Dave Taylor's African Safari: Scavengers and Decomposers - White-backed Vulture

Scavengers and Decomposers
White-backed Vulture
Page 5

Gyps africanus

Length: 90 cm (35")

Status: They are decreasing in numbers but are still common. This is the most commonly seen vulture in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.

Habitat: The white-backed vulture occurs up to an altitude of 3 000 meters (9,840 feet). It likes open country, open bush and woodlands. Its habitat preferences are very similar to the Ruppell’s Griffon vultures. That it is more common in the Serengeti-Mara than the Griffon vulture is most likely due to its ability to nest in trees. The Griffon’s reliance on cliffs is probably the limiting factor as there are not many suitable areas in the ecosystem for them to nest.

Food: White-backed vultures are the most common vulture in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. At any carcass where large numbers of vultures are present, they will be in the majority.

One hundred of these birds can strip a 50 kilogram (110 pound) carcass bare in ten minutes.

Social System/Behavior: White-backed vultures will nest in loose colonies of ten pairs or more. The nests are located on the tops of trees. A breeding colony is often located centrally in a lion's territory.

A single white egg is laid in the nest and is incubated by both parents. Incubation lasts 56 to 58 days. Once hatched, the chick will be attended day and night for the first 50 days. The off-duty parent brings food back to the nest and regurgitates it for the young bird.

Predators: Few species prey on this bird but a lion or spotted hyena may sometimes succeed in grabbing and killing one.

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