conservation
When we change how we see things, the things we see change. While we readily appreciate nature’s beauty and grandeur, its harsher, more unfiltered side is often misunderstood and not always considered with the same reverence or respect. The natural world hangs in a delicate balance, persisting through continued interaction between its many facets. Every species and storm has a specific, vital part to play in preserving and sustaining it. Only by observing all of nature can we fully appreciate its magnificence and work meaningfully for its holistic benefit. Vultures are mostly seen as ugly, villainous harbingers of gloom – even symbols of death and decay – whose only function is to scavenge and scare. But like all things in nature, the closer we look, the more we uncover.
There are 23 species of vulture in the world, divided into two groups: New World and Old World vultures. Africa is home to 11 species of the latter, and South Africa to seven. These are divided between tree and cliff-dwelling birds. As scavengers, vultures are responsible for cleaning ecosystems by disposing of carcasses. Their strong stomach enzymes kill dangerous microorganisms, preventing diseases from spreading, and they help recycle nutrients back into the environment. Vultures often feed in large groups. Different species gather, leveraging their unique beak designs and head shapes to strip carcasses of their carrion completely. Some species even eat bones, leaving nothing to waste. Their bald heads aid thermoregulation and prevent bacteria and parasites from sticking to
Left White-backed Vultures have a wingspan of around two metres. Above A White-headed Vulture displays its keen gaze. Following spread Dead trees serve as a safe and sturdy vantage point.
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