Project Griffon 2004
Project Griffon travelled to the Rare and Endangered Species Trust (REST) in July 2004. The aim was to increase local awareness about vulture poisoning and to provide important ecological information about the population and behaviour of the critically endangered Cape Griffon vultures (Gyps coprotheres), vulnerable Lappet-faced vultures (Torgos tracheliotus) and the declining White-backed vultures (Gyps africanus). Accidental poisoning of vultures by farmers baiting predatory animals, such as hyena, has been a main cause of the recent and severe vulture decline.
Nine vulture feeding stations were set up, from which minimum population calculations and a chart of ringed vulture occurrences were made for White-backed vultures. Factors affecting competitive interactions and feeding of Cape Griffon and Lappet-faced vultures were related to the types of social interactions they were initiating. An aerial microlight survey of Whitebacked vulture nest distribution was conducted and a GIS map of the nest positions produced. This information will help REST and other organisations to aim conservation efforts appropriately. A ‘Save Our Species’ local awareness campaign was set-up in local schools, including an art competition, which successfully head-started REST’s poison awareness campaign. There is a great need for future expeditions to extend this wo