From Allafrica · · 1m
South Africa Kingfisher Nests Buried
Road rubble allegedly buried kingfisher nests in Gqeberha, sparking criminal case.
In brief
Road rubble allegedly buried kingfisher nests in Gqeberha, sparking criminal case. Conservationist opened criminal case after road rubble from South Union Street construction buried pied kingfisher nests during breeding season. Originally reported by Allafrica.
Kingfisher Nests at Risk
A conservationist opened a criminal case alleging tonnes of road-building waste were dumped beside the Baakens River, burying kingfisher nests during breeding season.
“It's actually quite disgusting. They've broken so many laws. The tar has to be specially disposed of. So it costs money. So somewhere along the line, there was a bit of conniving”
Rubble Dumped Near River
Wildlife rescue expert Arnold Slabbert opened a criminal case at Humewood police station, alleging environmental, waste and animal-protection laws were contravened.
Rubble Covered Nests
Slabbert said the rubble, including large quantities of old tar and road-building material, covered kingfisher nesting burrows and may have killed birds, eggs and chicks.
Rubble Source
The rubble came from roadworks on South Union Street, carried out by a Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality contractor.
Criminal Case Details
Slabbert alleged the material covered kingfisher nests near South Union Street, posing a risk to the already fragile Baakens River.
The big picture
Conservationist opened criminal case after road rubble from South Union Street construction buried pied kingfisher nests during breeding season.
