A LOVE FOR VULTURES AND CONSERVATION

By Roy StrydomVULTURE FEEDING PROGRAMME

The vulture feeding programme (restaurant) was initiated by me in the year 2000, as a part of a conservation effort in conjunction with my role as Chairman of the Emzemvelo Wildlife Association Honorary Officers Group (a volunteer group). The vulture has increasingly come under further threat since those earlier years with the latest attacks been seen from Rhino poachers who have started eradicating them, this to avoid early detection. “Mooty” killings, poisoning by farmers, drownings in reservoirs and electrocution are widely responsible for their decreased numbers. There are approximately 6 Cape Vulture Colonies in South Africa (endemic) and proudly we have seen the numbers increase here in our own Vulture Retreat (situated in the cliff faces of the Dragons Back high berg area). It must be noted that vultures seen on the feeding site do not all hail exclusively from this area, we have had White Backs, a Lappard Face, as well as the endangered and very beautiful Bearded Vulture. Our last National Vulture Count Day realised the result of 212 birds at the feeding site. This number is significantly rising over the years since commencement of the program, and Emzemvelo wildlife research, headed by Scientist Sonja Kruger, is appreciative of this fact.

FEEDING VULTURES, THE ECOSYSTEM AND PEOPLE

It has never been possible for anyone to gain access and be near the Vultures. They are suspicious by nature, have incredible sight and hearing and an even better sense of smell. They do not tolerate humans being near them, and nor do we allow it from a conservation perspective. All it promotes is the birds flying off – often without food for chicks on nest (this in winter months). People have always been able to view the birds from a nearby hill – at a distance. That has not changed and Bergview home-owners have provided a few benches at strategic look out points for all to enjoy.

As far as an eco-system is concerned it stands to reason that Porcupines, Jackal, Bush Pigs, Yellow-billed Kites, and Jackal Buzzards to name a few also enjoy the spoils of the feeding site. These animals are all endemic to the area and occur naturally – as does the Brown Hyena - that came to feed at the site one night. I was lucky to have caught it on camera, and Emzemvelo Wildlife was thrilled that one was spotted. The Brown Hyena remain elusive animals and it is known that they are loners that will keep themselves hidden – they do not stay in one area preferring to travel great distances. We see the feeding of all animals on this site in a positive light as it ensures the sustainability of our environment including the animals that habitat this region. It stands to reason that our primary focus is the feeding of the vultures –

however on any feeding site, as in a death in the wild, you will find this occurrence. It is not new, and has been the case since the year 2000. The fact that I have been putting cameras out at night has just given us further proof of the biodiversity and animals living here.

The environment enjoys approximately 327 species of bird, white tailed mongoose, Large Spotted Genet, Lynx, Serval, Grey Duiker, Bushbuck, Common Reed Buck, Baboons, Monkeys, Leguvaan, Dwarf Chameleon and other reptiles, Scrub Hares, Klip Springers, and many more. We have introduced Zebra and Black Wildebeest as well as Yellow fish.

With regards people walking on the feeding site: this is not permissible and never has been.

Guests enjoying The Hide have a secluded and separate entrance that does not venture past the feeding site.

THE HIDE AND HOW TO BOOK IT

Is full of interesting custom-made finishes, as everything was designed and hand made for this special place, by Leila Dodds (an interior designer with passion), and myself. It has been a project, that like the feeding of the vultures weekly, was a labour of love. Every single person who visits the place leaves feeling rested and at peace – it is just one of those places that does that, as there is a great stillness that permeates your being. As it is subterranean the temperature remains consistent and one is neither hot on a hot day nor cold on a freezing winters day. If you leave here having a better understanding of the vulture and the environment, feeling closer to nature with a yearning to return, then I consider myself an honored man.

The Hide must be booked, and the cost is R600 per day, and a maximum of 6 people is allowed. Booking is done directly through me, Roy Strydom 079 562 5454 and there is etiquette that must be observed and vulture enthusiasts are encouraged to note the following: -

Entrance to the Hide must be at day break PRIOR to the arrival of the Vultures Sighting of Vultures is not guaranteed, however the placement of food for them is No colorful or bright clothing permitted as their vision is good and you need to be camouflaged No colognes and perfumes as they are very smell sensitive and will know that you are there You may bring quiet activities like a book, and some snacks that don’t require noisy packaging Cameras are welcome Loads of patience and silence is essential (cell phones on silent and face down) Avoid moving around excessively and close the Hide door There is a short walk to the Hide therefore guests need to be able to walk, and have decent walking

shoes There is a toilet on site, as well as water and comfortable seating

The procedure is generally that you book, and meet me at my office to make payment after which I will accompany you to the Hide. You are welcome to ask any questions.

The Hide

Leila Dodds and Roy Strydom (2013)

Emzemvelo Wildlife taking samples and documenting information of a Vulture prior to its release from The Hide. A satellite tracking device was fitted and the bird was monitored on its release.

Frik Lemmer (OIC Monks Cowl 2014) with Ben Hoffman (Cato Ridge – Bird Rehabilitation Centre)

Picture taken by a guest on the 11thDecember2014, from The Hide

(she was a guest of the Drakensberg Sun Lifestyle Resort)