Should kids care about crashing vulture populations? How to empower kids through ecoliteracy5/1/2016
Vanishing Vultures
Africa is home to 11 vulture species. But human activities are killing Africa’s vultures at a rapid, unsustainable rate. 
Cape Vulture © Chris Van Rooyen
The Cape Vulture (also called Cape Griffon), Gyps coprotheres is endemic to southern Africa.
Once a common species in South Africa, Cape Vultures are now endangered. 1 Cape Vultures once soared the skies in South Africa. But today, less than 4,000 breeding pairs remain. And those remaining pairs are declining at an alarming rate. -- South Africa's Vulture Conservation Programme (VulPro)
Editor’s Note
This special issue introduces students, teachers and parents to the world of African Vultures. Explore the human toll on vultures; the consequences of ecosystems disrupted by humans; and the hard work of some of the scientists and conservationists who are trying to prevent the extinction of vultures. Environmental Literacy How do we educate and empower students -- the earth's future decision makers and consumers -- to confront the constant onslaught of reports and news stories about species declines and extinctions? After all, species declines and the resulting loss of ecosystem services affect our lives and theirs, now and in the future. We can create opportunities for kids to become environmentally literate and to learn about complex issues, such as: 1. What are the human causes of species declines? 2. How is scientific data used to help species? 3. What obstacles do scientists and conservationists face in their efforts to lobby for wildlife protection laws and rehabilitation projects? Kids love challenges. To foster critical thinking skills as well as collaboration and leadership skills, we need to empower kids to: - not only explore species declines, but to engage with key players (scientists, conservationists, governments, corporations, etc.) - participate in citizen science projects to help scientists with research - speak up about their concerns and share their opinions in group discussions - write letters to companies and government leaders about their concerns - raise awareness about the issues that affect their lives Your input is invaluable. Please add your insights in the comment section below. Thank you, Debra Toor Inside this issue:
Can science & collaboration save Africa’s vultures? Human triggers for vulture deaths How scientists are contributing to solutions Evidence Exposed: Scientists cracked the case and identified the vulture killer during the Asian Vulture Crisis Ecosystem services of vultures Feature: How VulPro is helping South Africa's vultures Messages from the Vulture Scientists Free pdf Ebook; Vulture Tic Tac Toe; and more resources 
In Africa, vultures and humans are on a collision course. Human activities are killing Africa’s vultures at an unprecedented and unsustainable rate. Scientists warn that the collapse of this keystone species will spark a rise in disease transmission throughout the African continent. Can science & collaboration save Africa’s vultures? Inference: Humans have caused unprecedented deaths of vultures. Therefore, scientists infer that if humans cease vulture-killing activities, then the collapse of vulture populations can be prevented. Armed with scientific tools and methods, teams of scientists and conservationists are making observations, collecting data and making inferences. How can scientific research protect vultures? Credible scientific data is used to: - Inform lawmakers of critical vulture threats - Recommend and support laws to protect vultures - Develop and improve upon conservation strategies - Develop programs to educate the public and key players about vulture threats, consequences and solutions - Reduce existing threats (Example: constructing safer power structures and marking lines to avoid vulture electrocutions and collisions.) - Work together with landowners and farmers to recommend best farming practices without the use of poisons where possible Scientists and conservation organizations are working to mitigate vulture mortalities throughout Africa. Their efforts include research and collaboration with government, industry (such as pesticide manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and power companies) farmers, rural communities, school groups, conservation NGOs, landowners, national and protected nature reserves, and the general public.
Did you know that vultures exist on every continent except for
Australia and Antarctica? There are 23 vulture species in the world.
Human Triggers Every day, vultures struggle against an onslaught of human threats. The impact of residential and industrial development combined with specific human activities are to blame for massive vulture deaths in Africa. Conservationist Kerri Wolter of VulPro adds two more triggers: 1. Loss of available and safe food free from veterinary drugs and poisons 2. Loss of available and safe foraging ranges due to land use changes (from farming practices to housing eco-estates) or changes in farming practices (from livestock to agricultural) Poisoning Motives Poachers lace carcasses with poison so that circling vultures won't draw attention to their illegal activities. Vultures are also unintentionally killed when they scavenge on poisoned carcasses meant to kill predators that have killed the livestock of herders or farmers. Sources for Human Triggers: Another Continental Vulture Crisis: Africa's Vultures Collapsing Toward Extinction. Conservation Letters. The Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Carprofen, Flunixin and Phenylbutazone in the Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres) following Oral Exposure. 
Scientists use different types of graphs to visually represent data. 1. Why do you think the pie graph was chosen to represent the statistics? 2. What two human activities account for the most vulture deaths in Africa? 3. What is the percentage value of these two triggers? Source: Another Continental Vulture Crisis: Africa's Vultures Collapsing toward Extinction. Conservation Letters.
