Drakensberg: Vulture hide opens in Ukhahlamba

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Toko
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Drakensberg: Vulture hide opens in Ukhahlamba

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New vulture hide opens in Ukhahlamba
Sep 19, 2013

“Bearded Vultures are critically endangered with approximately 330 in Southern Africa and only 3000 Cape Vultures,” commented Sonja Krueger of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. “These extremely low numbers are mainly as a result of a lack of suitable habitat and food, as well as significant impacts through poisonings and collisions or electrocutions with powerlines,” said Krueger.

It is for this reason that the N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) has generously donated funds in order to construct a hide at Cathedral Peak in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a world heritage site in KZN. By constructing a hide and a feeding site in this Park, it is hoped that the vulture populations of the area will have a much more stable source of food.

The hide came about through collaboration between the N3TC, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and Wildlands Conservation Trust and is one of three which are to be built within the Drakensberg area. Designed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s Glenn Harboth and superbly built by Lawrie Raubenheimer (Heritage Design and Creations cc), this hide has been modelled on the local rocks and blends in beautifully to its surrounds. The N3TC has a 30 year contract to manage and maintain the N3 highway and, as a result, they bring a large number of people into the area. “It is important for us to leave a legacy behind when we one day step out of this area,” said Neil Tolmie, CEO of N3TC. “It was for this reason that we easily agreed to support the conservation of the Bearded and other vultures within the area three years ago and we look forward to building on our relationship with Wildlands and KZN Wildlife in the years to come.”

Saturday the 7th September, only 2 days after the official launch, it was International Vulture Awareness Day, and we hope facilities such as the hide launched at Cathedral Peak will add to this awareness.

The hide will be able to accommodate a number of visitors at a time and is fitted with rain water harvesting tanks and full ablutions. “This is an amazing project which will not only create an additional feeding site for these endangered birds, but also much needed awareness amongst the public, allowing them the privilege of spending time close to the action of feeding vultures,” said Kevin McCann, Strategic Manager of Wildlands. “Without the incredible support of the N3TC and passion of the staff at KZN Wildlife, this project would not have been possible,” McCann concluded.


de Wets Wild
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Re: Drakensberg: Vulture hide opens in Ukhahlamba

Post by de Wets Wild »

Hi everyone!

We're heading to Cathedral Peak soon, and I am happy to read about this vulture hide in the area. I can't find any info though on where exactly it is and how we'd be able reach it, and the person I spoke to at Didima's reception had no knowledge of it. Could any members assist with more info, please?

Thanks very much!
:ty:


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Lisbeth
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Re: Drakensberg: Vulture hide opens in Ukhahlamba

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"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela
The desire for equality must never exceed the demands of knowledge
de Wets Wild
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Re: Drakensberg: Vulture hide opens in Ukhahlamba

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Thanks very much, Lisbeth!

:ty:


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Lisbeth
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Re: Drakensberg: Vulture hide opens in Ukhahlamba

Post by Lisbeth »

You are welcome \O


"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela
The desire for equality must never exceed the demands of knowledge
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