High above the coastal canopy, a powerful predator soars – the African crowned eagle, one of the continent’s most formidable birds of prey and a rare sight on the North Coast.

Conservationists are keeping a close eye on the elusive raptor as efforts to protect the species intensify amid declining numbers and ongoing threats.

“In my opinion, the African crowned eagle is the coolest bird. It is the strongest eagle in Africa, and one of the strongest in the world,” said wildlife guide and biodiversity consultant Richard McKibbin.

The 45-year-old conservationist is currently working in five KwaZulu-Natal estates, including Seaward Estate, Palm Lakes Family Estate and Zimbali Estate on the North Coast.

ALSO READ: Salt Rock twitcher turns birding into a high-tech adventure | North Coast Courier

For the past 14 years, McKibbin has closely monitored the crowned eagles of Zimbali Estate, particularly a well-known adult female nicknamed ‘UFO’. She was tagged by the KZN Crowned Eagle Research team, led by Dr Shane McPherson and is estimated to be around 30 years old.

African crowned eagles typically begin nesting at around four to five years of age, and UFO’s nest at Zimbali was first discovered in 2000.

READ MORE: Rare migratory birds flourish at Simbithi’s green spaces | North Coast Courier

Weighing between 3.2 and 4.7kg, the female is about 10-15% larger than the male, whose weight ranges from 2.5 to 4.1kg. The species boasts a wingspan of up to 1.8 metres and relies heavily on meat as its primary food source.

Despite abundant prey and no natural predators, the crowned eagle is listed as near threatened globally and vulnerable in South Africa – just one step away from endangered. Between 2014 and 2023, only one chick reached adulthood at the monitored Zimbali Estate nest.

“The challenge to preserve these birds is complex,” said McKibbin.

“There are only a handful of documented nests in the North Coast region. Part of the problem is their slow breeding cycle – they usually breed only every two years – and many juveniles do not survive to adulthood.”

Habitat loss, collisions with man-made structures like power lines, and persecution by humans are major threats to the eagle’s survival.

READ MORE: Citizen scientists count more than 200 rare ground thrushes in KZN landmark survey | North Coast Courier

McKibbin is also the co-owner of The Lionheart Experience, founded in 2016. Together with his wife, Candice, he recently launched a new project called ECHO – a conservation model tailored for private eco-estates.

Working alongside environmental managers, ECHO aims to conserve natural wildlife habitats and document all species living within participating estates.

It also offers engaging wildlife education experiences for residents, helping to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of local biodiversity.

This article first appeared in the May 2025 edition of FastFinder – The North Coast Courier’s biannual business directory.

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.