A radio-tracking study of an adult Cape griffon vulture Gyps coprotheres in the south-western Cape Province

A harness-mounted radio transmitter was fitted to an adult Cape griffon vulture Gyps coprotheres . The vulture was radio-tracked on 32 days and, apart from two occasions, it roosted at the colony every night. A limited main foraging range of 10-15 km from the colony was determined. Foraging distances from the colony, as well as foraging periods, were greater in summer than in winter but there was no significant difference in foraging success between the two seasons. Foraging and "feeding" took place, respectively, on 27 and 20 of the available days. Flying speeds of 26-69 km/h were recorded. The vulture fed exclusively on dead sheep and lambs. The management implications of the study are discussed.