Title:

Bone intake by vultures in Namibia

Publication Year:
2007
Abstract:

The use of bones by vultures was assessed during early 2005 in the Otjiwarongo area in north-central Namibia. Bone fragments were utilized by all species, especially by the African White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus and the Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotos. There was an overall increase in bone fragment consumption from May onwards (taken as the beginning of the breeding period). A rough estimate of bone fragment use for all vultures of 2.49 g/vulture (consumption/total number of vultures observed) and 60.31 g/vulture (consumption/individuals of vultures observed) was determined. The results suggest that bone fragments should be added as a supplement at vulture restaurants. Keywords: Bone consumption, vulture restaurant, Namibia, Cape Vulture Gyps coprotheres, White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus, Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotos.

Publication Title:

Vulture News

Volume:
57
Pages:
17-23
Item Type:
Journal Article
Language:
en
Files:
Attachment Size
Bone intake by vultures in Namibia.pdf 3.05 MB

EIS custom tag descriptions