DID YOU KNOW?

Cape vultures like to take a dip in the pool (a local waterhole) after feeding.

​

One of the largest and heaviest vultures of South Africa, Cape Vultures are part of the “Old World” vulture family. The locals revere them for their excellent eyesight which allows them to spot carcasses from great distances and this talent has made them a mystical being in some cultures. Some cultures believe that they have supernatural telepathic abilities and sometimes hunt and consume them in order to gain their powers.   

 

They are South Africa’s only native vulture, also found in Botswana and Mozambique. They can be spotted soaring high up in the mountains as they look for food and they like to build their nests high up on mountain cliffs. Unlike animals who hunt and kill other animals, Vultures are scavengers e and never hunt their own food, but rather rely on animals who have already died.  They play a critical role in removing rotting carcasses from the environment and prevent the spread of diseases in local communities. They are very social and scavenge in groups. They communicate with each other by a series of hisses and cackles. ​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT STATUS: 

This species is currently listed as endangered.

 

CHALLENGES:

Major threats to cape vultures include poisoning and collisions with vehicles and power lines. The animal remains they feast on are sometimes poisoned by farmers who leave the remains for other predators such as leopards. When these vultures eat the poisoned carcasses meant for leopards, they are harmed instead. In recent years, they have also died from electrocution after hitting power lines.