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Ways to Help Vultures

i Nov 29, 2022 No Comments by
Authored by  Kyra Thurow Bartow.
Vultures are vital for our ecosystems. As many of them are obligate scavengers, vultures help to keep ecosystems clean of decaying matter. They also provide disease control as their extremely acidic stomachs as well as special enzymes can help destroy anthrax, tuberculosis, botulism, cholera, and rabies. Vulture populations throughout Africa, Europe, and Asia have plummeted by up to 99% since 1990, and vultures often encounter persecution throughout the entire world. Here are some ways you can help vultures:
1. Tell people about how important and cool vultures are!
2. Get a different perspective on vultures by following some social media accounts:
– Andy N. Condor (Andean Condor) from the Tracy Aviary
– George the Vulture (Turkey Vulture) from the American Eagle Foundation
– Bash the Vulture (Black Vulture) from the American Eagle Foundation
3. Support Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) facilities. These organizations are required to have conservation actions in order to be accredited under the AZA umbrella. One such project is called AZA SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction), with a focus on African Vultures. They have partnered with the Denver Zoo, NC Zoo, VulPro, Kalahari Research and Conservation, and the Peregrine Fund in order to have people on the ground in Africa looking into how to save their vultures. Visit these websites for more information:
– AZA SAFE African Vultures
– Raptor TAG
4. If you are a hunter or know a hunter, have them switch to copper bullets rather than lead bullets. Better for people and vultures!
5. Celebrate International Vulture Awareness Day! This occurs on the first Saturday of September each year.

6. Tell your local government about your commitment to vultures and vulture-safe practices.

Close-up of Turkey Vulture

Turkey Vulture photo by Bartow

Close-up of Black Vulture

Black Vulture photo by Bartow

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