Vulture Conservation - VULPRO
We envy their apparently effortless flight over our heads. We marvel at their ability to fly great distances in the time it takes for us to drag our weary bones up another few metres. We take them for granted. What are ‘they’? Vultures of course. Hikes in the Magaliesburg just wouldn’t be the same without them. They’re part of our present. But will they be there in the future? For our children to enjoy and marvel at, as we have. Not according to the Vulture Conservation Project, or VULPRO.
Their June/July newsletter raises some serious concerns.
WORLD CUP NOT SO GREAT FOR VULTURES
We received the disturbing report in May of a spate of vulture killings in the Waterberg region where locals believe they are clairvoyant and that putting dead vultures on their heads would enable them to predict the World Cup outcome. This poignantly illustrates the sort of thing vulture conservation is up against.
And the fact that increasing development in the Hartebeespoort vicinity increases threats to the vultures.
VULPRO has a vulture rehab centre right close to where we spend so many of our Sundays. Playing a great educational role and the opportunity to visit the project, VULPRO’s newsletter also mentions some fun that’s been had in giving publicity to these amazing birds.
VULPRO continues to find itself featured regularly in the media...
"PARAGLIDING WITH VULTURES"
Film of paragliding with vultures, using the same thermals above the Magaliesberg Mountains, commissioned by the IUCN to feature projects in South Africa pertaining to biodiversity, with VULPRO as one of 10 projects selected. To be aired on SAA flights during the World Cup and thereafter as an educational DVD on South Africa’s biodiversity, for schools.
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