Saving Species of Conservation Concern

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.