At a glance
- IUCN category
- VU · Vulnerable
- Animal group
- Birds
- Population trend
- Stable
- Last verified
Conservation overview
The Cape vulture is a large scavenging vulture of southern Africa that breeds on cliffs in colonies. It is assessed as Vulnerable.
It feeds on the carcasses of large animals.
Range & habitat
Southern Africa.
Major threats
Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.
- Poisoning
- Collisions and electrocution on power lines
- Reduced food and disturbance
Why it matters
A cliff-nesting scavenger of southern Africa, the Cape vulture is part of the continent's vulture crisis and a flagship for safe power infrastructure and poison-free landscapes.
Sources
Sources for Cape Vulture
- IUCN Red List — look up Cape Vulture (authoritative status)
- BirdLife International
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Cape vultures nest?
They breed colonially on cliff ledges in southern Africa, returning to traditional sites year after year.
Why is the Cape vulture Vulnerable?
Published assessments cite poisoning, collisions and electrocution on power lines, and reduced food and disturbance. See the IUCN Red List for the current assessment.
Last updated: