The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™
ISSN 2307-8235 (online)
IUCN 2008: T22691910A37867496
Neotis ludwigii, Ludwig's Bustard
Assessment by: BirdLife International
View on www.iucnredlist.org
Citation: BirdLife International. 2012. Neotis ludwigii. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012:
e.T22691910A37867496. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.20121.RLTS.T22691910A37867496.en
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THE IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES™
Taxonomy
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Animalia
Chordata
Aves
Otidiformes
Otididae
Taxon Name: Neotis ludwigii (Rüppell, 1837)
Common Name(s):
• English:
• French:
Ludwig's Bustard
Outarde de Ludwig
Taxonomic Source(s):
del Hoyo, J., Collar, N.J., Christie, D.A., Elliott, A. and Fishpool, L.D.C. 2014. HBW and BirdLife
International Illustrated Checklist of the Birds of the World. Lynx Edicions BirdLife International.
Assessment Information
Red List Category & Criteria:
Endangered A4cd ver 3.1
Year Published:
2012
Date Assessed:
May 1, 2012
Justification:
This species is classified as Endangered as recent research has suggested that the population has
undergone a very rapid population decline due to collisions with power lines, a trend which is set to
continue into the future as successful mitigation measures are yet to be implemented. Research is
underway to assess the current population size and identify ways to effectively mitigate collisions with
power lines.
Previously Published Red List Assessments
2010 – Endangered (EN)
2009 – Least Concern (LC)
2008 – Least Concern (LC)
2004 – Least Concern (LC)
2000 – Lower Risk/least concern (LR/lc)
1994 – Lower Risk/least concern (LR/lc)
1988 – Lower Risk/least concern (LR/lc)
Geographic Range
Range Description:
Neotis ludwigii has a large range centred on the dry biomes of the Karoo and Namib in southern Africa,
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Neotis ludwigii – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22691910A37867496.en
1
being found in the extreme south-west of Angola, western Namibia and in much of South Africa (del
Hoyo et al. 1996; Anderson 2000). The global population has been previously estimated at 56,000 to
81,000 individuals (Allan 1994). However, this estimate is now approximately 20 years old, and in this
time the species is suspected to have declined rapidly as a result of collisions with overhead power lines,
for which there is currently no effective mitigation (Anderson 2002; Jenkins and Smallie 2009).
Country Occurrence:
Native: Angola (Angola); Lesotho; Namibia; South Africa
Vagrant: Botswana
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Neotis ludwigii – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22691910A37867496.en
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Distribution Map
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Neotis ludwigii – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22691910A37867496.en
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Population
The global population has been estimated at 56,000-81,000 individuals. However, given the estimated
rates of power line collisions since this estimate, the true population size is likely to be much lower; a
full population census is underway to accurately establish current numbers (J. Shaw in litt. 2012).
Trend Justification
Based on collision rates with power lines from two areas, the best-case scenario indicates a decline of
51% over three generations in South Africa, which holds 50-75% of the global population (Jenkins et al.
2011). Given that power lines collisions also occur in Nambia (A. Scott and M. Scott in litt. 2010), and
effective mitigation measures are yet to be implemented, a decline of 50-79% is estimated over the 31
year period from 1994-2025 (three generations).
Current Population Trend: Decreasing
Habitat and Ecology (see Appendix for additional information)
This species inhabits open lowland and upland plains with grass and light thornbush, sandy open shrub
veld and semi-desert in the arid and semi-arid Namib and Karoo biomes. It appears to undertake
seasonal movements, moving to the western winter-rainfall part of its range in winter (Allan 1994, J
Shaw unpubl. data). The breeding season spans from August to December, with the species nesting on
bare ground with a clutch of 2-3 eggs (del Hoyo et al. 1996; Jenkins and Smallie 2009). Chick-rearing is
conducted solely by females (Jenkins and Smallie 2009). The diet includes invertebrates, some small
vertebrates and vegetable matter, including the berries of Lycium oxycladum. There is strong evidence
that the species undergoes movement with rains in pursuit of Orthoptera hatchlings, though vegetation
remains important (Allan 1994). Flocks of up to 70 individuals have been recorded (del Hoyo et al.
1996).
