Magnificent Vultures of Africa

Vultures deserve our gratitude. They curtail the spread of disease through rapidly ridding the environment of decaying carcasses. Their demise may have catastrophic results for humans and the environment. Of the nine vulture species on the African continent, seven have declined by 80% in recent years. Conservation of these long-lived and often wide-ranging species is complicated as they face numerous threats that vary by species and location. VulPro is a non-profit conservation organization in South Africa dedicated to saving Africa’s vultures. The VulPro vulture center, which currently houses over 250 non-releasable birds, is leading the way with captive breeding for reintroductions, rehabilitation, research, and education. This program will highlight the issues African vultures face today, VulPro’s work to advocate for these misunderstood creatures, and some insights learned after working with VulPro over several years.  

Maggie’s Biography

Maggie always dreamed of life in Africa. While studying for her undergraduate degree in animal behavior at Indiana University, she jumped at the opportunity to manage a chimpanzee research project in a remote part of Uganda’s wilderness. Later she moved to Kenya to study blue monkey social dynamics in a forest facing increasing human encroachment. For three years she lived at VulPro‚ a vulture facility while undertaking her zoology MSc research with the Cape Vulture captive breeding program. Her thesis through Rhodes University (South Africa) followed several captive-bred chicks, starting with their parents’ copulations and ending with the chicks’ social integration into the wild. She helped develop soft release protocols for the endangered species‚ reintroduction program which now includes a release enclosure on top of a wild colony cliff in the Magaliesberg Mountains. She currently lives in Florence, Montana, where she works for MPG Ranch conducting monarch butterfly research in summer and mountain lion tracking in winter. She remains involved with VulPro by contributing to research publications and acting as a representative. 

ZOOM Program by Maggie for Bitterroot Audubon, Monday, April 19^th at 7:00 P.M. Come join BAS to learn about these fascinating birds of Africa and the efforts being made to save their species. Maggie will share her own personal experiences in these efforts.  The Public is invited.

Register in advance for this meeting: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpf-iprD0rG9GrnrpAY5CQHzJU-56SFtXQ 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.