The magnificent Lammergeier (Gyaetus barbatus)
The plight of the vulture population in Southern Africa prompted the placing of suitable animal carcases on the Rhodes commonage to provide food for the local population. This started in 1996 and has continued ever since. The tragedy is that at that time, 40 to 70 birds could be seen feeding. A more recent development is that the birds do not even see every carcass and at most, 20 or 30 birds feed when they do spot the meal.
A site was identified on the village common and a number of people and businesses kindly contributed in cash and in kind that enabled fencing in an area of 2ha where carcasses are dumped for the birds.
Sourcing suitable carcasses has been a problem when they become available as there is not always sufficient labour on hand to load them onto a bakkie.
Down the years, some riparian owners declined to be paid the day permit fee donating the funds to the Vulture Project instead. The Rhodes Trail Run™ Polar Bear Club member’s fees have also been contributed to the fund that resulted in a substantial kitty being accumulated. This allowed the purchase of a suitable winch, snatch block and materials for a modification of a motor bike to serve the purpose. It has been tested and found to be a workable solution allowing one person to complete the loading task as opposed to 8 or 10 people.
Loading carcass donated bt, Butis Letsika, left
Being an ongoing process supported by several WTA riparian members and the Rhodes Trail Run™ Polar Bear Club members, the plan is to construct a small hide at the site on the common where enthusiasts can view vultures feeding from time to time. Donations are welcome so if you should feel so inclined, contact Dave Walker.