CAPE VULTURE
This is the only vulture species found in the Western Cape.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Gyps coprotheres
IUCN RED LIST (Global status): Endangered
RED DATA BOOK OF BIRDS (Regional status): Endangered
POPULATION
BirdLife South Africa estimated in 2013 that only 9400 mature individuals remain.
KNOW YOUR CAPE VULTURE
This large vulture has an almost naked neck and head. The adult has a white body, and when flying, the upper wings are also white, versus the lower black flight feathers. The vultures have a black bill.
WHERE ARE THEY FOUND?
The Cape Vulture is found in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana and Mozambique (and a small population in Zimbabwe). The only population in the Western Cape is found in the De Hoop Nature Reserve on the Potberg Mountains. They used to occur in Swaziland and Namibia, but are now extinct there.
WHAT HABITATS DO CAPE VULTURES LIKE?
The Cape Vulture breeds and roosts on cliffs. They fly over vast areas searching for animal carcasses.
THREATS
Cape Vultures are threatened by poisonings (often by accident), power line collisions or electrocution on power lines, a loss of habitat, and being used unsustainably for traditional uses.
ACTION TO SAVE OUR CAPE VULTURE
For the Overberg Crane Group, it’s vital to raise awareness with farming communities about poisonings, and other threats to Cape Vultures. Awareness also needs to be raised within the traditional medicinal industry about the threats to Cape Vulture numbers. Preventing further habitat loss is essential.
THE IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES/RED DATA BOOK OF BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA:
Not Evaluated | Data Deficient | Least Concern | Near Threatened | Vulnerable | Endangered | Critically endangered | Extinct in the wild | Extinct |
DEAD OR INJURED BIRDS
Blue Cranes and other birds are often found dead or injured in the Overberg. Please report dead or injured birds to our OCG Extension Officer, Keir Lynch by email to support@bluecrane.org.za or phone 084 369 0969.
REPORT RINGED BIRDS
Hundreds of Blue Cranes have had rings placed on their legs over the years. We use these rings to identify Blue Cranes. With this information, we can learn more about them. If you see a Blue Crane with rings on its legs, please let us know.
SUPPORT
The Overberg Crane Group is the only organisation dedicated to protecting our Overberg's birds, like Blue Cranes and Cape Vultures. We need your help to protect our threatened bird species from possible future extinction.
BIRDLASSER APP
There’s a convenient way for bird lovers to note the birds they see – using the BirdLasser app. You can download the BirdLasser app to your cellphone. It’s also a great tool for bird lovers to keep accurate records of their sightings