Aloe marlothii hosting a Burchell's starling

Bird species survive by following the appearance of food sources in their domains according to seasonal availability. When these aloe flowers disappear after winter, some pollinators may remain in the vicinity if alternatives offer themselves; others have to move on to find different food.

Survival is contingent upon the delicate balance in the range of options in the accessible environment. Threats to any part of such an environment or some of its offerings are survival issues for the species that live there. We so often do not know what we are doing when we endeavour to improve the environment.