Page 12 - UKZN Foundation AR 2024

Dr Shane McPherson. Dr Shane McPherson (right) with PhD student Ms Varalika Jain (left) seen attaching an ID ring.
UNLOCKING THE MYSTERIES OF
DURBAN’S CROWNED EAGLES
In the lush greenery of Durban, South Africa, amidst the urban sprawl and bustling city life, a silent raptor soars above – the Crowned Eagle. For the past twelve years, Dr Shane McPherson, an Honorary Research Fellow at UKZN’s School of Life Sciences, has been dedicated to unravelling the secrets of these magnificent birds of prey. His journey, marked by scientific inquiry and a passion for conservation, has shed light on the ecology, behaviour, and conservation challenges facing the urban Crowned Eagle population.
McPherson started the Crowned Eagle Project in 2012, as a UKZN Master of Science student with his supervisors Professor Colleen Downs and Dr Mark Brown. ‘At the time there were just two well-known nests in Krantzkloof Nature Reserve within Durban. There were occasional newspaper articles about a crowned eagle attacking pets. I was curious about how this powerful and endangered species can survive in the urban forest reserve.’
‘I aimed to find five nests for my Masters study. But during the first year of my work, and with the help of bird clubs and falconers, I added 18 nests to my surveys. This surprising result provided ample subjects to study. I expanded the scope of my research into a PhD in 2014 and have continued as a Postdoctoral student then Research Fellow over the subsequent years.’
McPherson is particularly interested in conservation management and how to nurture a coexistence of crowned eagles in suburbia. ‘I am trying to find ways to reduce pet injuries
and attacks by eagles, and for people not to shoot and
poison (illegal activities) these urban crowned eagles so that they can remain a sustainable population far into the future.’
The Crowned Eagle Project, spearheaded by McPherson, stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to fundamental ecology research and wildlife
An adult Crowned Eagle in flight.
10 UKZN FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2024