21 Jun 2019

A total of 537 vultures and two tawny eagles were found dead at the Wildlife Management Area CT1 in the Central District.
It is believed that the vultures died from eating the laced carcasses of elephants as three dead elephants were found in the same area.

The carcasses are belived to have been laced with a poisonous chemical by poachers.

“It states that a poisonous chemical led to a significant mortality in vultures and eagles”,the press release states. The breakdown of the dead birds of prey includes 10 cape vultures, 14 lappet faced vultures, 468 white backed vultures, 17 white headed vultures and 28 hooded vultures.

Moreover, the release states that the law enforcement team attending to the scene is working round the clock to decontaminate the area. Sampling of carcasses and the environment was done for further laboratory analysis.
The public in the vicinity of the area CT1 is therefore requested to report any wildlife mortalities that may be spotted in their areas.

In the release, the department also expresses its concern with the habit of some individuals who deliberately poison animals, as this is dangerous and harmful to the environment.
Furthermore, the department encourages the public to desist from engaging in such illegal acts and to report any suspicious activities that may suggest environmental poisoning to the nearest wildlife office or the police. Ends