His wings wide, a white-back vulture arrives to claim a remaining bone from an old kill.

They had been on the kill for almost a week. The elephant had died of natural causes, and the cycle of its remains was mostly digested by large predators, such as hyenas and lions, as well as smaller ones, such as jackals. The only constants throughout were the vultures. Their presence remained for any scraps of the carrion left behind, and they were not intimidated by the apex predators. It was essentially free for all.

He had circled high in the air for a short while, spotting a small piece of the remains that still seemed untouched or unnoticed by the others of his committee. His interest peeked as he manoeuvred closer, spotting a hyena gnawing on the large skeletal remains further along. The other vultures seemingly had not noticed this possible treasure of a small carrion piece in the grasses further away. As he swept in, his large wings wide on landing, a few of the closer vultures hopped away, heeding his warning screech. They were still a little close to his find, and he turned, his grey-golden wings wide like a sentinel, letting them know they should not approach. With the bystanders now gone, he turned his attention to his find.

The Vital White-Backed Vulture: Guardians of Africa's Ecosystem

The white-backed vulture, known for its distinctive appearance and crucial ecological role, is a prominent and widespread species in Africa. This vulture is easily recognisable by its white neck ruff and a head and neck covered only with down feathers. Its broad wings and short tail feathers make it a formidable presence in the skies, with a wingspan reaching up to 7.5 feet. The contrast between the white upper wings and brown underside adds to its striking look. 

Living up to 20 years, the white-backed vulture is an essential part of Africa's ecosystem. It thrives in the wooded savannahs, feeding primarily on the carcasses of large grazing animals. This obligate scavenger is one of the first to arrive at a carcass and is often seen feeding in groups, making it a gregarious species at feeding sites. Its diet consists exclusively of carrion, and by consuming flesh before it rots, the white-backed vulture prevents the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses. Its stomach acids are incredibly potent, neutralising pathogens and reducing the risk of diseases spreading to humans and other animals. 

Despite its importance, the white-backed vulture has sadly faced a drastic population decline. Initially classified as a species of Least Concern in 1988 due to its large range and population, its status was escalated to Critically Endangered by October 2015. The population has decreased by 90% over the last three generations, putting the species at  extreme risk of extinction. Currently, there are only about 7,350 mature white-backed vultures left in the wild. This alarming decline underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these vital scavengers.

White-backed vultures play an irreplaceable role in their ecosystem, and their loss would have significant repercussions. As natural waste managers, they help maintain the balance of their habitat, preventing the spread of diseases and controlling insect populations. Protecting this species is not only about preserving a unique bird but also about maintaining the health and stability of the African savannah ecosystems they help sustain.

Feathered Friends Collection

Welcome to our feathered friends, with their flights of fancy, twitchers' delight, and the lightest touch.

Ever-present in our lives, birds fill the skies, settle in tree branches, and thrive on the ground. Their movements fill us with delight and awe, and their silence is broken by delightful songs or anxious craws. This collection celebrates these moments in time with our feathered friends.