Vulture Conservation: Tracking Lappet-faced Vulture Chicks Before Fledging

Report compiled by:

The Zululand Vulture Project, Anel Swart, Wildlife ACT, anel@wildlifeact.com

The Mission

Tracking unit deployment to Lappet-faced Vulture chicks in their nests in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park before fledging, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Date of Mission:

• 8 December 2025

Name of Passengers:

• Phillip Swart – Wildlife ACT

• Brent Coverdale – Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

• Zama Zwane – Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

• Eric Khumalo – Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

Name of Pilot:

• Martin Schulze

Aircraft used:

• Alouette III Helicopter registration number ZU-RIK

Objective of the VULTURE CONSERVATION Flight

The Zululand Vulture Project, driven by Wildlife ACT and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife identified the need to use a big helicopter to transport a field team to isolated Lappet-faced Vulture nest locations within Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. While Lappet-faced Vulture chicks have been fitted with tracking units for many years now, this operation with a helicopter was the first of its kind in the province. The team was aware of two active nests, thanks to the nest survey done with the Bateleurs in August 2025. A helicopter was specifically needed to transport a team of at least 5 people, some equipment, and a ladder to these nests that are very hard to get to on foot with heavy equipment.

Tracking units are vital to Vulture conservation, enabling us to remotely monitor individuals daily which allows us to respond to any potential emergencies such as poisonings or powerline collisions. It also provides us with vital data to better understand these critically endangered birds’ movements, habits and fledging success.

Coordinated Aerial Survey: Collaboration and Logistics for Wildlife Conservation

Anel Swart approached The Bateleurs to assist with this operation. Approval was received from The Bateleurs, and pilot Martin Schulz volunteered his chopper and services as pilot for the survey and the dates for the survey were determined as the 7 December 2025. The date was postponed by one day to 8 December 2025, due to poor weather conditions. Anel Swart from Wildlife ACT was responsible for logistical arrangements. Project Rhino and Zapwing kindly supported the operation through the provisioning of fuel drums and a hand pump.

Coordinated Effort in Vulture Tracking and Data Collection Operations

Apart from Martin as the pilot, the crew consisted of staff from EKZNW and Wildlife ACT (mentioned above) who were responsible for navigation, observation, safety, Vulture handling, and tracking unit deployment. Upon arrival at each nest, the team climbed the tree to reach the bird in its nest, secured the vulture and brought it down to the ground where the team could safely process it. Bird ringing, and more specifically Vultures and fitting tracking units, is a specialist job. Brent Coverdale, from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, with many years of experience, was responsible for this during the operation. Data was captured using standard field sheets which included morphometric measurements and various samples for research and monitoring. Standard photographs were taken of the bird from various angles for record keeping. Other team members, including the pilot, assisted by securing the 12m ladder for climbing up trees. The team also included a field ranger with a rifle for safety purposes.

Successful Tracking Operation of Lappet-faced Vulture Chicks in Hlulhuwe-iMfolozi Park

The operation was conducted over about 30min flying time inside Hlulhuwe-iMfolozi Park. It was very well executed, and all targets were successfully reached. Both active Lappet-faced Vulture chicks in the park were fitted with tracking units and safely placed back in their nests. We look forward to monitoring these tracking units daily and analyzing the GPS data later.

We would like to thank The Bateleurs and Martin Schultz in particular for his assistance with making this operation a success. We truly value your continued support.

Pilot Mission Report: Vulture Tagging Operation

Pilot: Martin Schulze

Aircraft: SA316B (Alouette III)

Mission Date: Dec 2025

Mission Overview

I recently completed a one-day mission focused on assisting with the tagging of young vultures. This was a unique operational experience that required precise flying due to the necessity of landing within a game reserve. The timing of the mission was critical, as there is only a three to six week window where the birds are at the optimal age for tagging. After monitoring the weather, we identified a suitable date that worked for all parties.

Operational Details

• Flight Path: We lifted off from Virginia and flew to the Hluhluwe Centenary Centre to meet the ground crew.

  
  

• Personnel: The ferry flight included myself, JP, Brent, and his daughter. At the Centenary Centre, we also picked up a ranger/guard to protect the aircraft from wildlife—specifically rhinos—while it was on the ground.

  
  

• Aircraft Performance: During the mission, we were "seven up" (seven adults), operating at pretty much maximum all-up weight. The SA316B proved exceptionally strong and competent, handling valley winds and confined landings where an underpowered aircraft would have been a significant safety risk.

  
  

Site Execution & Field Work

The landings were technical and often confined. Because we couldn't always land directly next to the nests, the mission involved a fair amount of ground exertion:

• Navigation: Using known coordinates and my previous experience with vulture surveys, we identified sites and circled to find safe landing spots.

  
  

• Ground Support: Although our primary role was aviation, JP and I assisted the ground team by "lugging" a long ladder and other equipment through approximately 500-600 meters of dense bush and across a river.

  
  

• Tagging Process: We observed and assisted as the team tagged the birds, took blood samples, and attached GPS trackers.

  
  

Conclusion

The mission concluded with a return to the Centenary Centre for refueling before flying back to Virginia. It was a highly successful and rewarding day. The professionalism and passion of the Game Reserve staff were exceptional, and we were glad to provide extra hands to ensure the operation ran smoothly