Cunene: The biologist Valdemar Bunta advocated on Monday in the province of Cunene for raising awareness among local communities about the preservation and protection of migratory birds.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the expert stated on World Migratory Bird Day, celebrated on the second Saturday of October, that education is an essential mechanism to curb the slaughter of these species, which are fundamental to ensuring biodiversity.
The environmental educator emphasized that due to a lack of knowledge and the search for family food, many birds fall victim to hunting, alongside the destruction of their habitat, which has created migration disorientation. He clarified that habitat imbalance puts overpopulation at risk, highlighting the importance of preserving transition or settlement zones for these species, as they help control insects and rodents, in addition to dispersing seeds for plant reproduction.
Valdemar Bunta noted that the Cunene River is one of the main transit routes for migratory birds in Africa, with a higher incidence during the flood and dry seasons, when swallows, storks, and migratory ducks are frequent due to the large expanses of plains, wetlands, and rivers. He explained that these are considered migratory birds due to their long flight paths and the fact that they move in flocks from one country to another, from the North Pole to the South, driven by climatic conditions, breeding, and feeding.
World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated twice a year on the second Saturday of May and October, aiming to raise awareness of the conservation of these birds and their habitats.
