Observations on movements of Double-banded Sandgrouse (Pterocles bicinctus) in Borakalalo National Park, North West province, South Africa

The main purpose of this study was to describe the intrinsic (breeding) and extrinsic factors (rainfall/vegetation) that might trigger movements of Double-banded Sandgrouse (Pterocles bicinctus) in Borakalalo National Park, South Africa. The park is situated 80 km north of Pretoria and 30 km north of Jericho in the North West province. Data collection was based on traversing the reserve for two days per month along a set route (32 km) with a vehicle at 10 km·h^-1 during 2010. The mean group size of this Double-banded Sandgrouse was 2.47. The male to female ratio in the population was 1:0.87. They were often observed in the road, on short trampled grass or in burnt thornvelds with green sprouts. Double-banded Sandgrouse were mainly present in the reserve during two relatively dry periods, from February-March and again from July-September 2010. They were and again from July-September 2010. They were 2010. They were more regularly observed in the hinterland of the park in the mornings and conversely, during the late afternoons they were more regularly observed closer to the edge of the Klipvoor Dam. Five possible reasons are discussed that may affect the movement of the Double-banded Sandgrouse: annual rainfall, short spells of high/low rainfall periods within the rainy season, daily flights of 2-4 km to drink water, breeding and veld conditions.