CONCEPT
Vultures are the only documented obligate scavengers and provide essential ecosystem services, making them a keystone species. However, despite their importance, vulture populations worldwide are in rapid decline. In fact, seven of the 11 species that occupy ranges in Africa are categorised as Endangered or Critically Endangered by the IUCN.
Declines in vulture populations have devastating impacts, resulting in trophic cascades that can influence ecosystem, social and economic health. Numerous factors have contributed to Africa’s vulture decline, and while these factors vary regionally, most populations are affected by poisoning and human persecution. Conservation initiatives are further impeded by the large multi-country home ranges which many vultures inhabit and vast knowledge gaps within these ranges. Addressing these gaps is therefore critical to developing appropriate conservation initiatives.