RIPPLE EFFECTS POSE INCREASED RISKS

THE team of researchers do not explicitly advocate for the criminalisation of those involved in vulture poisoning, nor necessarily for increased law enforcement activities, “as this may be detrimental to rural populations who are dependent on bushmeat.

“However, the ripple effects present in the socio-ecological system within which vultures reside pose increased risks to human populations due to the potential proliferation of disease and other outcomes resulting from the removal of these efficient scavengers.

“Regulations exist to control risks associated with poison, yet violations of the law persist. Such non-compliance undermines conservation activities, designed to conserve vultures and other wildlife species, and support for sustainable rural livelihoods such as avitourism or building wildlife economies.”

Strategies to prevent vulture poisoning in the GLTFCA include banning chemical sales in small quantities in human population areas close to park boundaries or transnational borders; leveraging local communities as guardians in communal conservancies and effective compensation and benefit sharing from the wildlife economy in farm and ranching communities. Sheree Bega

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THE bearded vulture occurs in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe and is declining in many areas throughout its range. Poisoning, both accidental and deliberate, as well as habitat loss, disturbance of breeding sites and collision with power lines are considered to be the main threats.