What kind of vulture is Rüppell's griffon vulture?

Rüppell's griffon vulture is a large vulture belonging to the genus Gyps.

They are distinguished from other vultures by their feathered heads and necks. They also have long, broad wings, allowing them to soar high and far. They have a brownish plumage, and adults have a white ruff of feathers around their necks. In English, they are called 'Rüppell's griffon vulture'. 'Rüppell's' is named after Eduard Rüppell, a German explorer who first described them in the 19th century. 'Griffon' refers to a legendary creature from Greek mythology, with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion. Rüppell's griffon vulture may have been named after this mythical creature due to its powerful appearance. They play a vital role in nature as scavengers, consuming the carcasses of dead animals. They use their sharp beaks to tear flesh from carcasses and can also crush bones. They can be solitary but are often found in groups of a few to several dozen individuals. They build their nests on cliffs or rocky ledges. The nests are made from branches, leaves, and other materials, and the female usually lays a single egg. The egg hatches after about 55 days, and the chick fledges after about 4 months. Both parents participate in raising their young.

What do Rüppell's griffon vultures eat?

Rüppell's griffon vultures mainly feed on carrion, the carcasses of dead animals. They rarely attack live animals.

They use their sharp beaks to tear through the hides and flesh of carcasses. They are also capable of crushing bones. They often cooperate with other vultures while feeding. After other vultures have consumed the skin and flesh, Rüppell's griffon vultures will feed on the remaining bones. They are particularly skilled at consuming bones.

[Quiz!] How high can Rüppell's griffon vultures fly?

Rüppell's griffon vultures are known as the highest-flying birds in the world.

On November 29, 1973, a Rüppell's griffon vulture collided with an airplane at an altitude of 37,000 feet (11,278 meters) over Abidjan, Ivory Coast! This is higher than the cruising altitude of commercial airliners! They have specialized respiratory systems that allow them to breathe in thin air. They can also soar for hours without flapping their wings, using thermals to gain altitude. They have excellent vision, enabling them to spot carrion from a great distance. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem as nature's cleanup crew.

[Quiz!] Why are Rüppell's griffon vulture populations declining?

The Rüppell's griffon vulture is listed as 'Critically Endangered' (CR) on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List.

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

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

・Poaching: Their feathers, talons, and beaks are highly valued and traded illegally.

・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 Rüppell's griffon vultures, it is crucial to conserve their habitat, prevent poaching, regulate the use of poisons, and mitigate collisions with power lines. We also need to be aware of the current situation of Rüppell's griffon vultures and take action to protect them.