Despite their remarkable abilities and vital contributions to the health of our ecosystems, these fascinating birds are often misunderstood and underappreciated. As a key part of nature’s cleanup crew, vultures play a crucial role in preserving the balance of our environment, disposing of carcasses and likely preventing the spread of disease. The benefits they provide go even further.
Join us on International Vulture Awareness Day and beyond to explore the fascinating world of vultures. What are their critical roles in our ecosystems? What challenges do they face, and what steps can we take to ensure their continued survival? Let’s make a commitment to vulture conservation not just on IVAD, but all year round.
Vultures are divided into two distinct groups based on their geographic distribution and physical characteristics: Old World vultures and New World vultures. Old World vultures are found in Africa, Asia, and Europe, whereas New World vultures inhabit the Americas. Despite both groups sharing the vital role of scavenging carrion, they have evolved separately, resulting in notable differences in appearance, behaviour, and even how they locate food.
Belong to the family Accipitridae, which also includes eagles and hawks. They primarily rely on their keen eyesight to locate food, often soaring high above the ground to spot carcasses. They have a strong sense of vision but lack the well-developed sense of smell seen in their New World counterparts.
Belong to their own family, Cathartidae. These birds are renowned among raptors for their highly developed sense of smell, which they use to detect the scent of decaying meat from great distances. This adaptation is particularly useful in dense forests where visibility is limited. Notable members of this group include the Turkey Vulture and the iconic California Condor. Additionally, New World vultures typically have a more varied diet, sometimes including fruits and small animals, alongside carrion.
As nature's clean-up crew, vultures play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our ecosystems by consuming dead animals. Their scavenging activities likely control the spread of diseases, thus protecting both wildlife and human communities from potential outbreaks.
Beyond their role as scavengers, vultures contribute significantly to various ecosystem services, which are free benefits nature provides to humans, like water and food. In the case of vultures, their behaviour of consuming carcasses helps recycle nutrients back into the soil, which potentially helps promote vegetation growth and maintains sustainable and healthy ecosystems. This natural waste management is both free and environmentally beneficial, providing economic advantages to livestock farmers by reducing the need for artificial disposal methods such as transport to incineration plants, thus minimising related insurance pay-outs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Moreover, vultures hold cultural and spiritual significance in many societies and attract ecotourism, which generates substantial income for local communities. Their presence supports biodiversity and enhances ecosystem resilience. Protecting vultures is not only essential for conserving wildlife but also for maintaining the vital ecosystem services that all life depends on.
Belong to the family Accipitridae, which also includes eagles and hawks.
Common Name: Bearded Vulture
Scientific Name: Gypaetus barbatus
Status: Near Threatened
Population Trend: Increasing in Europe; stable in Ethiopia and Kenya and perhaps in China; declining in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Syria, Morocco, Lesotho, and South Africa.
Characteristics: The species boasts an impressive wingspan of up to 2.8 metres and a weight of 5-7 kg, and have striking eyes and a distinctive beard.
Behaviour: They feed primarily on bones, dropping them from heights to break them open. Nesting sites are typically on cliffs.
Habitat: High-altitude mountainous regions.
Range: Found along mountain ranges in Europe, Central Asia, and Africa.
Threats & Conservation: Unintentional poisoning is a major threat. Conservation efforts include mitigation of lead poisoning, and strategies to reduce electrocutions and collisions. Rreintroduction and reinforcement programme also help restore populations.
Interesting Fact: They are known for their specialised diet, primarily consisting of bone marrow.
Common Name: Cape Vulture
Scientific Name: Gyps coprotheres
Status: Vulnerable
Population Trend: Considered stable; likely increasing in South Africa; possibly stable or increasing in Botswana and Lesotho.
Characteristics: These vultures have a robust build, pale plumage, and a prominent crop visible when feeding. They have a wingspan of up to 2.6 metres and weigh between 7-11 kg.
Behaviour: Cape Vultures feed on carrion and are known for their powerful flying. They nest in colonies on cliffs, often reusing the same sites year after year.
Habitat: Found across mountainous regions, open grasslands, and savannas.
Range: Mainly in South Africa and Lesotho, with populations in Botswana, eSwatini and Mozambique.
Threats & Conservation: Threatened by poisoning, habitat loss, and power line collisions. Over 50 years of conservation actions like habitat protection and anti-poisoning campaigns improved conservation status from Endangered to Vulnerable.
Interesting Fact: They are highly social birds and are often seen soaring in large groups.
