Zimbabwe Vulture Action Plan 2018-2022

&MHru* FOREWORD BY THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF ZIMBABWE PARKS AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY Vultures as a family are one of the most endangered on the African continent and yet one cannot imagine Africa's skies without these iconic birds. These avian scavengers are nature's clean-up crew and in their absence proliferation of disease like anthrax, rabies, tuberculosis and botulism and decaying carcasses are the order of the day. They clean our landscapes like no other - nature's most successful scavengers and they do all this for free. A single vulture provides over US$1'1,000 dollars' worth of ecosystem services for its cleaning services. By halting the spread of disease, they are worth much more to society in saved health service costs, not to mention contributing significant revenue to the tourism sector as well. They are essential for our health. Their decline can have serious knock-on effects on other species and the many benefits provided by nature. Vultures face a myriad of threats including unintentional and intentional poisoning, harvesting for belief-based use, reduced food availability and a shrinking habitat. However, not many people are aware of their predicament. Vultures may not be the prettiest or charismatic of birds and they are often referred to in derogatory terms due to their feeding strategy (consuming carrion) and because of their looks but it's hard to argue against their usefulness, They are in reality fantastically hygienic and caring parents. The country has experienced increased vulture poisoning incidents that are impacting the populations between 2012and 2019. Some of the notable vulture poisoning incidents reported include 191 vultures poisoned in Gonarezhou National Park (South-East Lowveld) in 2012, 40 vultures poisoned at a farm in Fort Rixon (Matabeleland South) in2014,22 vultures poisoned in Sinamatella (Hwange National Park) in 2015, 43 vultures poisoned at Sentinel Ranch in 2016 (Matabeleland South), 94 vultures poisoned on the border of Gonarezhou National Park in 2017 ,24 Vultures poisoned at Sengwa Wildlife Research Station in 2017 (Midlands) and in 2018,28 vultures were poisoned in Main Camp (Hwange National Park). The most recent poisoning incident occurred in Hwange National Park in January 2019 where 21 vultures were poisoned. We believe these killings are linked to poaching and vultures are dying as non-target species and in some cases vultures are killed to reduce early detection. Whilst these are the significant incidences that have been reported, it is estimated that other sporadic poisoning events involving vultures are taking place for which no information is being received. At this rate we will simply lose these valuable birds to extinction if action is not urgently taken to reverse the trend. Long before the advent of the African Vulture Crisis, the Government of Zimbabwe had already committed to protecting these birds by declaring them Specially Protected Species under the Parks and Wildlife Act. Zimbabwe is one of the few countries in Africa that has accorded this special protection to vultures. By signing this Vulture Action plan the government of Zimbabwe re-affirms that commitment to protect vultures. The purpose of the Vulture Action Plan is to encourage multi-sectoral, national, regional and international collaboration to address threats to vultures. lt also encompasses awareness raising of the plight of vultures, their ecological importance and valuable ecosystem services, and propose solutions for African vulture conservation at the highest levels both nationally and regionally. Most vultures are teetering on the brink of extinction across Africa. Considering the vital role they play in preventing the spread of life-threatening diseases, we must do everything we can to ensure the survival of these unsung heroes. Wi F. U Man$wanya! DIRECTOR GENERAL Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wldlife Management Authority - BirdLife Zmbabwe Approval Page The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority Board of Directors and the Director General have approved the implementation of the Zimbabwe Vulture Action plan (2oLgto 2022). Signature: 'Mr. Fulton Mangwanya Director-General - Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority ,"r"t{,,'7 Approved by Board chair - Zimbabwe Parks and wildlife Management Authority FOREWORD BY THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF ZIMBABWE PARKS AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY Vultures as a family are one of the most endangered on the African continent and yet one cannot imagine Africa’s skies without these iconic birds. These avian scavengers are nature’s clean-up crew and in their absence proliferation of disease like anthrax, rabies, tuberculosis and botulism and decaying carcasses are the order of the day. They clean our landscapes like no other - nature's most successful scavengers and they do all this for free. A single vulture provides over US$11,000 dollars’ worth of ecosystem services for its cleaning services. By halting the spread of disease, they are worth much more to society in saved health service costs, not to mention contributing significant revenue to the tourism sector as well. They are essential for our health. Their decline can have serious knock-on effects on other species and the many benefits provided by nature. Vultures face a myriad of threats including unintentional and intentional poisoning, harvesting for belief-based use, reduced food availability and a shrinking habitat. However, not many people are aware of their predicament. Vultures may not be the prettiest or charismatic of birds and they are often referred to in derogatory terms due to their feeding strategy (consuming carrion) and because of their looks but it’s hard to argue against their usefulness. They are in reality fantastically hygienic and caring parents. The country has experienced increased vulture poisoning incidents that are impacting the populations between 2012 and 2019. Some of the notable vulture poisoning incidents reported include 191 vultures poisoned in Gonarezhou National Park (South-East Lowveld) in 2012 , 40 vultures poisoned at a farm in Fort Rixon (Matabeleland South ) in 2014, 22 vultures poisoned in Sinamatella (Hwange National Park) in 2015, 43 vultures poisoned at Sentinel Ranch in 2016 (Matabeleland South), 94 vultures poisoned on the border of Gonarezhou National Park in 2017, 24 Vultures poisoned at Sengwa Wildlife Research Station in 2017 (Midlands) and in 2018, 28 vultures were poisoned in Main Camp (Hwange National Park). The most recent poisoning incident occurred in Hwange National Park in January 2019 where 21 vultures were poisoned. We believe these killings are linked to poaching and vultures are dying as non-target species and in some cases vultures are killed to reduce early detection. Whilst these are the significant incidences that have been reported, it is estimated that other sporadic poisoning events involving vultures are taking place for which no information is being received. At this rate we will simply lose these valuable birds to extinction if action is not urgently taken to reverse the trend. Long before the advent of the African Vulture Crisis, the Government of Zimbabwe had already committed to protecting these birds by declaring them Specially Protected Species under the Parks and Wildlife Act. Zimbabwe is one of the few countries in Africa that has accorded this special protection to vultures. By signing this Vulture Action plan the government of Zimbabwe re-affirms that commitment to protect vultures. The purpose of the Vulture Action Plan is to encourage multi-sectoral, national, regional and international collaboration to address threats to vultures. It also encompasses awareness raising of the plight of vultures, their ecological importance and valuable ecosystem services, and propose solutions for African vulture conservation at the highest levels both nationally and regionally. Most vultures are teetering on the brink of extinction across Africa. Considering the vital role they play in preventing the spread of life-threatening diseases, we must do everything we can to ensure the survival of these unsung heroes. F. U Mangwanya DIRECTOR GENERAL CONTENTS Acknowledgements ............................................................................... i Acronyms and Definitions ................................................................... ii 1 Introduction ................................................................................... 1 1.1 The Need for a Plan ............................................................................................................ 1 1.2 Methodology ....................................................................................................................... 1 1.3 Action Plan Format ............................................................................................................. 1 2 Action Plan .................................................................................... 2 2.1 Vision .................................................................................................................................. 2 2.2 Aim ...................................................................................................................................... 2 2.3 Objectives, Projects and Activities ...................................................................................... 2 2.3.1 Vulture Working Group.............................................................................................................. 11 2.3.2 Reporting Protocols and Vulture Incident Database .............................................................. 12 2.4 Monitoring and Evaluation ................................................................................................ 12 3 Background ................................................................................. 13 3.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 13 3.2 Taxonomy ......................................................................................................................... 15 3.3 Vulture Research in Zimbabwe (PJ Mundy) ..................................................................... 15 3.4 Distribution and population status ..................................................................................... 17 3.4.1 Africa distribution ...................................................................................................................... 17 3.4.2 Zimbabwe distribution ............................................................................................................... 17 3.5 Movements ....................................................................................................................... 20 3.6 Protection Status and Threat Listings ............................................................................... 21 3.7 Relationship with other plans and action strategies ......................................................... 22 3.8 Biology, Ecology and Habitat requirements ...................................................................... 23 3.8.1: General biology of Zimbabwean Vultures ............................................................................... 23 3.8.2: Nesting Data ............................................................................................................................... 26 3.9 Threats .............................................................................................................................. 26 3.9.1 Identified Threats ....................................................................................................................... 26 3.9.2 Poisoning .................................................................................................................................... 28 3.9.3 The umuthi Trade ....................................................................................................................... 31 3.9.4 Infrastructure .............................................................................................................................. 