More Information on the Cape Griffon Vulture The Rare and Endangered Species Trust Endangered Wildlife Trust: Vulture Study Group DeWildt Nature Center Cape Vulture Stamps Information Cape Vultures Hatched at the Pretoria Zoo! Article: Mass Vulture Poisoning Raises Alarm |
Size: Cape Griffons are arguably the largest of all the African Vultures, being similar in size to the Lappet-Faced vulture. Although Lappet-Faced vultures appear more aggresive, they are easily dominated by the powerful Cape Griffon. Voice: Like other members of the Griffon family, the Cape Griffon utters a combination of high-pitched, hoarse squeals. They are particularly vocal when feeding, defending their food noisily from smaller vultures as well as eachother. Diet/Feeding: Feeding solely on dead animals, the Cape Griffon's diet consists of nothing smaller than antelope. They are invariably the dominant figure at feeding sites, capable of holding out against jackals and even warhogs. Flight: Range/Habitat: The Cape Griffon is found throughout southern Africa, but its distribution is becoming patchy due to excessive impacts of inadvertent poisoning. Behavior: Life Cycle: Reaching sexual maturity no earlier than five years, the Cape Griffon Breeding: This extremely social vulture breeds in colonies, on cliff faces. The female lays a single egg, and shares the responsibilities of incubation and feeding with her lifelong mate. Status: The cape griffon vulture is endemic to southern Africa. It is officially listed as "vulnerable," a status similar to "threatened." This species suffers from secondary poisoning, disturbance of nesting sites, and electrocution. There is only one remaining colony in Namibia, consisting of seven to eleven individuals. Recognized as the most endangered species in the country, actions are being taken to introduce captive bred Cape Griffons from South Africa to bring the population back to a sustainable level. Folklore, Misc. Information: Not only is the Cape Griffon persecuted by farmers, but the body parts of this culturally significant bird are commonly harvested for use in "muti," or witch-doctor medicine. Among the many myths surrounding the use of vulture parts is the consumption of the bird's brain. The vulture is believed to have clairvoyant properties which explain their ability to find carcasses almost immediately after their death. The individual who consumes the brain supposedly recieves the same clairvoyance. Also, posessing the dried foot of a Cape Griffon vulture is believed to bring luck in betting. A Cape Griffon Vulture in many languages: Scientific Name: Gyps coprotheres (feces-eating vulture) English: Cape Griffon Vulture, Cape Vulture, Kolbe's Griffon French: Vautour du Cap |
Cape Griffon Vulture Gyps coprotheres |
More Information on the Cape Griffon Vulture The Rare and Endangered Species Trust Endangered Wildlife Trust: Vulture Study Group DeWildt Nature Center Cape Vulture Stamps Information Cape Vultures Hatched at the Pretoria Zoo! Article: Mass Vulture Poisoning Raises Alarm |
