The carcasses of 47 white-backed vultures and five eagles were discovered by wildlife conservation monitors in Zululand region on Sunday, in what is suspected to be a mass poisoning.
It said in a statement that of the 47 carcasses found, 35 had their heads removed and an additional five, which had not yet succumbed to the poisoning, received treatment at the scene before being transported to a permitted rehabilitation facility for further treatment.
Five tawny eagle carcasses were also discovered at the scene. A criminal case has been opened.
“The swift response by conservation officials, who have been trained to handle such poisoning events, decontaminated the scene to ensure that no further fatalities occurred.”
The discovery comes hot on the heels of the release of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment’s Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for South African vultures which is out for public comment.
Brent Coverdale, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s Mammal and Bird Scientist, said one of the key threats within South Africa, is poisoning of vultures for use in the traditional medicine trade, and this is highlighted within the draft Management Plan for South African Vultures.
“Wildlife ACT was extremely saddened by the discovery of this recent mass vulture poisoning. Vultures are the vital component of our ecosystem’s functionality, yet we have seen a drastic decline of the local breeding population over the past few years due to poisoning, despite our best efforts.
“We urge the public to engage with the BMP commenting process before the deadline,” said Anel Olivier, Wildlife ACT’s Vulture Conservation Programme Manager.
Source: Times Live, IOL, Jacaranda FM, The Witness, image from Twitter: @GetawayMagazine