To raised perceive the motion patterns of the varied vulture species within the province of KZN, lightweight solar-powered GPS models, wing tags, and leg tags are positioned on each grownup and fledgling people. The information reported by the GPS models and the sightings recorded from the tags present helpful data that may assist construct on current understanding and data of the threats these vultures face and the areas they make the most of most. The information additionally helps conservation managers to raised defend these endangered birds and their habitats.
Wild Tomorrow was just lately approached to cowl the price of 3 GPS models together with every day information downloads by means of our associates at Wildlife ACT. We have been delighted to step in and help, because of funding from our companions at Biologists with out Borders and our Most Wanted Initiatives donors – the price of every tag was R18,000 or about $1000 every.
In December of 2022, after a mass wildlife poisoning scene, 5 of the fortunate African White-backed Vultures (who didn’t succumb to dying by the poisoning) have been captured and handled by Wildlife ACT’s Emergency Response Staff earlier than being transported to Raptor Rescue Rehabilitation Centre for additional remedy. Regardless of one of the best efforts of all concerned, one particular person, sadly, didn’t survive. The 4 surviving birds have been launched along with one other vulture that was discovered with a damaged wing earlier in 2022. Collectively, the 5 rehabilitated vultures have been fitted with uniquely identifiable patagial tags, leg rings, and GPS monitoring models earlier than their launch. These tags and GPS models will allow the Wildlife ACT workforce to observe their post-release actions, reply in case of an emergency, and assess the rehabilitation success.