A mass vulture poisoning event has been confirmed in the Lionspruit Game Reserve near Marloth Park, Mpumalanga, resulting in the death of over 100 critically endangered birds.
The incident, described as “devastating” by conservationists, includes the deaths of 92 white-backed vultures, of which 90% were breeding adults, nine hooded vultures and one adult male white-headed vulture.
The carcasses were discovered after GPS tracking data from previously rehabilitated vultures showed abnormal movement. Vulpro notified Wild and Free Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, which coordinated a rapid response with Nkomazi municipal field rangers. The team found multiple vulture carcasses clustered around a poisoned warthog carcass. No body parts were removed and there were no survivors. South African National Parks assisted with aerial searches, uncovering two additional carcasses nearby.
“This deliberate act has caused irreparable damage to already declining vulture populations and underscores the growing and devastating impact of poisoning on South Africa’s critically endangered vulture populations,” Vulpro said in a joint statement with Wild and Free Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
Toxicological samples have been collected by experts, including Gerhard Verdoorn of the Griffon Poison Information Centre and Wildlife Veterinarian Peet Venter, for analysis to determine the substance used and support possible legal proceedings.
Vulpro’s CEO Kerri Wolter said: “The scale of this poisoning is devastating and appears to be part of a much bigger, targeted operation. With multiple incidents taking place in various regions across the Lowveld recently, we suspect they are aimed at detracting us from a bigger and even more devastating event in the near future.”
Wolter confirmed that the lack of body part removal indicates the incident is not linked to muthi practices. She warned that the event represents a broader threat to ecosystem stability and vulture conservation efforts. “To lose this number of vultures, let alone adult breeding birds during breeding season, is an ecological crisis. We are genuinely terrified of what next is going to occur.”
Vulpro has called on all rehabilitation centres in the Lowveld to halt vulture releases until threats are fully investigated and mitigated.
The event follows the recent formalisation of a partnership between Vulpro and Wild and Free Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, which has established a vulture emergency response unit in Mpumalanga.
“This is not just about one event. It’s about a systemic threat to our natural balance,” said Wolter. “We are fighting for every egg, every nest and every vulture’s future. Through science, integrity and collaboration, we will hold the line.”
Investigations are ongoing, and conservationists have thanked the ground team for decontaminating the site and preventing secondary poisoning risks to other wildlife.