32 3.9.5 Land Use Change ....................................................................................................................... 34 3.10 Stakeholders ..................................................................................................................... 35 3.11 Factors affecting plan implementation .............................................................................. 37 References .......................................................................................... 38 Approval Page .................................................................................... 43 Figures Figure 1: Vulture distribution in Africa (from Mundy et. al.) ................................................................... 19 Figure 2: Vulture distribution in Zimbabwe (after Mundy et. al.) ........................................................... 20 Figure 3: Percentage and absolute number of active vulture nests observed during the annual aerial census at Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve from 2006 to 2014. ........................................................ 26 Figure 4: Southern African vulture poisoning cases 2000 to 2013 ....................................................... 28 Figure 5: Existing electricity transmission grid for Zimbabwe ............................................................... 33 Figure 6: Change of cultivated land/Bare ground 1992 to 2008 ........................................................... 34 Tables Table 1: POISONING Action Plan ........................................................................................................... 3 Table 2: EDUCATION AND AWARENESS Action Plan ......................................................................... 5 Table 3: RESEARCH AND MONITORING Action Plan .......................................................................... 6 Table 4: HABITAT AND LANDUSE Action Plan ..................................................................................... 8 Table 5: POLICY AND LEGISLATION Action Plan ................................................................................. 9 Table 6: INFRASTRUCTURE Action Plan ............................................................................................ 10 Table 7: Vulture Working Group ............................................................................................................ 11 Table 8: Reporting protocols and vulture incident database ................................................................. 12 Table 9: Vulture overview ...................................................................................................................... 13 Table 10: Vulture taxonomy .................................................................................................................. 15 Table 11: Brief notes on the continental distribution of the six Zimbabwean species........................... 17 Table 12: Brief notes on the Zimbabwean distribution of vultures ........................................................ 17 Table 13: Estimated populations in Zimbabwe ..................................................................................... 18 Table 14: Brief notes on movements of the six Zimbabwean species .................................................. 21 Table 15: Status on the IUCN Red List and in Zimbabwe (Shaded row) .............................................. 21 Table 16: Brief notes on the ecology of Zimbabwean vultures ............................................................. 23 Table 17: General ecology of the five main Zimbabwean vulture species ............................................ 24 Table 18: Threat summary by thematic area ........................................................................................ 27 Table 19: The number of vultures found and the motivation of vulture poisonings relating specifically to ivory poaching in Southern Africa in 2012 and 2013. .................................................................. 29 Table 20: Most commonly used poisons for wildlife killing .................................................................... 30 Table 21: Legal Controls Summary ....................................................................................................... 30 Table 22: Threats to vultures resulting from land use change .............................................................. 34 Table 23: Stakeholders for vulture conservation ................................................................................... 35 Table 24: Factors that may affect action plan implementation .............................................................. 37 Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page i Acknowledgements The development of the Zimbabwe Vulture Action Plan is a culmination of the collective efforts by Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, BirdLife Zimbabwe. The Financial Support for the development of this Action Plan was provided by The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page ii Acronyms and Definitions CAP: BirdLife Council for the African Partnership CBD: Convention on Biological Diversity CITES: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora EBA: Endemic Bird Area. EBAs are defined as places where two or more species of restricted range i.e. with world distributions of under 50,000 km2 occur together (Stattersfield et al, 1998) EIA: Environmental Impact Assessment EN: Endangered species IBAs: Important Bird Areas. IBAs are sites of global biodiversity significance identified using international, objective standard scientific criteria. Places may be considered IBAs if they hold globally threatened species; restricted range species (world range <50,000 km2); biome-restricted species and/or congregations of significant numbers of the global population of a bird species. An IBA should as far as possible, be different in character from the surrounding area; exist as an actual or potential protected area; and, alone or with other sites, provide all the requirements of the birds, when present, for which it is important. (Fishpool and Evans, 2001). LC: Least Concern species NGO: Non-governmental organisation NBSAPs: National Biodiversity Strategies and Action plans NIBACS: National Important Bird Area Conservation Strategies NSAIDs: Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs NT: Near-threatened species The RSPB: Royal Society for the Protection of Birds SAP: Species Action Plan. ‘A Species Action Plan (SAP) is a scientifically authoritative, strategic document that defines specific, measurable objectives and actions for conserving priority species. The plan should be achievable, time-bound and involve all appropriate stakeholders’ (BirdLife International Africa Partnership, 2001). VU: Globally Vulnerable VWG – Vulture Working Group ZPWMA: Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 1 1 Introduction 1.1 The Need for a Plan Vultures are amongst Zimbabwe’s threatened species, with all but one of the vultures routinely found in Zimbabwe are listed as being Endangered or Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. These birds are an important part of the ecosystem playing a vital role in cleaning up the environment thereby reducing the spread of diseases and the proliferation of feral animals. However, they are under serious threat from various anthropogenic factors which include poisoning and land use changes. There has been a surge of elephant poaching in recent years and also an increase of poisoned carcasses. This has led to a spike in the number of vultures being killed through poisoning, either inadvertently or directly. This coupled with the realization that our knowledge of vulture numbers, distribution and ecology in Zimbabwe has serious gaps led to the need to develop an action plan for these birds to ensure their survival. 1.2 Methodology This Action Plan was developed primarily at a stakeholder workshop using a process and format developed by the BirdLife International Africa Partnership (BirdLife International 2001). The workshop process involves four main steps. 1. Presentation and discussion of background information about the species in question in order to identify gaps in knowledge on the species and capture new information. 2. A thorough analysis of the threats in a cause-effect relationship using the problem analysis. 3. Use of the agreed threats, their interrelationship and differing priorities to draft mitigating interventions. 4. Development and agreement on a monitoring and evaluation plan to assess whether there is change as a result of the interventions. Further details about this methodology can be obtained from a Training Manual developed by Sande et al, 2005. 1.3 Action Plan Format The development of the Action Plan used thematic areas both for the identification of threats and the development of objectives, projects and activities (see listing below). 1. Poisoning 2. Education & Awareness 3. Research & Monitoring 4. Habitat & Land Use 5. Policy & Legislation 6. Infrastructure The Action Plan tables are presented first and the background information on vultures, threat analyses and other documentation follows on from this. This approach is used so that the plan itself is in front of the document and is not after the introductory materials. Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 2 2 Action Plan This includes the vision, aim, objectives and projects and activities of the action plan. After identifying the threats of the species across its range, there is need for appropriate interventions or solutions to mitigate those threats. The solutions in this action plan have been packaged as vision, aim, objectives, projects and activities. 2.1 Vision The vision is defined as the long-term end result of interventions. It will be for a longer time frame than that of the Action Plan. The vision for vulture conservation in Zimbabwe is defined as being 2.2 Aim The aim is a portion of the vision and is related to the time frame of the Action Plan. Ideally an aim should have indicators so it can be measured. The aim for the Vulture Action Plan is 2.3 Objectives, Projects and Activities The objectives, projects and activities were defined in the thematic working groups during the action planning workshop. These were then collated and reconciled to produce the following tables which form the core of the action plan. Notes In the “Priority” column – graded with *** being the most urgent In the “Outcomes and Notes” column – Notes are in italics Many of these activities will be reliant on funding. And several would be best carried out by consultants (if funds were available) rather than relying on the goodwill of the VWG members. Hence many of the responsibilities assigned to the VWG may well be carried out as specific consulting tasks (to VWG members if possible). To ensure healthy and viable populations of Vultures in Zimbabwe To reduce the anthropogenic threats facing vultures in Zimbabwe Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 3 Table 1: POISONING Action Plan Objectives Projects Priority Activities Time Frame Resp. Outcomes and Notes 1: Improve handling and reporting of poisoning incidences 1.1: Poisoning response protocol clearly defined and implemented *** Refine and agree on protocol By Jun 2019 WVU Protocol document Update poisoning manual By Dec 2019 FZS Poisoning manual updated Develop and roll out training materials and programmes Ongoing VWG Collect samples from incidents in PA Ongoing VWG Sample database Procurement and distribution of necessary equipment Ongoing ZPWMA Sampling equipment distributed to hotspot areas initially Ensure secure chain of evidence Ongoing ZPWMA Manual for field staff and training 1.2: Zimbabwean poisoning database *** Agreement on home for database Ongoing VWG Database up and running Database structure defined (include legal outcomes) Ongoing VWG 1.3: Incident Hotlines established ** ZPWMA hotline protocols By May 2019 ZPWMA Use existing reporting hotlines ** Establish Vulture Support Groups in communities living in vulture breeding areas Ongoing BLZ, ZPWMA, 1.4: Poaching hotspot map ** Liaise with parks to compile country-wide updateable database and map By