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Photo (above): Ogada is about to release an adult Rüppell's Vulture attached with a transmitter to track where it roosts, feeds and breeds.
If the vulture dies, she will be able to locate it to determine the cause of death. What is Ogada working on now? "I'm still trapping and tracking vultures in northern Kenya and in other neighboring countries. I'm working on a number of other projects with collaborators, including anti-poisoning work which at present is aimed at getting structures in place in terms of laboratory testing, collecting samples, and training rangers. We will also soon start an Africa-wide vulture survey and mapping project." Darcy Ogada is a Kenya-based conservationist at The Peregrine Fund, chair of the Raptor Working Group of Nature Kenya, and a member of the IUCN Vulture Specialist Group. |
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What's the problem with poorly located wind turbines?
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This video has been included for readers to observe how oblivious vultures are to the giant turning blades of wind turbines. Correction: The video (right) was not filmed in Africa, and the vulture is not a Cape Vulture but a Griffon Vulture, Gyps fulvus. Video filmed by Shannon Hoffman, African Birds of Prey Sanctuary Source: www.Nikela.org Nikela is a public charity that tells stories and raises funds to support organizations that are working to curb the escalating wildlife trafficking industry and end lion trophy hunting. |
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Location. Location. Location.
Where NOT to build wind farms
Did you know that large soaring birds, including vultures, are
particularly prone to colliding with wind turbines?
Conservationists strongly recommend that wind turbines not be
constructed on migratory routes, or on breeding, roosting and
feeding areas.
The following facts have been provided by BirdLife International:
How do poorly located wind farms
significantly slash bird populations?
Building them in the wrong places causes disturbance and habitat loss.
Birds die or are severely injured when they collide with the turbine blades.
In the news:
Proposed wind farms could cause
local vulture species extinctions.
In the Lesotho Highlands, conservationists are concerned that proposed
wind farms on critical habitat for declining populations of Bearded
Vultures and Cape Vultures could cause local species extinctions.
Solutions based on science:
Careful planning is required to locate wind farms in
areas with minimal impact on birds and other wildlife.
Scientists at BirdLife South Africa and its partners have submitted
a detailed response to the Environmental Impact Statement
for the proposed Letseng Wind Farm.
They hope to collaborate with the applicant, the Government of Lesotho
and its partners to help identify more suitable sites for renewable energy
generation, where impacts on the environment, including avifauna, can be
mitigated.
Source: BirdLife International (2013) "Wind Farms in Lesotho could
threaten local vulture populations." Presented as part of the
BirdLife State of the world's birds website.
Available at: http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/sowb/casestudy/567
© Albert Froneman
Above photo:
Critically Endangered South African Bearded Vulture
Gypaetus barbatus
Source: http://projectvulture.org.za/
The following information has been provided by Project Vulture:
Did you know
in 2013, over 1440 vultures were poisoned in southern
Africa?
The alarming rate of poisonings combined with other threats have
shrunk many vulture populations to critical levels. Project Vulture
warns that if this high mortality rate continues, we may see these
majestic birds disappear from South African skies forever.
Southern African Bearded Vulture Population
Reduced to just 50 birds, Bearded Vultures are listed as critically
endangered. The entire population, which inhabits the
Maloti-Drakensberg mountain range, is the only viable population
remaining in the southern Hemisphere.
Cape Vulture Population
About 1450 Cape Vultures inhabit the Maloti-Drakensberg region.
A shocking 7% of the local Cape Vulture population was killed in
poisoning incidents in 2013.
Source: The Maloti-Drakensberg Vulture Project, represented
online as Project Vulture, is dedicated to actively taking a stand to
ensure the protection and conservation of our vulnerable and critically
endangered vulture species.
Vulture Electrocutions 7
Source: The Maloti-Drakensberg
Vulture Project (Project Vulture)
Did you know that vultures are susceptible to electrocutions?
Vultures seek the highest vantage point from where they scan the area
for carrion. In flat, treeless habitats, power pylons often provide ideal
vantage points for this purpose.
"Vultures also feel safer when they roost and perch high up and away from
disturbances," says Kerri Wolter.
Their large wingspan can easily bridge the horizontal distance between
phase-to-earth or phase-to-ground components of transmission networks.
Vultures' gregarious nature and habit of roosting together result in multiple
electrocutions.
Solutions:
Research shows various methods that can effectively reduce the danger
that existing and proposed power poles and cables pose to vulture species.
The most common way: Insulate dangerous live components, and cut a
gap in the earth wire.
"Dangerous structures can be changed to safe structures. For example, a
T-structure can be swapped for an H-structure," adds Wolter.
Sometimes perch deterrents are installed to keep birds away from
dangerous areas on the structure.
"The lines can also be clearly marked with spirals and bird flappers, in a
similar fashion that lines are marked for pilots with red and white large
balls," says Wolter.
