At least 123 vultures have died in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, after consuming the carcass of a poisoned elephant with agricultural pesticides.
Park authorities and the conservation group Endangered Wildlife Trust confirmed that the mass poisoning, one of the most severe in the park’s history, was caused by poachers.
Another 83 vultures were rescued and transported in helicopters and specialized ambulances, where they continue their recovery.
The importance of vultures in ecosystems
These birds play a key role in nature, as they clean the environment by feeding on carcasses. However, their habit of feeding in large groups makes them particularly vulnerable to poisoning, whether intentional or accidental, due to the activities of poachers.
Among the affected species in Kruger are:
- Cape Vulture, endangered.
- White-headed Vulture, whose population has drastically decreased.
- Hooded and White-backed Vultures, critically endangered.
The growing poisoning crisis in Southern Africa
The phenomenon is part of a broader environmental crisis in Africa, where the use of poisons in poaching has increased exponentially.
“Hunters use agricultural toxins to capture high-value species”— stated SANParks and Endangered Wildlife Trust in their joint statement.
The Kruger National Park, with its 20,000 km² extension, faces a daily battle against the illegal hunting of elephants, rhinos, and lions.
Shocking image of the dead vultures (EWT)[/caption>
Long-term impact on vulture conservation
The organization Vulpro, specialized in vulture protection, warned that the poisoning occurred during the breeding season, which could further affect the vulture population.
Experts also warn that many other birds outside the discovery area could have been poisoned without being counted.
A call to action against illegal hunting
The massive poisoning of vultures in Kruger is a warning sign of the advancement of poaching and its effects on biodiversity.
Conservationists emphasize the urgency of strengthening protection measures, stricter environmental regulations, and awareness campaigns to stop this devastating practice.
