Possible range expansion of the Karoo Prinia Prinia maculosa into the range of the Drakensberg Prinia Prinia hypoxantha in the eastern Free State

Abstract

Possible range expansion of Karoo Prinia Prinia maculosa observed within the range of Drakensberg Prinia P. hypoxantha north east of Harrismith in the eastern Free State.  An Karoo Prinia individual was captured and ringed at Mnt Everest Nature Reserve, Harrismith on 3 November 2021 in Leucosidea sericea bush on mountain slope of Mooihoekkop.  On 4 November 2021 the net site were moved to the Mnt Everest hilly slope and a Drakensberg Prinia was captured and ringed.  Both species were also photographed and submitted to the Biodiversity Development Institure Virtual Museum (VM 19170 & 19171).  The ocurrence and new distribution records of Karoo Prinias within the range of Drakensberg Prinias north of Harrismith is discussed.