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Fisherman
'Hamerkops search for frogs and small fish in shallow water. As soon as their prey is startled, they snatch it up in a flash with their beaks.'
Discover in real lifeHabitat:
Sub-Saharan Africa
Food:
amphibians, small fish and mammals, eggs, insects and shrimp
Lifespan:
20 years
Weight:
350 - 450 grams
Number of eggs:
3 to 7 eggs
Breeding time:
26–30 days
IUCN status:
safe
EEP:
yes
About the Hadada Ibis
The Hadada Ibis is an African bird that lives in open woodlands, grasslands and wetlands. It is often seen near people. With its long, curved beak, it probes the ground and mud in search of insects, worms, spiders, snails and small reptiles, thereby not only finding food but also keeping the soil aerated. This ibis lives for around 16 years, weighs between 1 and 15 kilograms and lays 2 to 3 eggs, which hatch after 25 to 28 days. The species has a stable population and is listed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List.
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Habitat and threats
The Hamerkop is found across large parts of Africa south of the Sahara. This striking bird is mainly found near water, such as rivers, marshes and flooded grasslands.
Fortunately, the Hamerkop is doing well. The species is listed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List and has a stable population. Nevertheless, this bird too is dependent on healthy wetlands. The drainage of wetlands, pollution and changes to the landscape can lead to the loss of suitable habitats. Protecting these natural areas therefore remains important, so that the Hamerkop continues to be a familiar sight in the African landscape in the future.
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Species conservation in Beekse Bergen
Fortunately, the IUCN status of the Hamerkop is “least concern”, but did you know that more than 10,000 animal species are threatened with extinction? Beekse Bergen works together with approximately 325 European zoos to preserve these species. We form the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). Through management programmes (EEPs), we ensure healthy reserve populations.
The Hamerkop at Beekse Bergen is also part of an EEP. A coordinator keeps a studbook of the species and manages the population in zoos. Together with a committee, the coordinator advises on which animals are allowed to breed together. Sometimes this means that a Hamerkop is moved to another zoo. In this way, we increase the chance of healthy offspring and the survival of the species. You can recognize animal species with an EEP by the logo of a rhino with a calf.