Cape Vulture
The Cape is South Africa’s only prevalent vulture species and plays a vital role in the ecosystem. Scavenging and consuming carrion prevents the transmission of diseases and stops the proliferation of bacteria that could harm the environment and the animals who live within it.
The Cape vulture is as unappreciated as they come! Habitat loss, electrocution from power lines, and poisoning from agricultural chemicals puts them at risk. While many African communities value the birds for their symbolism of life and death, others believe consuming parts of the bird will allow for the bird’s wisdom and clairvoyance to pass on to a person, making poaching a threat. They also suffer the same fate as the brown hyena, taking the blame for killing livestock, despite being strictly foragers.
Details
Size: Their wingspan expands as wide as 2.6 meters/8.5 feet. The species is among the largest raptors on the African continent.
Families: Cape Vultures live in open grasslands and woodlands throughout southern Africa. They are also commonly found on the faces of high cliffs, where they nest. On these cliffs, you will find up to 1000 breeding pairs. Cape vultures are the only vultures in this region to live together in large colonies.
Interesting Fact: Cape vultures fly in groups for long distances in search of food. They are the highest flying vultures in southern Africa.
[these maps are approximate]
