Abstract:
Cape Vultures (Gyps coprotheres) are a vulnerable Old-World Vulture species in southern Africa. Of the numerous
threats to their survival, malicious and accidental poisonings remain a major concern. Despite the dangers of
poisonings little is however known about the more insidious effects of toxins on egg survival, despite the species
known to have a long generational length. For this study, an extensive literature review focusing on veterinary
pharmaceuticals was undertaken. Literature for vultures was scarce, with most studies focusing on the domestic
chicken. Using information for domestic chickens, the risk was characterised from likely vulture exposure to
production animal carcasses with residues of said drugs. From this various antibiotics, medetomidine and
albendazole were identified with embryotoxic or teratogenic effects. We suggest that these drugs be tested to
elucidate their dose-response relationship and/or mitigation measures to minimise vulture exposure.
