KwaZulu-Natal is home to the southernmost breeding range of three tree-nesting vulture species, one of which is the lappet-faced vulture. Globally, vultures are currently experiencing population declines, and the lappet-faced vulture population in KZN has sparked the interest of conservationists.
The birds are fascinating creatures and knowledge is power. Here is everything you need to know about these feathery friends.
Appearance
Known as the largest vulture in Africa, the lappet-faced vulture boasts broad wings and a large, powerful beak capable of tearing tissues off carcasses with ease. They are also known for their distinct appearance; a bare pink head and the folds of skin on either side of its neck, called lappets – hence the name.
The lappet-faced vulture has a wingspan of 2.7 metres. Credit: Nik Borrow/Flickr Commons
This vulture is powerful enough to drive off a jackal, and can dissect a carcass in ways that other scavengers cannot.
Diet
A lappet-faced vulture and a white-backed vulture sharing a meal. Credit: Regina Hart/Flickr Commons
Lappet-faced vultures are carnivorous scavengers and consume the carrion of game. On occasion, they eat small animals such as birds, and they may also steal food from other raptors.
Habitat
Lappet-faced vultures prefer dry savannahs, deserts, or at least semi-arid areas that consist mainly of short grass, thorny bushes and scattered trees. Open habitat is ideal for foraging, but trees are crucial for nesting and roosting.
Breeding
Lappet-faced chicks. Credit: Rob Bixby/Flickr Commons
Lappet-faced vultures are monogamous breeders and prefer to be far away from other pairs that are nesting during mating season. They intensely defend their nests and their mating partners.
Mating season varies upon the region, and one egg is laid per season and according to Animalia, the incubation period is approximately seven to eight weeks. Chicks are born in white down, excluding their grey head and neck.
Chicks gain independence around 125 days, and lappet-faced vultures only reach sexual maturity when they are about six years old.
Behaviour
A flock of lappet-faced vultures and white-backed vultures. Credit: Regina Hart/Flickr Commons
Despite their overtly intimidating demeanour, lappet-faced vultures are one of the shiest vultures, except during feeding time. Despite being primarily solitary creatures, they tend to live in pairs and can gather in flocks with as many as 50 vultures or other raptors.
Whilst usually silent, when they are at a feeding site, they will grunt, hiss, howl, and yelp to deter other vultures.
Distribution
These vultures are found throughout the African continent, from the southern Sahara down to the Sahel, throughout east Africa, and as far as northern South Africa. They are also found in the Middle East. They are not migratory creatures, except for populations in West Africa, which travel north during rainy seasons, and south during dry seasons.
Status
Currently, under the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species, the lappet-faced vulture is classified as endangered, with numbers rapidly decreasing. Their primary threat is humans, as many vultures die from either accidental or intentional poisoning.
Their main food source – carcasses – is also declining due to agriculture, hunting, pollution, and urbanisation.
Primary source: Animalia
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