Carmine bee-eaters captured for 'fun'
In an urgent appeal to the chief Frans Ndongo in the Shamvura and Shinyungwe protected areas along the Okavango River, environmentalists are asking for his support in stopping the apparent senseless hunting of the Southern Carmine Bee-eater (Merops nubicoides).In an area where colonies of around 3 000 of these birds can be found, the petitioners concerned found 40 dead Carmine Bee-eaters caught in nets - 15 could removed and rescued. The nets were randomly stretched in front of the nests of this special bird species, just during the breeding season. The colorful bird builds its nest in the clay of the river bank.
Almost a year ago, NMH's Enjoy team that visited the Zambezi region, reported on the ruthless capture of the Carmine Bee-eater between Nakabolelwa and Kabulabula, north of the Chobe River. Local environmentalists there were also appalled.
Inquiries revealed that these birds are hunted for their beautiful feathers - the demand for these seems to exist in the Far East.