What kind of vulture is the lappet-faced vulture?

The lappet-faced vulture is a large Old World vulture belonging to the genus Torgos.

They are the largest vulture in Africa, with their size and powerful physique dominating the skies. In English, they are called the 'Lappet-faced Vulture' or 'Nubian Vulture'. They play a vital role as scavengers in the ecosystem, efficiently cleaning up carcasses. They use their strong beaks to rip through hides and flesh and are capable of crushing bones. They are often seen chasing away other vultures to monopolize a meal due to their size and strength. While they may scavenge alone, they often travel in pairs. They build their nests high up in trees, constructing them from branches and leaves. Females usually lay a single egg. The egg hatches after about 56 days, and the chick fledges after approximately 160 days. Both parents share the responsibility of raising their young.

What do lappet-faced vultures eat?

Lappet-faced vultures primarily feed on carrion (the carcasses of dead animals), but they rarely attack live prey.

They use their sharp beaks to tear through the skin and flesh of carcasses. They are also capable of crushing bones. They have a preference for the carcasses of large mammals, such as wildebeest, zebra, and buffalo, and will swoop down from the sky to feed when they spot these remains. They may chase away other vultures to monopolize a meal. They will also eat small reptiles, birds, and insects. They are very adaptable in their diet.

[Quiz!] Do lappet-faced vultures get along with other vultures?

While lappet-faced vultures may sometimes feed alongside other vultures, they often try to chase them away and monopolize a meal.

Their size and strength give them dominance over other vultures. They may even steal carcasses discovered by other vultures. However, there are times when they cooperate with other vultures. For example, when a larger vulture, such as a cinereous vulture, tears open the hide of a carcass, the lappet-faced vulture can access the meat through the opening. They have a complex relationship with other vultures.

[Quiz!] Why are lappet-faced vulture populations declining?

The lappet-faced vulture is listed as 'Endangered' (EN) on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List.

Their numbers have been rapidly declining in recent years, and they are facing a severe threat of extinction. The main reason for their decline is human activity:

・Habitat loss: Human development is destroying their savanna and grassland habitats.

・Poaching: They are targeted by poachers for their feathers, talons, and beaks, which are highly valued in the illegal wildlife trade.

・Poisoning: They can be poisoned by consuming pesticides or poisoned bait.

・Collisions with power lines: They are often killed by collisions with power lines.

To protect lappet-faced vultures, it is crucial to conserve their habitat, prevent poaching, regulate the use of poisons, and mitigate collisions with power lines. We must also be aware of the current situation of lappet-faced vultures and take action to protect them.