The griffon vulture is a large Old World vulture in the bird of prey family Accipitridae. It is also known as the Eurasian griffon.
Similar species: Diurnal Birds Of Prey
By Jivko Nakev
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Uploaded Jun 21, 2019. Captured Jun 16, 2019 09:40 in Unnamed Road, 6929 Bryagovets, Bulgaria.
comments (6)
Posted 3 years ago
Gorgeous, grisly, practical, and occasionally repulsive. Griffon Vultures (Gyps fulvus) are often unappreciated and their antics may make you grimace, gag, and gasp; but, they are among nature’s antiheroes. They are truly amazing creatures!
Here are some fast facts that testify to their awesomeness:
-As opportunistic scavengers, their role is vital for the environment because they help keep it clean by consuming dead, decaying animals. They efficiently dispose of carrion, which would otherwise be a breeding ground for disease.
- Their digestive systems contain special acids that actually destroy anthrax, botulism, and cholera, which means that their super strong stomachs can handle consuming diseased flesh.
-They eat up to 20% of their body weight per meal!
-Vultures have bald heads and necks not to increase their creepiness, but to avoid collecting germs. The sun bakes off blood and guts and their baldness means that nothing gets trapped in feathers, and thus left to fester. They are very clean animals!
-They urinate on their feet to cool down their legs and to sterilize them.
-And, finally, my favorite fact: Griffon vultures are not early risers. They need to sun themselves before starting their daily activities. This is because their core body temperature cools down each night by several degrees in order to conserve energy.
Aren’t they incredible, fascinating creatures?!
{Spotted in Bulgaria by JungleDragon moderator, Jivko Nakev}#JungleDragon Posted 2 years ago