Vultures in Botswana

Who's involved:
Denver Zoo 

For the last five years, Denver Zoo has worked alongside local partners in Botswana implementing a five-pronged approach to vulture conservation.  Because vultures here are primarily – and increasingly – threatened by various forms of poisoning, we lead efforts to:
1) understand key aspects of vulture ecology, ranging and poisoning patterns; 
2) respond to vulture poisoning events; including recording number of animals, species affected, and suspected cause of mortality, as well as removing vulture carcasses;
3) advocate on related issues such as use of dangerous pesticides and lead ammunitions;
4) work with community leaders to deliver education, awareness and engagement programs designed to elicit pro-vulture conservation attitudes and behaviors;
5) develop capacity in Botswana colleagues to achieve our goals, thereby ensuring vulture conservation efforts are sustainable and community-based. 

To date, we have fitted more than 20 vultures from five different species with satellite transmitter backpacks; three of these species are critically endangered (white-backed, white-headed, and hooded) and two are endangered (lappet-faced and cape).  With the help of local staff, students and partners, we have documented over 40 vulture poisoning events and have worked with several communities, reaching hundreds of participants to advocate on poison issues and deliver impactful and action-oriented vulture conservation programs.
 
Contact Denver Zoo's Amy Levine for more info on their programs.