Conservation buffer sizes derived from movement data of adult Cape vultures (<i>Gyps coprotheres</i>) in South Africa

Abstract

The endangered Cape vulture (Gyps coprotheres) is facing a new emerging threat, e.g. wind energy development. Given their vulnerability to wind energy infrastructure, there is a necessity to establish proactive measures that could potentially mitigate future collisions, such as conservation buffers around breeding colonies and roost sites. This study used 50% kernel density estimates to estimate conservation potential for conservation buffer zone sizes for colonies. Our results indicate a buffer size of ±50 km to cover the core foraging range of the species around colonies.

Keywords: environmental impact, kernel density, vulture conservation, wind turbines