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GALLERIES > BIRDS > FALCONIFORMES > ACCIPITRIDAE > CAPE VULTURE [Gyps coprotheres]


Cape Vulture Picture
 
 

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SPECIES INFO

The Cape Griffon or Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres) is an Old World vulture in the family Accipitridae, which also includes eagles, kites, buzzards and hawks. It is endemic to southern Africa, and is found mainly in South Africa, Lesotho and Botswana. It nests on cliffs and usually lays one egg per year.

This vulture is dark brown except for the pale wing coverts. The adult is paler than the juvenile, and its underwing coverts can appear almost white at a distance. The average length is about 1 m (3.3 ft) with a wingspan of about 2.4 m (7.9 ft) and a body weight of 9.4 kg (21 lb). They are on average the largest raptor in Africa, although they are subservient to the powerful Lappet-faced Vulture.

The species is listed by the IUCN as "Vulnerable", the major problems it faces being poisoning, disturbance at breeding colonies and electrocution. The current population is estimated at 8,000.





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