Fransmanshoek Conservancy

Southern african bird atlas project 2

SABAP2

Similar to CWAC the Southern African Bird Atlas Project 2 is another citizen science project that is driven by volunteers who are mapping the distribution of birds across several southern African countries. SABAP2 is the follow-up project to the Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP1), which took place from 1987-1991. The second bird atlas project launched in 2007 and is still growing. The project aims to map the distribution and relative abundance of birds in southern Africa and includes: South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, eSwatini, Zimbabwe, Zambia. Volunteers are the main driving force getting valuable data. The volunteers select a geographical ‘pentad’ on a map and record all the bird species seen within a set time frame, in order of species seen. This information is uploaded to the SABAP2 database and is used for research and analysis by several different agencies, including the South African National Biodiversity Institute, BirdLife South Africa, as well as academics and students at various universities.

Since the launch of SABAP2 in 2007, more than 17 million records have been collected with more being added each year. The dataset is key to determining the conservation status of bird species, correctly assigning red-list status and establishing Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, as well as forming the basis for informing environmental impact assessments.

How to get involved

  1. Register as an observer and obtain your citizen science number at http://sabap2.birdmap.africa/
  2. Download BirdLasser: Install the BirdLasser app on your phone, as it features built-in atlas protocols that make recording and submitting sightings simple.
  3. Choose your Pentad: Use the map on the SABAP2 How to Participate page to find the exact boundaries of 5 minute × 5 minute blocks (pentads) in your area.
  4. Conduct a Survey: Head out and spend time birding within a chosen pentad. Record all the bird species you see in the sequence you encounter them over a set time (minimum of 2 hours for a full protocol card).
  5. Submit your Checklist: Upload your completed “card” directly via BirdLasser or the SABAP2 Website.