Vultures are often misunderstood creatures, yet their role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem is invaluable. At Londolozi, these scavengers perform an essential function, ensuring that nothing goes to waste and preventing the spread of disease. While they may not have the allure of big cats or elephants, their presence is just as significant in the wilderness.
White Backed Vultures finishing the remains of a carcass.
The Role of Vultures in the Ecosystem
Scavengers play a critical role in maintaining ecological harmony. By rapidly consuming carcasses, vultures prevent the bush from being littered with decaying remains, reducing the risk of disease outbreaks. Several species of vultures call Londolozi home, including the White-backed Vulture, the Hooded Vulture, the White-headed Vulture, the imposing Lappet-faced Vulture and occasionally the Cape Vulture. Each species has its niche within the feeding hierarchy, from picking off scraps to tearing through tough hides and tendons.
The hooded Vulture is at the bottom of the vulture hierarchy at carcasses and can change the colour of its face. It flushes scarlet is a show of aggression as seen here.
The Extraordinary Eyesight of Vultures
One of the most remarkable adaptations of vultures is their eyesight. They can spot a potential meal from kilometres away, circling high above until they confirm a feeding opportunity. Unlike nocturnal scavengers, vultures operate during daylight hours, which means they are quick to take advantage of kills made by diurnal predators like cheetahs.
A Remarkable Sight at Londolozi
A recent sighting at Londolozi perfectly illustrated the relationship between vultures and other predators. The Makhatini cheetah family, consisting of a mother and her three cubs, had successfully brought down an impala. However, their meal did not go unnoticed. Within minutes, the first vultures arrived, perching in the surrounding trees, quickly followed by dozens more. As the trees filled, the vultures began descending to the ground, inching closer to the carcass. With their growing numbers, their confidence increased, and they eventually succeeded in driving the cheetah family away. In mere minutes, the remains of the impala were stripped to nothing but bones.
Unlike lions or leopards, which can defend their kills, cheetahs lack the strength to fend off large numbers of scavengers. As approximately 50 vultures descended upon the scene, the cheetahs had no choice but to retreat, watching as their meal was devoured in a matter of moments. This dramatic sighting showcased the efficiency of vultures in cleaning up remains, leaving little behind but bones and scattered fur.
A Misunderstood but Vital Species
Despite their vital role, vultures are often viewed negatively. However, their presence ensures that the African wilderness remains a well-balanced and thriving ecosystem. Without them, rotting carcasses would become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and pathogens.
![Vultures In Dead Knobthorn Tree [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02160509/Vultures-in-dead-Knobthorn-Tree-RCB-1598x1065.jpg)
A whole wake of vultures perch in a dead knobthorn waiting for their opportunity to feed.
A Final Thought
The sighting of the Makhatini Female Cheetah and her cubs losing their meal to vultures was unfortunate for the cheetah but we must take a moment to appreciate that the vultures too need to eat. While we may often admire the larger predators, it is important to recognize the indispensable work done by scavengers. The next time you see a vulture soaring overhead, remember that it is not just a scavenger—it is nature’s cleanup crew, keeping the bush clean and healthy.
Barry, thanks for the pictures and video. While vultures appear very ugly to my eyesight they are really necessary for our eco system.
The number of vultures that ate the cheetahs’ kill is amazing. Wow!
Yes, they are such an important species, not really nice to look at but absolutely necessary for a healthy environment.
It is sad that so many people misunderstand the important role they play in the ecosystem.
Seems the cheetah’s gave up so quickly! Maybe if the cubs were larger they would have had more confidence? I’ve never witness a vulture attach a cat but maybe you guys have in your adventures?
Hi Barry, I used to see the vultures as a pest, but looking closer and seeing that they are the vacuum cleaner of the bush made me realize they are very important. Not only do they clean up the carcasses, they are good for eco system as well. There are so many different types of vultures, which makes it even quicker to clean up an prevent disease.
At least each of the cheetahs seemed to be able to get something to eat before the vultures took over.
Watching all of those vultures descend, eventually chasing the cheetahs away from their kill , was one of the most amazing sights I’ve seen. The sheer number was impressive as was the short time it took for them to reduce the carcass to just bones. They truly are the recycle creatures of the bush, and editor the maintenance of the ecosystem. Good read and terrific video!
Thank you for this amazing information and the video!! Upstate NY fan here