The farmers within the Camdeboo Conservancy were integral to the initiation of the Karoo Vulture Safe Zone project (“Karoo VSZ”). Karoo farmers and other landowners have partnered with the South African National Parks (“SANParks”), the Great Karoo Wilderness, Endangered Wildlife Trust (“EWT”) and the SANParks Honorary Rangers to create a Vulture Safe Zone (“VSZ”) in the Great Karoo. The Karoo VSZ spans across approximately 23,000 square kilometers in and around three major protected areas: namely the Camdeboo and Mountain Zebra National Parks as well as the Great Karoo Wilderness. Over ninety percent of this area is privately owned.
The long-term goal is to encourage Cape Vultures back to their historical ranges throughout the Great Karoo and ultimately recover this population through the establishment of a VSZ that links key protected areas. The Karoo VSZ initiative can be regarded as one of the largest conservation initiatives where farmers partner with conservation organisations like SANParks, SANParks Honorary Rangers, EWT and the Great Karoo Wilderness.
Our involvement:
During 2015, the farmers of the Camdeboo Conservancy took an important step towards realising a long-held dream: the return of the Cape Vulture to its historic roosting sites on the cliffs of the greater Toorberg mountain, which overlooks much of the Conservancy. They approached the Endangered Wildlife Trust, and a plan was put in place.
Bringing our vultures home meant creating an environment free from the threats to which they so often fall victim — in other words, establishing a Vulture Safe Zone. One of Camdeboo’s own community members was employed by the Endangered Wildlife Trust to initiate the project activities, making the Vulture Safe Zone a truly home-grown initiative.
The Vulture Safe Zone is just one of many conservation efforts undertaken by our Conservancy. From Blue Cranes to tortoises and a rich diversity of plant species, we are committed to valuing, conserving, and uplifting our natural heritage for generations to come.
