Latest news with #HoodedVultures
Pembrokeshire Herald
25-05-2025
- General
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Welsh conservationists on mission to help save endangered African vultures
CONSERVATIONISTS in rural Wales could be set to play a crucial role in saving endangered vultures thousands of miles away in Africa. The Horstmann Trust in Carmarthenshire has been breeding vultures for more than 40 years, while Falconry Experience Wales at Adfa, near Newtown, Powys welcomed their first two Hooded Vultures two years ago. Barry Macdonald and Luce Green, owners of Falconry Experience Wales, an award-winning raptor conservation and education attraction, hope to start breeding their two-year-old Hooded Vultures, Togo and Hope, within the next four years. It's hoped that their chicks will eventually be part of the wider conservation programme and also released into the wild in Africa, should the situation improve there. The Welsh conservation work could be crucial to the survival of vulture species. In the last 20 years, vulture populations have crashed by up to 99.9% and nearly 70% of the 23 vulture species are now threatened with extinction. Of the 16 African and European vulture species, 11 are facing extinction. Globally, of the 23 species, 14 are threatened with extinction, including the largest of all the flighted birds, the condors. Falconry Experience Wales also owns Vinnie, an African White-Backed Vulture, the population of which has plummeted by 95%, as part of its collection. The plight of species in South Africa was brought into sharp focus last week when 123 of – 102 White-Backed Vultures, 20 Cape Vultures and one Lappet-Faced Vulture, all listed as endangered or critically endangered – were poisoned in the Kruger National Park. Poachers increasingly use agricultural toxins to target high-value species – not just vultures, but also lions whose body parts are in growing demand for traditional medicine. The UK's only dedicated vulture breed for release conservation charity, The Horstmann Trust is home to some of the world's largest known captive populations, including Hooded, Egyptian and bearded vultures and Andean condors. The trust focuses on conservation breeding of vultures and scientific research into their health and incubation. Its work directly supports other vulture conservation organisations around the world. Vultures are the ultimate agents of balance in the ecosystems and are nature's waste disposal experts. They clean up animal carcasses quickly and efficiently to limit the spread of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens including rabies, anthrax and cholera. The direct and indirect actions of people are the largest single contributing factor to the dramatic decline in vulture numbers. Poisoning, poaching, powerlines, use in faith based medicine and loss of habitat are just a few examples. Poachers often poison vultures because they signal to rangers when an elephant, rhino or lion has been illegally killed. Barry and Luce are collaborating with the Horstmann Trust, who manage the European Endangered Species Program (EEP) for Hooded vultures, and hope that their pair and future offspring will play an important role within that programme. Vinnie the African White-Backed Vulture 'We have been aware of the persecution of vultures for years, but the situation has become much more critical,' explained Barry. 'If it deteriorates to a point where these vultures are almost extinct in Africa, then the birds bred in captivity will be the only population to help the breed recover.' Falconry Experience Wales has raised more than £5,000 to pay for GPS trackers to be attached to four Hooded Vultures in West Africa, so that researchers can monitor their movements for up to five years. They continue to raise funds for up-to-date surveys, ongoing vital research and poison response action kits. The specially made trackers are attached to a harness on the birds and Barry plans to fly to Africa with a Spanish colleague, hopefully early next year, to fit them on the host Hooded Vultures. Despite the crisis in Africa, he says there is hope. Asia saw a 99% decline in the vulture population a few years ago, as a result of a drug given to cattle which poisoned the birds when they fed on carcasses. The loss of vultures is believed to have directly contributed to the deaths of half a million people due to the spread of diseases. However, the Asian vulture population is recovering now that people understand their vital eco-cleansing role. Replacing vultures in the wild is not a quick fix. Barry explained that vultures don't begin breeding until aged five to seven years and only raise one chick if successful. 'We have never bred birds before at Falconry Experience Wales, so this will be a new venture for us,' he added. 