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.
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?
Unlike some larger vultures, the hooded vulture frequently scavenges around towns, markets, and abattoirs, helping clean up scraps and waste.
Why is the hooded vulture Critically Endangered?
Published assessments cite poisoning, killing for belief-based use and bushmeat, and habitat change, which have driven steep declines. See the IUCN Red List.
Last updated: