The Streaky-breasted Flufftail (Sarothrura affinis), a rare and elusive bird species, is now found only in the Monavale Vlei, with agricultural expansion and land degradation rapidly eroding its habitat across Zimbabwe’s wetlands.
This small, secretive bird, characterized by its streaked breast, has long been a symbol of the rich biodiversity that Zimbabwe’s wetlands support. As a key indicator of the health of these delicate ecosystems, the Streaky-breasted Flufftail’s survival has become increasingly precarious due to the expanding footprint of agriculture and urbanization.
According to Ronnie Chirimuta, Education Officer at Birdlife Zimbabwe, the Streaky-breasted Flufftail is a migratory species traditionally flocked to various wetlands around Harare, with Monavale Vlei being a particularly important habitat.
“This is an important species because it thrives in pristine and restored wetland areas. In the past, it could be found across several wetlands in Harare, including Monavale, Ashbrittle, Marlborough, and Bluffhill,” Chirimuta explains. “However, due to widespread agricultural activity, these habitats have been degraded. The wetlands where these birds once thrived are rapidly being converted for farming. As a result, their natural habitat has been destroyed, and now Monavale Vlei is the last remaining refuge for these birds in Harare. If Monavale Vlei is lost, the breeding grounds for this species will be severely impacted, causing a global decline in their numbers.”
Photo: Arno Ellmer
Monavale Vlei, located near Harare, remains a critical sanctuary for the Streaky-breasted Flufftail and a vital wetland ecosystem. It provides the dense vegetation and wetland conditions the bird requires to thrive. Unfortunately, outside of Monavale, wetlands across the country are being drained, converted into agricultural land, or contaminated by urban development, leaving fewer spaces for species like the Streaky-breasted Flufftail to survive.
As agricultural pressures continue to mount, the future of this rare bird remains uncertain. The loss of Monavale Vlei would not only threaten the Streaky-breasted Flufftail but also the broader wetland ecosystem, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect Zimbabwe’s remaining wetland habitats.
Efforts to preserve Monavale Vlei and raise awareness about the importance of sustainable wetland management are more important than ever. The fate of the Streaky-breasted Flufftail and many other species depend on the protection of these vital ecosystems.
According to Birdlife South Africa, The White-winged Flufftail is one of the world’s most threatened and rarest birds. Destruction and degradation of the species’ high-altitude wetland habitat have resulted in a situation where its survival in the wild is uncertain. There is a race against time to ensure that it does not become the first bird in mainland Africa to go extinct.