Vultures 'not safe'
2007-09-03 12:49
Nelspruit - South Africa's vultures, which are facing extinction, are not even safe in the Kruger National Park, warns the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT).
Elephants are destroying trees in which some vultures nest, explains manager of the EWT's Birds of Prey Working Group, Andre Botha.
"Even in areas such as the Kruger National Park, where these birds are considered to be safe from the effects of most negative human impacts, some tree-nesting species are being affected by the increase in the elephant population and the resultant damage to the vegetation due to the loss of suitable nesting trees," he explained.
South Africa has nine vulture species, seven of which are on the Red Data list because of a dramatic decline in their numbers.
Vultures feed off animal carcasses, but many die when they eat carcasses that farmers have poisoned and left out to try get rid of unwanted predators. Some vultures also starve to death because there is not as much game as in the past. Some are electrocuted when they perch on electricity pylons or are killed when they collide with powerlines.
They are also caught and used for muti or are traded illegally.
On Saturday, as part of National Vulture Awareness Day, members of the public are urged to visit a reserve and count the number of vultures they see. The location, time, species and number of birds should then be sent to the Birds of Prey Working Group.
The Bearded Vulture is restricted to the Maluti-Drakensberg mountains, while the Cape, Lappet-faced, Hooded, White-headed and African White-backed vultures can be found in conservation areas.
The Birds of Prey Working Group has also established feeding sites, or vulture restaurants, across the country where the birds can find safe, reliable food sources.
Members of the public can report sightings by calling (011) 646 4629 or e-mail andreb@ewt.org.za.