Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy has invited members of the public to submit written comment on the draft multi-species Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for Vultures, populations of which are facing varying threats of extinction.

Members of the public have 30 days from date of publication of the Notice to submit comments to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. 

Africa is home to 11 of the 15 species of what are known as Old World vultures, which play a crucial role for healthy ecosystems by cleaning up animal carcasses in the environments in which they live.

Creecy highlighted that in the last 30 years vulture populations have declined considerably in Africa.

“Because of a lack of collective and decisive action these declines are continuing. The situation in South Africa, which is home to nine vulture species, is not unique,” she added.

Of the nine species in South Africa, seven have been known to have established breeding populations in the species range state and all of these face varying threats of extinction, Creecy warned.

As a result of the continued decline in vulture populations, a BMP for vulture species in South Africa has been developed to safeguard the future growth of these populations in the country. 

“This will be achieved through the reduction of the key threats facing the species, including intentional and unintentional poisoning, collisions with powerlines and other energy infrastructure, habitat change, as stakeholder involvement in the conservation of the species is improved and communities, including traditional medicine practitioners, are educated about the importance of the birds in the ecological cycle,” Creecy said.

It will ensure the implementation of responsible and sustainable practices that will contribute to the conservation of the species.

The adoption of the draft BMP will also ensure South Africa meets its obligations within the Convention on Migratory Species Multi-Species Action Plan for Vultures, she explained.

Members of the public are invited to submit written comment on the draft BMP by post to: The Director-General: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment for the attention of Ms Humbulani Mafumo, Private Bag X447, Pretoria, 0001.

Comment can also be dropped at  Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria; or by email, ConservationManagement@dffe.gov.za

The Draft BMP for Vultures can be accessed at: https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/gazetted_notices/nemba_multispecies.bmp_southafricanvultures_g47632gon2817.pdf