The future of our vultures to be discussed

While vultures are not normally referred to fondly as our feathered friends, Laura Nelson from VulPro will tell why we should adjust our attitude towards these birds at the next meeting of Modderfontein Conservation Society.

The meeting will take place in the old Modderfontein Town Hall, 1 Casino Road, at 7.30pm on January 17.

Nelson will talk about VulPro (short for Vulture Programme), why vultures are important to our ecosystems, the challenges they face worldwide but specifically in southern Africa and what is being done to conserve the birds.

“The multiple problems vultures face such as reduced habitat, human encroachment, poisoning, powerlines and more, have led to most of the nine species in Africa being on the endangered or critically endangered lists,” she said.

A hang-glider since 1974, Nelson graduated to paragliding and became a powered paragliding instructor.

“In my flying career, right from the start, I was amazed by the stories of the pilots who had flown over the Skeerpoort Cape Vulture colony and who were joined in the air by hundreds of vultures, and it soon was a dream to fly with the vultures.”

She fulfilled this dream and continues to harbour a passion for these birds.

Visitors are welcome to attend the talk. An entrance fee of R30 is charged to help cover expenses.

For more information, call Robbie Vermont on 011 608 2693.