Breeding ecology of Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori strunthiunculus in the Serengeti National Park

The Kori Bustard (Ardeotis kori strunthiunculus) in the Serengeti National Park exhibits a prolonged breeding season spanning nearly nine months, with peak courtship behavior occurring during the short dry and rainy seasons before nest and chick peaks. Courtship displays were most frequent in short grass habitats, suggesting habitat preference for breeding. Female Kori Bustards may engage in repeated nestings within a single season, and the adult sex ratio was female-skewed during this period. The study used random transects to locate courtship displays, nests, chicks, and subadults, while GPS satellite collars tracked nesting females. Linear regression analyses identified key predictors for breeding success. Conservation efforts are recommended to assess recruitment rates and habitat suitability to inform future strategies.

Mmassy, E. C., Fyumagwa, R. D., Bevanger, K., & Røskaft, E. (2018). Breeding ecology of Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori strunthiunculus in the Serengeti National Park. Ostrich, 89(2), 155–162. https://doi.org/10.2989/00306525.2017.1404502