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Saving the vultures

Farmer's Weekly

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March 08, 2024

A much-needed addition to the Southern Drakensberg, the Mzimkulu Vulture Hide, created to support vulture conservation through a Vulture Safe Feeding Zone, is a hub of activity and a bird-lover's paradise.

Saving the vultures

Located in the heart of the southern Drakensberg, the Mzimkulu Vulture Hide is fitted with one-way glass designed for clear photography and allows up to six guests to comfortably view and photograph endangered vultures, as well as other birds, for a good cause. Exquisite mountainous backdrops, comfortable seating, darkened windows and a few electrical plug points for recharging camera batteries and phones make for an enjoyable experience. The hide is also equipped with educational material to ensure visitors leave having learnt more about conservation and wildlife in the region.

CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP

The Mzimkulu Vulture Hide forms part of Wildlife ACT’s Southern Drakensberg Conservation Project and has been made possible by a collaborative effort between Wildlife ACT and Riverlea Farm. The primary objective of this initiative is to provide the Southern Drakensberg with a sustainable safe feeding site for vultures. Important partners include Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Project Vulture, Drakensberg Conservation Initiative, Bearded Vulture Recovery Programme and the Endangered Wildlife Trust. The creation of the hide has been made possible by Invicta Wildlife, CHEP, and European Outdoor Conservation Association. The support of local Underberg farms has also been crucial to making this important Vulture Safe Feeding Site possible.

THE IMPORTANCE OF VULTURE CONSERVATION IN THE REGION

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