Bokmakierie

QUALIFICATIONS AND CONTROL
SAFRING is part of the Animal Demography
Unit at the University of Cape Town
and it controls bird ringing in South Africa.
It also assists other southern African
countries.
A potential ringer is trained by experienced
ringers and has to reach a high
level of competence before being tested
by one of the country’s top ornithologists.
This apprenticeship period usually
lasts several years. If the test is successful,
SAFRING is notified and it issues a
numbered ringer licence. No ringer may
operate independently without such a
licence. In addition, the ringer requires a
written permit from each province within
which he plans to ring. Lastly, ringers
must have the permission of the landholder
where the ringing is to take place.
SAFRING is the sole procurer and
controller of rings in South Africa; it sells
rings only to licenced, competent ringers.
It is empowered to censure any ringer
who brings bird ringing into disrepute.
This may include withdrawal of license
and letters to provincial nature conservation
authorities, as well as no longer
supplying rings.
ETHICS of BIRD RINGING
An open mist net at Waterfall Estate
- The well-being of any bird caught and
handled is the paramount consideration
- A ringer may not operate more equipment than he or she can properly manage
- A ringer may not allow unqualified persons to use his equipment to capture and
handle birds or fit rings except under close supervision.
- Catching birds should not be attempted under conditions that may result in birds
becoming severely stressed or injured.
10 | Bokmakierie December 2016 No 247