The Critically Endangered Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus meridionalis) has experienced a drastic decline during the past century, which has resulted in an isolated population restricted to the Maloti-Drakensberg mountain range. There are an estimated 320 individuals and about 100 breeding pairs remaining. This decline is due to numerous threats such as poisoning, collection for belief-based use, habitat loss, decreasing food availability, human disturbance and collisions with power-lines.
To combat this decline, Project Vulture was developed as a platform to unite the efforts of various dedicated individuals and organisations, to ensure the long-term survival of the various Vulture species across KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa. With our partners, we provide support to the following projects that are guided by Project Vulture: The Zululand Vulture Project, the Maloti-Drakensberg Vulture Project and the Bearded Vulture Task Force.
Wildlife ACT is an active member of The Bearded Vulture Task Force (BVTF) which was established in 2006 with the purpose of implementing the Conservation Action Plan for the species. The BVTF is made of up of representatives from conservation bodies, NGOs and the scientific community from Lesotho and three provinces (KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and Eastern Cape) of South Africa.
The Maloti-Drakensberg Vulture Project is a long-term recovery project which requires extensive research to determine population trends, habitat use, movement patterns and causes of mortality. Projects such as these require dedicated monitoring programmes, the implementation of conservation actions, as well as public awareness and financial backing.
The Maloti-Drakensberg Vulture Project is a beneficiary at this year’s Rhino Peak Challenge which is being held on the 5th October 2019. You can contribute to and support our efforts by pledging. The pledging process is simple - the amount you pledge is the amount you pay. There is no need to pay anything upfront, with the donation only being made after the race has been run. So, pledge for your and the planets health today.
