The Zululand Vulture Tagging Project falls under the Zululand Vulture Project,  and has been running since 2009 with the collaboration of the Endangered Wildlife Trust Birds of Prey Working Group, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and Wildlife ACT – with support from Eskom, Raptor Rescue and private landowners.

The project focuses on 3 species of tree-nesting vultures (African White-Backed, Lappet-Faced and White-Headed). The fieldwork conducted is part of an overall strategy to study and conserve vultures in KwaZulu-Natal. The process involves using a cherry picker to reach the nests and then removing any vulture chicks from the nest and tagging them with patagial (wing) tags. Blood samples are also taken which allows for valuable data collection.

Objectives of the Zululand Vulture Project

• Determine the causes of mortality.
• Determine the survival rate of the species, and what influences or inhibits population growth.
• Examine changes in breeding population size and range.
• Promote vulture conservation through the involvement of volunteers, students, researchers, landowners and other interested parties.
• Address the threat of poisoning.
•  Address the use of vultures in illegal trade and traditional medicine.
• Create an awareness around the species and its conservation status.