Over 50 vultures have been killed in Mutara Ranch, Laikipia, after eating poisoned meat intended for lions. Local herders laced the carcasses of three cows with an unconfirmed poison in retaliation for lion attacks on their livestock. No lions were killed, but it is thought that at least 100 critically endangered white-backed and Ruppell’s vultures died as a result of ingesting poison. They were discovered on the 8^th January 2016, but the incident is believed to have happened on the 6^th.

Mutara is part of the Agricultural Development Corporation of Kenya (ADC) but as from 2015, is operated by Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The agreement was a partnership that aimed to increase black rhino habitat, maximize land productivity and support surrounding communities through conservation enterprises such as ecotourism. It is home to a wide range of species, including elephant, lion, leopard, hyena and African wild dog. A poisoning on a scale such as this could have devastating impacts on the entire ecosystem as it trickles down.

It is alleged that lions on Mutara attacked four cows in early January. Herders drove the rest of the livestock away, but poisoned the carcasses of three of the cows. When Anti-Stock Theft officers, the Ol Pejeta vet, and the Kenya Wildlife Service arrived at the scene, 32 vultures were dead. However, in the trees across the landscape at least 50 dead and dying vultures could be seen, and it was estimated that 100 may have died.  Two cows grazing at the scene also died as a result of eating contaminated grass.

Reducing incidents of human/wildlife conflict is of primary concern for Ol Pejeta’s wildlife and security teams. Frequent meetings are held with farmers and pastoralists in the area, where wildlife movements can be shared and discussed, as can ways to mitigate risk. Ol Pejeta maintains an electric fence, and works with the Kenya Wildlife Service to re-locate problem animals. Despite this, incidents can and do occur. Livestock represent a sole source of income to many people in the area, and the loss of a cow has significant financial repercussions.

Retaliation for lion attacks is not uncommon in Kenya. This incident comes just weeks after several lions were poisoned in the Maasai Mara under similar circumstances. Ruppells and white-backed vultures are listed as critically endangered by IUCN, and poisoning is listed as a leading cause for their drastically decreasing numbers. They are scavengers, feeding primarily on carrion, and are a vital part of the ecosystem.

Photo from ARKive of the White-backed vulture (Gyps africanus)

Photo from ARKive of the Rueppell’s griffon (Gyps rueppellii)