‘No- fly zones in vulture breeding colony’ warns VulPro
GAUTENG – VulPro has issued a statement appealing to the aviation industry, especially pilots, to be mindful of the vultures' breeding colonies, roosting and feeding sites.
VulPro, a non-governmental organisation that is dedicated to the conservation of vultures, has issued an appeal to the aviation fraternity to be mindful of vultures’ breeding and feeding sites.
According to their statement, “Vultures evoke strong emotions from different individuals and walks of life, including those of enthusiastic pilots from large fixed-wing aircrafts, helicopters to motorized and non-motorized gliders. Vultures are seen as the masters of the skies and have adapted to make use of hot air currents also known as thermals to soar and glide as they forage, commute and play in our blue skies.”
VulPro added that, pilots flying non-motorized gliders make use of thermals for flying as well and thus use vultures, if and where possible, to locate thermals for successful and enjoyable flights. “Generally this is not a problem, however it does become a massive problem when pilots over step their mark and fly too close to vulture breeding, roosting and feeding sites, causing disturbance; chick fatalities from chicks jumping too early and parents abandoning their nests, egg or chicks due to fear and anguish,” stated VulPro.
The organisation argued that the same happens when fixed-wing aircrafts and helicopters fly too low and too close to selected and very specific sites which are easy to avoid.
VulPro therefore, believes that no flying whatsoever should ever be undertaken at any vulture breeding colony and at roosting and feeding sites by any pilots, be it motorized or non-motorized, fixed-wing aircrafts and helicopters.
“There is ample space away from these selected sites and therefore there is no excuse or need to fly in close proximity or even at these sites whatsoever. Our vultures are listed as endangered and we are battling to stabilize populations, even one lost egg or chick is one vulture too many.
“We are appealing to each and every pilot to please respect our vultures and their habitat, to respect their breeding sites and appreciate these magnificent birds in flight by keeping them safe and around to continue being the masters in flight.”
Details: Kerri Wolter kerri.wolter@gmail.com
