Abstract :
The Blue Swallow Hirundo atrocaerulea is restricted to sub-Saharan Africa, its population size
previously estimated at fewer than 1,500 pairs, and is classified as Vulnerable. A better
understanding of its current distributional range, population size, protection status and
migration routes would improve our ability to conserve the species and the grassland and
wetland habitat on which it depends. We now estimate that the Blue Swallow population in the
1850s may have numbered between 1,560 and 2,300 pairs. Based on an assessment of available
data, we now estimate the total current Blue Swallow population at 1,006 pairs or 2,012
individuals, an estimated 36–56% decline over the last 150 years. There may be three separate
Blue Swallow sub-populations and seven separate migratory routes between their breeding and
non-breeding grounds. The Blue Swallow’s range in South Africa and Swaziland has contracted
by 74%. The majority of Blue Swallows occupy unprotected areas on their non-breeding
grounds in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and Kenya. The Blue Swallow
population in Africa will continue to decline unless the causes of reduction in Blue Swallow
habitat quantity and quality can be stopped and sufficient and additional habitat set aside to
sustain viable Blue Swallow populations throughout their range
