Rüppells vulture

Once found flying 11,300 meters (37,100 ft) high, sadly, this was more of an accident than a discovery

Lip Kee


Rüppells vulture

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Once found flying 11,300 meters (37,100 ft) high, sadly, this was more of an accident than a discovery

Population 22,000
5.8% population decline per year

A Rüppell’sstriking and sociable bird of prey that inhabits the vast skies and open landscapes of sub-Saharan Africa. Named in honor of the German naturalist Eduard Rüppell, these vultures are a sight to behold with their majestic appearance and fascinating behaviors.

One of the most notable characteristics of Rüppell’s vulture is its social nature. Often seen congregating in groups, these vultures engage in silent gatherings, punctuated only by occasional vocalizations, particularly when scavenging on carcasses. Their communal feeding behavior is essential for their survival, as it allows them to efficiently locate and consume carrion, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem’s nutrient cycling process.

Despite their formidable appearance, Rüppell’s vultures possess unique adaptations for their scavenging lifestyle. Their bodies are adorned with a dense layer of downy feathers, providing insulation and protection from the elements. Interestingly, while their bodies are covered in feathers, their heads and necks are bare, which helps to prevent bacterial buildup when feeding on carcasses.

During moments of excitement or displays of dominance, the skin on their necks can flush bright red, adding to their already impressive appearance. This visual cue serves as a signal to other vultures, indicating their social status within the group hierarchy.

Rüppell’s vultures are primarily scavengers, feeding on the remains of large animals such as ungulates. Contrary to popular misconceptions, scavenging requires considerable energy and effort, as vultures must locate, assess, and compete to access carcasses. Despite their vital ecological role, these vultures face numerous threats, including habitat loss, poisoning from ingesting contaminated carcasses, and human persecution.

The decline in Rüppell’s vulture populations has raised concerns among conservationists, leading to efforts to protect and conserve these magnificent birds. Conservation initiatives focus on addressing the underlying causes of population decline, including habitat degradation, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and implementing measures to mitigate the impacts of poisoning.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Algeria
2021
Benin
2021
Botswana
2021
Seasonality Uncertain
Burkina Faso
2021
Burundi
2021
Cameroon
2021
Central Af. Rep.
2021
Chad
2021
Côte D’ivoire
2021
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
2021
Vagrant
Djibouti
2021
Egypt
2021
Non-Breeding
Eritrea
2021
Ethiopia
2,000 pairs
Official estimate
CR
2021
Gambia
2021
Ghana
2021
Gibraltar
2021
Passage
Guinea-Bissau
2021
Guinea
2021
Kenya
2,000 pairs
Official estimate
CR
2021
Lesotho
2021
Seasonality Uncertain
Malawi
2021
Seasonality Uncertain
Mali
2021
Mauritania
2021
Morocco
2021
Passage
Mozambique
2021
Seasonality Uncertain
Namibia
2021
Seasonality Uncertain
Niger
2021
Nigeria
2021
Portugal
2021
Non-Breeding
Rwanda
2021
Saudi Arabia
2021
Non-Breeding
Senegal
2021
Sierra Leone
2021
Non-Breeding
Somalia
2021
South Africa
2021
Seasonality Uncertain
South Sudan
2021
Spain
2021
Non-Breeding
Sudan
2,000 pairs
Official estimate
CR
2021
Tanzania
3,000 pairs
Official estimate
CR
2021
Togo
2021
Uganda
2021
Zambia
2021
Non-Breeding
Zimbabwe
2021
Seasonality Uncertain

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No