What is the role of power companies in vulture electrocutions?
According to Bird Rehabilitator and Conservationist Tammi Caine of Project
Vulture:
“Power companies have a reactive rather than a proactive response to bird
mortalities. They continue to erect power stations, poles and lines without
proper mitigation."
"Eskom works together with the Endangered Wildlife Trust to install
insulators on lines and transformers that have proved to be fatal points
for wildlife. If the pole number and GPS position is sent in to the Eskom/EWT
partnership, they have a mandate to secure that particular point.
However, they have not actually AVOIDED putting up power lines in vulture
sensitive areas.”
Source: The Maloti-Drakensberg
Vulture Project (Project Vulture)
Did you know that vultures are susceptible to electrocutions?
Vultures seek the highest vantage point from where they scan the area
for carrion. In flat, treeless habitats, power pylons often provide ideal
vantage points for this purpose.
"Vultures also feel safer when they roost and perch high up and away from
disturbances," says Kerri Wolter.
Their large wingspan can easily bridge the horizontal distance between
phase-to-earth or phase-to-ground components of transmission networks.
Vultures' gregarious nature and habit of roosting together result in multiple
electrocutions.
Solutions:
Research shows various methods that can effectively reduce the danger
that existing and proposed power poles and cables pose to vulture species.
The most common way: Insulate dangerous live components, and cut a
gap in the earth wire.
"Dangerous structures can be changed to safe structures. For example, a
T-structure can be swapped for an H-structure," adds Wolter.
Sometimes perch deterrents are installed to keep birds away from
dangerous areas on the structure.
"The lines can also be clearly marked with spirals and bird flappers, in a
similar fashion that lines are marked for pilots with red and white large
balls," says Wolter.
What is the role of power companies in vulture electrocutions?
According to Bird Rehabilitator and Conservationist Tammi Caine of Project
Vulture:
“Power companies have a reactive rather than a proactive response to bird
mortalities. They continue to erect power stations, poles and lines without
proper mitigation."
"Eskom works together with the Endangered Wildlife Trust to install
insulators on lines and transformers that have proved to be fatal points
for wildlife. If the pole number and GPS position is sent in to the Eskom/EWT
partnership, they have a mandate to secure that particular point.
However, they have not actually AVOIDED putting up power lines in vulture
sensitive areas.”
Photo: Morgan Pfeiffer
Photo:
Conservationist and Bird of
Prey Rehabilitator Tammy
Caine helps to fit a
transmitter and wing tags for research on a Cape Vulture.
Says Caine "I assist with
fieldwork and research, as
rehabilitation, conservation
and research often go hand
in hand."
Photo:
Conservationist and Bird of
Prey Rehabilitator Tammy
Caine helps to fit a
transmitter and wing tags for research on a Cape Vulture.
Says Caine "I assist with
fieldwork and research, as
rehabilitation, conservation
and research often go hand
in hand."
Photo: Copyright Keith Roberts; Source: Project Vulture
Traditional Medicine Harvesting 8 Story by Project Vulture
Scientific data shows that the vulture parts trade is
contributing to vulture declines.
...................................................................................................................................................
According to BirdLife:
A scientific study "found that 29% of the vulture
deaths recorded continent-wide could be attributed
to this secretive trade. These practices are thought
to be widespread in West Africa, as well as Southern
Africa."
BirdLife International (2015) "Africa’s vultures are sliding towards
extinction warns BirdLife."
Available at:
http://www.birdlife.org/worldwide/news/africa%E2%80%99s-vultures-
are-sliding-towards-extinction-warns-birdlife)
...................................................................................................................................................
"I would say this is a problem throughout most of Africa,
including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique,
Kenya, and Botswana," says Tammy Caine.
Why are vulture parts in demand?
Vultures’ extremely well-developed eyesight allows them to spot a
carcass from 4 km away while soaring high in the sky. As a result,
large groups of birds simultaneously arrive at a meal site soon after
it becomes available.
This ability has led to the cultural misconception that vultures have
psychic powers, or can see into the future. They are persecuted for
their body parts due to the belief that possession of a vulture part
enables one to share in the bird’s supernatural abilities.
The use of vulture body parts is believed to be most effective for
enabling psychic abilities, foresight and increased intelligence. Other
reported uses of vultures include use of their bones during
circumcision ceremonies, their talons to treat fever, their feathers
for decoration, and their beaks for protection.
Vultures are killed with shotguns, poison or traps, although poisoning
is by far the most common method, as many birds can be killed at
one time.
Solutions include:
1. Investigating and documenting the vulture trade to determine effective
and focused interventions
2. Educating the key players in the trade: consumers, healers, hunters,
and traders
3. Improving policing and law enforcement to protect vultures
Scientific data shows that the vulture parts trade is
contributing to vulture declines.
...................................................................................................................................................
