More than 10 poisoned vulture carcasses were found in KwaZulu-Natal last week. Three wildlife organisations – Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Wildlife ACT Conservation and the Zululand Vulture Project – have responded to the incidents, in which the vultures appear to have been purposefully poisoned.
‘Perched vulture’ by Gerhard van der Westhuizen
According to reports, a landowner in Zululand reported the incidents to the Zululand Vulture Project so it could attend to the poisoned birds.
The landowner allegedly found a few different species among the poisoned vultures, including African white-backed, lappet-faced and white-headed vultures.
The three groups are currently engaging with various partners in the industry to investigate the reasons behind the apparent killings. Another finding was uncovered this week, and authorities have their hands full chasing up the culprits.
The African white-backed vulture (Gyps africanus) is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, making this spate of attacks even more alarming.
Image: Gerhard van der Westhuizen
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