White-backed Vulture Nest Site Research Study
WWA appeals for funds to finance equipment for crucial study of white-backed vultures in Zimbabwe
The White-backed Vulture is critically endangered (IUCN 2024) with an 81% population decline over 40 years. Shangani Holistic Ranch in Zimbabwe however has become an important breeding site (11 pairs in 2014 → 36 pairs in 2023), and offers a unique conservation and study opportunity.
The White-backed Vulture faces multiple human-induced threats, including acute poisoning, drowning in farm reservoirs and collisions with energy infrastructure. Additionally, in southern African ecosystems, increasing elephant populations and fire pressure have led to widespread destruction of essential nesting trees.
Dr Hilton Ndagurwa, Dept. of Geospatial Science, Faculty of Environmental Science, National University of Science & Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | School of Animal, Plant & Env Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, explains:
"White‑backed Vultures are obligate tree‑nesters and the structural attributes of nest trees such as trunk diameter, height, canopy spread, damage, and the composition of the surrounding woody community all directly influence nest site selection and therefore breeding success. With better knowledge of these variables, ranch managers can prioritise protection of critical nesting trees and maintain the structural diversity required for a viable breeding habitat."
The proposed four‑month field study will help provide this knowledge by:
a) Creating a quality‑controlled dataset of nest status, nest‑tree species and structure, neighbouring trees, visible damage, co‑occurring bird nests and landscape variables;
b) Identifying true nest‑tree preferences through direct comparison with non‑nest trees measured using the same protocol, thereby distinguishing selection from simple availability;
c) Translating findings into actionable recommendations for tree protection, fire management, and habitat restoration that can be adopted by ranch staff and conservation partners.
The requested equipment package (US$2000) includes specialised optics, handheld GPS, field measurement tools, camera, field backpack, and a portable powerbank - all essential for rigorous, non-invasive data collection, spatial analysis, and publication-quality output.
The project is scheduled for June-September 2027, with results to be delivered to Shangani management and conservation stakeholders along with practical management recommendations.
WWA is appealing for $2,000 to purchase the specialised equipment needed to effectively make this research on the white-backed vultures' nest site selection possible. Can you help this vital project?
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