GRIFFON VULTURE
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Accipitriformes
Family: Accipitridae
Genus: Gyps
Species: Asio otus
Distributed across Southern Europe, North Africa, and Western and Central Asia. Inhabits mountainous areas, cliffs, and open landscapes such as steppes and semi-deserts.
Lifespan in the wild is 20–30 years, in captivity up to 40–50 years/ Females weight between 6–11 kg, males weight 6-9 kg. Body length is 93–110 cm, wingspan between 230–280 cm. Griffon vultures are social birds that form colonies. They nest on cliffs and form long-term monogamous pairs. The female lays one egg. Incubation lasts about 50–60 days. Both parents care for the chick.
They are diurnal and spend much of their time soaring using thermal air currents. They can travel long distances in search of food. Scavengers (necrophagous). They feed on carcasses of dead animals and play a crucial role as ecosystem cleaners.
The genus Gyps dates back to the Miocene. Their evolution is associated with open habitats richin large herbivores.Vultures play an important role in various cultures. In some traditions, such as Tibetan sky burials, they are part of ritual practices.
In European culture, they often symbolize purification and renewal. According to the IUCN: Least Concern, although some populations are declining.
Main threats:
- poisoning
- habitat loss
- decline in food availability
5 Interesting Facts
- Griffon vultures can soar at altitudes exceeding 10,000 meters.
- Their stomach acid can destroy dangerous bacteria, including anthrax.
- They can spot carcasses from several kilometers away.
- They rarely flap their wings during flight, conserving energy.
- Feeding order within a group follows a strict hierarchy.
