Nightmare - Nubian Vulture

by KJ Swan

Title

Nightmare - Nubian Vulture

Artist

KJ Swan

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Photograph

Description

Nubian vultures (Torgos tracheliotos) have an appearance and reputation that fuels a child's nightmare - which may contribute to its extinction.

This is the largest African vulture with a wingspan up to 9 feet (3m), weighing up to 20 lbs (9.4 kg) and living between 30 and 50 years. It's beak is so powerful it's capable of tearing hides, tendons and any other course tissue often too tough for other scavengers. It grunts, hisses and growls when dining and is powerful enough to drive off a jackal.

Unfortunately, the Nubian or Lappet-faced vulture (so named because of the folding skin on each side of its neck) has become critically endangered throughout it's native Africa and the Middle East. Zoos may soon become the only place to view these amazing and vital birds.

Uploaded

December 11th, 2020

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