A Black Eagle Chick Hatches at Selati

Posted in: The Wild Side

A Black Eagle Success Story

Africam Partners with Selati Wilderness Foundation for Black Eagle Camera 

Africam has partnered with the Selati Wilderness Foundation (SWF) and Explore.org to bring you an exciting new Black Eagle Camera, offering unprecedented access to the lives of these majestic birds. SWF is dedicated to supporting conservation efforts in the Selati Game Reserve and its surrounding areas by focusing on ethical conservation, wildlife monitoring, and the protection of endangered species. This initiative aims to preserve the unique ecosystem of the reserve while shedding light on the critical role that Verreaux’s eagles (black eagles) play in maintaining ecological balance. To help conserve these remarkable birds, SWF partnered with Africam to launch a groundbreaking live-streaming initiative that allows for close monitoring and study of their breeding behaviors.

New Beginnings 

On April 28th, the Selati Wilderness Foundation confirmed that a single egg had been laid, and this was believed to be the first of the season. A second egg was only confirmed at a later stage. This is typical for Black eagles, as females usually lay two eggs a few days apart. The nesting pair, closely monitored through Africam’s live feed, showed all the expected signs of attentive incubation. However, on June 8th, one of the adult eagles, most likely the female, was observed pecking at the first egg. While this may appear alarming, it’s a natural behavior seen in many raptor species when the egg is deemed infertile or damaged. By consuming the unviable egg, the parents can reclaim nutrients and maintain a clean nest, thus reducing the risk of disease and predators. However, there was still hope, since the eagles continued brooding and tending to the nest.

Their consistent behavior was an encouraging sign, and on the morning of June 13th, it paid off – a tiny chick was seen moving in the nest, signaling a successful hatch. This moment marks an important milestone for the Selati Black eagle pair and offers valuable insight into the nesting cycle of one of Africa’s most iconic raptors. The Selati Wilderness Foundation and Africam are excited to continue sharing updates as the chick grows and develops. Stay tuned for more as we follow this new chapter in the wild.

To follow the journey and witness the black eagle parents and their chick in action, click the link: Black Eagle Nest