According to BirdLife:
A scientific study "found that 29% of the vulture
deaths recorded continent-wide could be attributed
to this secretive trade. These practices are thought
to be widespread in West Africa, as well as Southern
Africa."
BirdLife International (2015) "Africa’s vultures are sliding towards
extinction warns BirdLife."
Available at:
http://www.birdlife.org/worldwide/news/africa%E2%80%99s-vultures-
are-sliding-towards-extinction-warns-birdlife)
...................................................................................................................................................
"I would say this is a problem throughout most of Africa,
including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique,
Kenya, and Botswana," says Tammy Caine.
Why are vulture parts in demand?
Vultures’ extremely well-developed eyesight allows them to spot a
carcass from 4 km away while soaring high in the sky. As a result,
large groups of birds simultaneously arrive at a meal site soon after
it becomes available.
This ability has led to the cultural misconception that vultures have
psychic powers, or can see into the future. They are persecuted for
their body parts due to the belief that possession of a vulture part
enables one to share in the bird’s supernatural abilities.
The use of vulture body parts is believed to be most effective for
enabling psychic abilities, foresight and increased intelligence. Other
reported uses of vultures include use of their bones during
circumcision ceremonies, their talons to treat fever, their feathers
for decoration, and their beaks for protection.
Vultures are killed with shotguns, poison or traps, although poisoning
is by far the most common method, as many birds can be killed at
one time.
Solutions include:
1. Investigating and documenting the vulture trade to determine effective
and focused interventions
2. Educating the key players in the trade: consumers, healers, hunters,
and traders
3. Improving policing and law enforcement to protect vultures
Image: Yann (talk) GFDL. Vultures in the nest. Indian Vulture, Gyps indicus; Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Asian Vulture Crisis
3 species of Gyps vultures collapsed by nearly 96% 9
Where: Throughout South Asia
When: During late 1990’s (within a 10-year period)
Evidence Exposed!
Scientists cracked the case and identified the vulture killer.
When large numbers of vultures were found dead in South Asian
fields, scientists moved in to investigate.
After about four years of intensive field and diagnostic research, 10
scientists had concrete evidence: The vultures died after consuming
the carcasses of livestock treated with the veterinary drug
diclofenac.
Although the drug is safe for livestock, it is lethal for vultures.
Drug diclofenac Image by Pylori, Public Domain
How did the dramatic loss of vultures change the structure
of the scavenging community?
Feral dogs — disease transmitters — moved in to fill the
vulture’s scavenging niche. With more fuel available them,
the feral dog population grew, and a rabies epidemic spread.
Consequences of the loss of vulture ecosystem services:
Without vultures to keep disease at bay, estimated healthcare
costs in India from 1993-2006 soared to $34 billion. 11
Scientists played a key role in helping vultures
Scientists presented their research to government authorities.
Their data showed the urgency of the vulture issue and what
would happen without immediate interventions.
As a result, South Asian governments banned the use and
manufacture of the drug in 2006.
This ban has been crucial in the recovery of vulture populations. 12
Based on evidence from the Asian Vulture
Crisis, scientists warn: 13
Dwindling vulture populations and the absence of vultures will result in an
ecosystem imbalance.
Vultures are a keystone species; they provide a vital ecosystem service.
The absence of vultures results in an increase of populations of feral
dogs and rats, which are well-known disease reservoirs; and may
increase rates of infectious disease transmission to other species.
Diseases such as rabies and bubonic plague, for which dogs and
rats respectively are the primary reservoirs, may increase as a
consequence of vulture declines.
Source: Dropping dead: Causes and consequences of vulture
population declines worldwide.
Vital Vulture Ecosystem Services
Once an animal dies, its body decomposes; this provides ideal conditions
for disease-causing bacteria and disease-carrying flies to thrive.
All sorts of scavengers – insects, avian, and mammalian – come to feast
on the rotting carcass.
Vultures are adapted to locate and consume carrion so efficiently that deadly
diseases don’t have a chance to spread. Their potent stomach acids can kill
most disease-causing bacteria. Only some spores can survive their digestive
tract.
The Scavenger Express
How fast can these winged scavengers remove rotting carcasses?
“It took just 20 minutes for a group of 150 vultures (see photo below)
to strip an 800 kg (1764 lb) bull to the bone.
-- VulPro
Once an animal dies, its body decomposes; this provides ideal conditions
for disease-causing bacteria and disease-carrying flies to thrive.
All sorts of scavengers – insects, avian, and mammalian – come to feast
on the rotting carcass.
Vultures are adapted to locate and consume carrion so efficiently that deadly
diseases don’t have a chance to spread. Their potent stomach acids can kill
most disease-causing bacteria. Only some spores can survive their digestive
tract.
The Scavenger Express
How fast can these winged scavengers remove rotting carcasses?
“It took just 20 minutes for a group of 150 vultures (see photo below)
to strip an 800 kg (1764 lb) bull to the bone.
-- VulPro
Photo by VulPro of a VulPro Feeding Station
“We cannot afford to lose vultures"
says Maggie Hirschauer, a researcher at South Africa's Vulture
Conservation Programme (VulPro).
“Vultures are an essential component of our ecosystems as they are
the most efficient and economical way to dispose of carcasses. Their
presence reduces the risk of mammalian, insect, and spore-borne
disease transmission (rabies, blowfly epidemics, and anthrax,
respectively).” 14
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Fragile:
Produced by VulPro. Voice-over by Tim Neary. This video shows the plight of the Cape Vulture and how VulPro is working to mitigate threats. |
Fragile from Walter Neser on Vimeo. |
Meet Team Vulpro
Photo: VulPro staff conducts research. The vulture in the sack is being weighed.
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Based just outside of Hartbeespoort Dam in South Africa, the VulPro team is hard at work.
VulPro advances vulture conservation by mitigating vulture threats and helping populations recover through key programs:
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For more information on VulPro’s programs, visit:
www.vulpro.com and
https://www.facebook.com/VulProAfrica/
www.vulpro.com and
https://www.facebook.com/VulProAfrica/
Rescue & Rehabilitation
Everyday, human threats kill or injure vultures.
VulPro’s rescue squad is constantly on the move throughout South Africa
collecting injured, poisoned, and disabled birds. Birds are given medical
attention at VulPro's state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre.
VulPro’s rescue squad is constantly on the move throughout South Africa
collecting injured, poisoned, and disabled birds. Birds are given medical
attention at VulPro's state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre.
Photo by VulPro. Injured vultures often have to be slung until they can walk and fly again.
Vultures that are deemed fit and healthy are released back into the wild.
Those that cannot survive in the wild are cared for in captivity, and
participate in the breeding program, as well as research and educational
programs.
VulPro's efforts are helping depleted vulture populations recover. Since
2007, VulPro has rehabilitated over 466 vultures; 60% of these birds
have been released with a survival rate of 79%.
Those that cannot survive in the wild are cared for in captivity, and
participate in the breeding program, as well as research and educational
programs.
VulPro's efforts are helping depleted vulture populations recover. Since
2007, VulPro has rehabilitated over 466 vultures; 60% of these birds
have been released with a survival rate of 79%.
Photo by Ulla Gorber. Rehabilitated and captive bred vultures are tagged and released.
The work is challenging. "I feel like I'm permanently collecting power line
related injured and dead vultures. One juvenile survived an electrocution
but the adult unfortunately had no chance. The young girl with us will need
time to heal, adjust and grow new feathers before she can fly again --
which will take a minimum of a year if she's lucky," says Wolter.
Electrocuted Cape Vulture
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This electrocuted adult Cape Vulture didn't survive.
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VulPro’s Captive Breeding Program
mThis program is expanding to include all African vulture species.
The Breeding Cliff has been designed to accommodate the Cape Vulture’s particular breeding habits.
It faces south because Cape Vultures only breed on south-facing cliffs.
The Breeding Cliff has been designed to accommodate the Cape Vulture’s particular breeding habits.
It faces south because Cape Vultures only breed on south-facing cliffs.
Photo by VulPro
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Breeding Cliff:
Special steel supports, concrete and wire provide a solid structure. |
Accommodation:
Individual ledges for each breeding pair. |
Materials:
Nesting material is provided for parents to build their own nests. |
The Brooder & Incubating Room
Photo by VulPro
Here, VulPro incubates eggs and raises
the chicks that wouldn’t survive their
parents' care. Staff removes eggs from
the nest and incubates them to protect
against possible unintentional damage
from inexperienced parents.
Real eggs are replaced with dummy eggs.
Vulture parents don’t notice the difference.
Eggs are returned to parents just prior to
hatching.
Photo by VulPro: Vulture parents tend to their hatching chick.
Eggs-traordinary Facts
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Photo by VulPro
Spot the real egg:
Can you identify the real egg from the fake one? 
Photo by VulPro
Above: An educational display of a false nest with:
- a dummy wooden egg (left) - a real egg shell (right) - an open hatched egg shows blood vessels and inner membranes |
Want to know how dummy eggs are made and placed in the nest?
This video will show you how.
This video will show you how.
Laying Dummy Eggs at VulPro from Walter Neser on Vimeo.
The Vulture Trackers: Where do vultures go?
Scientists use satellite telemetry and GPS/GSM technology and wing tags to find out.
Tracked movements of a Cape Vulture that was rehabilitated & released in February 2015.
The VulPro team attaches a harness with a data logger onto a Cape Vulture.
Where are the vultures that VulPro has rehabilitated, bred and released
into the wild?
How are the vultures coping and integrating in the wild?
Tracking devices and reported wing tag sightings provide valuable
information.
