The Bateleurs, South Africa’s volunteer pilot network for conservation, has once again taken to the skies in support of critical wildlife research. From 25–29 August 2025, The Bateleurs provided aerial support for the Wildlife ACT Zululand Vulture Survey 2025, a collaborative mission led by Wildlife ACT and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife to monitor breeding sites of threatened vulture species across Northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Flying aboard an Alouette III helicopter, piloted by volunteer Bateleurs pilot Martin Schulze and Bateleurs logistics support team, the survey covered all known nesting sites of Lappet-faced, White-headed, and key African White-backed Vultures, as well as investigating reports of a potential Hooded Vulture nest near Phongola.
Initiated in 2015, this helicopter survey is conducted every five years to track the breeding status and distribution of endangered vulture populations. The 2025 mission included adjustments to the flight path, with greater focus on African White-backed Vulture colonies that are either expanding, declining, or under-monitored.
Survey flights were conducted at altitudes of 50–75 metres, with observers from Wildlife ACT and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife recording nest activity and habitat data using the Survey123 system.
Key Findings:
- Lappet-faced Vultures: 4 nesting pairs recorded (an increase from 3 in the 2021 survey).
- White-headed Vultures: No active nests found, consistent with recent declines — the last active nest in KZN was recorded in 2018.
- Hooded Vultures: A single nest with a large chick was confirmed — the first active nest ever recorded in KwaZulu-Natal and the southernmost breeding site known for this species.
- African White-backed Vultures: Growing colonies confirmed in a number of areas.
“This survey confirms both the fragility and resilience of our vulture populations,” said Anel Olivier of Wildlife ACT. “The discovery of a Hooded Vulture nest in KZN is groundbreaking and will guide more effective conservation action for this critically endangered species.”
The mission was made possible through The Bateleurs’ aerial support, with thanks to pilot Martin Schulze, co-directors Steve McCurrach and Donavan Bailey (logistics support), and the donation by Shiptech Petroleum for aviation fuel supply.
“The Bateleurs exists to give conservation a lift — quite literally,” said Steve McCurrach, GM/Director of The Bateleurs. “By mobilising volunteer pilots and aircraft, we enable organisations like Wildlife ACT to achieve critical insights that simply can’t be gained from the ground.”
About the Zululand Vulture Project
The Zululand Vulture Project, driven by Wildlife ACT in partnership with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, works to monitor and protect vulture populations in Northern KwaZulu-Natal. The data generated from these surveys informs conservation strategies across South Africa and the region.
For more about The Bateleurs and their work, or to support future missions, visit www.bateleurs.org.
Raewyn du Toit
Development and Communications
The Bateleurs
M: 072 863 6916
E: raewyn@bateleurs.org
