Govt Strengthens National and Regional Efforts to Protect Endangered Vultures

Once widespread across Africa, vultures play an essential ecological role as nature’s cleanup crew — disposing of carcasses and preventing the spread of diseases.

The South African government has reaffirmed its commitment to vulture conservation amid growing concern over the alarming decline of vulture populations across the African continent. The announcement, made by Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dr Dion George, follows a series of devastating poisoning incidents that have killed hundreds of vultures in the past year alone.

According to the Minister, the continued loss of vultures poses a grave threat to both the environment and public health. “If these events continue unchecked, the loss of thousands of vultures could have devastating environmental and public health consequences,” he said.

Vultures: Nature’s Cleanup Crew Under Threat

Once widespread across Africa, vultures play an essential ecological role as nature’s cleanup crew — disposing of carcasses and preventing the spread of diseases. However, over the past three decades, these vital scavengers have suffered severe population declines due to poisoning, habitat destruction, collisions with power infrastructure, and illegal harvesting for traditional medicine.

Many vultures die after feeding on carcasses laced with poison, often left by poachers targeting elephants or rhinos to eliminate evidence, or by communities seeking to deter predators in human–wildlife conflict zones. The ripple effects are extensive: unconsumed carcasses increase the risk of disease outbreaks, promote unsanitary conditions near rural settlements, and lead to a surge in stray dog populations, which in turn raise the risk of rabies and other zoonotic diseases.

South Africa is home to nine vulture species, seven of which have established breeding populations. Most are now listed as critically endangered or endangered, with species such as the Cape Vulture, White-backed Vulture, and Hooded Vulture facing an especially high risk of extinction.

National Multi-Species Vulture Biodiversity Management Plan

To combat this decline, government launched the National Multi-Species Vulture Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) on 18 March 2024, a comprehensive framework aimed at protecting and restoring vulture populations. The plan is being implemented through the National Vulture Task Force (NVTF), which works alongside conservation partners, energy utilities, and community stakeholders.

“The desired state is to see all vultures fulfilling their essential ecosystem services through a safe and secure environment,” said Minister George. This includes addressing intentional and unintentional poisoning, reducing energy infrastructure collisions, mitigating habitat loss, and improving research and data collection on vulture populations.

He also emphasized the importance of public participation, calling on South Africans to report illegal activities, support rehabilitation efforts, and help create awareness of vultures’ ecological importance.

Regional Action: The SADC Vulture Conservation Strategy (2025–2035)

In September 2025, South Africa joined regional conservation leaders in commemorating International Vulture Awareness Day and participating in a Southern African Development Community (SADC) workshop on vulture protection. The event, convened in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and BirdLife International, marked the launch of the SADC Vulture Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2035).

The 10-year regional plan seeks to unite all 12 SADC vulture range states under a shared framework for conservation. It prioritizes cross-border cooperation, law enforcement, data-driven monitoring, and community engagement to ensure coordinated action against threats such as poisoning, habitat encroachment, and power line collisions.

The strategy also encourages the integration of vulture conservation into national biodiversity policies, improved collaboration with energy utilities to retrofit power lines, and expanded public education programmes to reduce human-induced risks.

“South Africa is committed to the implementation of the SADC Vulture Conservation Strategy and Action Plan,” said Minister George. “Without decisive and coordinated action, several vulture species face the very real threat of extinction.”

A Call for National Responsibility and Global Collaboration

As the world prepares for the 9th Meeting of the Parties (MOP9) to the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) in November 2025, South Africa aims to showcase its leadership in regional conservation collaboration. The meeting will provide a platform for countries to review progress, share scientific insights, and mobilize funding for migratory bird conservation, including vultures.

Environmental groups and wildlife experts have welcomed the government’s initiatives, urging stronger enforcement of anti-poisoning laws, expansion of protected habitats, and increased investment in rehabilitation centres and vulture-safe zones.

“The survival of vultures is not only a conservation concern — it’s a matter of ecosystem health and human well-being,” said Minister George. “Every South African has a role to play in ensuring that these magnificent birds continue to soar over our landscapes.”