Number of Tracked Vultures
10 captive-bred birds with GPS tracking devices and wing tags (with another
5 planned for 2016)
90 wild and rehabilitated vultures fitted with GPS tracking devices and wing tags
450 rehabilitated birds with wing tags
GPS tracking devices
Each day, staff downloads data updates from the satellite tracking devices that are
attached onto the vultures.
The data tells scientists:
1. where the vultures go
2. their flight speed and height
3. the air temperature
4. how long they spend in a place
5. if they are still alive and when they die
(The technology has already alerted staff to a group of poisoned dead vultures.)
Data from both tracking methods is used to advance
vulture conservation:
- improve community education and conservation strategies
- better safeguard vulture food (from poisons) at vulture restaurants
- identify causes of mortality and locations of dangerous energy structures in order
to effectively mitigate these threats
Scientific Research at Vulpro is vital in order to
improve monitoring of wild populations of vultures
Community Education & Outreach
Photo by VulPro. November 2015: Laerskool Panarama P. S. students participate in VulPro’s vulture education program.
Photo by VulPro. Kerri Wolter and Percy the Cape Vulture educate Mount Cambridge School students.
Every South African can play a role in removing vulture threats and helping
their populations to recover. VulPro facilitates their participation through its
educational outreach programs.
Rehabilitation & Educational Centre
VulPro provides interactive educational programs that expose school groups
and the public to rehabilitated and wild vultures.
Regional Workshops are held to
1. Share research from vulture home range and feeding studies
2. Present vulture poisoning information to conservationists, farmers,
landowners and other members of the public
3. Bring in vulture conservationists and interested parties from southern Africa
and around the world to discuss vulture conservation methods and strategies
(held annually)
4. Provide training for vulture health, rehabilitation, and basic first aid
VulPro works extensively with key players that impact
vulture survival:
1) Corporations, such as the power utility Eskom (South African electricity public
utility) and municipalities
2) Farmers and landowners, the agricultural and equestrian communities,
veterinarians, agricultural drug companies and manufacturers, and
government departments regarding the legal implications and sentences of
poaching and poisonings
3) Rural communities where traditional medicine is a huge issue
4) The general public, all ages and demographics
Vultures love to bathe. This one decided to take a bath during one of VulPro's educational talks.
Vulture Restaurants
A vulture restaurant is a feeding station that provides a regular supply of
poison-free and drug-free carrion. Vultures quickly learn about these reliable
food sources and fly great distances to feed.
Watch the video below to observe vultures feeding at one of VulPro's Vulture
Restaurants.
poison-free and drug-free carrion. Vultures quickly learn about these reliable
food sources and fly great distances to feed.
Watch the video below to observe vultures feeding at one of VulPro's Vulture
Restaurants.
Why do vultures need to fuel up at
vulture restaurants?
These restaurants are an important conservation strategy because they
provide vultures with a steady supply of food.
They compensate for the reduced natural food supply (due to development
and habitat destruction), and divert vultures from carcasses that have
been poisoned.
How many vulture restaurants are there?
Nearly 200 vulture restaurants are registered in South Africa.
VulPro shares up-to-date scientific research
when advising all restaurant managers and owners, and providing newsletter
updates on vulture threats, potential drugs that are harmful to vultures, and
best practices for managing the restaurants.
Design 101:
How do you design a vulture restaurant?
First, you need to secure the vultures’ safety to ensure they keep coming
back.
1. Provide adequate open space free of power lines or telephone lines:
- Vultures have a large wingspan and require lots of space to land and
take off.
- Power lines nearby require a bird flapper on the top wire to make the
wire easy to see, and prevent electrocutions.
2. Include some trees or tall structures close by to provide vultures with
roosting sites.
3. Provide a water source. Vultures need water to wash off the goop after
fueling up on carrion.
How do you design a vulture restaurant?
First, you need to secure the vultures’ safety to ensure they keep coming
back.
1. Provide adequate open space free of power lines or telephone lines:
- Vultures have a large wingspan and require lots of space to land and
take off.
- Power lines nearby require a bird flapper on the top wire to make the
wire easy to see, and prevent electrocutions.
2. Include some trees or tall structures close by to provide vultures with
roosting sites.
3. Provide a water source. Vultures need water to wash off the goop after
fueling up on carrion.
Photo by VulPro. Tagged Cape Vulture making a splash.
Messages from the Vulture Scientists
Kerry Wolter soars with Cape Vultures.
"I honestly believe that vultures chose me to be their voice as I
understand them, respect them and have been willing to learn
from them. They are our teachers, not the theory we learn about
in books.
They have inspired me to protect them as they have crept into my heart
and my life.”
Conservationist Kerri Wolter’s
message to students:
"Believe that one person can make a difference. Follow your heart,
your passion and your dreams.
