120 Vultures poisoned in Kruger Park: A dire warning for conservation

A tragic poisoning incident has killed more than 120 endangered vultures in Kruger National Park, South Africa. The birds consumed a poisoned elephant carcass, likely tainted by poachers. Experts call this one of the worst vulture poisonings recorded in the region.

Wildlife officials discovered 123 dead vultures near the poisoned carcass earlier this week. The victims included white-backed vultures, Cape vultures, and a lappet-faced vulture, all endangered or critically endangered. Rescuers saved 84 vultures and rushed them for emergency treatment.

Poachers soaked the elephant carcass in highly toxic agrochemical pesticides, a growing tactic used against vultures and lions. These chemicals allow them to harvest body parts for traditional medicine or eliminate vultures, which expose illegal poaching activities.

This case echoes a 2019 poisoning in Botswana, where more than 500 vultures died after eating poisoned elephant remains. Conservationists warn that such poisonings are rising, threatening Africa’s dwindling vulture populations.

Vultures help balance ecosystems by clearing carcasses and preventing disease spread. Their decline could allow scavenger species to grow unchecked, disrupting wildlife dynamics. Losing them would harm Africa’s biodiversity and conservation efforts.

Authorities and conservation groups, including the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), are treating rescued vultures and investigating the poisoning. Experts urge stricter anti-poaching laws, stronger surveillance, and better public awareness to prevent more poisonings.