About this species
The Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) is the smallest of the Old World vultures, easily recognised by its white plumage, bare yellow face, and wedge-shaped tail. It is one of the few tool-using birds, famously throwing stones to crack ostrich eggs.
The species breeds in cliff-face cavities from southern Europe and North Africa across Central and South Asia. It is a long-distance migrant; CAF populations winter in the Sahel, East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and the Indian subcontinent.
Populations have declined by more than 50% in three generations, leading to an Endangered listing. Key threats include diclofenac poisoning (particularly in South Asia), lead poisoning, electrocution on power lines, and direct persecution.
External references
Related projects
CompletedRegional
Environment Society of Oman – Raptors Research & Conservation Programme
The Environment Society of Oman (ESO) runs a long-term Raptors Research and Conservation Programme (launched in 2012) to improve knowledge and protection of raptors in Oman.
OngoingRegional
Central Asian Vultures Project
The Central Asian Vultures Project strengthens vulture conservation across Central Asia and along connected flyway routes, with links to India and Pakistan.
