Mass vulture poisoning in Kruger

On Thursday, March 7, 2024, Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre received a call from the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) regarding a significant poisoning incident in the northern area of Kruger National Park, South Africa. The EWT sought their assistance due to their expertise in treating poisoned vultures.

Upon reaching the site, the team was met with devastating results. The casualties included one buffalo, one hyena, one jackal, 69 white-backed vultures (critically endangered), four lappet-faced vultures (endangered), two bateleurs (endangered), one marabou stork, one cape vulture, one tawny owl, and two hooded vultures (critically endangered).

Such poisonings demand urgent action. Most animals were found dead upon arrival. However, the combined efforts of Moholoholo, EWT, local veterinarians, and South African National Parks (SANParks) managed to rescue two white-backed vultures, now undergoing rehabilitation with hopes of eventual release. Martial Rappo, Moholoholo's manager, expressed optimism, citing the centre's successful track record in vulture rehabilitation.

Nonetheless, the incident highlights the ongoing threat to wildlife in the Greater Kruger, often targeted by poachers for various reasons, including the commercial value of species like lions and vultures used in traditional medicine.

Poachers lace carcasses, like the buffalo in this case, with potent pesticides, attracting a range of species, from large predators to scavengers. Vultures, critical for ecosystem balance, also serve as early indicators of illegal poaching activities. However, due to poisonings and other threats, vulture populations are rapidly declining, posing a significant conservation challenge for organizations like Moholoholo.

This is just another example of the constant challenges faced by conservationists in safeguarding species and ecosystems across southern Africa.