More than 100 vultures allegedly poisoned at Kruger National Park

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has expressed grave concern regarding the recent discovery of 130 vultures allegedly poisoned in Kruger National Park.

IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS, THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK HAS LOST AN ESTIMATED 2,000 VULTURES

DA Member of the Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Hannah Shameema Winkler, said this incident is part of a worrying pattern of vulture poaching and poisoning.

Winkler also stated that the park’s northern areas have lost an estimated 2,000 vultures over the last five years.

“Vultures play a vital ecological role, particularly in disease control and carcass decomposition, and their diminishing numbers pose a serious threat to ecological health and balance.”

THE ALARMING LEVELS OF POISONING AND POACHING OF BIRDS OF PREY AT THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK ARE CONCERNING

She also highlighted that SANPARKs officials in the portfolio committee for Environmental Affairs, Forestry, and Fisheries had not prominently reported on or addressed the alarming levels of poisoning and poaching of birds of prey.

“This is raising red flags on transparency, oversight, and the prioritization of wildlife protection in our national parks.

“It is deeply concerning that despite the degree to which the populations of vultures and other birds of prey have been placed under pressure, this has not significantly been reported on – the question is why?”Hannah Shameema Winkler said.

AUTHORITIES SHOULD TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO INVESTIGATE THESE MASS KILLINGS

She furthermore urged the Minister of Environmental Affairs to take immediate action to investigate these mass killings and to implement urgent measures to protect these important birds.

Winkler said this should include enhanced monitoring, stricter law enforcement against wildlife crimes, and increased community engagement to prevent further incidents.

“Moreover, we call for transparency in reporting and dealing with wildlife crimes, ensuring that conservation efforts are informed and effective. It is essential that strategies to protect vultures and other at-risk species are prioritized and that all stakeholders, including conservation organizations and local communities, are involved in these efforts.”Hannah Shameema Winkler said.

LAST MONTH, AUTHORITIES HAD TO EUTHANIZE AN ESCAPED ELEPHANT

Last month, as a community mob took matters into their own hands, an escaped Kruger National Park elephant had to be euthanized.

The videos of the elephant appeared on social media. In the video, you can see the panicked elephant running between houses.

Community members had allegedly chased after it and threw objects at it.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS CHASED AFTER IT AND THREW OBJECTS AT IT

Authorities dispatched a helicopter.

Lowvelder, reported that the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) decided to euthanize the elephant after a mob formed around it.