The Role of Vultures in the Ecosystem

Vultures: Physical and morphological features

Vultures are large birds of prey that belong to the Falconiformes order. They are gregarious by nature, meaning they live in flocks. As for their appearance, these scavengers are characterized by their size, with a hood-shaped beak and resistant feet. Some species of vultures can measure over 6 feet, with an average weight of between 13 and 22 pounds.

Unlike the majority of birds of prey, like eagles and falcons, vultures have flat feet. This makes it difficult for them to trap or eat live animals, and nearly impossible to perform hunting maneuvers. It also explains why vultures tend to feed almost exclusively on the meat of decomposing animals.

Most people tend to find the appearance of vultures to be unattractive. First, their plumage is inconspicuous, in tones of brown and beige, and their heads tend to be bald. In addition, many adult vultures develop rosy flesh around their necks and heads. However, despite their unpleasant appearance and habits, the role of vultures in the ecosystem is fundamental.

These birds demonstrate great physical resistance and a noteworthy ability to adapt. That means we can find vultures living in forests, deserts, savannas, or on very isolated cliffs. In fact, American vultures occupy territories from northern Canada all the way down to the southern tip of Argentina.

The different species of vultures

There are more than 20 species of vultures in the world, divided into two large families: Cathartidae and Accipitridae.

Cathartidae vultures are often referred to as “New World vultures” because they inhabit the American continent. Among this family, there are 7 different species, which are the following:

• California condors
• Turkey vultures
• Black vultures
• King vultures
• Andean condors–one of the largest flying birds in the entire world
• Lesser yellow-headed vultures
• Greater yellow-headed vultures

All other vultures belong to the Accipitridae family and occupy every other continent except Oceania and Antarctica. Among this family, there is a long list of known species, among which we can mention the following:

• Palm-nut vultures
• Bearded vultures
• Cinereous vultures
• Rüppell’s vultures
• Griffon vultures
• Egyptian vultures
• Red-headed vultures
• Himalayan vultures
• Hooded vultures
• White-headed vultures
• Indian vultures
• White-backed vultures

The important role of vultures in the ecosystem

As scavengers, vultures help to control decomposing organic material that comes from dead animals.

If it weren’t for vultures consuming this decomposing meat, it would become a dangerous focal point of illnesses and infections. Of course, it would be impossible for human beings to clear and sanitize each tiny corner of this immense planet. Fortunately, by nature, vultures fulfill a cleaning function that, among other things, prevents the spread of many zoonotic diseases.

The conservation status of vultures

Unfortunately, a growing number of vultures die of poisoning as a consequence of consuming contaminated meat. This occurs when an animal consumes a toxic substance, dies, and then a vulture eats it. The poison then spreads directly to the bird through the ingestion of contaminated blood and tissue.

This phenomenon is frequent in countries where wild animals commonly enter urban and rural areas. For example, in India, Nepal, and Pakistan, where animals often enter cities in search of an easy meal. There, due to ignorance or hunger, they may consume cleaning products, rat poison, or other toxic substances.

The excessive encroachment of human civilizations upon the natural habitat of numerous species causes harmful consequences to the environment. And that’s what happens when we interfere in the role of vultures in the ecosystem. In doing so, we contribute to the accumulation of decomposing organic material.

The interference of man in the normal development of nature has its consequences. Among them, the dissemination of an enormous amount of severe pathologies and contamination in general.