VULTURES IN THE SPOTLIGHT
“When I first agreed to do a quick illustration of a vulture, I had no idea I was setting myself on a path to be shocked and amazed by everything I would soon learn about these fascinating birds. If they have a bad reputation, it is only because of our lack of understanding about them. As I found out, nothing should hold us back from studying and caring for such intelligent, resilient yet gentle creatures.” - Eva Kunzová
Why Are VULTURES Important?
Vultures are more of a lifestyle than a taxonomic group. While New World vultures are related to storks, vultures from the Old World are closer to hawks and eagles.
Together there are 23 vulture species, nine of which are critically endangered, two are endangered, two are vulnerable, and populations of almost all species are in decline.
They all share a strict carrion diet, bald heads, long necks, wide wings, and an iconic place in the ecosystem. These well-known scavengers feed on animal carcasses, clean the land of rotting animals, and stop deadly diseases like anthrax or rabies from spreading out. This role is very important, especially during dry seasons when mortality among wild animals is highest.
With their wide wings, they can soar on air currents and can easily travel great distances looking for food.
They can even migrate across continents. Vultures are incredibly intelligent birds with complex social behaviors we barely understand. They build relationships not limited to mating partners. Species like the Egyptian Vulture and Bearded Vultures are known to paint themselves with red mud, though we are not certain why.
Their connection to death and decay has had a strong influence on the vulture’s reputation in many cultures. In some parts of the world, they are praised for keeping the landscape clean and are seen as a symbol of luck. In others, they evoke disgust and even fear, which causes their persecution and drives their extinction.
Luckily their important place in the environment has been recognized and there are many projects for their protection and reintroduction across all areas they used to occupy.
what are the challenges facing VULTURES?
Scavengers, vultures feed on any animal that has died regardless of what might have caused its death. Although their strong stomach acid can guard against most of the diseases that come from rotting flesh, the carcass can also pose a risk.
Poisoning, intentionally or accidentally, is without a doubt the biggest threat to vultures. Because they are at the top of the food chain, all the toxic substances in the carcass eventually end up in the stomach of a scavenger.
Farm animals treated with medications that are not safe for wildlife represent an immense threat to vultures. During the 1990s, India witnessed a massive collapse of the vulture population due to the mass use of diclofenac (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain reliever used in both people and animals). This widely available drug, used by local farmers to treat their cattle, causes kidney failure in vultures feeding on dead farm animals. Its use led to a more than 90% decline in the populations of the three endangered vulture species. Steps to regulate the use of diclofenac have been taken, yet, despite these efforts, illegal use of this cheap, available drug causes many areas of India to be dangerous for vultures.
The use of diclofenac and other medications that have been shown to be unsafe for wildlife has had devastating effects on scavengers in other parts of the world as well.
Poisoning nuisance wildlife is another practice that threatens vultures and other scavengers openly and directly. For villagers trying to guard themselves or their herds against dangerous carnivores, poison is often their first choice.
Although wildlife poisoning is illegal in many countries, it is a frequent practice in others. A single piece of poisoned bait can kill tens or hundreds of vultures. In many cases, the main targets are wolves, lions, and feral dogs… and consequently, vultures are accidentally killed. There is also a practice where poachers hunting large herbivores (elephants for ivory, rhinos for their horns) will put large amounts of poison in the body of the dead animal so its location is not given away by flying flocks of vultures. These poisonings can kill as many as a thousand vultures.
Collisions with power lines and electrocution are additional threats. Vultures are great flyers. Even when they are not migrating, they can cover great distances as they are looking for food on a daily basis. Many vultures fall victim to electrocution on their travels or due to collision with wind farms.
Whether cultural views on vultures are positive or negative, both seem to contribute to their disappearance. In the Alps, there was a belief that Bearded Vultures were infernal and would steal babies from their cribs drove; this lack of understanding led to their persecution and complete disappearance by the beginning of the 20th century. In Africa, where they are admired for their amazing sight, they are also associated with good luck. As a result, their body parts are sought after for talismans and are sold in the illegal trade markets, especially after a pandemic.
what can WE do to help?
STUDY VULTURES
A lack of understanding often holds people back from admiring vultures. So does the fact that for some they have a bad reputation or negative connotation. The best thing we can do is to learn more about these fascinating birds!
One of the most important areas of study is their biology and place in the food chain. We need to better understand how chemicals travel across the landscape and how widespread use of toxic substances (drugs, pesticides…) accumulates in bodies of predators and scavengers.
There is also plenty we do not yet understand about their behavior and social structure. You can follow some of the latest research on their social behavior or learn more about their migratory behavior and routes as they travel between countries or continents.
Vultures are great travelers and even if they do not nest in your country, chances are they do visit from time to time.
While most crow species do not need conservation measures, monitoring their populations can be indicative of ecological health, especially in urban ecology. For example, Crows can be considered indicator species in the context of the spread of the West Nile virus, and studying them can provide valuable information, as they are highly susceptible to the virus and can provide an early warning of its presence in an area. Additionally, studying the immune response of crows to the virus can provide insights into developing vaccines and treatments. This can help to develop more effective strategies for controlling the spread of the virus and reducing its impact on human and animal populations.
celebrate VULTURES
Share your knowledge and enthusiasm about vultures with others. Misinformation and cultural beliefs may have given them a bad reputation in some parts of the world and caused their decline in the past, but out-of-date ideas should not hinder their conservation today.
The 23 species of vultures vary in shape, color, size, and where they live in the world. For a visual artist, every single one of these birds can be an inspiration. Feature one in your next artwork, share it with the world, and spark interest in others.
The first Saturday of September is dedicated to “International Vulture Awareness Day”. You can participate on social media to share facts about your favorite vultures or join activities organized by your local organizations.
protect VULTURES
The best thing we can do for vultures is to ensure that our environments are free of toxic substances and safe for the birds to travel through and nest in
Be mindful of what you bring to the ecosystem. Make sure you use wildlife-safe medications and avoid using pesticides if possible.
Look for alternative ways to deal with wildlife conflict.
Support projects making power lines bird-safe.
Follow and support organizations protecting local vulture populations and working on their reintroduction to their native areas.