April 2019 ZPWMA VWG HWC database – link to RDCs and Parks to feed into map Ongoing ZPWMA Tap into existing database 2: Increase collaboration at a regional level 2.1: Links to regional poisoning databases ** As poisoning database becomes established there must be protocols for 2 way linkages into regional databases By Oct 2019 ZPWMA, BLZ Database of regional management authorities, NGOs and other groups with positions, names, contacts etc. By May 2019 VWG See list after table Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 4 Table 1: POISONING Action Plan Objectives Projects Priority Activities Time Frame Resp. Outcomes and Notes 2.2: Establish and retain regional links in all sectors ** Through Vulture Working Group these linkages to be maintained Ongoing VWG 3: Restricted access to hazardous substances 3.1: Hazardous substances law enforcement *** Engage with distributors and users Ongoing VWG Use agricultural networks, e.g. Agritex Identify supply chain Ongoing VWG Actions on stockpiles Long term EMA Work at the regional level (SADC) Wildlife crime courts, penalties, prosecutor awareness raising Ongoing VWG Pilot sniffer dogs (at crime scenes and at borders / roadblocks) FZS 3.2: Initiate banning of some drugs/poisons ** Lobby for the banning of key hazardous substances (suggest alternatives) Ongoing VWG Take a regional approach x SADC x AHEAD x KAZA / other TFCAs x BirdLife Partners x Agricultural sector x Mining sector x Pan African Vulture Cons. Strat. x COMESA x MEAs (CBD, CITES, CMS, WH) x FAO x link with rhino, elephant, pangolin groups to enhance messaging Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 5 Table 2: EDUCATION AND AWARENESS Action Plan Objectives Projects Priority Activities Time Frame Resp. Outcomes and Notes 1: Comprehensive strategy for engagement developed and implemented 1.1: Database of engagement targets developed *** x First Level: (ZINATHA, ZPWMA stations, ZRP near protected areas), x Second Level: (RDC, Ward and Village Level) x Third Level: Development bodies (Physical Planning, Agriculture etc) Ongoing VWG Database established with contact details 1.2: Materials developed and distributed *** Materials developed (posters, leaflets, booklets) Ongoing VWG Materials on hand Materials distributed to key engagement targets Translations Ongoing VWG 1.3: Implementation of engagement strategy *** Trade shows Annually ZPWMA Attendance at identified trade shows Commemorate International Vulture Awareness Day Yearly ZPWMA, VWG Increased awareness of vultures Restaurant and Rehabilitation station survey and documentation Yearly VWG Document of stations Training of ground staff in crime scene evaluation (Parks, Forestry, ZRP) Ongoing ZPWMA Advertise policy regarding vultures Ongoing ZPWMA Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 6 Table 3: RESEARCH AND MONITORING Action Plan Objectives Projects Priority Activities Time Frame Resp. Outcomes and Notes 1: Improved knowledge of vulture distribution and numbers in Zimbabwe 1.1: Vulture distribution and numbers *** Assessment of available location data (cards, SAPAB 2 etc) Oct 2019 NUST BLZ NHM Brief report Collation of historical data (e.g. field records, atlas cards, SAPAB). Nov 2019 BLZ, NHM GIS data held by BirdLife Update regional maps from published sources (including neighbouring countries) Ongoing NUST Regional maps (Use of sources in BirdLife library) Monitoring the Cape Griffon roost at Wabai Hill and searching for new roost site Ongoing NUST, BLZ, ZPWMA Determine the size of the vulture breeding populations in Matabeleland, Sebungwe, Lower Zambezi Valley and the South East Lowveld Ongoing VWG Annual Counts Nest Counting in protected areas Transects outside protected areas Transect surveys (nests, flying birds etc) Ongoing BLZ, NUST, ZPWMA Repeatable survey transect design Surveys carried out (annually?) Counts at vulture restaurants Ongoing BLZ, NUST, ZPWMA, UZ Annual counts 1.2: Vulture movements ** Assessment of available data and development of tracking study programme Dec 2020 NUST Baseline report available Tracking studies-Lappet-faced Vultures in the South East Lowveld Dec 2020 FZS Dependant on funding *** Data collection system for recording vulture sightings Ongoing BLZ Up to date information on vultures ** Where do vultures spend most of their time?-foraging movements Ongoing BLZ, NUST Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 7 Assess the current distribution of ‘vulture restaurants’ in Zimbabwe Dec 2019 BLZ, ZPWMA, VFWT 2: Improved knowledge of vulture biology and ecology 2.1: Vulture nesting database *** Related to above surveys but dedicated nesting database (with success rates where possible). End 2021 BLZ, NUST, ZPWMA, FZS, VFWT 2.2: General ecology * Vulture Ecology in an urban set up Explore vulture restaurant facilities (in Kariba) as possible tool in vulture conservation End 2021 UZ, BLZ, ZPWMA, VFWT 2.3: Population modelling * Annual productivity-breeding success Annually BLZ, ZPWMA, NUST, FZS Improved understanding of vulture populations in Zimbabwe 3: Improved knowledge of threats and values of vultures 3.1: Refinement of threat analysis ** What are the causes of Vulture Mortality Ongoing WVU, ZPWMA, BLZ, VFWT Review of vulture threat category 3.2: Ecosystem services modelling ** Literature review of the Indian Case Study, East Africa Mid 2019 NUST 3.3 Vultures and people ** What are the attitudes and perceptions of communities on vultures Ongoing BLZ, NUST, BUSE, CUT, UZ Based on previous studies by NUST 3.4 Vultures and the muti trade *** *** How prevalent are vulture parts on the muti trade Investigate the trade of vulture parts for traditional medicine End 2019 Nov 2019 ZPWMA, BLZ, NUST To also involve Zimbabwe Responsible Gambling Association Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 8 Table 4: HABITAT AND LANDUSE Action Plan Objectives Projects Priority Activities Time Frame Resp. Outcomes and Notes 1: Assessment of vulture habitat and food source status 1.1: Vulture habitat model developed ** Land cover base map VWG 2008 Forestry data but assessment of more recent data should be carried out (e.g. 2010 global data does exist) Other baseline data collated Ongoing VWG Develop a model of density distribution Sept 2019 NUST Ground truthing End 2020 BLZ, ZPWMA, NUST, FZS 1.2: Livestock distribution map developed *** Access to Livestock Services data to create livestock distribution database By Aug 2019 WVU Textured livestock density distribution map Recorded livestock mortalities By Oct 2019 WVU 1.3: Wildlife distribution map developed ** Use available sources (also inverse of population data) Ongoing ZPWMA Countrywide wildlife distribution density map ZPWMA aerial surveys 1.4: Assessment of change in priority areas ** Identify target areas using data above plus data from Research and Monitoring March 2019 VWG Report and associated maps * Assessment of priority areas Dec 2019 VWG Although landcover and landuse change is probably one of the more serious threats facing the survival of vultures the outcomes from this thematic areas are probably more useful for education and awareness rather than being ends in themselves. Their importance will be for informing political and policy processes (and not only for vulture conservation). Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 9 Table 5: POLICY AND LEGISLATION Action Plan Objectives Projects Priority Activities Time Resp. Outcomes and Notes 1: Formation of Vulture Working Group Structure 1.1: Vulture Working Group formed *** Group identified Done ZPWMA, BLZ Group identified at this meeting Initial meeting Done VWG Meeting minutes Parks to appoint Vulture coordinator Feb 2019 ZPWMA Coordinator in place 1.2: Approval of Action plan by ZPWMA *** Plan drafted, circulated, finalised Oct 2017 BirdLife VWG Action Plan to be completed at 1st meet of VWG Plan approved and becomes official 2018 ZPWMA Approved Action Plan printed and distributed “Plan on a Page” created April 2019 VWG Poster printed and distributed 2: Policy and Legislation review 2.1: Detailed analysis of stakeholders ** Broad identification Done ZPWMA, BLZ Listing as part of this document Follow ups to identify names, phones, email etc Ongoing ZPWMA, BLZ Detailed database in place Development of detailed inclusive organogram to focus awareness efforts Dec 2019 VWG Detailed organogram existing and circulated 2.2: Review of all legislation related to protection of vultures (including poisons) * Collation of all relevant Acts/policies, regulations in central database Nov 2019 ZPWMA, BLZ Database created (ZPWMA,BirdLife Library?) Already some done in FZS document Extraction and review of all sections pertaining to vulture conservation Nov 2019 ZPWMA, BLZ Legislation review document 2.3: Review of prosecution process ** Review of process Aug 2019 VWG Prosecution process document and highlights. Circulation of this document Highlighting of problem areas Nov 2019 VWG Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 10 Table 6: INFRASTRUCTURE Action Plan Objectives Projects Priority Activities Time Resp. Outcomes and Notes 1: Infrastructure threats defined and interim plan to mitigate these in place 1.1: Linear infrastructure database * Database and map constructed End 2019 ZPWMA, BLZ ZESA to be approached for transmission grid GIS Database of incidents regarding problems on these End 2017 ZPWMA, BLZ BLZ, ZPWMA to jointly hold database Risk assessment for selected areas Apr 2020 VWG Risk assessment possible after data acquired 1.2: Strategy for infrastructural threats developed * Position paper written and circulated Aug 2019 VWG Paper circulated and redrafted Strategy official Feb 2020 ZPWMA Becomes part of the Action Plan Review of policy regarding EIA for linear developments Nov 2020 VWG Policy review document 1.3: Information disseminated * Information leaflet for mining companies Mid 2019 VWG Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 11 2.3.1 Vulture Working Group The Zimbabwe Vulture Working Group was established during the Action Planning Meeting. The purpose of the working group was defined as being 1. For Coordination of Action Plan projects 2. Fundraising 3. Awareness 4. Policy and Advocacy The following members were agreed Table 7: Vulture Working Group Organisation Position Contact Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority Vulture Coordinator To be advised – post to be created BirdLife Zimbabwe Group Convener Zambezi Society Group Member Frankfurt Zoological Society Group Member Environmental Management Agency Group Member Wildlife Veterinary Unit Group Member Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Group Member National University of Science and Technology Research Coordinator Chinhoyi University of Technology Group Member Bindura University of Science Education Group Member University of Zimbabwe Group Member Mukuvisi Woodlands (Eco Schools) Group Member National Museums Group Member CAMPFIRE Group Member World Wide Fund for Nature Group Member Malilangwe Trust Group Member Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association Group Member Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 12 2.3.2 Reporting Protocols and Vulture Incident Database In order to improve the collation and storage of data it is vital that reporting protocols are standardized. This should hold true for all poisoning incidents but the following is the recommended protocol for vultures. As all vultures are specially protected animals in Zimbabwe the first reporting line will be the ZPWMA. However it was recommended that other members of the Vulture Working Group also be informed. Table 8: Reporting protocols and vulture incident database Vulture Incident “Hotline” x First reporting to Parks at local level (even outside the Parks and Wildlife Estate) x Failing that abovereport to the nearest ZRP station x Additional reporting to others (Vulture Working Group members) at regional level. These to be identified and circulated to Parks and ZRP x Regional reports link into the national level Anonymous calls should be accepted Vulture Database x Recommended that this be established on a “cloud”. Currently available data should populate the cloud database and help to establish its structure (e.g. data already existing on the Wildlife Veterinary Unit database) x Identified key organisations of Vulture Working Group can access the “cloud” database. Initially this will be ZPWMA but others will be defined at the first meeting of the Vulture Working Group x It will be vital to identify responsibilities for funding this initiative, both for establishment and for maintenance x It is also considered vital that this database links with other initiatives in the Pan African context. The flow of data is expected to be in both directions Note: ZPWMA Regional Office Locations. Northern – Chinhoyi; Southern, Masvingo; Central, Kwekwe; Western, Bulawayo Parks has reporting protocols linked to Rhino monitoring- there was a suggestion that the same could be adopted for the vultures 2.4 Monitoring and Evaluation A monitoring and Evaluation (M & E) plan is needed to determine whether activities are progressing according to schedule and have an impact on the conservation of the species. By obtaining information on the progress made in the implementation of the activities and using this information against the set indicators, it is possible to assess progress of implementation of the plan towards achieving the defined aim and objectives. Monitoring and evaluating progress on a regular basis helps to assess the priorities or slippages and make necessary adjustments if required. The M & E report also serves as a basis for keeping everyone informed. The Zimbabwe Vulture Action Plan should be evaluated on an annual basis and be coordinated by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority in conjunction with BirdLife Zimbabwe. The engagement of other important stakeholders such as conservation NGOs, Government departments, scientific experts, local community representatives and International Conservation NGOs may be necessary during the evaluation. Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 13 3 Background 3.1 Introduction Six species of vulture are found in Zimbabwe. An overview of these species is given below (BirdLife Zimbabwe Information Poster). In addition, there are records of two vagrants - the Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus and the Rüppell’s Griffon Gyps rueppellii (Mundy, pers. comm) Table 9: Vulture overview White-Backed Cape Lappet-Faced The commonest vulture in Zimbabwe, and can gather at a carcass in large numbers (hundreds) where it feeds greedily and aggressively. It has a long neck to get inside the carcass. Can be seen almost anywhere in the country, but rare in the Eastern Highlands. Adults breed in lower altitude areas, and younger ones can roam wherever they want, and sometimes over huge distances of more than 1,000 km from point to point. Adults breed annually in tall acacia (and sometimes baobab) trees. Very vulnerable to being poisoned at a carcass, which is now its main threat. Rated as “critically endangered" by BirdLife International in Africa as a whole, but probably "near threatened" in Zimbabwe. Is the second-largest of Zimbabwe’s vultures. It is mainly confined to the western, central and southern parts of the country but has been found on rare occasions in the Zambezi valley. This vulture is only sparsely represented here with the bulk of the population being found in South Africa. It tends to forage over grassland and woodland although it is reliant on cliffs and escarpments for breeding and roosting. These birds hunt over very wide areas so will roost at times in trees and pylons. A small, isolated breeding colony exists at Wabai Hill in central Zimbabwe which is believed to be the only breeding site in the country. Sporadic breeding since 1991. Although uncommon, flocks of over 100 have been recorded occasionally at animal carcasses. This is the largest of the country's vultures with a wingspan of nearly 3 metres. It occurs sparingly over much of Zimbabwe, though very rare in the east. It has a good population in the Gonarezhou National Park as it prefers semi arid zones. The adults often fly around in pairs, and each is a study in black, white and red colours. It breeds in lowveld areas way off the high veld, and nests in Very short trees at 5 10 metres off the ground which arc at the centre of a small territory of a few sq. km. It visits carcasses but usually does not feed much from them, and instead is partly a predator of small animals. When it does visit carcasses it postures around a lot. Bird Life International has an action plan for it in Africa, while in Zimbabwe it probably rates as "near-threatened". Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 14 Table 9: Vulture overview White-Headed Hooded Palm Nut It is the most attractive of Africa's vultures, and walks about with an ’arrogant' demeanour. It is the only vulture which can be easily sexed as to male or female when in adult plumage, by the large number of white secondaries in the wing of the female. It visits large carcasses but often does not feed from them, and if it does then it is very fastidious and never gets soiled with blood and gore. It is quite something of a predator on small animals, and also specialises on carcasses of small animals, even occasionally pirating the kill from an eagle. It breeds in lowveld areas and prefers to nest in baobab trees which are surrounded by territories up to 50 or so sq. km. Few if any seem to get poisoned. This is a small vulture and dark brown in colour. It is fairly uncommon in Zimbabwe but is attracted to abattoirs. It is rare on the Highveld, and absent from the Eastern Highlands. At carcasses, which it frequently visits, it is forced to the margins by the larger birds, because it is at the bottom of the hierarchy. It compensates for this competition by trying to feed first, and by being comfortable in the vicinity of large carnivores. Also it specialises on other food sources such as termites, and faeces both of lions and humans. It breeds in lowveld areas and nests in tall evergreen trees and below the canopy, and its nests cannot therefore be seen from an aerial survey. BirdLife International has declared it as "critically endangered" in Africa, but it is not so in Zimbabwe, being rather "near- threatened" at worst, because of the chances of eating at poisoned carcasses. Is very scarce in Zimbabwe with one, or possibly two, isolated populations. It has been resident at the Aberfoyle Tea Estates in the Honde Valley and on the adjacent slopes of Mount Nyangani for a number of years. It is believed to breed at Aberfoyle although perhaps only two or three pairs and younger birds occupy the area. It is infrequently recorded in the Zambezi valley, and these birds are more likely to be wanderers from Zambia rather than representatives of a separate Zimbabwean population. The adult is a visually striking bird being pure white with black on the wings and tail. As its name implies this vulture feeds mainly on palm husks although other seeds and fruit also make up their diet along with small birds, mammals and other small creatures. In addition there are isolated records of the Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) and the Ruppells’ Griffon (Gyps rueppelli). Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 15 3.2 Taxonomy All vultures found in Zimbabwe belong to the family Accipitridae. Class: Aves Order: Falconiformes Family: Accipitridae Table 10: Vulture taxonomy White-Backed Cape Lappet-Faced Hooded White-Headed Palm Nut Gyps africanus Gyps coprotheres Torgos tracheliotos Necrosyrtes monachus Trigonoceps occipitalis Gypohierax angolensis 3.3 Vulture Research in Zimbabwe (PJ Mundy) Who has noticed vultures in Zimbabwe, and who has then written about them and studied them? Well of course the original San (Bushmen) inhabitants must have known vultures well and their mode of communication were the paintings of their rock art. As yet, however, I know of no site in Zimbabwe that has undoubted vultures painted thereon, though in imagination I see them there at Bambata (contra Parry 2002: 44). Similarly with the Bantu peoples and their (much) later entry, culminating in the very recent intrusion of the Ndebele group in the 1830s, vultures must have been well known to them. But all they have left us with are their superstitions, and their generic names for the birds – Gora in Shona and Inge in Ndebele. Species were not recognised, or at least not named as such. Soon the Europeans were arriving, as traders, hunters and missionaries, into a land that barely had a name. Undoubtedly vultures were in their sights, often perhaps as pests, because they devoured the hunted animals when given a chance (e.g. Selous 1908: 260). But the Europeans wrote about their experiences and observations in southern Africa, actually from the mid-17th century far to the south, though not for another 100 years in the country that was to become Southern Rhodesia. So far the earliest note I have is from 1873 (Buckley 1874). And it was just notes, and many of them, for the next 100 years. Then, John Ledger and I started the Vulture Study Group (VSG) in 1973, in South Africa, and in that same year I put a letter and a short article into Honeyguide (Mundy 1973 a, b), and elsewhere a description of our cannon net (Mundy & Choate 1973). And now, one might say, the game was on! I quickly teamed up with Angus Anthony, and he studied the Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotos in the Gonarezhou National Park (Anthony 1976). This followed on, in much more detail, from the observations of Ron Thomson (Thomson 1974). Meanwhile I had been visiting Wabai Hill on Debshan Ranch, to count the Cape Griffons Gyps coprotheres there, at their only known roost in the country (Mundy & Steyn 1977). Eventually I finished my D.Phil. thesis at the then University of Rhodesia, and it was published as a book (Mundy 1982). This covered my studies on all five species. For many years, aerial surveys for elephants had been done, and in the Hwange National Park the observers had extended these to include counting vulture and eagle nests which were on the tree canopies. A general paper on the work was published (Howells & Hustler 1984), followed by more detailed studies on Hooded and Lappet-faced Vultures (Hustler & Howells 1988a) and White-headed Vultures (Hustler & Howells 1988b). Summaries of all species of vultures in southern Africa, including of course in Zimbabwe, and with general maps, were done (Mundy 1989). For years the VSG had been planning a magnum opus on all the vulture species in Africa (eleven of them), and whatever was known about them. This was published towards the end of 1992 in Johannesburg (Mundy et al. 1992), and a little later by Academic Press in London. This book was very detailed on the species’ characteristics, and their overall biology and ecology. Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 16 Later in that decade the VSG started its annual conferences, which included summaries of the birds from around the sub-continent. I contributed an article to the first one (Mundy 1997a). Just about contemporaneously, the southern African bird atlas project was published in two volumes. Zimbabwe had joined this initiative, albeit a little late, and atlassing had been hotly pursued in the period 1988 1993. For the first time ever, detailed distribution maps were shown of every species, including six species from Zimbabwe (Mundy 1997b). In the next year, the Important Bird Areas project was formulated, and Zimbabwe put forward its sites (Childes & Mundy 1998), three of which included vultures (middle Zambezi valley, Hwange National Park, Wabai Hill). Soon after, at the Vth world conference on birds of prey and owls, I contributed an article which included some Zimbabwe notes (Mundy 2000). Publications on vultures now slowed down from Zimbabwe, but the new decade heralded in the VIIth edition of the famous Roberts birds of southern Africa. Based on the atlas maps (named SABAP 1), good summaries were produced of eight species of vultures, that included notes from Zimbabwe (Piper 2005). Of course many notes were produced over the years, and in my own “bibliography on the vultures of Zimbabwe” I have about 300 items from 1873 to the end of 2000. I hope to be able to bring this up-to date, and digitise it. Currently there is a new interest in vultures, and several projects are underway. Vultures are now part of the special species survey of the BLZ, as well as continuing to be recorded on the SABAP 2, field card, and nest record card schemes. Research Publications Anthony, A.J. (1976) Lappet-faced Vultures Certificate in Field Ecology Mundy, P. J. and Steyn, P. (1977) Cape Griffons on Wabai Hill Mundy, P.J. (1980) Five common species. D.Phil (1982 into a book) Howells, W.W. and Hustler, C.W. (1984) Four common species Hustler, C.W and Howells, W.W. (1988) Hooded and Lappet-faced Vultures Hustler, C.W and Howells, W.W (1988) White-headed Vulture Mundy, P.J. (1989) General accounts of eight species Mundy, P.J., Butchart, D., Ledger, J. aand Piper, S. (1992). The Vultures of Africa Mundy, P.J. (1997) in AF BOSHOFF et al., Vultures in the 21st century. Mundy, P.J. (1997) accounts of six species, in SABAP (I) Piper, S.E. (2005) accounts of seven species, in Roberts VII Chiweshe, N. and Mundy, P.J. (ongoing) Cape Griffons on Wabai Hill Since 2011/12: Matsvimbo, F. road strip counts Mundava, J. Vultures and 'muti' Frankfurt Zoological Society/Malilangwe Trust - Vultures in the lowveld Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 17 3.4 Distribution and population status 3.4.1 Africa distribution Vultures are widely distributed throughout Africa and belong to the “Old World” grouping of birds. Table 11 has brief notes on their distribution throughout the continent and the distribution pages are shown in Figures1 and 2. Table 11: Brief notes on the continental distribution of the six Zimbabwean species White-Backed Cape Lappet-Faced Hooded White-Headed Palm Nut Found throughout semi-arid and savannah regions of Africa. Important breeding areas in eastern and southern Africa Mainly found south of the Zambezi river with a few vagrants recorded further north Found throughout semi-arid and savannah regions of Africa Found throughout semi-arid and savannah regions of Africa but with a more restricted range than the Lappet Faced. Similar range to the Hooded One of the more common vultures found throughout central and parts of western Africa 3.4.2 Zimbabwe distribution Two of the six species of vulture found in Zimbabwe have a country-wide distribution – the White-backed vulture and the Lappet-faced vulture. One – the Palm-nut vulture - is very rare with most sightings thought to be vagrants. However, nesting has been observed in the eastern mountain areas of the country). In addition, there are records of two vagrants - the Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus and the Rüppell’s Griffon Gyps rueppellii (Mundy, pers. comm.) Table 12: Brief notes on the Zimbabwean distribution of vultures White-Backed Cape Lappet-Faced Hooded White-Headed Palm Nut Found throughout Zimbabwe with breeding recoded in the Hwange and Zambezi valley areas It is mainly confined to the western, central and southern parts of Zimbabwe but has been found on rare occasions in the Zambezi valley. It occurs sparingly over much of Zimbabwe, though very rare in the east. It has a good population in the Gonarezhou National Park as it prefers semi-arid zones It is fairly uncommon in Zimbabwe but is attracted to abattoirs. It is rare on the Highveld, and absent from the Eastern Highlands. Important breeding areas include Tsholotsho and Gokwe areas Found in the north and south-east of Zimbabwe with breeding areas in Hwange and south of Lake Kariba, and in the Gonarezhou Is very scarce in Zimbabwe with one, or possibly two, isolated populations. Vagrants seen in the Zambezi valley area Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 18 Notes on vulture distribution x Five species found in Zambezi Valley, South-East Lowveld, south and north Matabeleland x Three species found on the Highveld (White-Backed, Lappet-Faced and Cape. Wabai Hill is a nursery area for the Cape Griffon x Vulture rare in eastern highlands probably because of tree plantations x From the records there appear to 3 “holes” with no vulture records (Umfurudzi, Buhera to Chimanimani and Karoi to Kwekwe) x Hooded vultures were expanding onto Highveld as private sector abattoirs expanded but this has been reversed since 2000 x White-Headed Vultures appear to be expanding onto the Highveld and towards Bulawayo. x Knowledge of breeding areas is very poor Table 13: Estimated populations in Zimbabwe Species Distribution No. cards in atlas Breeding Estimated population Status Cape Griffon South of 18ºS 183 Wabai Hill 25 birds R White backed Everywhere, except NE 2643 Below 1200 m 1000 prs (?) RB Lappet-faced Absent from NE and ec 1083 Below 1000 m 100 prs (?) RB White headed N and S of highveld 906 Below 1000 m 100 prs (?) RB Hooded N and S of highveld; spreading 829 Below 1000 m 50 prs (?) RB Palm-nut NE corner; but several sightings 1 Aberfoyle 1 pr R Egyptian 2-3 sightings in 20 years 1 no - V Ruppell’s Griffon Highveld, 3 sightings 0 no - V R = Resident; RB = Resident Breeding; V = Vulnerable Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 19 Figure 1: Vulture distribution in Africa (from Mundy et. al.) White Backed White Headed Lappet Faced Hooded Palm Nut Cape Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 20 Figure 2: Vulture distribution in Zimbabwe (after Mundy et. al.) White Backed White Headed Lappet Faced Hooded Palm Nut Cape Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 21 3.5 Movements Vultures are wide-ranging species with many being capable of covering large distances. The table below briefly summarises their travel characteristics. Very little information is available about vulture movements in Zimbabwe. Table 14: Brief notes on movements of the six Zimbabwean species White-Backed Cape Lappet-Faced Hooded White-Headed Palm Nut Resident but with long distance movements by juveniles and immatures (1,500 km) Usually resident but adults can wander over 1,000 km from colonies in non breeding season Little known Generally sedentary and territorial Resident. Not thought to move large distances (200 km?) Generally sedentary and territorial 3.6 Protection Status and Threat Listings All vultures are listed as specially protected animals in Zimbabwe under the Sixth Schedule of the Parks and Wildlife Act. Regulations pertaining to those animals (and birds) listed in that Schedule are found in Part IX of the Act and are reproduced in Appendix 1. Section 45 details the control and punishments resulting from illegal hunting or possession of the listed animals (see below) 45 Control of hunting of specially protected animals and possession or sale of specially protected animals and products thereof: (1) No person shall— (a) hunt any specially protected animal; or (b) keep, have in his possession or sell or otherwise dispose of any live specially protected animal or the meat or trophy of any such animal; except in terms of a permit issued in terms of section forty-six. (2) Any person who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level eight or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years or to both such fine and such imprisonment [inserted by Act 22 of 2001, with effect from the 10th September,2002.] Table 15: Status on the IUCN Red List and in Zimbabwe (Shaded row) White-Backed Cape Lappet-Faced Hooded White-Headed Palm Nut Critically Endangered Endangered Endangered Critically Endangered Critically Endangered Least concern Near threatened Near threatened Near threatened Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 22 3.7 Relationship with other plans and action strategies Zimbabwe has a number of species action plans which include ostrich, crocodiles, rhino, and elephants. Generally these are prepared under the auspices of the ZPWMA. The plans are produced as strategies to improve the conservation of species that need immediate action. The Zimbabwean Government is part of several Multilateral Environmental Agreements that are related to conservation of species and habitats including the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), African Eurasian Waterbird-Agreement (AEWA), Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Ramsar Convention as the most noticeable ones. Under the AEWA umbrella Zimbabwe is part of number of Species Action Plans. These are White –winged Flufftail, Slaty Egret and Grey Crowned Crane action plans. More recently a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) was developed for the country. A number of issues that have been referred to in this plan are priorities within the NBSAP. Land use and land use systems, baseline information and Education and Awareness on biodiversity as a few examples. Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 23 3.8 Biology, Ecology and Habitat requirements 3.8.1: General biology of Zimbabwean Vultures The following information on the general ecology of vulture found in Zimbabwe is presented first as a summary and then in more detail. This information comes from a variety of sources but as this is not a scientific paper, references to sources of statements have been removed. Table 16: Brief notes on the ecology of Zimbabwean vultures White-Backed Cape Lappet-Faced Nesting Tree nester, loose colonies Colonial cliff nester Tree nester Clutch One One One Season April-June May-June April-Aug Habitat Lowland open wooded savanna Very wide range of habitats Dry savanna, arid areas, mountain slopes General Gregarious, Common Long distance flier Food Carrion Carrion Carrion but will hunt Hooded White-Headed Palm Nut Nesting Tree nester Tree nester Tree nester Clutch One One ? Season May-Dec After rains Aug-Jan Habitat Grassland, wooded savanna, desert, coastal areas Mixed dry lowland woodlands Forest and wooded habitats General Often associated with settlement Often 1st at carcass Food Carrion, insects Carrion Fruit, predation, carrion Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 24 Table 17: General ecology of the five main Zimbabwean vulture species Species General Ecology Notes Cape The age of first breeding is six years, rarely 4-5 years with an estimated 80-93% of pairs breeding annually. Cape Vultures are monogamous nest on tall cliff faces, typically in fairly large and discrete colonies numbering up to 1 000 pairs. Egg-laying spans March-September, mainly April–July, with a May-June peak with the timing of breeding appearing to synchronise the period of highest food demand (the middle third of the nestling period) with the period of highest food availability. The clutch almost invariably comprises a single egg, only very rarely are two eggs recorded (<1% of instances and possibly involving two females). The combined incubation and nestling periods cover some 6-7 months and an entire successful breeding attempt from nest building to the final independence of the fledgling can take up to almost a full calendar year. Breeding success (fledglings or large nestlings produced per egg laid) is 45-78% (mean=60%); at Kransberg breeding success (fledglings produced per occupied site) spanned 37-61% (mean 50%) per annum. The generation time of the species is unknown but has been estimated at 16 years. The Cape Vulture seems to have foraged, at least ancestrally, across all of the characteristically more open vegetation types, i.e. fynbos, Karoo, Kalahari, grassland and open woodland. It is essentially excluded from forest and dense woodland likely due to difficulties in locating and accessing suitable carcasses in such habitat. Gyps vultures are unique among extant vertebrates in being obligate scavengers. They feed, typically in large groups, on large mammalian carcasses, both wild and domestic, favouring the soft internal organs and muscle tissue. These vultures typically search for food communally, fanning out to search for carcasses on the wing and responding to cues from one another. Recent research has emphasised the important ecological role played by these birds in carcass removal, e.g. related to disease control. Hooded The age of first breeding is probably 5-6 years with about 80% of pairs reported to breed each year. A generation length of 17.8 years and the species is monogamous. Nests are typically solitary in southern Africa but sometimes loosely colonial where the species occurs at densities higher than those usually found in southern Africa. Unlike the conspicuous nests of most other vultures in the region, Hooded Vulture nests are