Staff at a wildlife park in Dorset are celebrating the successful hatching of critically endangered birds of prey.

Dorset Falconry Park has reported the successful hatching and rearing of African white-backed vultures at its park in Lewell, near Dorchester.

The park has aided proud dad Fester and mum Jasper with the process, helping with artificial incubation and creche rearing on the site. 

Dorset Echo:

Births were achieved through a conservation collaborative breeding programme with three falconry parks, Dorset Falconry Park, Liberty’s centre Ringwood and Elite Falconry in Scotland.

The species of vulture has seen a rapid decline this century, and has been considered critically endangered by the International Union of Conservation for Nature, appearing on its Red List of threatened species since 2015.

African white-backed vultures are native to the continent they are named after, and can be found in sub-Saharan areas, as well as deep forests and live up to 20 years. 

They have seen a decline due to a loss of habitat as well as human disturbance. 

Dorset Echo:

Martin Ballam founded Xtreme Falconry with his wife, Tara, back in 2019.

He said: “We are so pleased to report the hatching of African white-backed vultures after successfully pairing two pairs of adult birds.

“These amazing birds are listed as Critically Endangered, so we are delighted with the result.

"“All of them are doing really well, and it is such a privilege to be safeguarding their future,” he added.  

Mr Ballam added that the birds are seeing a decline in numbers due to the illegal poisoning by poachers as rangers use the birds to track carcasses left by hunters.  

The falconry park, which was the first to be set up in the county, is also celebrating the arrival of more species in rapid decline, the tawny eagles.

It has reported that their resident eagles laid two fertile clutches, meaning there are now four chicks.

Dorset Echo:

Tawny eagles are native to Africa as well as parts of India but have been facing a decline due to a rising loss of habitat. They can live up to 45 years.

Mr Ballam said: “The tawny eagles are something we are immensely proud of. We believe this is the only captive breeding pair in Europe.

“They are sadly in a rapid decline. We hope to educate people regarding the conservation of these beautiful birds and what they can do to help.  

Spanning seven acres, the park is home to more than 100 birds of prey from around the world including a Steller’s sea eagle, known to be the largest eagle in the world, a peregrine falcon considered the fastest bird of prey in the world, as well as many types of owl.

Dorset Echo:

Describing the aims of the park, Mr Ballam said: “Our mission is to educate, inform and inspire people regarding birds of prey and help to gain the respect they deserve.”

For more information opening times and tickets, visit their website www.dorsetfalconrypark.com