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Vultures in danger
‘The hooded vulture is critically endangered. In parts of Africa, people believe that the vulture has magical powers, which is why it is killed for rituals and amulets. This is often done using poisoned meat, which is causing the population to decline sharply.’
Discover in real lifeHabitat:
Forests and grasslands in sub-Saharan Africa
Food:
insects and carrion
Lifespan:
25 years
Weight:
1.8 - 2.2 kg
Eggs:
1 egg
Incubation period:
50 - 52 days
IUCN status:
critically endangered
EEP:
no
About the hooded vulture
The hooded vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) lives in forests and grasslands south of the Sahara and feeds on insects and carrion. It thus plays an important role as a scavenger in the natural world. This vulture lives to an average age of 25 years, weighs 1.8 to 2.2 kg and usually lays a single egg, which hatches after 50 to 52 days. Unfortunately, the monk vulture is seriously threatened because it is killed in some parts of Africa for traditional purposes, causing its numbers in the wild to decline sharply.
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Habitat and threats
The hooded vulture lives in forest and and grassland areas south of the Sahara. Here, it scours the skies for carcasses, playing an important role as nature's scavenger.
However, the hooded vulture's numbers are declining sharply. Poisoning, habitat loss an collisions with power lines are seriously threatening the species. As a result, the vulture is listed as 'critically endangered' on the IUCN Red List.
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Species conservation in Beekse Bergen
The status of the hooded vulture is critically endangered. Unfortunately, many of the animal species you see at Beekse Bergen are under threat and struggling in their natural habitats. Did you know that over 10,000 animal species worldwide are at risk of extinction? Together, we can help them—through big or small steps. Want to know how?