Vultures: Nature's Garbage Men
Vultures: Nature's Garbage Men
Text and photos by Heather Cline
Vultures get a bad rap. They're associated with death. They aren't super attractive. They are seen as a source of deceit, bad luck, danger, and aggression but none of these associations are rooted in truth. In fact, the humble vulture provides much value to our ecosystems by serving as nature's garbage men - or garbage personnel - whichever you prefer.
Ruppell's Griffon Vultures eating a carcass in Tanzania
It's no secret that vultures eat carrion (dead animals) and this has contributed to their bad reputation, but they are actually conducting a pretty valuable service to our ecosystem by scavenging dead animals, keeping it clean of decaying carcasses. This prevents the spread of bacteria and disease to humans, livestock, and other wildlife.
Turkey Vulture eating a salmon carcass on the American River after spawning season
Because of their reputation, vultures have been persecuted for many years and as a result, are on of the most vulnerable bird species today. Some are victims of illegal traps and electrocution. Others are impacted by ingesting animals that have been poisoned with pesticides. Poachers poison vultures to reduce the attention they bring to illegally killed animals such as elephants and rhinoceros when they circle overhead. Outside of humans, they have few predators and relatively no conflicts with other animals.
Turkey Vulture absorbing solar energy through morning wing spreading
While it may not be attractive to us humans, vultures possess some pretty amazing physical attributes that are necessary to perform the service of nature's garbage men/personnel.
- Vultures have heads and necks that are almost bare. This feature allows them to stay clean while eating carrion. It allows helps them radiate heat away from their bodies.
- Vultures are equipped with a strong immune system and stomach acid similar to the PH of battery acid. That's strong stuff. Strong enough to kill any bacteria that they may ingest.
- The Turkey Vulture can smell food a mile away, and they have wide, strong wings that allow them to glide in the air for hours.
- Their eyesight is excellent, even better than their sense of smell, so they often see their next meal before they smell it.
Black Vulture
Black Vulture in the Florida Everglades
So, although they may seem gross or evil, vultures play an important role in the ecosystem. Plus, despite the ghastly job they perform, I haven't heard them complaining about working conditions, or unionizing, so we should give them our support - unlike cockroaches - who can go straight to hell. :)
Can't get enough of these handsome raptors? Check out the full Vulture gallery here.
