One of our Vulture conservation goals is to fine-scale Vulture movement patterns of the various species breeding in the province by deploying light-weight solar-powered GPS units to both adults and fledglings. We are hoping to identify trends based on these movements to help conservation management to better protect these endangered birds. The wing tag and leg ring re-sightings and GPS tracking database helps us build on existing understanding and knowledge of the threats they face and the areas they utilize the most. This information also allows us to understand population trends and survival rates that will further allow informed conservation decisions. It ultimately helps to inform and prioritize focused conservation action.
We work with stakeholders and partners to reduce the impacts of lead poisoning by advocating for the use of lead-free ammunition and safe disposal of lead-contaminated carcasses. The program does in-field and laboratory blood and bone lead level tests on all Vulture species to understand the extent of the threat of lead exposure and toxicity in KZN Vultures. This information will inform future policy around the use of lead in the environment and help us understand the effectiveness of the current mitigation measures.
The Emergency Response Team works towards reducing Vulture mortalities due to poisoning through the increased effectiveness of identifying and responding swiftly to poison events, and other threats. Through poison site decontamination, we save hundreds of birds from exposure to illegal poisons, and any impacts to unsuspecting humans are prevented. Some live individuals found on the scene are often saved and rehabilitated before being fitted with a GPS tracking unit and released back into the wild.