Vultures – The Unsung Heroes | Asilia Africa

Vultures are certainly not the most attractive of all the bird species to be found in East Africa. Their bald head, long crooked neck, and hunched profile has done nothing for their portrayal and reputation over the years. In light of International Vulture Awareness Day (the first Saturday in September), we’re looking at these under-appreciated scavengers and the crucial role they play in maintaining the health of the ecosystem.

Vultures are typically seen in one of two situations: Gracefully circling overhead, using their majestic wingspan to effortlessly climb the thermals with minimal physical exertion; or neck deep in the bowels and inner workings of a carcass’s digestive system. The bald or lightly feathered head of a vulture is thought to be a strategic evolution to help keep the head clean when feeding, but it also plays an important role in thermoregulation. In cooler conditions, vultures will often tuck back their heads towards their bodies, while in warmer weather they’ll extend their necks. These actions help to maintain a balance between heat gain and loss though heat exchange with the environment, allowing the bird to maintain a relatively stable body temperature.

Species

There are 11 different species of vulture in Africa. 8 of which can be found across Kenya and Tanzania:

White-backed Vulture

White-headed Vulture

Rüppell’s Vulture

Hooded Vulture

Lappet-faced Vulture

Egyptian Vulture

Bearded Vulture

Palm-nut Vulture

4 of these species are listed as Critically Endangered (White-backed, White-headed, Rüppell’s, and Hooded), while the Lappet-faced and Egyptian are listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List.

Waste Management

Vultures have been specifically designed to play an important role in the cleaning of the ecosystem. Their sharp, hooked beaks can tear through animal hides and strip flesh from bones. Their stomach acid is extremely corrosive, allowing them to safely digest rotting carcasses riddled with dangerous bacteria that would be considered deadly to other scavengers, therefore removing these dangerous bacteria from the environment. Their powerful digestive system removes all unhealthy toxins, allowing them to recycle nutrients back into the landscape, benefitting plant growth and supporting other wildlife. Without the presence of vultures, carcasses would not be fully broken down and there would be an increase in disease transmission amongst other scavengers, and potentially even to humans through blood-sucking insects like mosquitoes. Their conservation status and declining numbers is, therefore, an important cause for concern.

Fun fact: A group of vultures in flight is called a “kettle”, but when they descend to the ground to feed, they are called a “wake”, which seems perfectly appropriate.

Feeding

Vultures are primarily scavengers. In rare occasions they may attack and kill wounded or sick animals, but they typically rely on other predators to provide them with their food source. The characteristic circling on thermals has long been associated with the vulture’s scavenging process, using their superior eyesight and the elevation advantage to spot hunting activities in motion and potential opportunities to scavenge. Long before a lion or cheetah has been successful in its hunting endeavours, vultures may already have started following their progress, eager to be on the scene as early as possible. Similarly, the presence of hyena or jackal may also pique their curiosity for a potential carcass. While vultures rely on other predators and scavengers to alert them to the presence of food, the interplay and relationship is by no means one sided. The sight of vultures descending from the skies is a clear signal to scavengers and other vultures in the surrounding area, summoning them to the scene of the kill.

When there is an abundance of food, vultures will gorge themselves until their crops (an expandable section of their digestive tract used for storing food prior to digestion) are full and bulging. The crop is usually used for regurgitation when feeding young chicks but will also be used as a storage compartment to be filled when the food is available. However, it is very seldom that vultures will actually have the luxury of time on a carcass, as other scavengers like jackal and hyena will usually be competing for the same food source.

Threats

Nearly all threats to vultures are as a result of human activities. Power cables and wind turbines cause electrocutions and collisions, but the illegal bush meat trade accounts for a significant number of deaths. Body parts are retrieved for use in traditional medicine, specifically the brains, which in some cultures are believed to provide powers of foresight. Poaching syndicates are a major threat to the survival of vultures. In the same way that a safari guide may use circling vultures as a sign of a possible kill, anti-poaching teams rely on them as an additional warning system of potential poaching activity. Unfortunately, ivory and rhino horn poachers will often poison the carcasses with the intention of killing vultures, to prevent their warning signals when the poachers return to make further kills. Human-Wildlife Conflict and unintentional poisoning adds another layer of threat, as farmers may use poisons to combat predators attacking their livestock. If a vulture feeds on a carcass of a predator killed by poison, it may suffer the same fate.

The significant role vultures play in maintaining a balanced and healthy ecosystem cannot be overlooked. While they may not be the most attractive bird you are likely to see on your safari, it could be argued that they are the most important for the success and welfare of the wider environment.

Start planning your safari today to see these unsung heroes in action.