Believe in yourself as an individual as YOU were born to make a beautiful
difference in this world, to make our world a better place for all species
alike in which man and beast can live in harmony together.
Be true to who you are and never give up the fight for doing what is right."
Darcy Ogada is about to release a White-backed Vulture with a transmitter attached to it.
Wildlife Biologist and Conservationist
Darcy Ogada's message to students:
"What can you do to help Africa's vultures?
Spread the word about their declines and the threats they face.
Ask local zoos to assist in raising awareness and funding for
conserving Africa's vultures. Find out if they will take part in
Vulture Awareness Day (first Saturday in September)."
Darcy Ogada's message to students:
"What can you do to help Africa's vultures?
Spread the word about their declines and the threats they face.
Ask local zoos to assist in raising awareness and funding for
conserving Africa's vultures. Find out if they will take part in
Vulture Awareness Day (first Saturday in September)."
Tammy Caine holds a sick Cape Vulture. "The bird was already very weak (when we found it), and unfortunately did not survive despite all our efforts."
Bird of Prey Rehabilitator and Conservationist
Tammy Caine's message to students:
“The new generation of conservation-minded kids can do a lot to help
vultures.
The more you learn and understand about vultures now, the better
equipped you will be as adults to protect them in the future.
Right now, you can educate people of all ages as to how important
vultures are in our ecosystems as cleaning agents who keep our
environment disease free.
You can discourage the use of poisons across the board as this affects
the entire food chain right up to the scavengers at the top.
You can also encourage farmers to start vulture feeding sites by
dumping livestock which has not been treated with any medicines.
This will encourage vultures to use safe feeding sites and prevent
them from wandering far away to more dangerous areas.
Awareness of the dangers of power lines and wind turbines is another
important subject you can educate others about.
Hopefully some of our younger generation of upcoming engineers will
come up with new and better ideas for green energy that will not
negatively impact our big birds of prey."
Tammy Caine's message to students:
“The new generation of conservation-minded kids can do a lot to help
vultures.
The more you learn and understand about vultures now, the better
equipped you will be as adults to protect them in the future.
Right now, you can educate people of all ages as to how important
vultures are in our ecosystems as cleaning agents who keep our
environment disease free.
You can discourage the use of poisons across the board as this affects
the entire food chain right up to the scavengers at the top.
You can also encourage farmers to start vulture feeding sites by
dumping livestock which has not been treated with any medicines.
This will encourage vultures to use safe feeding sites and prevent
them from wandering far away to more dangerous areas.
Awareness of the dangers of power lines and wind turbines is another
important subject you can educate others about.
Hopefully some of our younger generation of upcoming engineers will
come up with new and better ideas for green energy that will not
negatively impact our big birds of prey."
Environmentally Literate Kids Rock!
"Tell me and I'll forget.
Show me, and I may not remember.
Involve me, and I'll understand."
Native American Proverb
Call to Action: Grab your free resources here!
1. Free Ebook
2. Free Vulture Tic Tac Toe Game featuring learning activities that combine
environmental literacy with math, science, language arts, media literacy,
geography, art, and drama.
3. Two amazing videos to watch (resources for completing some of the Tic Tac Toe activities)
2. Free Vulture Tic Tac Toe Game featuring learning activities that combine
environmental literacy with math, science, language arts, media literacy,
geography, art, and drama.
3. Two amazing videos to watch (resources for completing some of the Tic Tac Toe activities)
Freebie # 1: PDF Ebook Grumpy & Loon, Vulture Facts & Games courtesy of VulPro
Freebie #2: Vulture Tic Tac Toe Activities, Projects, Templates
Video resources for the Vulture Tic Tac Toe activities
The video below is a resource for the Soar Like a Vulture; Perform a movement
sequence of a vulture in flight Tic Tac Toe activity. Source: VulPro
Video Path into the Future is a resource for the following Vulture Tic Tac Toe activities:
Raise Awareness Publicity Campaign
Perform a Rant: A Vulture’s Point of View
Produce a Video: “Why I Care about Vultures."
Path into the Future is produced by African Renaissance Productions
as part of the Caretakers Series for STEPS and SANBI
Kerri takes us on a Path into the Future exploring not only threats on vulture survival,
such as the vulture parts trade and urbanization, but the wealth of knowledge and
freedom that these birds can pass on to the human race.
For more info go to - africanrenaissance.co.za
Music composed by - Dan Matthee
Raise Awareness Publicity Campaign
Perform a Rant: A Vulture’s Point of View
Produce a Video: “Why I Care about Vultures."
Path into the Future is produced by African Renaissance Productions
as part of the Caretakers Series for STEPS and SANBI
Kerri takes us on a Path into the Future exploring not only threats on vulture survival,
such as the vulture parts trade and urbanization, but the wealth of knowledge and
freedom that these birds can pass on to the human race.