Common Name: Cinereous Vulture
Scientific Name: Aegypius monachus
Status: Near Threatened
Population Trend: Increasing in Spain, Portugal, France, Armenia, Bulgaria; Stabilised in Greece, Kazakhstan; Declining in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
Characteristics: Large vultures with dark plumage, large brown eyes and a marvellous ‘fluffy’ head. They have a wingspan of up to 3.1 metres and weigh between 7-14 kg.
Behaviour: Solitary scavengers that nest in trees or on cliffs, sometimes in loose colonies. They feed mainly on carrion, using their strong beaks to tear through tough hides.
Habitat: Found in forests, open plains, and mountainous regions.
Range: Across Europe and Asia, including Spain, Greece, Turkey, and extending to China.
Threats & Conservation: Threats include poisoning, habitat degradation, and disturbance. Habitat protection, monitoring populations, and anti-poisoning campaigns are among conservation measures.
Interesting Fact: They are among the largest flying birds (largest Old World Vultures), relying on thermal currents for travelling long distances.
Common Name: Egyptian Vulture
Scientific Name: Neophron percnopterus
Status: Endangered
Population Trend: Increasing in Israel; stable in parts of Europe and Central Asia; declining in Armenia, India, Turkmenistan, the UAE, and South Sudan.
Characteristics: Recognisable by their white plumage and contrasting black flight feathers, with a wingspan of about 1.7 metres and weighing 1.6-2.2 kg.
Behaviour: They feed on carrion and are known for using tools, such as stones, to break open eggs. They nest on cliffs and rocky outcrops.
Habitat: Diverse habitats including deserts, savannas, and grasslands.
Range: Southern Europe, North Africa, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia and East Africa.
Threats & Conservation: Poisoning, habitat destruction, and electrocution/collision with power lines are major threats. Conservation actions focus on reducing poisoning and protecting nesting sites.
Interesting Fact: They are one of the few bird species known to use tools.
Common Name: Griffon Vulture
Scientific Name: Gyps fulvus
Status: Least Concern
Population Trend: Generally increasing or stable in Europe, with 30,438 – 41,984 breeding pairs. Spain registered a 200% increase in the last 30 years. Declining in the Middle East and Central Asia.
Characteristics: Large size with broad wings and a pale head. They have a wingspan of up to 2.8 metres and weigh between 6-11 kg.
Behaviour: Scavenge on carcasses and are known for their impressive soaring abilities. They nest on cliffs in colonies and are often seen flying on thermals with other vultures.
Habitat: Found in mountainous areas, open plains, and savannas.
Range: Southern Europe, the Middle East, Central and East Asia.
Threats & Conservation: Threats include poisoning, habitat loss, and collision with wind turbines. Conservation measures focus on providing safe food and protecting nesting sites.
Interesting Fact:. In Spain, Griffon Vultures provide an efficient and eco-friendly carcass disposal service thanks to their healthy and large populations. A study by Morales-Reyes et al. (2015) suggested that their ability to rapidly consume livestock carcasses can cut greenhouse gas emissions by 77,344 metric tons of CO2 and save $50 million in insurance costs by reducing the need for carcass transport to processing plants.
Common Name: Himalayan Griffon
Scientific Name: Gyps himalayensis
Status: Near Threatened
Population Trend: Stable in China and Kazakhstan; declining in Tajikistan.
Characteristics: These vultures have a wingspan of up to 3 metres and weigh around 8-12 kg, with pale, creamy-buff plumage.
Behaviour: Feed on carcasses and often seen soaring high above mountainous regions. They nest on cliff ledges.
Habitat: Shrubland, grassland, rocky areas like inland cliffs and mountain peaks.
Range: Across the Himalayan range, extending to Mongolia and central China.
Threats & Conservation: Habitat loss is a particular threat, while limited population data remains an issue. Conservation actions include monitoring and research.
Interesting Fact: They are known for their impressive size and ability to soar at high altitudes.
Common Name: Hooded Vulture
Scientific Name: Necrosyrtes monachus
Status: Critically Endangered
Population Trend: Stable in Ethiopia and Tanzania; declining in Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, and Malawi.
Characteristics: These vultures have a wingspan of up to 1.7 metres and weigh around 2.1 kg, with a dark brown body and a distinctively pale face that flushes pink/red when they are excited.
Behaviour: Scavengers, feeding primarily on carrion. They nest in trees and in the West African parts of their range are often found near human settlements.
Habitat: Forest, savanna, shrubland, desert and grassland.
Range: Widely distributed in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Threats & Conservation: Major threats include poisoning and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts include monitoring and anti-poisoning campaigns.
Interesting Fact: The Hooded Vulture often nests near human habitations and can live closely with people.
Common Name: Indian Vulture
Scientific Name: Gyps indicus
Status: Critically Endangered
Population Trend: Stable in India; declining in Pakistan.
