Although it is not yet listed as threatened, an unexpected decline in the Orange-breasted Waxbill (Amandava sublava) has resulted in the need for the species to be researched. The species has been selected by BirdLife South Africa as a key sentinel (‘watchdog’) bird for South African wetland bird species, which include eight threatened and 84 common bird species.

The eight red-listed species, plus 84 common bird species that utilise a habitat similar to that of the Orange-breasted Waxbill, will all benefit from the collaboration between BirdLife South Africa and the Rare Finch Conservation Group.

In March Eelco, who is a member of BirdLife South Africa and a director of the Rare Finch Conservation Group, undertook an unsupported 3008 km solo cycle ride from Cape Town to Vic Falls, to help launch the fundraising and public awareness campaign for this new conservation project.