at over 6,000 individuals. This remarkable recovery highlights the effectiveness of habitat protection, public education, and collaborative conservation efforts.

However, the work is far from over. Continued vigilance is required to mitigate the long-term impacts of climate change and ensure that Southern Africa’s unique coastal ecosystems remain intact. By protecting the African black oystercatcher, conservationists are also safeguarding the broader marine environment, benefiting countless other species that share its habitat.

Feathered Friends Collection

Welcome to our feathered friends, with their flights of fancy, twitchers' delight, and the lightest touch.

Ever-present in our lives, birds fill the skies, settle in tree branches, and thrive on the ground. Their movements fill us with delight and awe, and their silence is broken by delightful songs or anxious craws. This collection celebrates these moments in time with our feathered friends.

Sony A1, Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS, FL: 391mm, S: 1/1600s, A: F7.1, ISO: 400.