Historic Vulture Relocation Underway in Eastern Cape

An unprecedented conservation act is presently taking place in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. As approved by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, approximately 155 vultures are being relocated from their habitat at Hartebeespoort Dam to a more spacious and suitable home in Shamwari in the first phase of a two-year initiative. This relocation process is the largest ever of its kind.

VulPro at Shamwari, the only facility of its type in Africa, is set to welcome its new residents: the Cape and African White-backed Vultures. The facility is leading the charge in counteracting the concerning decrease in African vulture populations through restocking and supplementation tactics.

Kerri Wolter, VulPro's CEO, expressed her optimism for the collaboration with Shamwari. Highlighting the vital ecological role played by vultures, she broadened the perspective of the importance of this relocation and its contribution to restoring the natural ecosystem balance of the area. In particular, the new habitat at Shamwari and the financial support provided will strengthen the sustainability of their breeding program and help secure the future of vultures in South Africa.

The second phase of the process will see the movement of additional White-backed Vultures and non-releasable breeding pairs of Lappet-faced, White-headed, and Hooded Vultures.

To monitor the movements of the relocated birds, all the Cape Vulture offspring part of the program will be released on Shamwari, each fitted with a tracking device.