Save our Vultures!

Over 100 critically endangered vultures have been found dead in a devastating poisoning event at Lionspruit Game Reserve near Marloth Park, Mpumalanga, South Africa. This incident, described by conservationists as catastrophic, includes the deaths of 92 White-backed vultures—90% of them breeding adults—nine Hooded vultures, and one adult male White-headed vulture.

Timeline of Tragic Events

This tragic event follows a similar incident two weeks prior when 123 vultures were found dead in Kruger National Park. Of those, 84 were saved from poisoning just in time. The shocking discovery at Lionspruit was made thanks to GPS tracking devices fitted to rehabilitated vultures. These devices were previously placed by VulPro, Africa’s only dedicated vulture conservation organization, alongside the Wild and Free Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre based in Hectorspruit.

The Scene of Devastation

Upon arrival at the scene, the team encountered a harrowing sight. Dozens of vultures lay collapsed around a warthog carcass, and sadly, there were no survivors in sight. Notably, no body parts had been removed, which rules out harvesting for traditional medicine. Additionally, two more carcasses were spotted from the air with support from SANParks, who joined the search efforts.

Kerri Wolter, CEO of VulPro, expressed her devastation: "The scale of this poisoning is devastating and appears to be part of a much bigger, targeted operation. With multiple incidents taking place in various regions across the Lowveld recently, we suspect they are aimed at distracting us from a bigger and even more devastating event soon. We are calling on the government and the national vulture poisoning working group to address the crisis before it’s too late. To lose this number of vultures, let alone adult breeding birds during breeding season, is an ecological crisis. We are genuinely terrified of what is going to occur next."

Impact and Implications

The impact of such events stretches far beyond the immediate deaths of these majestic birds. Vultures play a vital role in ecosystems by serving as natural waste removers, which helps prevent disease outbreaks. Their rapid decline is a serious blow to biodiversity and threatens to undo decades of conservation efforts.

Broader Context of Vulture Poisoning in Africa

Vulture poisoning is not confined to South Africa; it is a troubling trend in southern Africa. These birds are often targeted by poachers, as they can reveal illegal activities. Additionally, some parts of their anatomy are sought after for use in traditional medicine, according to wildlife groups. Just recently, more than 50 white-backed vultures were found dead in Botswana's northern Chobe district. At the same time, about 100 more were discovered in South Africa's Kruger National Park, highlighting the widespread and alarming nature of this crisis.

The recent mass poisoning at Lionspruit Game Reserve is a stark reminder of the increasing threats that poisonings pose to critically endangered vulture populations. Conservationists are urgently calling on the government and the national vulture poisoning working group to take decisive action to address this escalating crisis. The loss of these vultures, particularly during breeding season, represents a significant ecological crisis and emphasizes the need for robust conservation efforts.

Taking Action Together

Our company strongly condemns these awful poisoning efforts. We are committed to supporting the conservation of Southern Africa's wildlife. To aid in these efforts, we provide contributions to rehabilitation centers as much as possible. We urge you to join us in this important work. You can help by donating to support sustainable tourism initiatives here: https://www.amatungulu.com/donate.

Vulture

In conclusion, addressing vulture poisoning is critical. Not only do these birds play a key role in our ecosystems, but their survival also reflects the health of our environment. Immediate action is essential to protect these vital scavengers and ensure a balanced ecosystem for future generations.