typically well hidden high up in densely foliaged trees, often along watercourses. Nests are often re-used. The main egg-laying period spans June-July (May-October) with the clutch comprising of a single egg. Females may re-lay after early failure. Incubation is by both sexes and spans 50-51 days. The nestling period is 100-120 (90-130) days. The post-fledging dependence period is up to a further four months. Breeding success is reported at about 46%. The species is single brooded. The Hooded Vulture is a species of woodland habitats. It is scavenger and regularly attends both large and small carcasses; other small offal such as lion droppings are also consumed. Like the Lappet-faced and White-headed vultures, it is usually outnumbered at large carcasses by Gyps vultures but gatherings at some large carcasses can be substantial. Adults are thought to be largely sedentary and juveniles and immatures to wander more widely. White Headed The age of first breeding is probably at least six years. At Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, 17 61% (35%) of pairs failed to breed in any given year. The species is monogamous. It is believed to be territorial and nests are typically solitary and spaced well apart, i.e. typically 11-29 km apart in suitable habitat but occasionally as close as 1-2 km. Nests are situated in the crowns of trees, and are built of sticks and usually lined with grass. They are often re-used. The main egg laying period spans June-July (May-October). The clutch comprises a single egg. Females may re-lay after early failure. Incubation is by both sexes and spans 55-56 days. The nestling period is 115 days. The post-fledging dependence period is up to a further five months. Breeding success is reported at about 44%. The species is single brooded. Natural causes of breeding failure include predation of nestlings by Verreauxs’ Eagle. The White-headed Vulture is a species of woodland habitats. It sources its food through a combination of scavenging, kleptoparasitism and direct predation on small animals. This vulture, like the Lappet-faced Vulture, typically occurs in fairly small numbers, especially when compared with Gyps vultures, at large carcasses but is also regularly found at smaller carcasses and indeed may be more reliant on these for its regular food supply than the large carcasses which attract big numbers of Gyps vultures. Adults are thought to be largely sedentary and juveniles and immatures to wander more widely. Like other vultures, the White headed Vulture drinks and bathes regularly. Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 25 Table 17: General ecology of the five main Zimbabwean vulture species Species General Ecology Notes Lappet Faced The species is monogamous. The age of first breeding is at least six years. The generation length is 15 years. Nests are typically solitary in the region but in other areas where the species is common (or suitable breeding sites rare and localized) nests may be loosely clustered, i.e. sometimes as close as 700 m apart. The gigantic nests are situated in the crowns of trees, are built of sticks and usually lined with grass and are often re-used. The egg-laying period spans May-July in the region with the clutch comprising a single egg, very rarely two eggs. Females may re-lay after early failure. Incubation is by both sexes and spans 55 days. The nestling period is 120-128 days. The post-fledging dependence period is up to a further 170 days. Breeding success is reported at 44%. The species is single brooded. Natural causes of breeding failure include predation of nestlings by African wild cat, the secretary bird and possibly leopard The Lappet-faced Vulture currently inhabits the woodland regions of South Africa and Swaziland, with an apparent preference for drier woodlands, although it likely extended into other biomes in the region, e.g. the Karoo, ancestrally. In the region, this vulture, like the White headed Vulture, typically occurs in fairly small numbers, especially when compared with Gyps vultures, at large carcasses but is also regularly found at smaller carcasses and indeed may be more reliant on these for its regular food supply than the large carcasses. It dominates other vulture species at carcasses and is a regular kleptoparasite. The Lappet-faced Vulture, with its huge beak, seems to feed mainly on skin, meat and skin on jaw bones, tendons and ligaments at large carcasses as well as a special liking to the head of an animal, items other vultures are less well equipped to deal with. Lappet-faced Vultures are known to kill small animals outright but the true extent of this active predation is still unknown. This vulture is capable of long distance movements, but is not migratory. Like other vultures, the Lappet-faced Vulture drinks and bathes regularly. White Backed The age of first breeding is four years, although birds only acquire full adult plumage in their 7th year. The species is monogamous. Unlike most other Gyps species, White-backed Vultures typically nest in tall trees and not on cliffs. Nesting on steel pylons has been recorded regularly in parts of South Africa. Nesting is typically loosely colonial, with pairs breeding within sight of one another, but usually with only one or sometimes two nests in a single tree. Where available, nests are typically concentrated in tall trees along watercourses. Nests are built of sticks and usually lined with grass. They are often re-used. The egg-laying period spans April–September, mainly April–July. The clutch almost invariably comprises a single egg, only very rarely are two eggs are recorded. Juveniles are partially dependent on their parents for food for 5-6 months after fledging. Breeding success is 43-87%. Nesting success is negatively correlated with nest density. The species is single brooded. Natural causes of breeding failure include predation of nestlings by leopard, serval and honey badger. Annual survival in one South African study was found to be at least 85% in second-year birds to just less than 100% in adults, although the sample size (n=7) was small for the latter and overall the study was compromised by the fading of patagial tags after about 4-5 years. Natural sources of mortality include birds killed by lion at carcasses and by black-backed jackals while drinking and bathing. The White-backed Vulture inhabits the woodland regions of southern Africa. Its feeding and foraging habits are similar to those of the congeneric Cape Vulture and it relies primarily on large mammalian carcasses and feeds communally. It is reported to very occasionally take live prey, e.g. young Springbok and Warthog. This vulture is capable of long-distance movements. Movements can be on a sub-continental scale and GPS-GSM tracked immatures made daily movements up to about 200 km. White-backed Vultures typically roost in trees and on pylons. Like the Cape Vulture, the White-backed Vulture drinks and bathes regularly. Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 26 3.8.2: Nesting Data As with many aspects of vulture knowledge in Zimbabwe the nesting database is a little thin. There was a successful nesting site for the Cape Griffon (a communal nester) at Wabai Hill near Gweru but this now seems to have been abandoned. Data on nests of the other vultures have been collected from Gonarezhou and from the next-door Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve and both show significant declines in recent years (see Figure 3 for Malilangwe data). The Lappet-Faced vulture nests in Gonarezhou and again significant declines have been noted since 1975. Figure 3: Percentage and absolute number of active vulture nests observed during the annual aerial census at Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve from 2006 to 2014. 3.9 Threats The development of the Action Plan used thematic areas both for the identification of threats and the development of objectives, projects and activities (see listing below). 1. Poisoning 2. Education & Awareness 3. Research and Monitoring 4. Habitat & Land Use 5. Policy & Legislation 6. Infrastructure 3.9.1 Identified Threats A threat analysis is an important step when developing a species action plan. A clear understanding of the threats facing vultures in Zimbabwe can help to define the intervention that need to be undertaken. At the Action Planning Workshop the following threats to vultures were identified by participants. There is a great deal of argument about the importance of threats and also the importance of the thematic areas with respect to threats. However, poisoning was agreed to be the most immediate threat facing vultures in Zimbabwe and the one where it could be possible to mitigate. Education/awareness and research/ monitoring are also areas in which results are possible within the time frame of the action plan and hence they are listed high up in the table. Although policy and legislation changes are vital in Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 27 the long-term they are difficult areas in which to achieve results within the time frame of the action plan and hence appear lower down the listing. Land use changes are longer term threats and are very serious but they are also areas where it will be difficult to achieve meaningful results within the three year time frame. Table 18: Threat summary by thematic area Poisoning DELIBERATE POISONING x Ivory and horn x Bushmeat x Detection avoidance DIRECT PERSECUTION x Muthi (including snares) x Stock protection x Pet trade/zoo x Nest disturbance ACCIDENTAL / INADVERTENT POISONING x Problem Animal Control x Veterinary drugs x Lead Education & Awareness x Inadequate awareness in Government x Poor awareness in general public x Poor awareness in rural communities Research and Monitoring DATA DEFICIENCY x Population Status (Increasing/Declining)? x Distribution x Quantify Ecosystem Services ($?) x Causes of decline x People’s (Public) knowledge, perceptions and attitudes? (across all categories of the society). x Uncoordinated conservation/ communication efforts Habitat & Land Use HABITAT CONVERSION x Conversion to agriculture – increasing area of land under subsistence agriculture x Wild habitat to pastoral land x Urban area increase SHIFTING FOOD SOURCE/AVAILABILITY x Changing husbandry methods x Changing livestock distribution x Livestock mortality rates OTHER x Bush encroachment (Reduced visibility, take-off distances) x Veld fires (Reduce trees, nesting sites) x Wildlife distribution x Climate change (4) x Deforestation (5) x Mining – Habitat fragmentation x Infrastructure development Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 28 Table 18: Threat summary by thematic area Policy & Legislation x Weak enforcement of existing policies and legislation x Little collaboration at national and regional level x Fines/Punishment levels not punitive x Lack of political support x Toxic chemicals being smuggled in x Toxic chemicals legal in industry/agriculture x Economic situation in Zimbabwe x Lack of resources for EMA / Ministry of Agriculture / National Parks to enforce policies x Subsistence farming encouraged by Govt x Poor funding for vulture rescue centres Infrastructure x Powerlines (electrocution) x Windfarms (Collisions) x Farm reservoirs (Drowning) x Railway x Roads 3.9.2 Poisoning The primary drivers of vulture poisoning are varied and related primarily to problem animal control, the traditional medicine/muthi trade, ivory and rhino poaching and indirect/ unintentional poisoning from veterinary and other drugs. Poisoning of vultures is not a new phenomenon and has been ongoing for some time at relatively low levels. However, there has been a worrying spike in the numbers of vulture poisoned in recent years, both in Zimbabwe and elsewhere. The Figure below (From Capon) shows nearly 700 reported poisonings over an 11 year period and then over 1,300 cases in 2013 alone in Southern Africa. Most of these recent poisonings are directly linked to poisoned elephant carcasses. Figure 4: Southern African vulture poisoning cases 2000 to 2013 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 To ta l N um be r o f V ul tu re s R ep or te d Po iso ne d Year Total Vultures Poisoned Vultures Poisoned at Elephant Carcasses Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 29 The motivation for poisoning takes several forms but they are primarily listed as being Deliberate Poisoning x Concealment of poaching x The traditional medicine trade x Direct poisoning (vultures believed to be predators in their own right) Inadvertent poisoning x Killing of wildlife for trophy parts (ivory, horns) x Killing of predators as a danger to livestock Table 19 below shows some recent cases related to ivory poaching where significant numbers of vultures died. Table 19: The number of vultures found and the motivation of vulture poisonings relating specifically to ivory poaching in Southern Africa in 2012 and 2013. (From Capon, 2014) Year Area Species # Dead “Bait” Reason 2012 Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe White-backed 176 African Elephant Suspected - Muti trade Upper beaks of 57 WBV & 8 LFV had been removed. Lappet-faced 15 2013 Gonarezhou Area, Mozambique White-backed 62 African Elephant Suspected - Muti trade Heads removed. Lappet-faced 17 Kwando Concession, Botswana White-backed 320 African Elephant Suspected - Poachers attempting to hide the poached carcasses. Lappet-faced 6 Hooded 2 Bwabwata National Park, Namibia Suspected White-backed 600 African Elephant Suspected - Poachers attempting to hide the poached carcass. