In an attempt to save as many vultures as possible this upcoming spring/summer, VulPro is calling on the public to notify them of any vultures that may need assistance; rescues will take place anywhere in South Africa.
South Africa (03 October 2022) – The need to save as many vultures as possible is high because the varied species in Southern Africa are all at risk. With the first flights of many vultures about to take place, the chances of them getting into some trouble is high.
Collaboration between wildlife rescuers and the public is needed to make sure every vulture is saved. Populations are in a serious decline. According to BirdLife South Africa, three of the eight species found here are listed as “Critically Endangered”, another two are listed as “Endangered”, and one is listed as “Near Threatened”. The other two species are classed as vagrant species, but both are also endangered.
- White-Backed Vulture – Critically Endangered.
- Hooded Vulture – Critically Endangered.
- White-Headed Vulture – Critically Endangered.
- Rüppell’s Vulture (vagrant species) – Critically Endangered.
- Cape Vulture – Endangered.
- Lappet-Faced Vulture – Endangered.
- Egyptian Vulture (vagrant species) – Endangered.
- Bearded Vulture – Near Threatened, but Critically Endangered in parts of South Africa.
It is deeply concerning when an entire type of animal is classed as endangered in some form or another. Sadly, due to the “cuteness” factor, vultures are not given the same considerations as say, the rhino population. Both are equally worth saving, and this is how.
VulPro reached out to share their public plea for assistance in the coming months. They have made the commitment to rescuing every vulture they are called to save. They need the public to keep an eye out for any vulnerable vultures.
“With three months left until the end of 2022, most individuals are making plans for their December holidays and family festivities. VulPro on the other hand, is gearing up for the start of our busy vulture rehabilitation season.
Very soon, young vultures will be leaving their nests and undertaking their maiden flights. Unfortunately, it does not always go according to plan, and these inexperienced individuals sometimes find themselves in precarious and odd situations. Thus, we would like to ask the public to aid VulPro in our efforts to save every single individual possible, by simply keeping a lookout and reporting any and all grounded or injured individuals to us immediately.
Africa is in the throes of a vulture crisis, with most species being listed as Endangered or Critically Endangered, and we all need to contribute to halting this trend. VulPro will collect all injured Vultures throughout South Africa, as we have reached the tipping point where every single individual makes a difference.
We would also like to thank the public for all their efforts of reporting such incidents to us thus far, along with power line electrocution and collision incidents, and urge you to continue to do so. This information is hugely valuable as it firstly facilitates the rescue and rehabilitation of individuals which would otherwise have been lost to wild populations and secondly; it provides us with vital insights regarding power line incidents. This information is utilised in order to mitigate these threats and minimise the number of vulture injuries and fatalities caused by these structures.
VulPro has also witnessed an increase in the need for a rehabilitation centre for all species. Thus we are opening our doors to all injured individuals, be it vultures, Birds of Prey or Mammals. We will be able to provide critical care needed, as well as source the most suitable facility for the species in question.
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If you should come across any injured vulture, or any other individual in need of assistance, please contact us immediately. We are available at all hours, and in many of these incidents, time is of the essence.
We can be reached on 082-808-5113 (Kerri Wolter)”
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