THE SAPS Organised Crime Unit is hunting down perpetrators who killed 37 white-backed vultures.
According to Andre Botha of the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Birds of Prey Programme, ‘All vulture species are declining and are recognised as priority species within KZN.
‘Annual aerial surveys are conducted by Ezemvelo in the Zululand area to determine the trends and breeding success of tree-nesting vultures (white-backed, lappet-faced and white-headed vultures). ‘The population of white-backed vultures at uMkhuze Game Reserve has declined by two thirds as a result of several poisoning incidents over the last few years.
‘Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park remains the last stronghold of vultures in Zululand; presently there are about 11 pairs of lappet-faced vultures, 5 pairs of white-headed vultures and 390 pairs of white-backed vultures remaining in the park.’
Earlier this year two men were sentenced in the Ubombo Magistrate’s Court to two years imprisonment without the option of a fine for the illegal killing and possession of white-backed vultures and a Tawny eagle.
26 NOVEMBER 203
Vultures poisoned at game reserve
FIELD rangers at Masinda section in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park discovered 37 dead white-backed vultures.
It is believed the vultures were poisoned a few days ago.
They were found near the carcass of an elephant that died last month.
It is so sick of people poisining animals like that even if it is a Vulture they also have the right to live man come on people jinne man