For more info go to - africanrenaissance.co.za
Music composed by - Dan Matthee
Path into the Future from Green Renaissance on Vimeo.
References:
1. The Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. BirdLife International Data Zone Species Factsheet
2. Ogada, D. L., Keesing, F. and Virani, M. Z. (2012), Dropping dead: Causes and consequences of vulture population declines worldwide.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1249: 57–71. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2011.06293.x
3. “Conservationists warn Africa’s vultures are sliding towards extinction” International News Release from BirdLife
International for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. (2015, October 29)
4. Ogada, D., Shaw, P., Beyers, R. L., Buij, R., Murn, C., Thiollay, J. M., Beale, C. M., Holdo, R. M., Pomeroy, D., Baker, N., Krüger, S. C., Botha,
A., Virani, M. Z., Monadjem, A. and Sinclair, A. R. E. (2015), Another Continental Vulture Crisis: Africa's Vultures Collapsing toward
Extinction. Conservation Letters. doi: 10.1111/conl.12182
5. Ogada, D., Shaw, P., Beyers, R. L., Buij, R., Murn, C., Thiollay, J. M., Beale, C. M., Holdo, R. M., Pomeroy, D., Baker, N., Krüger, S. C., Botha,
A., Virani, M. Z., Monadjem, A. and Sinclair, A. R. E. (2015), Another Continental Vulture Crisis: Africa's Vultures Collapsing toward
Extinction. Conservation Letters. doi: 10.1111/conl.12182
6. “Large Vulture Poisoning Incident on ADC Mutara,” by Darcy Ogada Raptor Working Group of Kenya
7. Electrical Wires. The Maloti-Drakensberg Vulture Project (Project Vulture)
8. Traditional Medicine Harvesting. The Maloti-Drakensberg Vulture Project (Project Vulture)
9. Another Continental Vulture Crisis: Africa's Vultures Collapsing toward Extinction. Conservation Letters.
10. Dropping dead: Causes and consequences of vulture population declines worldwide.
11. Another Continental Vulture Crisis: Africa's Vultures Collapsing toward Extinction. Conservation Letters.
12. Dropping dead: Causes and consequences of vulture population declines worldwide.
13. Dropping dead: Causes and consequences of vulture population declines worldwide.
14. VulPro: Save the Cape Vulture: Tracking Threatened Vultures in the Wild
1. The Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. BirdLife International Data Zone Species Factsheet
2. Ogada, D. L., Keesing, F. and Virani, M. Z. (2012), Dropping dead: Causes and consequences of vulture population declines worldwide.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1249: 57–71. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2011.06293.x
3. “Conservationists warn Africa’s vultures are sliding towards extinction” International News Release from BirdLife
International for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. (2015, October 29)
4. Ogada, D., Shaw, P., Beyers, R. L., Buij, R., Murn, C., Thiollay, J. M., Beale, C. M., Holdo, R. M., Pomeroy, D., Baker, N., Krüger, S. C., Botha,
A., Virani, M. Z., Monadjem, A. and Sinclair, A. R. E. (2015), Another Continental Vulture Crisis: Africa's Vultures Collapsing toward
Extinction. Conservation Letters. doi: 10.1111/conl.12182
5. Ogada, D., Shaw, P., Beyers, R. L., Buij, R., Murn, C., Thiollay, J. M., Beale, C. M., Holdo, R. M., Pomeroy, D., Baker, N., Krüger, S. C., Botha,
A., Virani, M. Z., Monadjem, A. and Sinclair, A. R. E. (2015), Another Continental Vulture Crisis: Africa's Vultures Collapsing toward
Extinction. Conservation Letters. doi: 10.1111/conl.12182
6. “Large Vulture Poisoning Incident on ADC Mutara,” by Darcy Ogada Raptor Working Group of Kenya
7. Electrical Wires. The Maloti-Drakensberg Vulture Project (Project Vulture)
8. Traditional Medicine Harvesting. The Maloti-Drakensberg Vulture Project (Project Vulture)
9. Another Continental Vulture Crisis: Africa's Vultures Collapsing toward Extinction. Conservation Letters.
10. Dropping dead: Causes and consequences of vulture population declines worldwide.
11. Another Continental Vulture Crisis: Africa's Vultures Collapsing toward Extinction. Conservation Letters.
12. Dropping dead: Causes and consequences of vulture population declines worldwide.
13. Dropping dead: Causes and consequences of vulture population declines worldwide.
14. VulPro: Save the Cape Vulture: Tracking Threatened Vultures in the Wild
Did you enjoy your adventure
with the Vulture Scientists?
Do you support environmental literacy?
Should we collaborate with scientists and conservationists
to protect declining wildlife populations?
Please add your insights and perspectives below.
Should we collaborate with scientists and conservationists
to protect declining wildlife populations?
Please add your insights and perspectives below.
|
Deb Toor
Nature Explorer & Story Spinner
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