The Past and Present Distribution and Status of the Cape Vulture in the Cape Province

Raptor conservation in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa

“…The scavenging eagles (Tawny Eagle and Bateleur) and vultures (Lappetfaced Vulture and Whiteheaded Vulture) are the most threatened raptors, having the highest portion of threatened species than any other guild of birds in South Africa (Brooke 1984). A comparison of the farmer raptor questionnaire surveys conducted during 1976 (Boshoff 1980, Boshoff & Vernon 1980 and 1992 showed that one species, the Tawny Eagle, has decreased its range considerably during this period. …”

“…On the other hand the "generalists" are able to persist, usually through adaptation. The decline of raptors in the NCP can be attributed to decreasing food supplies, loss of habitat due to agricultural and urban development and direct and indirect persecution (Siegfried 1963a(Siegfried , 1968Skead 1967;Heyl 1972;Winterbottom 1972;Siegfried, Frost, Cooper & Kemp 1976;Boshoff & Vernon 1980;Brooke 1984). The positive and negative impact of man in the NCP on each raptor species is listed in Table I.…”

“…Targeted species are the Martial and Black Eagle, accipiters, and vultures. The Martial Eagle, which is often referred to as the "lammervanger" (lamb-catcher), is not liked by farmers in general, even those who are favourably disposed towards other eagles (Boshoff & Vernon 1980) and it is probably the most severely persecuted raptor in the NCP. During the raptor questionnaire survey a few farmers (n=11) volunteered that they or their neighbours killed raptors (eagles) after they were suspected to kill domestic livestock.…”

“…19 of 1974), but despite this most raptors have been negatively affected, either directly or indirectly, by man's activities in the NCP. Some previously widespread species, such as the Lappetfaced Vulture and Bateleur (Boshoff & Vernon 1980) have now severely contracted their ranges, while others, such as the Black Eagle, have not decreased their range and this eagle is seven times more abundant than any other eagle (Boshoff & Vernon 1980). …”

Modelling survival rates in the Cape GriffonGyps coprotheres,with emphasis on the effects of supplementary feeding

“…The response variable is modelled with binomial errors and a logit link function.' 9 The logit transform for a binomial response is as shown below.…”