Zululand Vulture Survey 2025

This script abbreviated for YouTube from the full Report by Anel Swart of Wildlife Act:

A Conservation Milestone in KwaZulu‑Natal
During the 2025 Nesting Vultures of Zululand Aerial Survey, conservationists confirmed the first‑ever active Hooded Vulture nest in the province — the southernmost breeding site ever recorded for this Critically Endangered species. This landmark find expands the known breeding range and offers vital new data to guide protection efforts.

The survey, led by Wildlife ACT, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, and The Bateleurs, also revealed trends in other vulture populations, underscoring both urgent threats — like poisoning and habitat loss — and the power of collaboration between conservationists, landowners, and communities.
Vultures are nature’s clean‑up crew, preventing the spread of deadly diseases and maintaining ecosystem balance. Protecting them means safeguarding wildlife, livestock, and human health.

Brent Coverdale of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
"Vultures are among the most threatened bird species in South Africa, and KwaZulu-Natal remains a critical region for their survival. The results of this survey highlight both the challenges and the opportunities we face. The loss of White-headed Vultures is a sobering reminder of what can happen if threats go unchecked, while the confirmation of a Hooded Vulture nest offers hope and renewed urgency for protecting these birds and the ecosystems they support."

This survey was conducted in 2015 and again in 2020, now in the 3rd rotation of this data collection survey, of the nesting vultures of Zululand - all flown by The Bateleurs.

Report vulture sightings: projectvulture.org.za/report-vulture-sighting
More info: wildlifeact.com
The Bateleurs - Volunteers Flying for The Environment: https://www.bateleurs.co.za/