Gyps africanus
The White-backed Vulture (*Gyps africanus*) is a medium-sized Old World vulture, distinguished by its creamy-white underparts, dark flight feathers, and, most notably, a stark white rump and lower back in adults, contrasting with a darker upper back. They typically measure 78-98 cm in length, boast an impressive wingspan of 1.96-2.27 meters, and weigh between 4.2-7.2 kg. Juveniles are browner overall with a less distinct white back, gradually acquiring adult plumage over several years. Taxono...
White-backed Vultures primarily inhabit open savanna, grasslands, and thornbush, often near acacia woodlands which provide essential nesting and roosting trees. They are typically found from sea level up to moderate elevations of around 3,000 meters.
White-backed Vultures are obligate scavengers, feeding almost exclusively on the carrion of medium to large mammals, particularly ungulates, which they locate primarily by sight while soaring.
These highly social raptors are diurnal, spending their days soaring effortlessly on thermals, often at great heights, scanning the landscape for carrion. Roosting occurs communally in large trees, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, providing safety and information exchange. Foraging is coopera...
The White-backed Vulture's historical breeding range encompassed much of sub-Saharan Africa, stretching from Senegal in the west, across the Sahel and East Africa, and south to South Africa. While still broadly distributed, the species is now resident in a highly fragmented and significantly cont...
Critically Endangered
- Despite their large wingspan, White-backed Vultures are among the smallest of the *Gyps* vultures. - They are considered a 'keystone species' in their ecosystem, preventing the spread of diseases by rapidly consuming animal carcasses. - These vultures can locate a carcass from altitudes of up t...