GRAPHIC CONTENT: Catastrophic vulture poisoning incident near Marloth Park
The dead vultures were still intact and the reason they were killed is unknown.
102 vultures died from poisoning in Lionspruit Reserve, next to Marloth Park, on May 18. This occurred just two weeks after 123 vultures were poisoned in the Kruger National Park.
Vulpro and the Wild and Free Rehabilitation Centre in Mpumalanga said 92 white-backed vultures, of which 90% were breeding adults; nine hooded vultures; and one male adult white-headed vulture, were found dead in Lionspruit.
The dead vultures were found around a warthog carcase. It has not been established exactly when they were poisoned. When found, no body parts had been removed.
With the assistance of SANParks, two more poisoned carcases were found before more vultures could reach them.
“The scale of this poisoning is devastating and appears to be part of a much bigger, targeted operation. With recent incidents taking place across various Lowveld regions, we suspect they are aimed at detracting us from a bigger and even more devastating event in the near future. We are calling on government and the national Vulture Poisoning Working Group to address this crisis before it’s too late,” Vulpro’s CEO, Kerri Wolters, said.
He said losing such a large number of vultures, especially adult breeding birds during breeding season, is an ecological crisis.
“We are genuinely terrified of what is going to occur next.”
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Wolter said the latest incident, in which no body parts were taken, does not seem to be related to muthi. In response to this incident and the growing frequency of poisoning cases, Vulpro is appealing to all Lowveld rehab centres to stop releasing vultures in the area until these threats have been fully investigated and mitigated.
These mass poisonings highlight an urgent need for a co-ordinated conservation action.
Just days ago, Vulpro formalised a long-standing partnership with the Wild and Free Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Hectorspruit.
Together, these two organisations have established a Vulture Emergency Response
Unit in Mpumalanga. This collaboration enables a rapid on-site field response to poisonings and injuries, and provides expert veterinary care at Wild and Free’s on-site clinic, as well as long-term rehabilitation and monitored releases through Vulpro’s national programme.
With support from conservation groups, We Wild Africa and Over and Above Africa, this initiative links veterinary expertise, field operations and conservation strategy across provincial boundaries, unified in a mission to stop vulture extinction.
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This is not just about one event. It’s about a systemic threat to our natural balance,” said Wolter.
“We are fighting for every egg, every nest and every vulture’s future. Through science, integrity and collaboration, we will hold the line.”
Investigations are ongoing.
