In a devastating blow to South Africa’s already vulnerable vulture population, 116 vultures were found dead in the Mahlangeni Section of Kruger National Park after feeding on a pesticide-laced elephant carcass deliberately left by poachers. The tragic incident, one of the largest mass vulture killings in recent years, underscores a disturbing trend in wildlife crime—poachers weaponizing toxic agrochemicals.
Authorities believe the elephant carcass was deliberately poisoned to target vultures, whose presence often signals poaching activity to rangers and anti-poaching patrols. By eliminating these natural “lookouts,” poachers aim to extend the time they can operate undetected.
While the loss of life is significant, there is a glimmer of hope. A rescue operation managed to save 84 vultures, with 39 transported to SANParks’ K9 facility in Phalaborwa and others taken to the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre for intensive care and rehabilitation.
Conservationists are raising alarms about the growing role of the illegal muthi (traditional medicine) trade in driving such atrocities. Vultures, along with lions and other wildlife, are increasingly targeted for body parts believed to have spiritual or healing properties.
This brutal poisoning event adds urgency to calls for stricter regulation of toxic substances and greater coordination between conservation authorities, law enforcement, and communities affected by poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
