Ludwig's bustard

Ludwig's bustard, named after Baron von Ludwig, is a fascinating bird species from the bustard family. Medium to large in size, these birds can be found across Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa, typically inhabiting semi-arid grasslands.

Males are quite hefty, weighing between 3 to 7.3 kilograms, while females usually weigh around 3.4 kilograms. In terms of diet, Ludwig's bustards primarily feed on large insects such as locusts, but they also consume flowers and seeds. They tend to migrate to areas that have experienced recent rainfall.

Unfortunately, Ludwig's bustard is considered endangered. One of the most significant threats to their survival is collisions with power lines, particularly during the winter and in wetter regions. These collisions vary considerably from year to year, making them challenging to predict and prevent. Despite being relatively little-known, this bird is an essential component of Southern Africa's wildlife.