conservation
the natural
world
hangs
in a delicate
balance
their feathers during feeding. However, not all vulture species are bald. Some have impressive, colourful plumage and are remarkably beautiful. Generally much cleaner than we’re led to believe, vultures bathe regularly and, through a process called ‘urohydrosis’, excrete highly acidic waste over their legs. This helps them disinfect their bodies and talons after feeding. African vultures’ strong eyesight helps them spot carcasses from up to several miles away. In some instances, vultures circling a kill (not all species do this – typically, circling indicates a food search) have successfully alerted conservationists to nearby poaching activity, prompting successful intervention. Vultures traverse vast distances. Some species travel up to 200 km per day in search of food, using thermal air currents to reach great heights
and move around without expending much energy. In extreme circumstances, like famine, vultures may collaborate to kill and feed on small animals. They only choose prey that is already injured or sick, and will likely not survive anyway. The wider culture encourages us to dislike or even fear vultures, but nature shows us why we shouldn’t. Vultures represent continuation and cooperation. Like all species in nature, they exist to maintain the health and balance of the Earth. In this thankless role, they continue to excel. *Seven of the 11 vulture species in Africa are currently either critically endangered or endangered due to poisoning and poaching activities. Learn more about how we’re working to protect and preserve this vulnerable species, in partnership with the Singita Lowveld Trust (SLT) and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), here .
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