White-backed vulture

Their highly acidic stomachs and powerful enzymes help break down and neutralize harmful bacteria and toxins present in the carcasses they feed on

John Haslam


White-backed vulture

EXEWCRENVUNTLCDDNE

Their highly acidic stomachs and powerful enzymes help break down and neutralize harmful bacteria and toxins present in the carcasses they feed on

Population 270,000
81% decline in population within three generations

Characterized by its distinctive white plumage on the back contrasting with its dark feathers, this majestic bird of prey commands attention as it soars gracefully through the African skies.

White-backed vultures are characterized by their impressive wingspan, which can reach up to 2.6 meters (8.5 feet). They have dark brown or black plumage, with a distinctive white patch on their backs, giving them their name. Their heads and necks are often bare, with a yellowish or pinkish skin coloration. They are social birds and are often seen in groups, soaring high in the sky in search of food

As nature’s clean-up crew, white-backed vultures play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. Specialized scavengers possess a robust build and large wingspan that enable them to cover vast distances in search of carrion. Their keen eyesight allows them to spot carcasses from great heights, while their bald heads and long, curved beaks are perfectly adapted for tearing through tough flesh, facilitating access to nutrient-rich meals.

In addition to their physical adaptations for scavenging, white-backed vultures have developed physiological mechanisms to cope with the challenges of their scavenger lifestyle. Their powerful digestive systems are capable of breaking down and neutralizing harmful bacteria and toxins present in decaying flesh, ensuring their survival despite the potential risks associated with their diet.

Despite their importance to ecosystem health, white-backed vultures face numerous threats that jeopardize their survival. Habitat loss, poisoning from ingesting contaminated carcasses, and collisions with man-made structures such as power lines pose significant risks to vulture populations across Africa. Additionally, the illegal wildlife trade and traditional medicine practices contribute to the decline of these magnificent birds.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Angola
2021
Benin
2021
Botswana
2021
Burkina Faso
2021
Burundi
2021
Cameroon
2021
Central Af. Rep.
2021
Chad
2021
Côte D’ivoire
2021
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
2021
Eritrea
2021
Eswatini
2021
Ethiopia
2021
Gambia
2021
Ghana
2021
Guinea-Bissau
2021
Guinea
2021
Kenya
2021
Lesotho
2021
Vagrant
Liberia
2021
Vagrant
Malawi
2021
Mali
2021
Mauritania
2021
Mozambique
2021
Namibia
2021
Niger
2021
Possibly Extant
Nigeria
2021
Possibly Extant
Rwanda
2021
Senegal
2021
Sierra Leone
2021
Somalia
2021
South Africa
2021
South Sudan
2021
Sudan
2021
Tanzania
2021
Togo
2021
Uganda
2021
Zambia
2021
Zimbabwe
2021

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Committee

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No