African vultures
As scavengers, vultures play an unparalleled role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Yet, they are among the species most threatened species with extinction, with African vultures being the most endangered group of birds in the world.
Over a period of 30 years, African vulture populations have declined by more than 80%. In some regions of West Africa, outside protected areas, vulture populations have declined by more than 97%.
Vultures are diurnal birds of prey, characterized by their scavenger diet. Their imposing size (1,5 to 3m wing spans) and distinctive morphological characteristics, such as a powerful beak and a long, plucked neck, make them easy to identify.
Among the 11 African vultures’ species, six are resident in the Sahelo-Saharan region, mostly located in Sahelian savannahs nesting in either trees or cliffs, but Eurasian migrants can also be observed.
Their geographical repartition differs from one species to another.
As scavengers, vultures play an unparalleled role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. By efficiently consuming carrion, they help control the spread of diseases and of facultative scavenger species that may be detrimental to wildlife, humans, and livestock; increase the decomposition rate of carcasses positively affecting transmission of nutrients to the soil. Yet, they are among the species most threatened species with extinction, with African vultures being the most endangered group of birds in the world.
Egyptian vulture
Scientific name:
Neophron percnopterus
IUCN Red list status:
Endangered
Left in the wild:
12,400 to 36,000
Distribution:
Only long-distance migratory vultures. Can be found in Europe, Africa and Asia
Hooded vulture
Scientific name:
Necrosyrtes monachus
IUCN Red list status :
Critically endangered
Left in the wild:
131,000 individuals
Distribution:
Widespread in Africa south of the Sahara
Rüppell’s vulture
Scientific name:
Gyps Rueppelli
IUCN Red list status :
Critically endangered
Left in the wild:
22,000 individuals
Distribution:
Used to only occur in Sahel region but have recently extended their range to the Iberian Peninsula and are now considered as a European vulture as well
White-headed vulture
Scientific name:
Trigonoceps occipitalis
IUCN Red list status :
Critically endangered
Left in the wild:
5,500 individuals
Distribution:
Large range in sub-Saharan Africa
White-backed vulture
Scientific name:
Gyps Africanus
IUCN Red list status :
Critically endangered
Left in the wild:
About 270,000 individuals
Distribution:
Africa
Lappet-faced vulture
Scientific name:
Torgos tracheliotos
IUCN Red list status:
Endangered
Left in the wild:
6,500 individuals
Distribution:
Africa and Middle East
Threats and challenges
Threats to vultures highly vary in space and extent, adding up and sometimes jeopardizing the same species or even the same individuals for migratory birds.
Vulture’s decline in the region is mostly attributed to a combination of habitat loss, poisoning and persecution.
Poisoning is the major threat worldwide, with baits directly targeting vultures or falling as unintentional victims of human-carnivores due to their scavenging habits.
Illegal killing for belief-based use has been identified as the main threats to vulture in West Africa. Eggs, body parts or whole carcasses are sold for a wide range of medical and personal uses.
Sahara Conservation is committed to halt the decline of endangered vultures, by sharing capacity and filling the knowledge gap on these species in these remote parts of the world. By developing a regional and adapted approach, we aim to effectively contribute to their conservation in the short and longer term.
Useful resources
Multi Species Action Plan to conserve African Eurasian vultures
