Photo credit: W. Tarboton
Two African Crowned Eagles (Stephanoaetus coronatus), have been spotted soaring over Mountainlands, sparking a search for a possible nesting site. If confirmed, it would be one of the few known nests of this vulnerable species within a protected area.
Local birder Dave Minney reported seeing the pair regularly flying in a specific area of the reserve and shared his observations with Dr. Garth Batchelor, a leading expert on raptor conservation. Dr. Batchelor’s long-term monitoring project, covering the Mpumalanga escarpment and Lowveld regions, has located nearly 60 nests over 15 years. Each nest is carefully monitored for breeding success, prey remains, and signs of disturbance. He recently visited the Mountainlands area where the Crowned Eagles were spotted. Although no nest was found during this first search, the eagles were again seen flying in the area, confirming the likelihood that they are resident birds.
The Crowned Eagle is one of Africa’s most powerful forest-dwelling raptors, known for its striking plumage and immense strength. Adults can measure up to 99 cm in length, with wingspans around 1.5-1.8 m, and females are generally heavier than males. Because of their large size, slow reproduction (often one chick every two years) and dependence on relatively intact woodland/forest habitat with sufficient prey, the species is inherently vulnerable to habitat loss, prey depletion and disturbance. Their diet consists predominantly out of mammals such as small antelopes, tree-dwelling mammals, monkeys and hyraxes, which makes Mountainlands an ideal home for this species. These eagles often nest in large mature trees, along drainage lines or forest gorges and nest reuse is common.
However, the species faces mounting pressure from habitat loss, deforestation, and human disturbance. While listed globally as Near Threatened, it is classified as Vulnerable in South Africa, with about 1000 mature individuals remaining.
Where can that nest be? Dr Batchelor scans the hills and drainage lines for a suitable tree.
Finding a Crowned Eagle nest on Mountainlands would be a significant conservation milestone. As a top predator and “umbrella species,” the eagle’s presence signals a healthy woodland ecosystem, making its protection vital for the broader landscape. The reserve’s game scouts have been provided with all the necessary information and photographs to assist in locating a nest. Hopefully it will not be too long before we can confirm whether this majestic pair has chosen the reserve as their home.