18 May 2025 – Mpumalanga, South Africa — In a devastating blow to vulture conservation, over 100 critically endangered vultures have been found dead from poisoning in Lionspruit Game Reserve, near Marloth Park, Mpumalanga. The victims include 92 White-backed Vultures, 9 Hooded Vultures, and a rare adult male White-headed Vulture — most of them breeding adults.
The carcasses were discovered by Vulpro, Africa’s only dedicated vulture conservation organisation, and their partner, Wild and Free Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, after GPS trackers on previously released birds signalled abnormal movement. No body parts were removed, suggesting the massacre is not linked to the muthi trade but is a deliberate ecological attack.
“This poisoning is catastrophic,” said Vulpro CEO Kerri Wolter. “It wipes out breeding adults during the nesting season and suggests a larger, coordinated threat. We fear something even worse may be coming.”
Veterinary samples are being analysed with the help of toxicologist Dr Gerhard Verdoorn and Dr Peet Venter, aiming to identify the poison and support legal action. The incident underscores a rising trend of vulture poisoning across South Africa’s Lowveld and threatens decades of conservation work.
In response, Vulpro is urging all rehabilitation centres to halt vulture releases in the region until the threat is contained.
Just days before the incident, Vulpro and Wild and Free formalised a vulture emergency response unit in Mpumalanga. Supported by WeWild Africa and Over and Above Africa, the unit provides rapid response, expert care, long-term rehabilitation, and GPS-monitored releases.
“This is not an isolated event — it’s a systemic threat to biodiversity and public health,” said Wolter. “We are fighting to save every egg, every nest, and the future of vultures in Africa.”
Investigations are ongoing. Conservation groups are calling for immediate government action to address the growing vulture crisis in South Africa.
This marks the third major vulture poisoning incident in South Africa this month. Earlier cases involved over 120 vultures killed after feeding on a poisoned elephant carcass, and another 49 lost following the contamination of a giraffe carcass within Kruger National Park.
Why Vultures Matter
Vultures are vital to ecosystem health. By consuming carcasses, they prevent the spread of diseases like anthrax, rabies, and botulism. Their loss can lead to increased disease risk and ecological imbalance.
Support the Cause
To learn more or support ongoing efforts, visit www.vulpro.com or www.wildandfree.org.za.
