Eskom launches vulture project
2008-02-07 11:57
Johannesburg - A research project to stop vultures from being electrocuted on power lines in the Hartebeespoort Dam area was launched by Eskom on Wednesday.
Eskom launched the Vulture Enclosure research project in collaboration with the Rhino and Lion Wildlife Conservation non-profit organisation to try to reduce bird electrocutions on pylons in certain identified areas.
Eskom corporate services director Steve Lennon said the vulture enclosure allowed the birds a chance to recuperate before being released back into the wild.
Research would also be conducted to find out what aspect of vulture behaviour caused the birds to keep electrocuting themselves.
Lennon said the research in the enclosure would be more accurate and less time-consuming than previous laboratory studies and field observations and "assumptions".
He said the enclosure would serve as a "field laboratory" where researchers would record through what methods - such as using insulation covers - vultures would stay away from the pylons.
Vulture Programme manager Kerri Wolter said "power lines are one of our major threats causing the ongoing decline of vultures".
- SAPA