RMB UTD runners take to the trails to help elevate the Bearded Vulture from conservation crisis to soaring success story

The Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), distinctive by its feathery rather than bald head, is the only known bird whose diet consists mainly of bones. This iconic bird of prey is on the critically endangered list in Southern Africa – but its story is now taking a different flight path thanks to the Bearded Vulture Recovery Programme (BVRP), backed by Rand Merchant Bank (RMB).

Thanks to the committed conservationists of the Bearded Vulture Task Force, which celebrates 20 years of existence in 2026, this eagle-like vulture is making a solid ascent towards a more secure, protected future.

And its recovery is being supported by nature lovers with a deep understanding of the Bearded Vulture’s importance to biodiversity, including the team behind RMB Ultra-trail Drakensberg (RMB UTD). This annual global trail running event, taking place from 24 to 26 April 2026, partners with conservation groups such as Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and Wildlife ACT to raise awareness and funding for the BVRP while positively impacting communities.

Turning the corner on population decline

With its local population confined to the Maloti-Drakensberg mountains of South Africa and Lesotho, the Bearded Vulture (also known as the “bone breaker”) is highly vulnerable to human impacts such as poisoned carcasses, collisions with power lines, habitat degradation and being hunted for use in traditional medicine.

Further complicating matters is the fact that the females lay up to two eggs every winter – but choose to raise only one hatchling. All of these factors have led to this raptor’s population declining to only about 100 breeding pairs in the wild, or just over 350 individuals.

But with backing from RMB and RMB UTD totalling some R850,000 to date, the BVRP is turning the corner on this threatened species by monitoring breeding sites and harvesting ‘spare’ eggs to rear in captivity. Its dedicated breeding facility now boasts 26 Bearded Vultures, with six more eggs expected to be harvested during the 2026 breeding season.

It’s hoped that the chicks produced from this small captive cohort will be released into suitable areas of their former range in the rugged peaks and valleys of the Maloti-Drakensberg range, helping to support the recovery of a sustainable reasonable population, while the programme works to protect and halt the decline of the remaining birds.

Reaching milestones through partnerships

“We are thrilled that our breeding programme is on track to meet our target of 32 founder birds this year, after more than a decade of intensive efforts, which we feel is a great achievement,” says Dr Sonja Krüger of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

“Some of the individual birds in our programme are now beginning to choose mates, with one particular pair showing interest in each other. We’re crossing our fingers that they will start breeding this year – which will be a first for the southern hemisphere!”

The breeding programme aims to rear and then release offspring into the wild, while maintaining a founding population to support long-term breeding for release.

RMB UTD is a vital player in this conservation success story. Says Alison Badenhorst, Chief Marketing Officer at RMB, “The success of this monitoring and breeding programme is proving that when conservationists, athletes and businesses unite behind a cause for long-term impact, the sky’s the limit.

“We are excited that RMB will be deepening our involvement in this important conservation initiative by supporting two new safe feeding sites for the Bearded Vulture in the southern Maloti-Drakensberg area. This is in addition to training and educating local communities on the importance of protecting the Bearded Vultures from poisoning.”

Furthermore, she says, because RMB UTD runners pass through the Bearded Vulture’s habitat, every stride is a vital step towards raising funds and championing one of the Drakensberg’s most iconic raptor species.

Chris Kelly of Wildlife ACT adds: “Events like RMB UTD are critical, especially when dealing with a species like the Bearded Vulture, which is facing a devastating population decline. With their range spanning Lesotho and three provinces in South Africa, these events help drive coordinated action, public awareness and essential funding.”

A more secure future takes flight

Thanks to a growing global community of conservation-minded wildlife enthusiasts and long-term corporate investment, the future of the Southern African Bearded Vulture is looking increasingly secure – with exciting milestones taking wing on the horizon.

ENDS

Event details

RMB Ultra-trail Drakensberg (RMB UTD) 2026 takes place from 24 to 26 April 2026.

Race line-up:UTD Miler – 165kmUTD100 – 100kmGCU – 62kmSDR – 34kmDRJ – 25.5kmGXA – 14km

For more information, visit https://www.ultratraildrakensberg.com and follow RMB on social media for event updates.