The role of birds in the culture of the Ndebele people of Zimbabwe

Finely Ground‐Hornbill: The Sale of Bucorvus Cafer in a Traditional Medicine Market in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

“…The findings of this study appear to suggest that B. cafer is not commonly used or traded for traditional medicine in western Zimbabwe and hence the impact of use is negligible; however, this inference is not necessarily broadly valid for the entire country. Beliefs, practices, and taboos relating to the use of birds may either favor birds or cause them to be persecuted (Msimanga 2000). Hence, species-specific persecution may depend on the unique belief system of a particular ethnic group, and, may be exclusive to that group (Msimanga 2000).…”

“…Beliefs, practices, and taboos relating to the use of birds may either favor birds or cause them to be persecuted (Msimanga 2000). Hence, species-specific persecution may depend on the unique belief system of a particular ethnic group, and, may be exclusive to that group (Msimanga 2000). Bulawayo is located on the western side of Zimbabwe in the province of Matebeleland, a region that is largely isiNdebele-speaking.…”

“…The bird is considered sacred, should not be killed, can be sent as a messenger of death by a witch-doctor, and can be used to bring rain during times of drought (Godfrey 1941). Such records of the reverence and role of birds in African cultures are numerous (e.g., Hollis 1901; France 1905;Garbutt 1909;Parrinder 1956;Conco 1972;Barnard 1979;Msimanga 2000;Abrahams et al 2002); however, the actual documentation of taxa used is fairly recent (e.g., Ntiamoa …”

Breeding biology of Southern Ground Hornbill Bucorvus leadbeateri in Zimbabwe: impacts of human activities

“…In South Africa, Kemp (1987) found that the species had disappeared from parts of its former range in the north and east of the country due to direct persecution through shooting and poisoned baits. In Zimbabwe, however, decline was attributed primarily to habitat destruction (Chiweshe 1994, Msimanga 2000, Vernon and Herremans 1997. Loss of large hollow tree-trunks used for nesting is the major threat in settled unprotected areas, mainly the densely populated communal lands.…”

“…Loss of large hollow tree-trunks used for nesting is the major threat in settled unprotected areas, mainly the densely populated communal lands. Among local populations it is taboo to kill or persecute Southern Ground Hornbill, which is held sacred due to the belief that it is involved in rain-making (Msimanga 2000). The birds suffer direct persecution only at the hands of a few commercial farmers because the birds smash windowpanes as they attack their reflections on the glass (Chiweshe 1994).…”