Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT)
Apart from rhino being poached for their horn, the escalating rate of wildlife poaching, snaring, and poisoning across the Greater Kruger National Park region is an increasing cause for concern.
As a result, the area has seen a dramatic decline in populations of vultures as well as large birds of prey – while incidents affecting large carnivores, including lions, leopards, wild dogs and hyenas, have been sharply on the rise.
In the last 10 years, Southern African vulture populations have suffered rapid population declines of up to 80%.
With 7 of the 11 vulture species found in Africa classified as Critically Endangered or Endangered, their populations are suffering a rapid decline.
As scavengers, vultures are vital for cleaning ecosystems. However, they are also extremely vulnerable to poisoning when they feed on carcasses laced with lethal pesticides – set by those who snare predators like lions and leopards for their bones, body parts and pelts.
The SLT supports the EWT Large Raptor, Wildlife Poisoning Rapid Response and Carnivore Conservation Programmes through funding and Singita Field Guides assist with rapid response to poisoning events and population monitoring.
Furthermore, as part of its aim to offer secure habitat strongholds on its concessions and reserves, SLT also supports the Vulture Safe Zone Alliance. This includes Singita Sabi Sand, Singita Kruger National Park concession, linking to the Karingani Game Reserve in neighbouring Mozambique. Vulture Safe Zones (VSZs) create safe spaces for vultures to breed, forage and thrive; and reduce threats such as persecution, poisoning, powerline collisions, and habitat loss.
Key Successes
- Singita’s Field Guides are trained as rapid responders for wildlife as well as vulture poisoning incidents. As first responders, they swiftly report suspected poisonings and transport affected vultures to safe places for treatment and rehabilitation as fast as possible.
- Singita Field Guides are providing daily sightings and observation data to the BirdLife SA's critical bird monitoring programme across the Greater Kruger National Park.
A species in a downward spiral - whilst neither cute or cuddly, vultures play a crucial role as nature's clean-up squad. Vulture Safe Zone Alliance & monitoring of critical Bird Species
How can I support this project?
100% of your donation will contribute towards Singita’s support of the EWT Large Raptor and Carnivore Conservation Programmes in the Greater Kruger region.
Vulture, lion and wild dog research and monitoring:
- USD 335 – per satellite tracker for vulture research monitoring
- USD 1,700– per lion collar
- USD 1,500 – per wild dog collar
- USD 320 – per camera trap lion research and monitoring
- USD 450 – helicopter to monitor lions in remote areas (per hour)
Emergency response costs:
- USD 1,700 – raptor emergency fund (covers monthly costs for raptor rescue and rehabilitation, logistics, vet bills, toxicology tests, food for vultures and medical supplies)
- USD 3,500 – LeadCare II test machine and kit for assessing vulture blood lead levels
- USD 450 – helicopter to respond to emergencies such as snaring (per hour)
Project running costs:
Generic amount towards EWT’s monthly running costs to cover monitors, vehicles, fuel, and more.
