Weissstorchzug. Okologi, Gefahrdung iind Schutz des Weissstoichs 
in Africa und Nahost (1988) By H Schulz, WWF-Umweltforschung 
3, 459p, Verlag Margraf , Weikersheim, Germany. (White Stork Migration. 
Ecology, Threats and Conservation of the White Stork in Africa and the 
Near East) 
This nicely produced book is the result of an ICBP/WWF Germany project to 
investigate threats posed to White Storks Ciconia ciconia on migration and in 
their wintering areas. The impressive amount of information presented in this 
volume was gathered during the two years 1986-1987, by searching through 
available literature, sending out questionnaires, establishing individuS contacts 
with specialists, and visits by the author to Israel, Sudan, South Africa, Zimljabwe, 
Lesotho, Kenya and Tanzania. 
Schulz reviews the migration paths of White Storks, their habitat choice, threats 
and legal status. Habitat loss and habitat degradation, poisoning through 
pesticides and PCBs, collisions with power-lines, and direct human persecution 
(especially in some Sahelian countries where White Storks are considered a tasty 
protein resource) present the most serious dangers to this fragile species. A useful 
table lists the occurrence, status, threats and conservation measures needed, 
broken down for 56 African range states, while also providing a quick reference 
for the national accounts which form the largest part of the book. Each coimtry's 
accoimt is broken down in chapters reviewing the occurrence, habitat choice, 
threats, legal status, and conservation measures already undertaken, plus 
proposals for those still needed. Lists of literature references and maps of 
migration flyways (if applicable). White Stork observations (within one-degree 
grids) and recoveries of ringed birds complete the accounts. Where possible, the 
author discusses evidence of pesticide and PCB poisoning, human hunting 
impacts, or other threats on a national scale in more detail. 
This report presents an information source of incredible value to conservationists 
about the ecology and threats faced by White Storks on migration and while 
wintering in Africa. It has already been used extensively by ICBP to draw up a 
management plan for an agreement to protect the species which will hopefully 
be signed by range states (in connection with the Bonn Convention on the 
Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals) later this year. WWF 
Germany and Verlag Margraf are to be congratulated for making the results of 
the ICBP/WWF project available to a large audience in this highly informative 
book. 
TSalathe 
53 
