Misunderstood and often maligned, these highly social birds are Nature’s Clean-up Crew. As scavengers vultures perform some of the most important ecosystem services of all birds. By clearing away rotting carcasses and other organic waste in the environment, and by doing this much faster than any mammalian scavenger species, vultures not only prevent outbreaks of bacterial diseases such as anthrax, but also the spread of viral diseases such as rabies.
The bad news is that African Vultures face a multitude of threats to their existence and are in deep trouble, with most species officially classified as critically endangered. The good news is that we are working to help safeguard the future of these amazing birds through awareness, education and creation of Vulture Safe Zones. Please help us to save them.
