- Classification:
Order: Falconiformes
Genus & Species: Gyps africanus
Family: Accipitridae - Status:
Listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
- Range:
Found from Senegal, Gambia and Mali in the west, throughout the Sahel region to Ethiopia and Somalia in the east; throughout East Africa from Ethiopia south to Mozambique; and in parts of Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, and Angola.
- Habitat:
Open wooded savannah, particularly areas with Acacia. White-backed vultures are usually found in areas with game animals and livestock. They can be found at elevations up to 10,000 feet. Tall trees are required for nesting.
- Activity:
Diurnal.
- Diet:
White-backed vultures are scavengers that feed on the soft muscle, organ tissue, and bone fragments of large animal carcasses.