Characteristics: These vultures have a wingspan of up to 2.6 metres and weigh around 5.5-8.3 kg, with pale plumage and dark flight feathers.
Behaviour: Feed on carrion and often found near human settlements. They nest on cliffs.
Habitat: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, rocky areas like inland cliffs and mountain peaks.
Range: India, Pakistan, and parts of Nepal.
Threats & Conservation: Major threats include poisoning from veterinary drugs like diclofenac. Conservation actions focus on banning harmful drugs and establishing Vulture Safe Zones.
Interesting Fact: The species has strong fidelity to specific nesting sites, often returning to the same cliffs year after year.
Common Name: Lappet-faced Vulture
Scientific Name: Torgos tracheliotos
Status: Endangered
Population Trend: Declining across its range, especially in West Africa.
Characteristics: Notable for their large size, powerful beaks, and bare red head. They have a wingspan of up to 2.9 metres and weigh between 6.5-9 kg.
Behaviour: Primarily scavengers, feeding on carrion. They are often seen alone or in small groups. They nest in trees, constructing large stick nests.
Habitat: Inhabit desert areas, dry savannas, arid plains, and open mountainous areas.
Range: Widely distributed across Sub-Saharan Africa and in parts of the Middle East.
Threats & Conservation: Significant threats include poisoning, habitat loss, and human disturbance. Conservation actions concentrate on anti-poisoning campaigns, habitat protection, and raising awareness.
Interesting Fact: Although known for their strong beaks, they are often attracted to very small carcasses!
Common Name: Palm-nut Vulture
Scientific Name: Gypohierax angolensis
Status: Least Concern
Population Trend: Stable
Characteristics: Palm-nut Vultures have a predominantly white plumage with black flight feathers and tail. They have a distinctive bare orange face and a black beak. Juveniles are brown and gradually acquire adult plumage. They have a wingspan of about 1.5 metres and weigh between 1.2 to 2.2 kg.
Behaviour: Adults are sedentary, while juveniles can wander vast distances. They build large stick nests in tall trees.
Habitat: The species occupies forest and tall wooded habitats, particularly where oil and raffia palms are present, and often near water bodies.
Range: Sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Gambia in the west to Kenya and Tanzania in the east, and as far south as northeast South Africa.
Threats & Conservation: The primary threat is habitat loss, especially in West Africa. The expansion of oil palm plantations provides food but limited nesting opportunities. Conservation efforts include identifying and protecting conservation sites across its range.
Interesting Fact: The Palm-nut Vulture is unique among vultures for its mainly frugivorous diet (up to 65%), consisting of oil and raffia palm fruits. It also eats amphibians, fish, invertebrates, small mammals, birds, reptiles, and carcasses.
Common Name: Red-headed Vulture
Scientific Name: Sarcogyps calvus
Status: Critically Endangered
Population Trend: Declining in Cambodia; stable in Pakistan.
Characteristics: These vultures have a wingspan of up to 2.7 metres and weigh between 3.5-6.3 kg, with a striking red head.
Behaviour: Primarily feed on carrion. They are solitary nesters, preferring large trees for nesting.
Habitat: Well-forested areas.
Range: South and South-East Asia, particularly in India, Nepal, Cambodia, and Pakistan.
Threats & Conservation: Habitat destruction and poisoning are primary threats. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and monitoring populations.
Interesting Fact: Known for their distinctive red head, which becomes brighter during breeding season.
Common Name: Rüppell’s Vulture
Scientific Name: Gyps rueppelli
Status: Critically Endangered
Population Trend: Likely decreasing except for Ethiopia which reports large breeding pair numbers; colonised Europe with 70 individuals crossing from Morocco to Iberia every year.
Characteristics: Recognised for their white-streaked plumage and high-flying capabilities. They have a wingspan of up to 2.6 metres and weigh around 7-9 kg.
Behaviour: Highly social, often found in large flocks. They nest on cliffs and feed mainly on carrion, often competing with other scavengers for food. Hybridised with Eurasian Griffon in Spain.
Habitat: Inhabit savannas, grasslands, and mountains.
Range: Throughout the Sahel region of Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia, and south to East Africa.
Threats & Conservation: Major threats include poisoning, habitat loss, and human disturbance. Anti-poisoning campaigns, habitat protection, and monitoring include some conservation actions.
Interesting Fact: The highest recorded bird was a Rüppell’s Vulture flying at an altitude of up to 11,300 metres.
Common Name: Slender-billed Vulture
Scientific Name: Gyps tenuirostris
Status: Critically Endangered
Population Trend: Likely stable in India and Cambodia; Declining in Myanmar.
Characteristics: Its plumage is primarily dark brown with a pale underside. It has a prominent ruff of feathers around the neck and a wingspan that can reach up to 2.5 metres.
Behaviour: Primarily feeds on carrion. They are highly gregarious at food sources but nest solitarily in trees.
Habitat: Found in dry open country and forested areas, often near human habitation.
Range: India, southern Nepal, and small numbers in Bangladesh and Myanmar, with a small breeding population in Cambodia.
Threats & Conservation: Major threats include poisoning from NSAIDs like diclofenac and habitat loss. Conservation actions aim to ban harmful veterinary drugs and protect nesting sites.
Interesting Fact: Known for their distinctively slender bill, which allows them to efficiently scavenge.
Common Name: White-backed Vulture
Scientific Name: Gyps africanus
Status: Critically Endangered
Population Trend: Declining across most parts of its range.
Characteristics: These vultures have a wingspan of up to 2.4 metres and weigh around 4.2-7.2 kg, with white feathers on their back.
Behaviour: Scavengers, feeding on carrion. They nest in trees.
Habitat: Savannas and open woodland across Africa.
Range: Widely distributed in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Threats & Conservation: Major threats include poisoning, habitat destruction, and trapping for the illegal wildlife trade. Conservation efforts prioritise monitoring and anti-poisoning measures.
Interesting Fact: They form large, communal roosts that can number in the hundreds, and they exhibit strong social bonds within these groups.
Common Name: White-headed Vulture
Scientific Name: Trigonoceps occipitalis
Status: Critically Endangered
Population Trend: Stable in Ethiopia and Zambia; declining in Chad, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, Rwanda, and South Africa.
Characteristics: These vultures have a wingspan of up to 2.3 metres and weigh about 4.7 kg, with striking white and black plumage.
Behaviour: Predatory and also feeding on carrion, they are often seen alone or in pairs. They nest in large trees.
Habitat: Savannas and open woodland in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Range: Across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Threats & Conservation: Habitat loss and poisoning are major threats. Conservation actions involve habitat protection and captive breeding programmes.
Interesting Fact: The only African vulture that are sexually dimorphic (where males and females look different from each other).
Common Name: White-rumped Vulture
Scientific Name: Gyps bengalensis
Status: Critically Endangered
Population Trend: Increasing in Nepal; stable in India; declining in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Pakistan.
Characteristics: These vultures have a wingspan of up to 2.6 metres and weigh around 3.5-5.5 kg, with white feathers on the lower back and rump.
Behaviour: They feed primarily on carrion, often found near human settlements. They nest in trees.
Habitat: Open habitats such as grasslands, savannas, and near human settlements.
Range: South Asia and parts of South-East Asia, from Pakistan to Cambodia.
Threats & Conservation: Almost went extinct after suffering a catastrophic decline in 2000 due to diclofenac poisoning, and, since 1992, suffered the steepest decline among the Asian vultures, 99.9%. Major threats include poisoning from veterinary drugs like diclofenac. Conservation actions focus on banning harmful drugs and establishing Vulture Safe Zones.
Interesting Fact: In a remarkable display of scavenging efficiency, a group of around 100 vultures feeding together can completely devour a 45-kilogram carcass in a mere three minutes!
Belong to their own family, Cathartidae
Common Name: Andean Condor
Scientific Name: Vultur gryphus
Status: Vulnerable
Population Trend: Decreasing
Characteristics: The Andean Condor has a wingspan of up to 3.3 metres, making it one of the largest flying birds. It weighs between 7-15 kg. They have a black plumage with white feathers around the neck and large white patches on the wings.
Behaviour: These vultures primarily feed on carrion. They are known for their soaring flight and can travel long distances in search of food. They are monogamous, and both parents participate in raising the young.
Habitat: Andean Condors are found in mountainous regions, especially the Andes. They prefer open, non-forested areas.
Range: They range across South America, primarily in countries like Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Threats & Conservation: Major threats include habitat loss, poisoning, and hunting. Conservation actions include habitat protection, anti-poisoning campaigns, and captive breeding programs.
Interesting Fact: The Andean Condor is the national bird of several South American countries. Research also revealed that Andean Condors flap their wings only 1% of the time.
Common Name: American Black Vulture
Scientific Name: Coragyps atratus
Status: Least Concern
Population Trend: Increasing
Characteristics: Black Vultures have a wingspan of about 1.5 metres and weigh between 1.6-2.8 kg. They have black plumage and a long, slim beak.
Behaviour: These vultures are scavengers and often feed on carrion, though they may also eat eggs and small animals. They are social birds and can often be seen in large groups.