'It's only because of the threat of extinction that we have become involved. 'Our pair of Hooded vultures were bred in captivity in the UK but their ancestry is Guinea in West Africa.' In addition to the vultures, Barry and Luce have also recently welcomed a Steller's Sea Eagle, one of the world's largest eagles which is classified as vulnerable by The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list. The declining population is believed to be between 3,600 and 4,670 mature individuals, including 1,900 breeding pairs. The Steller's Sea Eagle breeds in Russia and over-winters in Northern Japan. Falconry Experience Wales is a member of MWT Cymru, an organisation representing more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Eryri (Snowdonia). Picture at top of page: Luce Green with Hooded Vulture Togo at Falconry Experience Wales
Powys County Times
24-05-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
How Powys conservationists are saving an endangered vulture
Conservationists in Powys are playing a part in saving a species of endangered vultures, thousands of miles away from their home in Africa. Falconry Experience Wales, based in Adfa near Newtown, welcomed their first pair of Hooded Vultures, Togo and Hope, two years ago and now hope to start breeding within the next few years. Conservation efforts are being made because of the 16 African and European vulture species, 11 are facing extinction, with populations crashing over the past 20 years. Barry Macdonald and Luce Green, owners of Falconry Experience Wales hope the chicks will be part of a wider conservation programme and eventually released into the wild in their home of Africa if the situation improves there. Barry and Luce are collaborating with the Horstmann Trust, the UK's only dedicated vulture breed for release conservation charity and hope the pair will play a crucial role in conservation efforts. Barry said: 'We have been aware of the persecution of vultures for years, but the situation has become much more critical. 'If it deteriorates to a point where these vultures are almost extinct in Africa, then the birds bred in captivity will be the only population to help the breed recover.' 'We have never bred birds before at Falconry Experience Wales, so this will be a new venture for us. 'It's only because of the threat of extinction that we have become involved. 'Our pair of Hooded vultures were bred in captivity in the UK but their ancestry is Guinea in West Africa.' The plight of species in South Africa was highlighted last week over a hundred birds all listed as endangered or critically endangered were poisoned in the Kruger National Park. Poachers increasingly use agricultural toxins to target high-value species, including vultures, as well as other animals such as lions. Falconry Experience Wales also owns Vinnie, an African White-Backed Vulture. In addition to the vultures, Barry and Luce have also recently welcomed a Steller's Sea Eagle, one of the world's largest eagles which is classified as vulnerable by The International Union for Conservation of Nature red list.
IOL News
23-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Cloned - New poisoning tactics threaten South Africa's endangered vultures
More than 100 vultures, all endangered, died in a mass poisoning in the Kruger National Park. Image: Supplied. SOUTH Africa is facing what conservationists call a growing and coordinated threat to endangered wildlife, following two mass vulture poisoning incidents in the space of just over a week — one in Kruger National Park and another in Lionspruit Game Reserve, Mpumalanga. Combined, these events have killed over 220 vultures, a devastating blow to already fragile populations. Experts warn that such poisonings are not isolated but point to an emerging poaching tactic using laced carcasses to eliminate vultures — which often alert authorities to wildlife crimes — and possibly divert attention from larger operations. On 18 May, VulPro and Wild and Free Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre confirmed the deaths of over 100 vultures at Lionspruit near Marloth Park. The site was identified via GPS signals from previously rehabilitated vultures. Responders found dozens of birds dead around a poisoned warthog carcass. There were no survivors. The victims included 92 White-backed Vultures (90% breeding adults), nine Hooded Vultures, and one White-headed Vulture — all Critically Endangered. No body parts were removed, indicating the motive was likely not linked to traditional medicine practices. 'The scale of this poisoning is devastating and appears to be part of a much bigger, targeted operation,' said Kerri Wolter, CEO of VulPro. 