A breeding programme for vultures has made several great strides, according to the curator of Birding at the Pretoria Zoo, Sarah Chabangu.
“Our Cape Vulture breeding programme has been a cornerstone of our conservation efforts for nearly three decades. The progress we’ve made, in collaboration with VulPro and other partners, is a testament to our commitment to protecting this vulnerable species.”
They will be celebrating the programme on September 7, which is also International Vulture Day.
“The Multi-species Biodiversity Management Plan provides a crucial framework that will guide our efforts in the coming years, ensuring that these birds continue to soar in the skies of Southern Africa.”
She explained since its inception in 1996, the programme has played a critical role in the conservation of the vulnerable Cape vulture (Gyps coprotheres).
This vulture is native to Southern Africa.
Through collaboration with VulPro, a vulture conservation organisation, the zoo has made significant strides in supplementing wild populations with captive-bred birds.
Chabangu explained this ongoing effort aligns closely with the recently published Multi-species Biodiversity Management Plan for Vultures in South Africa.
According to Chabangu, this plan aims to implement strategic conservation actions across the geographic ranges of all nine vulture species found in South Africa, with a particular focus on the seven resident breeding species.
“The plan’s ultimate goal is to recover these populations to acceptable levels by 2033, reinforcing concerted, collaborative, and co-ordinated international efforts,” said Chabangu.
The plan has been developed through an intensive consultation process to ensure the future growth of vulture populations within the country by ensuring a safe and secure environment in which all the components of a vulture’s life cycle are fulfilled.
Africa is home to 11 of the 15 species of what are known as “Old World” vultures.
These birds play a crucial role in the environments in which they live by cleaning up animal carcasses in the veld thus helping ecosystems to remain healthy.
Vulture populations have declined considerably in most range states in Africa in the last 30 years.
Because of a lack of collective and decisive action, these declines are continuing. The situation in South Africa, which is home to nine vulture species, is not unique.
Of the nine species found in South Africa, seven have been known to have established breeding populations in the species range state. All of these face varying threats of extinction.
The cliff-nesting species are the Bearded vulture and the Cape vulture while tree-nesting species include the Hooded vulture, White-backed vulture, Lappet-faced vulture, White-headed vulture and Palm-nut vulture.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species (2021), three of the seven vulture species that breed in South Africa have moved from globally vulnerable or endangered to critically endangered between the 2014 and 2015 assessment periods.
These are the White-headed, Hooded and White-backed vultures.
To mark this important day for raising awareness of vultures, the Pretoria zoo invites the public to a special celebration featuring a range of engaging activities.
“Visitors can observe the resident vultures as they enjoy specially prepared enrichment feeding sessions that showcase their natural behaviours. The public will also have a unique opportunity to witness parent vultures feeding their chicks on the nests,” said Shabangu.
The zoo staff feed the parent pairs twice a day to support chick rearing, and visitors can observe this vital process.
Children aged 8-12 can participate in a fun and educational puzzle activity, while guests are welcome to stop by the Vulture Talk Station, where experts will share insights into these remarkable birds and their ongoing conservation efforts.
Chabangu said that a selection of vultures has been released since 2015:
G22741 (007): Bred in 2013, this vulture was released in February 2015. Though it was readmitted for rehabilitation and later re-released, it unfortunately died in April 2018. Despite this, tracking data revealed valuable insights into its movements across Botswana and South Africa.
G22769 (008): Hatched in 2012, 008 was released in February 2015. Although its GPS device stopped transmitting, they remain hopeful for future sightings of this bird.
G22797 – Red Black 56 (026): This male Cape vulture was released in 2015, and faced several challenges, including multiple recaptures and re-releases. Unfortunately, it was electrocuted by power lines in September 2020, a reminder of the dangers vultures face in the wild.
G37041 – Khaki Black 83: Hatched in July 2023 and released in May 2024, this vulture’s journey has been promising, with its tracking data showing extensive travel across South Africa and Lesotho.
G37042 – Yellow Black E12: Released in May 2024, this vulture managed to remove its tracking device. While its current status is unknown, they remain optimistic about its survival.
G26481 – Khaki Black 91: Released in May 2024, this vulture unfortunately sustained a severe wing injury and had to be euthanised in June.
She explained an essential component of the vulture release programme is the use of GPS tracking devices, which provide invaluable data on the movements and behaviour of these birds post-release.
These devices are carefully laced around the vulture’s pelvic bones to ensure comfort and durability.
This method allows the birds to move freely without discomfort while the tracking devices securely remain in place, enabling researchers to monitor their journeys across Southern Africa.
To Chabangu, the zoo’s Cape vulture breeding and release programme is more than just a series of successful releases.
“It’s a critical part of a broader conservation strategy,” she said.
She extended her heartfelt thanks to their partners at VulPro.
“Together, we continue to strive for the protection and preservation of Cape vultures and all vulture species in the wild.”
To Kerri Wolter, CEO of Vulpro, International Vulture Awareness Day is more than just a date on the calendar.
“It’s a celebration of the remarkable vultures that play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems and a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect them,” said Wolter. “For us, this day embodies our unwavering commitment to the conservation of vultures.”
She emphasised at VulPro they believe that every vulture saved is a step forward.
“On a day such as International Vultures Day, we reflect on the progress we’ve made, the challenges that lie ahead and the critical importance of our work in ensuring that future generations inherit a world where vultures continue to thrive.”
– Click here to see a vulture release by Vulpro: https://www.facebook.com/reel/985292609874428
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