At a glance
- IUCN category
- CR · Critically Endangered
- Animal group
- Birds
- Population trend
- Stable
- Last verified
Conservation overview
The red-headed vulture is a striking scavenger with a bare red head, once widespread in Asia. It is assessed as Critically Endangered after steep declines.
Like other Asian vultures it was hit hard by drug poisoning.
Range & habitat
South and Southeast Asia.
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, including veterinary drugs in carcasses
- Reduced food
- Habitat change
Why it matters
Part of the South Asian vulture collapse, the red-headed vulture underscores how scavengers — and the clean-up they provide — can vanish quickly.
Sources
Sources for Red-headed Vulture
- IUCN Red List — look up Red-headed Vulture (authoritative status)
- BirdLife International
Frequently Asked Questions
Why have Asian vultures declined so sharply?
Published accounts point to poisoning, including the veterinary drug diclofenac in livestock carcasses, which devastated several Asian vulture species within a few years.
Why is the red-headed vulture Critically Endangered?
Published assessments cite poisoning, reduced food, and habitat change. See the IUCN Red List for the current assessment.
Last updated: