Kerri Wolters, somewhat of a “vulture whisperer” is a determined presence in the conservation world. Her ability to connect with and handle these birds as well as, to conduct wild captures, puts Kerri among the very few who recognize and advocate the vital role vultures play within society. Kerri takes us on a Path into the Future exploring not only threats on vulture survival, such as the muti trade and urbanization but the wealth of knowledge and freedom that these birds can pass on to the human race.
Taking a unique opportunity to paraglide, Kerri goes beyond the confines of the vulture enclosure and gains a perspective of life through the eyes and wings of the birds. Gliding with these misunderstood creatures Kerri’s eyes are further opened to the amount of beauty and wonder the modern world misses out on, she invites us as individuals to experience nature and thus gain an understanding of why this planet so deserves our protection.
Today only 2900 breeding pairs of the Cape Vulture remain worldwide. Path into the Future is produced by African Renaissance Productions as part of the Caretakers Series for STEPS and SANBI
The Organisation The Vulture Programme of the R&L Wildlife Conservation NPO, is supported by the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, in both research and managerial capacities.
Established in January 2007 the Programme was set up to approach conservation in a multidisciplinary fashion, with the benefit accruing to both vultures and society at large. This is achieved by combining the disciplines of education, science, networking, capacity building, knowledge generation and rehabilitation and orphanage services. By focusing our efforts on these essential animal indicators, precariously positioned at the top of the food chain, we will not only influence but aim to bring about a wide recognition in the minds of humans as to the importance and value of these birds within the overall biosphere.
Our mission is to be a leader in the field of vulture conservation programme for advancing knowledge, awareness and innovation in the conservation of African vulture populations for the benefit and well-being of society.
Our objective to prevent the extinction of the free ranging Cape Vultures and to arrest the decline of other threatened species. Species of Concern Of the nine vulture species resident in southern Africa, seven are currently listed by the IUCN red list (2007) as being endangered. Most endangered among the endemic species is the Cape vulture (G. coprotheres). The Cape Vulture is the largest vulture in Africa (Mundy et al., 1992). Despite, or possibly because of, being very prominent in their environment, the species has declined steadily over the last century with poor fertility, high nestling mortality and losses from poaching for traditional (African witchcraft) medicines, inadvertent or deliberate poisonings and pylon/power line injuries (Piper et al., 1981; Komen, 1991; Fernie and Reynolds, 2005; IUCN red list, 2007). Of these, nestling mortalities probably rank the most important; estimates in the 1980’s placed the survival of first-year nestlings at 17%, with the overall probability of a hatchling reaching three years of age being 10% (Piper et al., 1981). This low rearing rate is exacerbated by the fact that sexual maturity is only reached at 7 years and then only one egg is produced a year. Geographic Area The project focuses on the major Cape Vulture breeding colonies in South Africa. The project also has strong links with farmers that feed non-breeding colonies in southern Africa.
My name is Percy, ambassador for Cape Vultures throughout southern Africa and here is my plea: “The Future of vultures in South Africa lies in the hands of people. It is up to all of you to ensure we do not disappear”
On the eve of my retirement from public life, my mind is filled with thoughts about the legacy I’ll be leaving behind. You see, when you’re a vulture you don’t take anything for granted, least of all your future!
Now you’re probably thinking ‘What does a vulture have to do with me?’ Simply this: vultures rapidly consume animal remains, preventing the carcasses from acting as hosts to various diseases and pests that could affect you!
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