DISTRIBUTION, HABITAT PREFERENCE AND CONSERVATION STATUS OF THE RED LARK CERTHILAUDA-BURRA IN CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH-AFRICA

The red lark has a restricted distribution in the northwestern Cape Province, South Africa, where it occurs on well-vegetated red sand dunes (5-25% projected ground cover) or flats with vegetation dominated by perennial tussock grasses (Stipagrostis ciliata or S. brevifolia). It is commonest in the Koa River valley, a palaeo-valley now filled with red sands. Red larks feed mainly on large, smooth seeds. Insects and other invertebrates are also eaten, and invertebrates are fed to nestlings. Heavy grazing by domestic livestock changes the vegetation on dunes, making them unsuitable for red larks. Approximately 1400 km2 (of approximately 5625 km2 originally) of suitable habitat for red larks remains, estimated to support less than 10 000 birds. Protection of the remaining suitable habitat is a priority for the species' conservation. Red larks do not occur on any state-owned conservation area although one private reserve is estimated to support about 7.5% of the total population.