Hooded Vulture (International Vulture Awareness Day)
Nanyuki
Kenya
East Africa
On the first Saturday in September, International Vulture Awareness Day recognizes the dwindling numbers of vultures. The day not only raises awareness about vulture numbers, but it educates the public, too. Vultures play an essential role in the ecological health of the environment.
These scavengers play a vital role in the food chain. Vultures act as nature’s garbage disposers. When they devour carcasses quickly, vultures keep the environment clean. They also help keep it free of contagious diseases.
Another role vultures play is aiding in catching poachers. When poachers illegally kill animals, they leave the carcass behind. After vultures find the carcass, they circle above the dead animal. This behavior leads authorities to the poached animals.
Because vultures aid authorities, many people kill the birds. After collecting the skins or other prizes, the poachers poison the remaining carcass. Consequently, poisoned vultures then become deadly to other scavengers.
Many species of vultures are considered endangered. Of the 23 species, 16 of them are considered endangered, vulnerable, or threatened.
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The hooded vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) is an Old World vulture in the order Accipitriformes, which also includes eagles, kites, buzzards and hawks. It is the only member of the genus Necrosyrtes, which is sister to the larger Gyps genus, both of which are a part of the Aegypiinae subfamily of Old World vultures.
Hooded Vulture (International Vulture Awareness Day)
Nanyuki
Kenya
East Africa
On the first Saturday in September, International Vulture Awareness Day recognizes the dwindling numbers of vultures. The day not only raises awareness about vulture numbers, but it educates the public, too. Vultures play an essential role in the ecological health of the environment.
These scavengers play a vital role in the food chain. Vultures act as nature’s garbage disposers. When they devour carcasses quickly, vultures keep the environment clean. They also help keep it free of contagious diseases.
Another role vultures play is aiding in catching poachers. When poachers illegally kill animals, they leave the carcass behind. After vultures find the carcass, they circle above the dead animal. This behavior leads authorities to the poached animals.
Because vultures aid authorities, many people kill the birds. After collecting the skins or other prizes, the poachers poison the remaining carcass. Consequently, poisoned vultures then become deadly to other scavengers.
Many species of vultures are considered endangered. Of the 23 species, 16 of them are considered endangered, vulnerable, or threatened.
____________________
The hooded vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) is an Old World vulture in the order Accipitriformes, which also includes eagles, kites, buzzards and hawks. It is the only member of the genus Necrosyrtes, which is sister to the larger Gyps genus, both of which are a part of the Aegypiinae subfamily of Old World vultures.