Why the health of Africa’s ecosystems depends on the survival of vultures

Vultures may look as unpleasant as the rotting carcasses they eat. But the world is definitely better with them in it. They are controllers of biological waste and play a key role in preventing the transmission of disease. Despite their importance, vultures are considered bad omens in some communities, while their body parts are in high demand in traditional medicine. As a result, they’ve been hunted by people to the point of endangerment. To rescue and protect the birds, Chris Kelly co-founded Wildlife ACT in South Africa. “Imagining an Africa without vultures is unthinkable,” he says.

Vultures digest carcasses within an hour, which limits the spread of disease into sources of water that would pose a threat to people and other animals. Although resilient and crafty birds, vultures are no match for the human wrath. In the last three decades, some vulture species have decreased by 62% in Africa. They are poisoned, persecuted, and electrocuted. While mainly hunted to be used in the making of traditional medicine, they are also injured or killed by power lines. Some perceive these birds as a threat to their livestock and take it upon themselves to eliminate them. 

Kelly and his team have partnered with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the Endangered Wildlife Trust to form the Zululand Vulture Project. Their collaborative efforts have ensured the rehabilitation of wounded and poisoned vultures in the Zululand region. Wildlife ACT uses GPS collars which they attach to vultures to monitor their movement and behaviour. This enables them to detect when a vulture is sick, injured, or poached in order to improve their conservation methods. The organisation also involves and educates local communities to enhance understanding of vultures and protect biodiversity.

Not everything can be renowned for its beauty. But the absence of vultures is equivalent to an environment devoid of garbage-disposal systems. These creatures are an essential part of the ecosystem, and depend on us to value and protect them. “It’s time we give the animals who do the dirty work the appreciation they deserve,” Kelly says. 

Footage by Wildlife ACT was used in the creation of this film.