KZN Wildlife - VULTURES
Download PDF :   Ringing Report: October 2005  
E-Mail address for all vulture related matters: vulture@kznwildlife.com

Vultures play a critically important role in ecosystem health. They clean up the carcasses and thus prevent the spread of disease. Vultures are akin to aerial hyenas.

Throughout their range in the world, vulture populations are in a state of decline. Decline figures as high as 90 percent have been reported. The Oriental White-backed vulture in India is a perfect example reported at around a 96 percent loss in the last 10 years. The current threats to vultures include powerline collision and electrocution, nest disturbance, direct persecution through indiscriminant poisoning and shooting. Poisoning for the traditional and cultural medicinal markets is also proving to be one of the major factors threatening the long term survival of the Mkhuze vulture population.

Most importantly is our lack of thorough ecological understanding of the vulture species in KZN and their environmental requirements. In an effort to better understand their requirements and life history traits Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife have embarked on various initiatives in an effort save the species. These programs include the development of a monitoring program for Vultures in KZN which incorporate research based on colour ringing the “Tree-nesting” vultures in Phongolo, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi-Park and Mkhuze Game reserves. The success of a colour ringing program is only as worthwhile as the information of the colour ringed individuals that are reported and subsequent re-sightings. Thus members of the public and ornithologists are urged to get involved in this exciting program by downloading the PDF form and posting it to the address on the form or by e-mailing to help contribute towards the better understanding of our KZN natural heritage.
Let’s conserve our vultures today so we may share our avian delights with our children’s children.