'We are genuinely terrified of what next is going to occur.' Samples were collected for toxicological testing, which may lead to legal action. Wolter has appealed to all rehabilitation centres in the Lowveld to halt vulture releases until threats are assessed. 'This is not just about one event. It's about a systemic threat to our natural balance,' she added. Just days earlier, on 7 May, a similarly horrific incident took place in Kruger National Park's Mahlangeni Section. SANParks has confirmed it as one of the largest mass vulture poisonings in Southern Africa, with 123 birds killed and 84 rescued in what became a landmark emergency operation. According to JP Louw, SANParks Head of Communications, 'The incident is one of the largest seen in the park. A total of 116 vultures were found dead at the scene.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 100 Vultures were found dead just a week after the Kruger National Park incident Image: Supplied Rangers discovered the poisoning at a laced elephant carcass. Two vultures were barely alive and received on-site treatment. A multi-agency effort followed, including teams from Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Briner and Wildscapes Veterinary Services, and SANParks aerial support. This marked the first time SANParks deployed helicopters for a poisoning rescue of this scale. Eighty-four vultures — including White-backed, Cape, and Hooded species — were rescued. Most were transported via the EWT's specialised vulture ambulance or airlifted to SANParks' Phalaborwa K9 facility. A remarkable 96% survival rate was achieved. 'This marks one of the most extensive coordinated response and rescue efforts to date,' Louw said, noting that early detection systems and NGO collaboration played a critical role. These events form part of a wider, growing crisis: the use of agricultural poisons in poaching to target both vultures and species like lions, whose body parts are in demand for muthi. 'This is a setback for the vulture population in the Greater Kruger landscape,' said Louw. 'SANParks continues working with agencies to address this rise in poisoning events.' Despite the scale of the event, SANParks has not yet issued a formal appeal to the National Wildlife Poisoning Prevention Working Group (NWPPWG). Peter Mbelengwa, head of communication and advocacy at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, confirmed that the department is aware of the incidents 'SANParks will continue to update the Department on the progress of investigations through official channels.' Mbelengwa said the department has been actively involved in efforts to address wildlife poisoning and is committed to regulating the sale and use of agrochemicals. 'The National Wildlife Poisoning Prevention Working Group (NWPPWG) is working to ensure that agricultural pesticides are responsibly imported, sold, stored, and disposed of. Our goal is to eradicate the illegal use of pesticides and prevent their use in wildlife crimes,' Mbelengwa explained. 'The devastating impacts of poisoning on vultures highlight the urgent need for coordinated conservation efforts,' Mbelengwa continued. Vultures are also listed on the endangered species list. Image: Supplied 'South Africa's vultures are facing significant threats, with three of the seven resident species listed as Critically Endangered. Without effective conservation actions, these species could become extinct in the near future.' In response to this growing crisis, Mbelengwa pointed to the recent publication of a Multi-species Biodiversity Management Plan for Vultures, which is now being implemented. 'This plan, developed by the Minister, aims to recover vulture populations to acceptable levels by 2033,' Mbelengwa said. 'It is vital that we work both nationally and internationally to address the challenges vultures face.' 'We will continue to support SANParks and NGOs in their efforts to detect and respond to wildlife poisoning. Our commitment to protecting South Africa's biodiversity remains unwavering,' he concluded. Weekend Argus
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
New poisoning tactics threaten South Africa's endangered vultures
More than 100 vultures, all endangered, died in a mass poisoning in the Kruger National Park. Image: Supplied. South Africa is facing what conservationists call a growing and coordinated threat to endangered wildlife, following two mass vulture poisoning incidents in the space of just over a week — one in Kruger National Park and another in Lionspruit Game Reserve, Mpumalanga. Combined, these events have killed over 220 vultures, a devastating blow to already fragile populations. Experts warn that such poisonings are not isolated but point to an emerging poaching tactic using laced carcasses to eliminate vultures — which often alert authorities to wildlife crimes — and possibly divert attention from larger operations. On 18 May, VulPro and Wild and Free Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre confirmed the deaths of over 100 vultures at Lionspruit near Marloth Park. The site was identified via GPS signals from previously rehabilitated vultures. Responders found dozens of birds dead around a poisoned warthog carcass. There were no survivors. The victims included 92 White-backed Vultures (90% breeding adults), nine Hooded Vultures, and one White-headed Vulture — all Critically Endangered. No body parts were removed, indicating the motive was likely not linked to traditional medicine practices. 