Systems: Terrestrial
Threats (see Appendix for additional information)
The primary threat to the species is collisions with overhead power lines (del Hoyo et al. 1996; Anderson
2002; Jenkins and Smallie 2009; Jenkins 2009; Jenkins et al. 2011). Bustards have limited frontal vision
so may not see even power lines, even if they are marked (Martin and Shaw 2010). Collision rates on
high voltage transmission lines in the De Aar area of the Karoo may exceed one Ludwig's Bustard per
kilometre per year (Anderson 2002; Jenkins et al. (2009), and there is preliminary evidence for this level
of mortality on transmission lines across the Karoo, indicating that the problem is widespread (Jenkins et
al. 2011). Given that the extent of power lines in the Karoo is vast and expanding (Jenkins and Smallie
2009; J. Smallie in litt. 2010), with already over 17,000 km of transmission lines in place, it is estimated
that such collisions alone are already enough to cause a rapid decline in the population and may
increase in the future (Jenkins et al. 2011). Recent surveys on low voltage lines have also revealed
substantial levels of mortality (J. Shaw unpubl. data), and in addition to power lines wind farms are set
to be established in many parts of the Karoo in the next few years. Other threats to this species include
deliberate hunting, capture in snares set for mammals, poisoning and disturbance, with one satellite
tracked bird likely hunted (J. Shaw unpubl. data, del Hoyo et al. 1996).
Conservation Actions (see Appendix for additional information)
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Neotis ludwigii – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22691910A37867496.en
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Conservation Actions Underway
A research project is underway at the Percy FitzPatrick Institute, University of Cape Town to: conduct a
new census of the Ludwig's Bustard population in South Africa, to compare with the last assessment in
the 1980s (Allan 1994); thoroughly assess the magnitude of power line mortality through regular line
surveys across the Karoo; look at habitat use, and patterns of local and regional movement of bustards
through satellite tracking in relation to environmental conditions and the power grid; and to explore
mitigation options through experimentation of line marking devices (J. Shaw in litt. 2012). An extensive
line marking experiment was put up near De Aar in 2011 in conjunction with the Eskom - Endangered
Wildlife Trust Strategic Partnership to test the two current devices used in mitigation in South Africa. In
Namibia, NamPower are also working to implement effective mitigation measures (A. Scott and M. Scott
in litt. 2010).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Continue to raise awareness to stop hunting, and to encourage the public to report mortality from
power lines etc. All new infrastructure (power lines, wind turbines) should be sited and mitigated
appropriately, and dangerous sections of line should be retrofitted with appropriate mitigation. Further
research into mitigation measures for power line collisions, other than those being tested at the De Aar
site, should be instigated as the results of such experiments take a long time to gather. Research to learn
more about about key life history parameters for this long-lived bird is also crucial to facilitate more
accurate assessment of the impacts of unnatural mortality. Extend research currently underway in South
Africa to Namibia (J. Shaw in litt. 2012).
Credits
Assessor(s):
BirdLife International
Reviewer(s):
Taylor, J. & Butchart, S.
Contributor(s):
Jenkins, A., Scott, A., Scott, M., Smallie, J. & Shaw, J.
Facilitators(s) and
Compiler(s):
Butchart, S., Calvert, R., Ekstrom, J., Symes, A.
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Neotis ludwigii – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22691910A37867496.en
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Bibliography
Allan, D.G. 1994. The abundance and movements of Ludwig’s Bustard Neotis ludwigii. Ostrich 65: 95105.
Anderson, M. D. 2000. Ludwig’s Bustard. In: Barnes, K. N. (ed.), The Eskom Red Data Book of birds of
South Africa, , Lesotho and Swaziland, pp. 105-107. BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg.
Anderson, M. D. 2002. Karoo large terrestrial bird powerline project, Report No 1.
del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., and Sargatal, J. 1996. Handbook of the Birds of the World, vol. 3: Hoatzin to Auks.
Lynx Edicions, Barcelona, Spain.
IUCN. 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 2012.1). Available at: http://www.iucnredlist.org.
(Accessed: 19 June 2012).
Jenkins, A., Gibbons, B. and Visagie, R. 2009. Establishment and maintenance of a long-term bird:power
line interaction monitoring site in the De Aar (Hydra) area of the eastern Karoo, Northern Cape.
Jenkins, A.R.; Shaw, J.M.; Smallie, J.J.; Gibbons, B.; Visagie, R.; Ryan, P.R. 2011. Estimating the impacts of
power line collisions on Ludwig’s Bustards Neotis ludwigii. Bird Conservation International 21: 303-310.
Jenkins, A.; Smallie, J. 2009. Terminal velocity: end of the line for Ludwig’s Bustard? Africa - Birds &
Birding 14(2): 34-39.
Martin, G. R.; Shaw, J. M. 2010. Bird collisions with power lines: Failing to see the way ahead? .
Biological Conservation 143: 2695-2702.
Citation
BirdLife International. 2012. Neotis ludwigii. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012:
e.T22691910A37867496. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22691910A37867496.en
Disclaimer
To make use of this information, please check the Terms of Use.
External Resources
For Images and External Links to Additional Information, please see the Red List website.
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Neotis ludwigii – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22691910A37867496.en
6
Appendix
Habitats
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Habitat
Season
Suitability
Major
Importance?
2. Savanna -> 2.1. Savanna - Dry
Resident
Suitable
No
3. Shrubland -> 3.5. Shrubland - Subtropical/Tropical Dry
Resident
Suitable
No
3. Shrubland -> 3.8. Shrubland - Mediterranean-type Shrubby Vegetation
Resident
Suitable
No
4. Grassland -> 4.5. Grassland - Subtropical/Tropical Dry
Resident
Suitable
No
0. Root -> 6. Rocky areas (eg. inland cliffs, mountain peaks)
Breeding
Suitable
Yes
8. Desert -> 8.1. Desert - Hot
Resident
Suitable
No
14. Artificial/Terrestrial -> 14.1. Artificial/Terrestrial - Arable Land
Resident
Suitable
No
14. Artificial/Terrestrial -> 14.2. Artificial/Terrestrial - Pastureland
Resident
Suitable
No
Threats
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Threat
Timing
Scope
Severity
Impact Score
4. Transportation & service corridors -> 4.2. Utility &
service lines
Ongoing
Majority (5090%)
Very rapid
declines
High impact: 8
Stresses:
2. Species Stresses -> 2.1. Species mortality
Ongoing
Minority (50%)
Stresses:
2. Species Stresses -> 2.1. Species mortality
Ongoing
Majority (5090%)
Stresses:
2. Species Stresses -> 2.1. Species mortality
5. Biological resource use -> 5.1. Hunting & trapping
terrestrial animals -> 5.1.1. Intentional use (species is
the target)
5. Biological resource use -> 5.1. Hunting & trapping
terrestrial animals -> 5.1.2. Unintentional effects
(species is not the target)
Unknown
Slow, significant
declines
Unknown
Medium
impact: 6
Conservation Actions in Place
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Conservation Actions in Place
In-Place Research, Monitoring and Planning
Action Recovery plan: No
Systematic monitoring scheme: No
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Neotis ludwigii – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22691910A37867496.en
7
Conservation Actions in Place
In-Place Land/Water Protection and Management
Conservation sites identified: Yes, over entire range
Occur in at least one PA: Yes
Invasive species control or prevention: No
In-Place Species Management
Successfully reintroduced or introduced beningly: No
Subject to ex-situ conservation: No
In-Place Education
Subject to recent education and awareness programmes: No
Included in international legislation: No
Subject to any international management/trade controls: Yes
Conservation Actions Needed
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Conservation Actions Needed
2. Land/water management -> 2.1. Site/area management
4. Education & awareness -> 4.3. Awareness & communications
Research Needed
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Research Needed
1. Research -> 1.2. Population size, distribution & trends
1. Research -> 1.3. Life history & ecology
1. Research -> 1.5. Threats
Additional Data Fields
Distribution
Continuing decline in area of occupancy (AOO): Unknown
Extreme fluctuations in area of occupancy (AOO): No
Estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) (km²): 342000
Continuing decline in extent of occurrence (EOO): Unknown
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Neotis ludwigii – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22691910A37867496.en
8
Distribution
Extreme fluctuations in extent of occurrence (EOO): No
Continuing decline in number of locations: Unknown
Extreme fluctuations in the number of locations: No
Population
Continuing decline of mature individuals: Yes
Extreme fluctuations: No
Population severely fragmented: No
Continuing decline in subpopulations: Unknown
Extreme fluctuations in subpopulations: No
All individuals in one subpopulation: No
Habitats and Ecology
Continuing decline in area, extent and/or quality of habitat: Unknown
Generation Length (years): 10.30
Movement patterns: Full Migrant
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Neotis ludwigii – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22691910A37867496.en
9
The IUCN Red List Partnership
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is produced and managed by the IUCN Global Species
Programme, the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) and The IUCN Red List Partnership. The IUCN
Red List Partners are: BirdLife International; Botanic Gardens Conservation International; Conservation
International; Microsoft; NatureServe; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Sapienza University of Rome; Texas
A&M University; Wildscreen; and Zoological Society of London.
THE IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES™