Categories: Current AffairsScience and Technology

Cape Vultures Spotted After 30 Years in South Africa’s Eastern Cape

The recent sighting of 85 Cape Vultures (Gyps coprotheres) in South Africa’s Eastern Cape after three decades marks a significant milestone for conservationists. These vultures, exclusive to Southern Africa, play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by preventing disease spread through carrion disposal. Conservation efforts have helped stabilize their population, but vultures globally continue to face threats. This resurgence highlights the importance of sustained conservation initiatives.

Key Points on Cape Vultures and Their Conservation

1. About Cape Vultures (Gyps coprotheres)

Scientific Name:Gyps coprotheres
Common Name: Cape Vulture
Family: Accipitridae (Old World Vultures)
Exclusive Habitat: Southern Africa
Key Role: Prevents disease spread by consuming carrion

2. Recent Sighting in Eastern Cape

First sighting in over 30 years near Mountain Zebra National Park, Spitskop Cradock
85 wild Cape Vultures spotted
Conservationists view this as a positive sign of population recovery

3. Population Decline and Conservation Status

1980s–2007: Cape Vulture numbers declined by 60-70%
2021 Estimate: 9,600 to 12,800 mature individuals
IUCN Status: ‘Vulnerable’ (previously ‘Threatened’)

Major Threats

Habitat loss
Poisoning (accidental or intentional)
Power line electrocution
Decreasing food availability

4. The Role of Vultures in the Ecosystem

Natural scavengers that help dispose of animal carcasses
Prevents the spread of deadly diseases like anthrax, botulism, and rabies
Controls populations of feral dogs and rats, which can be disease carriers

5. The Global ‘African Vulture Crisis’

23 species of vultures globally

Two families

Accipitridae (Old World Vultures – 16 species, including Cape Vultures)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures – 7 species)
Cape Vulture is one of only three vulture species exclusive to Africa

6. Conservation Efforts and Future Steps

Vulpro, a nonprofit dedicated to vulture conservation, is actively working to protect these birds.

Conservationists stress the need for,

Stronger anti-poisoning laws
Habitat protection
Sustainable food sources
Reducing electrocution risks from power lines

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Cape Vultures Spotted After 30 Years in South Africa’s Eastern Cape
Species	Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres)
Location of Sighting	Spitskop Cradock, near Mountain Zebra National Park, South Africa
Last Sighting in Eastern Cape	Over 30 years ago
Current Population Estimate (2021)	9,600 – 12,800 mature individuals
Threats	Habitat loss, poisoning, electrocution, food scarcity
Conservation Status	(IUCN) Vulnerable
Ecological Role	Scavengers, prevent disease spread
Conservation Efforts	Anti-poisoning measures, habitat restoration, food security initiatives
Significance of Sighting	Positive sign of recovery, highlights conservation success