Habitat: They thrive in open and semi-open areas, including forests, shrublands, and urban areas.
Range: Their range extends from the southeastern United States through Central America to South America.
Threats & Conservation: Threats include habitat destruction and poisoning. Conservation measures focus on habitat protection and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts.
Interesting Fact: They are known to engage in complex social behaviours, including ritualistic displays and aggressive behaviour, to maintain social order within their groups.
Common Name: California Condor
Scientific Name: Gymnogyps californianus
Status: Critically Endangered
Population Trend: Increasing
Characteristics: California Condors have a wingspan of up to 3 metres and weigh between 7-14 kg. They have black plumage with white patches under the wings and a bald head that can vary in colour.
Behaviour: They are scavengers, feeding primarily on large carcasses. They nest in caves or cliff edges. The species is known for its long lifespan and slow reproduction rate.
Habitat: They inhabit rocky shrubland, coniferous forests, and oak savannas.
Range: Historically found throughout North America, they are now primarily located in California, Arizona, Utah, and Baja California in Mexico due to reintroduction programmes.
Threats & Conservation: The main threats are lead poisoning, habitat loss, and microtrash ingestion. Captive breeding, strict legal protection and public education programmes are key for effective conservation.
Interesting Fact: The California Condor was one of the world’s rarest bird species in the 1980s, with only 27 individuals left, all of which were taken into captivity for a captive breeding programme that helped the species survive
Common Name: Greater Yellow-headed Vulture
Scientific Name: Cathartes melambrotus
Status: Least Concern
Population Trend: Decreasing
Characteristics: This species has a wingspan of about 1.67 metres and weighs around 1.3 kg. They have a distinctive yellow head and dark body.
Behaviour: They feed mainly on carrion, using their strong sense of smell to locate food. They are solitary birds, often seen alone or in small groups.
Habitat: They inhabit tropical forests and wetlands.
Range: Found in South America, particularly in the Amazon Basin across Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Threats & Conservation: Habitat destruction and degradation are the primary threats. Conservation actions include habitat preservation and monitoring populations.
Interesting Fact: Greater Yellow-headed Vultures are one of the few bird species that have a well-developed sense of smell, which they use to locate food in dense forests.
Common Name: King Vulture
Scientific Name: Sarcoramphus papa
Status: Least Concern
Population Trend: Decreasing
Characteristics: King Vultures have a wingspan of about 2 metres and weigh between 2.7-4.5 kg. They have a striking appearance with white and black plumage, a brightly coloured head, and a prominent yellow-orange wattle.
Behaviour: They feed on carrion and are known to displace smaller vultures from carcasses. They nest in hollow trees or on cliff ledges.
Habitat: They live in tropical lowland forests.
Range: Their range extends from southern Mexico to northern Argentina.
Threats & Conservation: Habitat loss and hunting are significant threats. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and legal protection from hunting.
Interesting Fact: King Vultures are often depicted in Mayan codices and were considered to be kings of the birds by the ancient Maya.
Common Name: Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture
Scientific Name: Cathartes burrovianus
Status: Least Concern
Population Trend: Stable
Characteristics: They have a wingspan of about 1.66 metres and weigh around 1.2 kg. They have a yellow-orange head and dark brown to black body.
Behaviour: They primarily feed on carrion and use their keen sense of smell to locate food. They are typically solitary but can be seen in groups at large carcasses.
Habitat: They inhabit savannas, grasslands, and marshes.
Range: Found in Central and South America, from Mexico to Argentina.
Threats & Conservation: Threats include habitat destruction and environmental contamination. Conservation efforts include habitat management and protection.
Interesting Fact: Lesser Yellow-headed Vultures are one of the few vulture species adapted to living in wetland environments.
Common Name: Turkey Vulture
Scientific Name: Cathartes aura
Status: Least Concern
Population Trend: Stable
Characteristics: Turkey Vultures have a wingspan of up to 1.83 metres and weigh between 0.8-2.41 kg. They have a distinctive red head and dark body.
Behaviour: They feed mainly on carrion and have an excellent sense of smell to locate food. They are often seen soaring in circles using thermals to conserve energy.
Habitat: They live in a variety of habitats including forests, deserts, and grasslands.
Range: Their range extends from southern Canada through the United States to the southern tip of South America.
Threats & Conservation: Threats comprise of habitat destruction and poisoning from lead and other toxins. Conservation efforts include habitat protection and reducing environmental contaminants.
Interesting Fact: Turkey Vultures can be identified by their V-shaped wing posture, known as a dihedral, and their teetering flight style, where they rock from side to side.
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