In a remarkable conservation turnaround, the endangered Cape Vulture population at Blouberg Nature Reserve is showing signs of recovery thanks to an innovative community engagement program. The initiative, spearheaded by vulture conservation organization Vulpro, has successfully reduced vulture killings by working directly with local communities, schools, and traditional healers.
The Blouberg colony, home to South Africa’s largest breeding population of Cape Vultures, has long been threatened by poaching for traditional medicine (muthi) and superstitious practices. Recent months have seen a significant increase in community tip-offs about poaching activities, signaling a major shift in local attitudes toward vulture conservation.
The Vulture crisis in South Africa
Vultures face unprecedented threats across the continent, with populations declining at alarming rates. These critical scavengers:
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Prevent disease spread by rapidly cleaning carcasses
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Maintain ecological balance by controlling populations of other scavengers
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Are culturally significant yet increasingly targeted for traditional medicine
According to Vulpro, in South Africa alone, an estimated 160 vultures are killed annually for their body parts, with about 59,000 consumption events recorded each year. The birds are primarily sought after for:
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Gambling and business success charms
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Traditional remedies for various ailments
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Academic performance enhancement for schoolchildren
Breaking the cycle through education
Vulpro’s VulCha (Vulture Champions) program, launched in 2023 with support from Pan African Conservation Education and Tusk Trust, takes a multi-pronged approach:
1. School Engagement
The program has reached 900+ students across seven schools near Blouberg, including:
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Marumafase Secondary School
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Biokotso Primary School
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Maphuta High School
Phillipine Makhubela, Vulpro’s education coordinator, reports: ‘My mission is to raise awareness, educate the public and actively contribute to the safeguarding of our natural world for future generations.’
2. Traditional Healer Collaboration
Vulpro works respectfully with sangomas to:
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Provide alternatives to vulture-based remedies
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Maintain cultural traditions while protecting wildlife
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Build trust through ongoing dialogue
3. Farmer and Hunter Outreach
The program educates on:
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Dangers of lead ammunition and poisoned baits
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Safe livestock treatment alternatives
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The ecological importance of the vulture
A model for future conservation
The Blouberg colony is particularly crucial because it hosts cliff-nesting Cape Vultures during breeding season (April-October)- as the largest colony in South Africa, it has health impacts on regional populations, and successful conservation here can serve as a model for other sites
Kerri Wolter, Vulpro CEO, emphasizes: ‘We’ve chosen to work hand-in-hand with local communities to address the root causes of vulture persecution and are building genuine partnerships with community leaders.’
The program’s success is already inspiring similar initiatives across Southern Africa, with plans to expand to additional vulture habitats.
A delicate balance
The story unfolding at Blouberg represents more than just vulture conservation; it demonstrates how cultural sensitivity and community empowerment can achieve what enforcement alone cannot. While challenges remain, the collaboration between conservationists and local communities offers hope for these ecologically vital birds.
‘This is just the beginning,’ Wolter notes. ‘Every community we reach, every mind we change, represents hope for the future of Cape Vultures.’
The road to recovery remains long, but the Blouberg success proves that when communities lead conservation efforts, even the most endangered species stand a fighting chance.
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Picture: Supplied
