Cape Vulture

The Cape Vulture, known scientifically as Gyps coprotheres, is a majestic bird of prey, part of the Accipitridae family. It is a large vulture, with adults boasting a creamy-buff plumage contrasted by darker flight and tail feathers. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with the adult's underwing coverts appearing almost white from a distance, while the juvenile is darker with more streaking. The head and neck are nearly bare, with yellowish eyes and a stark black bill. This bird is one of Africa's largest raptors, with a wingspan stretching between 2.26 and 2.6 meters and a body weight ranging from 7 to 11 kilograms.

Identification Tips

To identify the Cape Vulture, look for the two prominent bare skin patches at the base of the neck, a feature it shares with the white-backed vulture. These patches are believed to be thermal sensors. The Cape Vulture is distinguishable from the similar white-backed vulture by its larger size and yellow irises.

Habitat

The Cape Vulture is typically found in mountainous regions where it breeds and roosts on cliff faces. It can be observed up to elevations of 3,100 meters.

Distribution

Endemic to southern Africa, the Cape Vulture resides mainly in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, and parts of northern Namibia. While it is a resident breeder in these areas, it is considered vagrant in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.

Behaviour

Cape Vultures are obligate scavengers, feeding on carrion and locating food sources as a group. They have excellent eyesight, which allows them to spot carcasses from great distances. They are known to be more efficient at locating carcasses than ground-dwelling scavengers.

Breeding

Cape Vultures lay one egg per year, nesting on cliff ledges. Juveniles and adults prefer roosting on cliffs close to colonies, and there is evidence to suggest that they return to their birth area for breeding. The post-fledging dependency period for fledglings is about 101 days.

Conservation Status

The Cape Vulture was classified as Endangered in 2015 but was down-listed to Vulnerable in 2021. The population is estimated to be between 9,600 and 12,800 mature individuals. Threats include poisoning, habitat loss, and climate change.

Similar Species

The Cape Vulture is similar in appearance to the white-backed vulture but can be differentiated by its larger size and yellow irises.

Diet and Feeding

Cape Vultures consume carrion, preferring soft muscle, organ tissues, and some bone fragments. They are highly social in their feeding habits, often searching for food in groups.

Human Wildlife Conflict

Human-wildlife conflict remains a challenge, with some farmers using poison to control predators, inadvertently affecting vulture populations. Awareness campaigns and changes in legislation are suggested to mitigate these issues.