Vulture feeding project in Red Mountain Malutis

I am really glad to have seen this project becoming reality over the last couple of years to where it is today.

There has been a vulture feeding scheme at Goldengate Highlands National Park for a long time, something that has indeed played a significant role in vulture conservation, especially since projects along the Sterkfontein dam failed in recent years.

The community contributions made has however also started dropping significantly the last couple of years, economy being the big culprit. Sponsor money was also scarce. There was only one way up and out of the mess: get awareness for the project going and get some sponsors on board.

Thing with sponsors is: they want some form of return, even if only proper recognition of their contribution. So, in a national park at least, there is no better way than creating a tourism spot.

So became what we have today, the new vulture hide at GoldenGate. Situated on the same hanging valley as the old one, but with an access route from the Oribi Basin route, we have a proper hide where tourists can view the resident colony of Cape Vultures at work, or perhaps be lucky enough to see the otherwise elusive lammergeier.

Yes, it sticks in my throat too on occasion that a sighting such as a lammergeier, that used to be the preserve of the hardcore enthusiast who climbed his way into view of such magnificence, is now available so easily to others. But that is the way it works, get public attention -> get sponsors recognition out there -> get a sustainable feeding scheme -> hopefully achieve the conservation goals as set out.

Bird's eye view of it.



From entrance side.



View towards vulture feeding area.



I'm glad to have been involved, even in a very very small way, with this project and seeing it come to fruition.

Thumbs up to the project sponsors and Sanparks!!

I was there last year, it really is impressive.