Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus)

The Hooded Vulture is a stocky vulture measuring 67–70 cm in length, with brownish plumage, a featherless head, and a bare face. Its feathers appear disheveled and scruffy. Juveniles have a pale blue face and a darker brown head covering.

Range and Habitat

This species has a wide geographic distribution across Sub-Saharan Africa, extending from West Africa through East Africa to South Africa. Its total range is estimated at approximately 22,500,000 km².

Habitat preferences include forest edges, open savannas, grasslands, deserts, and human settlements. It can occur at high densities in areas where it is tolerated by humans. It can be observed at elevations up to 4,000 meters, but its highest densities are typically found below 1,800 meters.

Necrosyrtes Monachus (Hooded Vulture) Appearance (Flickr)

Population and Trend

The global estimated total population is approximately 197,000 individuals, with mature individuals estimated at around 131,000. However, these numbers are believed to have declined dramatically over the past decade. In some regions of West Africa, the species has nearly disappeared entirely.

Threats

The Hooded Vulture is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List. Major threats include:

• Poisoning: Intentional poisoning via the food chain or direct targeting, particularly for use in traditional medicine or wildlife trafficking.
• Illegal trade: Particularly widespread in West Africa due to demand for body parts in traditional belief-based practices. Nigeria is a primary focus area.
• Habitat degradation and loss
• Secondary pesticide poisoning
• Collisions with and electrocution by power lines
• Collection of eggs and chicks

Biology and Reproduction

Hooded Vultures breed throughout the year, but breeding seasons vary by region:

• West Africa and Kenya: November–July
• Northeast Africa: October–June
• South Africa: May–December

In a single-egg clutch, the incubation period lasts 46–54 days, and the fledging period ranges from 80–130 days. After leaving the nest, juveniles require parental care for 3–4 months. The age at first breeding is typically between 4 and 5 years.

^{About Necrosyrtes Monachus (Hooded Vulture) (}Wildvisions⁾

Use and Trade

• Food: Consumed by humans in some regions.
• Traditional medicine: Body parts are traded for use in belief-based practices.
• Commercial sale: Live or taxidermy specimens are sold internationally for display purposes.

Conservation Status and Recommended Measures

This species is listed under CITES Appendix II and CMS Appendices I and II. It is also included in the Multispecies Action Plan (MsAP) for the conservation of African-Eurasian vultures.

Recommended conservation measures include:

• Training rapid response teams to address poisoning incidents,
• Raising awareness among local communities,
• Strengthening law enforcement against trafficking,
• Monitoring populations and tracking species distribution within protected areas,
• Conducting studies on the economic value of ecosystem services provided by the species.