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Avitourism – holidays that are based around birdwatching – is proving popular in South Africa and supporting many local communities, according to reports.

BirdLife International said that the sector is proving to be one of South Africa's most effective conservation tools.

Two particularly popular 'birding routes' in the country have already generated more than 50m rand (£3.2m) for local economies.

BirdLife South Africa now plans to boost the sector further by developing six new routes in the Western Cape and Cape Town regions, two of the country's most popular tourist areas.

Dr Anton Odendal, the group's project manager, said: 'The Western Cape's wonderful variety of birds have enjoyed less of a profile than its other assets such as whales and wine.

'We'd like to see this change and these routes could help to achieve it.'

Tourists who visit South Africa's recognised birding routes are given recommended itineraries, local guides and accommodation in areas with diverse bird populations.

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