'The scale of this poisoning is devastating and appears to be part of a much bigger, targeted operation,' said Kerri Wolter, CEO of VulPro. 'We are genuinely terrified of what next is going to occur.' Samples were collected for toxicological testing, which may lead to legal action. Wolter has appealed to all rehabilitation centres in the Lowveld to halt vulture releases until threats are assessed. 'This is not just about one event. It's about a systemic threat to our natural balance,' she added. Just days earlier, on 7 May, a similarly horrific incident took place in Kruger National Park's Mahlangeni Section. SANParks has confirmed it as one of the largest mass vulture poisonings in Southern Africa, with 123 birds killed and 84 rescued in what became a landmark emergency operation. According to JP Louw, SANParks Head of Communications, 'The incident is one of the largest seen in the park. A total of 116 vultures were found dead at the scene.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading 100 Vultures were found dead just a week after the Kruger National Park incident Image: Supplied Rangers discovered the poisoning at a laced elephant carcass. Two vultures were barely alive and received on-site treatment. A multi-agency effort followed, including teams from Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Briner and Wildscapes Veterinary Services, and SANParks aerial support. This marked the first time SANParks deployed helicopters for a poisoning rescue of this scale. Eighty-four vultures — including White-backed, Cape, and Hooded species — were rescued. Most were transported via the EWT's specialised vulture ambulance or airlifted to SANParks' Phalaborwa K9 facility. A remarkable 96% survival rate was achieved. 'This marks one of the most extensive coordinated response and rescue efforts to date,' Louw said, noting that early detection systems and NGO collaboration played a critical role. These events form part of a wider, growing crisis: the use of agricultural poisons in poaching to target both vultures and species like lions, whose body parts are in demand for muthi. 'This is a setback for the vulture population in the Greater Kruger landscape,' said Louw. 'SANParks continues working with agencies to address this rise in poisoning events.' Despite the scale of the event, SANParks has not yet issued a formal appeal to the National Wildlife Poisoning Prevention Working Group (NWPPWG). Peter Mbelengwa, head of communication and advocacy at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, confirmed that the department is aware of the incidents 'SANParks will continue to update the Department on the progress of investigations through official channels.' Mbelengwa said the department has been actively involved in efforts to address wildlife poisoning and is committed to regulating the sale and use of agrochemicals. 'The National Wildlife Poisoning Prevention Working Group (NWPPWG) is working to ensure that agricultural pesticides are responsibly imported, sold, stored, and disposed of. Our goal is to eradicate the illegal use of pesticides and prevent their use in wildlife crimes,' Mbelengwa explained. 'The devastating impacts of poisoning on vultures highlight the urgent need for coordinated conservation efforts,' Mbelengwa continued. Vultures are also listed on the endangered species list. Image: Supplied 'South Africa's vultures are facing significant threats, with three of the seven resident species listed as Critically Endangered. Without effective conservation actions, these species could become extinct in the near future.' In response to this growing crisis, Mbelengwa pointed to the recent publication of a Multi-species Biodiversity Management Plan for Vultures, which is now being implemented. 'This plan, developed by the Minister, aims to recover vulture populations to acceptable levels by 2033,' Mbelengwa said. 'It is vital that we work both nationally and internationally to address the challenges vultures face.' 'We will continue to support SANParks and NGOs in their efforts to detect and respond to wildlife poisoning. Our commitment to protecting South Africa's biodiversity remains unwavering,' he concluded. Weekend Argus
