At a glance
- IUCN category
- CR · Critically Endangered
- Animal group
- Birds
- Population trend
- Decreasing
- Last verified
Conservation overview
The white-backed vulture is the most widespread vulture in Africa, yet has suffered a dramatic collapse. It is assessed as Critically Endangered.
Large numbers can die at once when carcasses are poisoned.
Range & habitat
Savannas across 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 of carcasses
- Killing linked to poaching
- Loss of food and habitat
Why it matters
As Africa's most common vulture in steep decline, the white-backed vulture is central to the continent's vulture crisis and the loss of nature's clean-up crew.
Sources
Sources for White-backed Vulture
- IUCN Red List — look up White-backed Vulture (authoritative status)
- BirdLife International
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do so many vultures die from poisoning?
Vultures feed together in large numbers on carcasses, so a single poisoned carcass — set deliberately or to hide poaching — can kill dozens or hundreds at once.
Why is the white-backed vulture Critically Endangered?
Published assessments cite poisoning, killing linked to poaching, and loss of food and habitat, which have caused a steep, rapid decline. See the IUCN Red List.
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