No one loves a vulture: Conservationists are trying to change the notion
Conservationists in Africa are trying to save the endangered vultures, which are neglected because of their image. They are usually associated with death, and are among the least loved animals in the world.Vultures are the scavengers of the ecosystem. They help in saving ecosystem worth $1.8 billion a year in some parts of Southern Africa, according to the report released by BirdLife International conservation.advertisement'They are not up there on the pretty scale. And they are not popular. But we know they are very useful,' Fadzai Matsvimbo, an extinction prevention coordinator at BirdLife International told the Associated Press.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, six of the 11 vulture species found on the African continent are listed as endangered or critically endangered. And even some species have declined by 90%.The research focused on Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe and revealed the role of vultures in cleaning up the ecosystems, reducing the chance of disease spreading and the presence of pests like rats and feral dogs, which has great benefits for communities.
Vultures are the scavengers of the ecosystem. (Photo: Getty)
advertisementThe anatomy of vultures – the strong acidic stomach - prevents them from contracting food poisoning from any microorganisms.Even in India over the last 30 years, there has been a drastic loss of vultures. Half a million people died from the spread of bacteria and infections in the absence of vultures last year.Matsvimbo said vultures in Africa are also used as 'sentinels' by game rangers because they are often the first to spot a dead animal and can lead rangers to where poachers might be active. They have even proven useful in helping farmers locate dead or injured livestock.Hundreds of vultures can die from a single poisoned carcass, as they feed on carrion – dead animals. Collisions with power lines in Africa are also one of the reasons for their death, apart from belief-based reasons.'Our work is to change the mindsets of people,' Wolter said. 'For them to see vultures and think, wow, that is amazing.'The researchers also mentioned the role played by moviemakers in depicting vultures. 'I love watching 'The Lion King,' but every time they do the vulture part, my heart breaks,' said Matsvimbo.'Vultures are never portrayed positively. I have a bone to chew with these moviemakers. Or should that be bone to pick?'Rather than stigmatising vultures, understanding their role in nature conservation can benefit all living organisms, including humans, immensely.Must Watch
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
16 hours ago
- Business Standard
Italy's Mount Etna volcano erupts again, videos go viral on social media
Italy's Mount Etna, which is also known as one of the most active volcanoes in the world, erupted on June 2 (Monday). Videos of the eruption have surfaced all over the social media showing plumes of ash puffing into the sky and creating tension among the tourists. Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), which studies the volcanic activity in Italy has noted that this flaring was majorly a 'explosions of increasing intensity'. They've also said that this activity in the region began during the early hours of the morning on Monday. As reported by Fox Weather, the eruption did not cross the valley of Leo. The volcanic eruption may have been caused by the collapse of the material in the northern side of the southeast carter, then it transitioned into lava fountains. In Piano Vetore ashfall was reported, along with some other areas. This eruption is characterised as Strombolian, which refers to as a low level volcanic eruption, which is capable of releasing a modest amount of volcanic ash. Mount Etna has erupted. But let's ban wood burning stoves and reduce the number of cows because they burp. — James Melville ???? (@JamesMelville) June 2, 2025 "The volcanic tremor has reached very high values with the location of the centroid of the springs in the Southeast Crater area. Infrasonic activity is also high with events located in correspondence to the Southeast Crater. The deformation signal of the DRUV station continues the trend of variation that started with the activity. Other deformation monitoring networks show no significant change," INGV's facebook post. Mount Etna is considered to be an extremely active volcano as it sits on the converging plate margin where the African and Eurasian plates meet. Also it's the tallest active volcano of Europe, at the height of 11,000 feet.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Mammoths vs. Elephants: A detailed comparison on the basis of characteristics, habitat and more
Source: Wikipedia Mammoths and elephants are two of the most fascinating and iconic members of the elephant family and they even share many similarities yet exhibit distinct differences. While elephants roam the Earth today, mammoths lived thousands of years ago during the Ice Age and are now extinct. Comparing these prehistoric giants with their modern relatives helps us understand how they adapted to different environments, their physical traits, behavior and their place in natural history. This comparison sheds light on the characteristics, habitat,survival and challenges faced by these remarkable creatures. How mammoths and elephants are different Aspect Mammoths Elephants Physical Characteristics Thick, shaggy fur; long, spiraled tusks; stocky body with fat hump; smaller ears; built for cold Sparse hair; straighter tusks; larger ears (especially African elephants); adapted to warm climates Species & Classification Genus Mammuthus; extinct; famous species: woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) Genus Elephas (Asian elephants) and Loxodonta (African elephants); three living species; endangered Habitat & Distribution Lived in Ice Age tundras & grasslands of North America, Europe, northern Asia; cold, icy climates Found in sub-Saharan Africa (savannas, forests, deserts) and South/Southeast Asia (tropical forests) Diet & Behavior Herbivores; grazed cold-tolerant plants; lived in matriarchal herds; used trunks for feeding & social interaction Herbivores; varied diet including fruits and bark; matriarchal herds; behaviors include dust bathing and mud wallowing Extinction & Conservation Extinct ~4,000 years ago due to climate change and hunting; cold adaptations lost value Still alive; threatened by habitat loss, poaching, human conflict; conservation efforts ongoing Evolutionary Relationship Shared common ancestor with elephants; diverged millions of years ago; closely related genetically Closest living relatives to mammoths; evolutionary adaptations to warm climates Cultural & Historical Significance Featured in Ice Age art; used for tools and food by early humans Symbolize strength, wisdom, royalty; important in religion, folklore, warfare, and labor historically Adaptations Thick fur, fat layer, curved tusks for snow digging, smaller ears to reduce heat loss Large ears for heat dissipation, sparse hair, versatile trunks, strong legs and tusks adapted to warm environments Mammoths vs elephants: Key differences Physical characteristics Mammoths and elephants share similar body structures but have notable differences. Mammoths were generally covered in thick, shaggy fur to survive Ice Age cold, while elephants have sparse hair suited for warmer climates. Mammoths had long, curved tusks that spiraled more dramatically than elephants' straighter tusks. Their bodies were stockier with a hump of fat on their backs for insulation. In contrast, elephants have larger ears, especially African elephants, which help regulate body temperature. Both species have trunks and large, sturdy legs but mammoths were built to endure freezing conditions, whereas elephants are adapted to tropical and savanna environments. Species and classification Mammoths and elephants both belong to the family Elephantidae, making them close relatives. Mammoths fall under the genus Mammuthus, with the most famous species being the woolly mammoth, which lived during the Ice Age. In contrast, modern elephants belong to the genus Elephas which are Asian elephants and Loxodonta which are African elephants. There are three main living species: the African bush elephant, the African forest elephant,and the Asian elephant. While mammoths are extinct, elephants continue to survive but many species face threats and are considered vulnerable or endangered. Habitat and distribution Mammoths primarily lived in cold and icy environments during the Ice Age, such as the vast tundras and grasslands of North America, Europe and northern Asia. Their thick fur and fat helped them survive harsh, freezing climates. In contrast, modern elephants inhabit warmer regions. African elephants are found across sub-Saharan Africa in savannas, forests, and deserts while Asian elephants live in tropical forests and grasslands across South and Southeast Asia. Unlike mammoths, which are extinct, elephants still roam diverse habitats but face challenges due to habitat loss and human activity. Diet and behavior Both mammoths and elephants were herbivores, primarily feeding on grasses, leaves, shrubs, and bark. Mammoths grazed on tough and cold-tolerant plants and were found in Ice Age tundras while elephants consume a wide variety of vegetation depending on their habitat, including fruits and tree bark. Socially, both animals lived in herds led by a matriarch, showing strong family bonds and complex communication. They used their trunks for feeding, drinking and social interaction. While mammoths adapted to harsh and cold environments, elephants display behaviors suited to warmer climates, such as dust bathing and mud wallowing to regulate body temperature. Extinction and conservation Mammoths went extinct around 4,000 years ago, primarily due to climate change at the end of the Ice Age and hunting by early humans. Their cold-adapted traits became less useful as temperatures rose, leading to habitat loss. In contrast, elephants are still alive today but face serious threats from habitat destruction, poaching for ivory and human-wildlife conflict. Conservation efforts focus on protecting elephant habitats, enforcing anti-poaching laws and supporting breeding programs to prevent their decline. While mammoths are gone, the survival of elephants depends heavily on global conservation actions to ensure these majestic creatures do not face the same fate. Evolutionary relationship Mammoths and elephants share a common ancestor and belong to the same family that is Elephantidae. Their evolutionary paths diverged millions of years ago, with mammoths adapting to cold Ice Age environments while elephants evolved to thrive in warmer climates. Despite differences in appearance and habitat, their genetic makeup remains closely related. Modern elephants are considered the closest living relatives of mammoths. Advances in DNA analysis have even allowed scientists to study mammoth genes, offering insights into how these species evolved and adapted to their environments over time. Cultural and historical significance Mammoths have fascinated humans for thousands of years, appearing in prehistoric cave paintings and ancient tools made from their bones and tusks. They played a key role in Ice Age cultures as a source of food, materials, and inspiration. Elephants have held cultural importance across many civilizations- symbolizing strength, wisdom and royalty in cultures from Africa to Asia. They feature prominently in religious ceremonies, folklore and art. Historically, elephants were also used in warfare and labor. Both animals continue to influence human culture, reminding us of the deep connections between wildlife and human history. Adaptations Mammoths were well adapted to cold Ice Age environments with thick, shaggy fur and a dense layer of fat to keep warm. Their long and curved tusks helped them dig through snow to reach vegetation. They also had smaller ears compared to elephants, reducing heat loss. Elephants, on the other hand, are adapted to warmer climates. They have large ears that help dissipate heat and sparse hair to keep cool. Their trunks are highly versatile for feeding, drinking, and social interaction. Both species developed strong legs and tusks suited to their environments, showing how evolution shaped them for survival in different conditions. Also read: King Cobra vs Eastern Indigo Snake: Who will win a fight between these two venomous creatures
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Goa nears 500 bird species mark in 2025 checklist, almost 40% of India's total
Panaji: Goa's bird checklist now records 497 species, highlighting the state's exceptional avian diversity—nearly 40% of India's total—in just 3,702 sq km. The 2025 update adds eight new bird species to the list. 'Five of the eight newly added species are seabirds, of which the short-tailed shearwater and white-tailed tropicbird were documented through the Marine Stranding Network,' said Dr Pronoy Baidya, scientist and head, research and consultancy division, Arannya Environment Research Organisation, Morlem, Sattari. The information was published in the seventh version of the Goa bird checklist in Indian Birds Journal, authored by Baidya and treasurer of the Goa Bird Conservation Network (GBCN), Mandar Bhagat. 'The taxonomic updates follow the 2025 guidelines established by experts, Praveen J and Dr Rajah Jayapal, in their annual revision of Indian bird classifications,' Baidya told TOI . One of the most interesting documentations of this year was that of the African openbill's altered movement patterns. 'Initially reported by Aparna Laad from Majorda in 2021, the African openbill remained in scientific limbo for four years. It was classified as having 'unknown origin' until a subsequent sighting in Kerala in 2023 prompted scholarly reassessment,' Baidya said. 'Following scientific discussions published in Indian Birds Journal, researchers now recognise this species as a climate change-influenced stray visitor to India, representing the evolving migration patterns of this largely resident African water bird,' he added. Among other notable finds was the lesser noddy recorded at Galgibaga by Goa University research scholars, Sagar Naik and Shubham Rane. A great frigatebird was sighted by sea watchers from the Aguada Fort, while the streaked shearwater was documented off Goa's coast by a research team led by Jalmesh Karapurkar. Terrestrial bird additions provide equally compelling insights into Goa's ecological complexity. Jerdon's Bushlark, typically associated with dry grasslands of southern India, was reported by Omkar Damle from the Soccoro plateau, suggesting possible range expansions or habitat adaptations. The list also includes the rare yellow-rumped flycatcher in the Tamdi Surla forest area of Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, sighted by Kuldip Topo and Parag Rangnekar. The Goa Bird Checklist was launched during the second edition of the Goa Bird Festival in 2018. Unlike static taxonomic lists, this document undergoes annual updates that reflect current scientific evidence, including both species additions and removals based on International Union for Conservation of Nature criteria, and maintains rigorous documentation standards requiring photographic evidence, audio recordings, or museum specimens for species verification.
