Scientific Name:
Gypohierax angolensis
Distribution
Western and central Africa.
Diet:
omnivorous, primarily frugivorous. Eats fruits of oil and raffia palms, fruits and grains of other plants (ex. Acacia) , but also amphibians, fish, invertebrates, small mammals, birds, reptiles, small carcasses.
Facts
Habitat: Forest habitats, coastal forests, mangrove swamps, where oil and raffia palms are present and frequently near water bodies. It is distributed from sea level up to 1800 m.
Incubation: 42-47 days, 1 single egg
Social structure: Gregarious, roosting in small groups in trees, but forages singly.
Weight: 1.2-1.8 kg
Dimensions: 57-65 cm. / Wingspan: 1.35-1.55 m.
Estimated population in the wild: Around 80.000 pairs, population trend: stable
Lifespan: Unknown in the wild, 27 in human care
Threats: habitat destruction, persecution, limited nesting opportunities as a result of harvesting disturbance
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Did you know that:
- Nesting occurs in large stick nests 60-90cm in diameter, located in tall trees.
- It differs from all the other vultures due to the fact that it is mainly (60-70%) vegetarian.
- They live in the same habitat as the Pygmy Hippopotamus.