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe White-backed, Cape & Other unidentified species 219 African Elephant Non-target species but poisoned through watering holes & poisoned carcasses. Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 30 Two main poisons have emerged as posing major threats to biodiversity conservation in Africa through misuse and intentional poisoning, Aldicarb and Carbofuran. In Zimbabwe, a further two substances have been used in poison poaching cases in recent years – Cyanide (Hwange Incident) and Monocrotophos (Malilangwe). They are briefly summarized below. Table 20: Most commonly used poisons for wildlife killing Masterson and Foggin Poison LD-50 Common source Cyanide 3 mg / kg Mining Aldicarb 1 mg / kg Pesticide Carbofuran 10 mg/kg Pesticide Organophosphates (e.g. Monocrotophos) 20 mg/kg Pesticide Bradifacoum 1 mg/kg “Papiol” Anticoagulant used to control Baboons Fenthione 4 – 25 mg/kg “Queleatox” The legislative framework for the control of the use, storage, transport of poisons is relatively strong in Zimbabwe with several Act and regulations in place (see below). However, the enforcement of these regulations is weak and prosecutions are few. x Chapter 20:14 – Parks and Wildlife Act of 1975 – x Chapter 20:21 – Trapping of Animals (Control) Act – x Chapter 18:12 – Fertilizers, Farm Feeds and Remedies Act x Chapter 15:05 – Hazardous Substances and Articles Act x Chapter 20:27 – Environmental Management Act (Act 13 of 2002) Table 21: Legal Controls Summary Act Comments Parks and Wildlife Act of 1975 All vulture species in Zimbabwe are listed as ‘Specially Protected ’, affording them the same level of protection as Rhino. Section 45 of the Parks and Wildlife Act covers offences relating to specially protected animals. Trapping of Animals (Control) Act – The use of poisoned bait to capture or kill an animal is classified as a Class II Trap and offences relating to this are listed under section 6 of the Trapping Animals (Control) Act of 1973. Fertilizers, Farm Feeds and Remedies Act Restrictions on the sale of fertilizers, farm feeds and remedies Hazardous Substances and Articles Act Control of specified hazardous substances Environmental Management Act Water pollution Storage, transport and inappropriate use of toxic substances Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 31 3.9.3 The umuthi Trade In order to supplement the information base for the use of vulture parts in the umuthi trade in Zimbabwe a study was carried out by Josephine Mundava at the National University of Science and Technology. The results of this study are summarised below. 1: Methods x Information was gathered through interviews with traders and traditional healers at the Bulawayo Makokoba market and Harare Mbare market. x We also interviewed traditional healers registered with the Traditional Medicine Practitioners Council (Ministry of Health). x Also interviewed ZINATHA leadership, and TMPC representatives. x Adults >18years x Ethnicity – non-discriminating x Interviewing time not limited x No stratification by age or sex – interviews dependent on individuals’ willingness to participate 2: Results x Vulture products are traded in and used in traditional medicine in Zimbabwe. x There are no discriminations by species in use: a vulture is a vulture, regardless of the species. x Prime parts include heads, brains, beaks, feathers, claws and bones x Other raptors (eagles, owls) are also used for various purposes. x Smaller birds like the Fork-tailed Drongo and the Grey Go-away Bird are also for various purposes. 3: Summary of Uses Use is linked to the behaviour of the bird in the wild. Vultures seem to ‘know’ where the carcasses are – foretelling/clairvoyance powers for the user; they are able to see from afar – same ability transferred to user – foretelling, gambling etc. x Clairvoyance & Foretelling – feathers mixed with herbs and smoked x Feathers mixed with herbs also used in treating ailments such as nosebleeds and hiccups. x Heads/heart - ‘traditional healer’ initiation rituals to enhance contact with ancestors. x Brains used to enhance dream accuracy (brains prescribed/sold to both traditional healers and regular clients (to aid in gambling, thieving etc…). x Bones used as ornaments by healers as part of their trade, bone types used are individual specific – per ancestor dictate. 4: User Data x Market traders and traditional healers generally rely on suppliers - they do not catch the birds themselves. x No idea where the birds they use are from or how they are caught. x ‘No questions’ asked policy to avoid spooking suppliers. x A few who catch the birds themselves use nooses on donkey carcasses in rural areas and also catch engorged birds at carcasses. x Supplied by rangers. x Majority of healers/traders do not mind using poisoned carcasses for their medicine ( they believe since the medicine is not ingested then it would not have and effect on the user. x Some claim to ‘know’ if a carcass has been obtained through poisoning, and would avoid use of such. x There are no clear seasonal trends for both supply and prescription of vulture medicine x Each vulture head could fetch between $150-200 – added value of herbs and other rituals – just a little of the vulture materials are added Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 32 5: Traders and healers standpoint on mass poisoning for umuthi extraction “I need one vulture bone and a feather to conduct my ceremonies” If genuine/ethical traditional healers do not use large amounts of vulture material – so who is poisoning? x Loss of traditional controls on use (taboos, fines) – These existed as safety measures to ensure the sustainable use of resources. x Unregulated commercialisation of traditional medicine – most poachers carry out mass poisoning for export? x Human population increase, economic hardships – more consumers. x Proliferation of unregistered healers and prophets - activities are difficult to monitor and they probably promote the use of material from mass poisonings. x Lack of awareness on sustainable use. 3.9.4 Infrastructure There are several types of infrastructure that can cause vulture mortalities and these are listed below. x Powerlines (electrocution) x Windfarms (Collisions) x Farm reservoirs (Drowning) x Railways (esp along Hwange Park boundary) x Roads Linear infrastructure such as roads and railways can result in the death of wildlife which attracts vultures thereby putting them at risk (especially along/ in protected areas), Powerlines are probably the most dangerous of these to vultures and some species use them as nesting sites (South Africa). The advent of windfarms is probably some way off in the future for Zimbabwe and there are no (?) records of drowning in farm reservoirs. Powerlines could have the potential to cause vulture fatalities and the main transmission lines in Zimbabwe are shown below. Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 33 Figure 5: Existing electricity transmission grid for Zimbabwe Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 34 3.9.5 Land Use Change Land use change will have far reaching effects on vultures. First of all there will the direct effect of habitat conversion, essentially a gradation from wilderness/wildlife areas to urban areas (Figure 6). Then there will be effects associated with the shifting and change of the food source as livestock management regimes change (examples are the reduction of private sector abattoirs since the inception of the land reform programme in 2000 and the decrease in the size of the national herd). A related effect may be stock losses due to climate change. Other land use related effects can be caused by bush encroachment, fires, mining, deforestation, infrastructure development and climate change (see Table 22). Table 22: Threats to vultures resulting from land use change Habitat Conversion x Wildlife habitat to pastoral land x Conversion to agriculture x Urban area increase Shifting Food source/ Availability x Changing husbandry methods x Changing livestock distribution x Livestock mortality rates Others x Bush encroachment (Reduced visibility, take-off distances) x Veld fires (Reduce trees, nesting sites) x Wildlife distribution x Climate change (4) x Deforestation (5) x Mining – Habitat fragmentation x Infrastructure development Figure 6: Change of cultivated land/Bare ground 1992 to 2008 Forestry Commission data Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 35 3.10 Stakeholders Stakeholders were identified at the planning workshop and categorised as follows: 1. Zimbabwe Government 2. Zimbabwe Institutions 3. Regional Authorities 4. National NGOs 5. International NGOs 6. Civil Society 7. Private Companies A detailed listing is shown in Table 23. Table 23: Stakeholders for vulture conservation Zimbabwe Government x Relevant Ministries (Environment, Water and Climate, Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Education, Mining, Health, Information, Finance – Need to define target ministries) x Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA) x Environmental Management Agency (EMA) x Wildlife Veterinary Unit (WVU) x Agricultural Services x Rural District Councils (RDCs) x Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) x Department of Research and Specialist Services (DRSS) x Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) x Livestock Research x Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) x Central Statistics Office x Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe Zimbabwean Institutions x Tertiary Education Institutions (National University of Science and Technology, Bindura University, University of Zimbabwe, Chinhoyi University of Technology, other Universities) x National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe x Teacher Training Institutions x Research Council of Zimbabwe Regional Authorities x Neighbouring Countries (South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, Namibia) Wildlife Management Authorities x Environmental Management Authority x Police/Customs National NGOs x BirdLife Zimbabwe x Environment Africa x Wildlife Environment Zimbabwe x Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust x Zambezi Society x Mukuvisi Woodlands Association x Malilangwe Trust x ZINATHA x SPCA x VAWZ x Tikki Hywood Trust Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 36 Table 23: Stakeholders for vulture conservation International NGOs x BirdLife International x BirdLife South Africa x Royal Society for the Protection of Birds x VULPRO x IUCN (Incl. SSC Specialist Groups) x Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) x World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) x Africa Wilderness Trust x CNRS x CIRAD x Endangered Wildlife Trust x Namibia Nature Foundation x AACEM (Moz) x Nam, Bots and Zambia Bird Societies x Vulture Study Group of Namibia x African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) Civil Society x Religious groups x Tourism and Hunting (Zim Hunters Association, ZHGA, SOAZ, ZATSO) x Zimbabwe Farmers Union x Commercial Farmers Union x Rural/local communities x Environmental NGOS? LRT, AWARE Private Companies x Chemical Importers and distributors x Mining Companies x Agricultural Companies Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 37 3.11 Factors affecting plan implementation Table 24: Factors that may affect action plan implementation Attitudes Are there local cultural attachments of the species which can enhance its persecution or protection? Economic Implications Vulture body parts are used for medicinal and social purposes. These are traded in informal markets and appear to be quite readily available. Existing Conservation Measures All vultures in Zimbabwe are specially protected and killing, capturing and possessing body parts is illegal. Administration/ Political Environments The plan being prepared will not change the existing political/administrative set up. It is therefore crucial that the activities in the plan will fit into existing institutional frameworks. Species Biology There are significant gaps in our knowledge about vultures in Zimbabwe. Most distribution information is from card records which are 20 years old. Population estimates are based on sketchy information, as is data on movements. The poor data sets for Zimbabwean vultures are an area of considerable concern. Local expertise and interest There is a significant and growing interest in vultures in Zimbabwe Appeal of species for tourism Traditionally vultures are not regarded in high esteem by officials and members of the public and this needs to be addressed through this action plan. Resources Resources to fund vulture research and conservation are limited in Zimbabwe. Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 38 References Birdlife Fact Sheets BirdLife International, 2003. International Lappet-faced Vulture, Torgos tracheliotus, Action Plan Stakeholder Workshop, Semien Hotel, Addis Ababa, 16-20 June 2003 Boshoff, A.F., Anderson, M.D. and Borello, W.D. (Eds). 1997. Vultures in the 21st Century: Proceedings of a workshop on vulture research and conservation in southern Africa. Johannesburg: Botha, A.J., Ogada, D.L. and Virani, M.Z. 2012. Pan African Vulture Summit, Masai Mara Capon, S. 2014. Vulture Poisoning in Southern Africa – A focus on Status, Implications & Conservation in Zimbabwe Malilangwe Trust/FZS Technical Report. Endangered Wildlife Trust. Raptors and Farm Reservoirs. Information Leaflet Fishpool, L.D.C. and Evans, M.I. eds. 2001. Important Bird Areas in Africa and associated islands: Forestry Commission Land Cover Analysis Groom, R. 2012. Report on Poisoned Elephant Carcass and Dead Vultures. 17th June 2012, Gonarezhou National Park International (BirdLife Conservation Series No. 11). IUCN, 2013. Position statement: The threat posed by poisoning and poaching to Africa’s Vultures Masterson, C. 2013. Practical case management for malicious wildlife poisoning in Zimbabwe. Unpublished Report, Frankfurt Zoological Society. Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India, 2006. Action Plan For Vulture Conservation In India. Mundy, P., Butchart, D., Ledger,J. & Piper, S. (1992). The Vultures of Africa. Russel Friedman and Acorn Books, Johannesburg. Priority sites for conservation. Newbury and Cambridge, UK: Pisces Publications and BirdLife Sande, E., Evans, S. Newbery, P. and Hoffmann, D. (2004). Action Plans for the Conservation of Globally Threatened Birds in Africa. Species Action Plan Training Manual. RSPB, UK. SAPAB 2 Website Shimelis, A., Sande, E., Evans, S. and Mundy, P. (Editors) (2005). International Action Plan for Lappet Faced Vulture Vulpro, 2014. Vulture Seminar: Looking Towards the Future. Rietfontein, Nov. 2014 Vulture Study Group. Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe VULTURE ACTION PLAN WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS March, 2015 NAME INSTITUTION CELL/ TEL NUMBER EMAIL ADDRESS Abbie Jiri Bio-hub 737923541 abbie.jiri@gmail.com Allan Chimanikire Mukuvisi Woodlands 773840320 allainc@zol.co.zw Andre Botha International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Chair SSC- Vulture Specialist Group 829625725 andreb@ewt.org.za Avert Mpofu Zimbabwe Republic Police MBCU 772912255 allympofua@gmail.com Blessed Mufandaidza Impact Solutions 772340453 bmufandaidza@gmail.com Boneface Magwizi Natural History Museum 773713391 magwizi@rocketmail.com Brian Gada Environmental Management Agency 778004224 gadabrian@gmail.com Candice Bate World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) 772221411 cbate@wwf.org.zw Clive Stockil Save Valley Conservancy 772219204 clive@chilogorge.com Damian Newmarch BirdLife Zimbabwe member 778127165 damianinafrica@gmail.com Diane Skinner Environmental and Wildlife Consultant 777223471 skinner.diane@gmail.com Dorothy Wakeling Conservation Society of Monavale 772376506 cosmo@yoafrica.com Dr Chap Masterson The Zimbabwe Wildlife Veterinary Trust 774861230 chap.masterson@gmail.com Dr Chipangura Chirara Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate -Biodiversity Office 04-701681-3/ 792091 chipangura.chirara@undp.org Dr Chris Foggin Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust 04-496133 chris@kigelia.net Dr Ian Games Facillitator 773277688 igames@zol.co.zw Dr Joseph Sikhosana Department of Research and Specialist Services jlns6@yahoo.com Dr Richard Hoare Veterinarian 771052888 rhwildlife@gmail.com Dr Tapiwa Hanyire Wildlife Veterinary Unit 772232371 tghanyire@gmail.com mailto:abbie.jiri@gmail.com mailto:allainc@zol.co.zw mailto:andreb@ewt.org.za mailto:allympofua@gmail.com mailto:bmufandaidza@gmail.com mailto:magwizi@rocketmail.com mailto:gadabrian@gmail.com mailto:cbate@wwf.org.zw mailto:clive@chilogorge.com mailto:damianinafrica@gmail.com mailto:skinner.diane@gmail.com mailto:cosmo@yoafrica.com mailto:chap.masterson@gmail.com mailto:chipangura.chirara@undp.org mailto:chris@kigelia.net mailto:igames@zol.co.zw mailto:jlns6@yahoo.com mailto:rhwildlife@gmail.com mailto:tghanyire@gmail.com Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 40 NAME INSTITUTION CELL/ TEL NUMBER EMAIL ADDRESS Elsabe van der Westhuizen Frankfurt Zoological Society 775737084 elsabe@fzs.org Fadzai Matsvimbo BirdLife Zimbabwe Staff 772758748 fadzai@blz.co.zw George Mangwiro ZDA- Diabete & Health News 773827576 georgemangwiro@yahoo.com George Mapuvire Bio-hub Trust and Dream Project 0772437844/ 04 747422/29 biohub@zol.co.zw Gibson Nhokwara Mukuvisi Woodlands 775701807 education@mukuvisiwoodland.co.zw Grace Magamura BirdLife Zimbabwe Intern 771921530 gracemagamura@gmail.com Ian Jarvis Wilderness Africa Trust 770438828 iansjarvis@gmail.com Jabulani Chisipo Chaminuka News 773211244 jabulani72@yahoo.com Josephine Mundava National University of Science and Technology 773297143 jmundava@gmail.com Julia Pierini BirdLife Zimbabwe Vice-President 772894562 juliapierini@birdlifezimbabwe.org Kenneth Chipere Department of Research and Specialist Services 0773526507/ 0773290309 achiperek@gmail.com Kerri Wolter Vulpro 27828085113 kerri.wolter@gmail.com Leo Niskanen International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Nairobi Leo.Niskanen@iucn.org Leonard Nhidza Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority 705819 lnhidza@zimparks.co.zw Leslee Maasdorp Zambezi Society 04-883316 Lisa Hywood Tikki Hywood Trust 0772256490/ 04-885156 tikkihywoodtrust@gmail.com Lloyd Chigwandaza Harare Polytechnic 773916270 loychigz@gmail.com Lovelater Sebele Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority 771032339 slovelater@gmail.com Martin Taylor BirdLife South Africa 27722777254 martin.taylor@birdlife.org.za Maybe Mudzamiri BirdLife Zimbabwe Intern 0776771442/ 0734023438 maybemdzmr@gmail.com Mel Hood Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Zimbabwe 778431528 vawz@yoafrica.com Mr C Gumbie Forestry Commission 0712212511/ 496878 cgum@frchigh.co.zw mailto:elsabe@fzs.org mailto:fadzai@blz.co.zw mailto:georgemangwiro@yahoo.com mailto:biohub@zol.co.zw mailto:education@mukuvisiwoodland.co.zw mailto:gracemagamura@gmail.com mailto:iansjarvis@gmail.com mailto:jabulani72@yahoo.com mailto:jmundava@gmail.com mailto:juliapierini@birdlifezimbabwe.org mailto:achiperek@gmail.com mailto:kerri.wolter@gmail.com mailto:Leo.Niskanen@iucn.org mailto:lnhidza@zimparks.co.zw mailto:tikkihywoodtrust@gmail.com mailto:loychigz@gmail.com mailto:slovelater@gmail.com mailto:martin.taylor@birdlife.org.za mailto:maybemdzmr@gmail.com mailto:vawz@yoafrica.com mailto:cgum@frchigh.co.zw Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 41 NAME INSTITUTION CELL/ TEL NUMBER EMAIL ADDRESS Mukululi Ndlovu Umfurudzi Park 775774158 mukululi@umfurudzipark.co.zw Neil Deacon BirdLife Zimbabwe Member 772363369 neilrobindeaca@gmail.com Nobuhle Mabhikwa National University of Science and Technology 774187823 nolmatm@gmail.com Nyasha Simukai Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority 772678351 snyasha@zimparks.co.zw Oliver Wales-Smith Environment Africa 774185930 oliver@environmentafrica.org Phillip Kuvawoga World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) 773923279 pkuvawoga@wwf.org.zw Pioneer Gamundani University of Zimbabwe-Biological Sciences Department 772916679 pioneertaashwa@yahoo.co.uk Pomerayi Mutete Forestry Commission 772880554 pomerayimutete@gmail.com Prince Mutandi ZINATHA 712511385 Prof D M Pfukenyi University of Zimbabwe- Veterinary Department 04-333683 dmpfukenyi@vet.uz.ac.zw Prof Edson Gandiwa Chinhoyi University of Technology – School of Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation 0773490202/ 67-22203-5 edson.gandiwa@gmail.com, Prof Isla Grundy University of Zimbabwe 779530463 isla.grundy@gmail.com Prof Peter Mundy National University of Science and Technology (NUST) 777392914 mundy@gatorzw.com Richard Maasdorp Zambezi Society 772419897 racmaasdorp@gmail.com Roger Parry Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust 717717171 roger@VICFALLSWILDLIFETRUST.O RG Roseline Mandisodza-Chikerema Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority 772433907 rmandisodza@zimparks.co.zw S. Jasi B.O.F/ Wildlife 773244397 Sally Plummer Ambuya Foundation sally@ambuyainaction.org Sue Childes Black Crystal 712604849 mhumhe@zol.co.zw T. Matyora Ministry of Agriculture and Mechanisation 773460794 matyora@gmail.com Tawanda Tarakini Chinhoyi University of Technology - Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation 67-22203-5 tawandatizora@gmail.com Tendai Nekatambe Kerri Wolter Zimbabwe Students (NUST) 779035263 teenecqaz@gmail.com mailto:mukululi@umfurudzipark.co.zw mailto:neilrobindeaca@gmail.com mailto:nolmatm@gmail.com mailto:snyasha@zimparks.co.zw mailto:oliver@environmentafrica.org mailto:pkuvawoga@wwf.org.zw mailto:pioneertaashwa@yahoo.co.uk mailto:pomerayimutete@gmail.com mailto:dmpfukenyi@vet.uz.ac.zw mailto:edson.gandiwa@gmail.com, mailto:isla.grundy@gmail.com mailto:mundy@gatorzw.com mailto:roger@VICFALLSWILDLIFETRUST.ORG mailto:roger@VICFALLSWILDLIFETRUST.ORG mailto:rmandisodza@zimparks.co.zw mailto:sally@ambuyainaction.org mailto:mhumhe@zol.co.zw mailto:matyora@gmail.com mailto:teenecqaz@gmail.com Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Page 42 NAME INSTITUTION CELL/ TEL NUMBER EMAIL ADDRESS Tendai Wachi Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority 772112166 wachitendai@yahoo.com Tinashe Mombeshora Video recording 777713885 panatinashe@yahoo.com Togarasei Fakarayi BirdLife Zimbabwe Staff 772880428 toga@blz.co.zw Tony Wood BirdLife Zimbabwe President 772224224 tonyzw@gmail.com Wilson Mhlanga Bindura University of Science Education 772236114 wmhlanga63@gmail.com mailto:wachitendai@yahoo.com mailto:panatinashe@yahoo.com mailto:toga@blz.co.zw mailto:tonyzw@gmail.com mailto:wmhlanga63@gmail.com Vulture Action Plan Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority – BirdLife Zimbabwe Approval Page The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority Board of Directors and the Director General have approved the implementation of the Zimbabwe Vulture Action Plan (2018 to 2022). Signature: Date: Mr. Fulton Mangwanya Director-General - Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority Signature: Date: Approved by Board Chair - Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority