Hooded vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus).
Image: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
At a glance
- IUCN category
- CR · Critically Endangered
- Animal group
- Birds
- Population trend
- Decreasing
- Last verified
Conservation overview
The hooded vulture is a small, widespread African vulture often seen near settlements. It is assessed as Critically Endangered after steep declines.
It is a scavenger that helps clean up waste and carcasses.
Range & habitat
Sub-Saharan 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
- Killing for belief-based use and bushmeat
- Habitat change
Why it matters
A familiar African scavenger now in crisis, the hooded vulture is part of the continent-wide collapse of vultures and the loss of their sanitation role.
Gallery
Hooded vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus); a juvenile.
Image: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Sources
Sources for Hooded Vulture
- IUCN Red List — look up Hooded Vulture (authoritative status)
- BirdLife International
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are hooded vultures often seen near people?
Why is the hooded vulture Critically Endangered?
Last updated: