PhD defence Rebecca Muller
Rebecca Muller (BPE)
Promotores: Prof. B.I. Tieleman, Prof. B. Helm, Prof. A. Amar (University of Cape Town); copromotor: Dr C.J. Nwaogu
Exploring changes in avian breeding phenology in South Africa using historical nest record cards
Climate change is reshaping when birds breed, but most of what we know comes from Europe and North America. This thesis turns to South Africa, using decades of citizen science nest records to uncover how local bird species are responding to changes in climate. By analysing thousands of nest record cards collected over the past 50 years, the study shows that birds are not all responding in the same way. Some are breeding earlier than before, others later, and many are changing how long their breeding seasons last. Interestingly, rainfall often plays a bigger role than temperature in driving these changes, highlighting how different climate impacts can be in the southern from the northern[mv1.1] hemisphere. This research also demonstrates that even incomplete, volunteer-collected data can be incredibly valuable when analysed carefully. At a time when biodiversity is under increasing pressure, this work shows how citizen science can help track environmental change and guide conservation efforts. Overall, the thesis reveals a complex and locally driven picture of climate change impacts on birds in South Africa, and underscores the importance of preserving and using long-term ecological data.