The Valencian park joins in the celebration of International Vulture Day, a day dedicated to highlighting the importance of these majestic birds that, despite their “bad reputation”, play a fundamental role in ecosystems.
BIOPARC Valencia joins the commemoration of the International Vulture Day, a global event held every first Saturday in September to highlight the importance of conserving these endangered birdsVultures, known for their crucial role in cleaning up ecosystems, face multiple threats that endanger their survival and, therefore, the natural balance of our environment.
Although Spain is home to the largest population of vultures in Europe and acts as a sanctuaryThese birds face significant threats, mainly from human sources. Collisions with wind turbines from wind farms and electricity pylons, food shortages due to the decline of wildlife, or the use of diclofenac, a veterinary drug highly toxic to these birds, are the main causes of the decline in their populations. Despite these challenges, initiatives such as the creation of “carrion feeders”, educational campaigns and stricter laws have favoured the recovery of some populations.
Of the 23 species of vultures that exist in the world, 15 are on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List as threatened species. Of the 11 found on the African continent, 5 can be admired at BIOPARC Valencia: The white-backed vulture African (Gyps africanus), The white-headed vulture (Trigonoceps occipitalis), The hooded vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus), The palm vulture (Gypohierax angolensis) And the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus), with the first three critically endangered.
Video: International Vulture Day 2024.
the vultures, often misunderstood and despite their “bad reputation”, play a fundamental role in the health of habitats by removing the remains of dead animals, which helps prevent the spread of diseases such as anthrax, cholera and rabies. Their role as a natural “clean-up crew” also contributes to mitigating climate change by reducing the decomposition of carcasses, which would otherwise release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
These birds are highly adapted to their scavenging lifestyle. They are the only terrestrial vertebrates that rely almost entirely on dead animals for food. The absence of feathers on their head is a key adaptation to keep them clean while feeding. Vultures have an extremely robust digestive system that allows them to destroy harmful bacteria. Their sharp, hooked beak is ideal for tearing meat from carcasses.
Committed to the conservation of biodiversity.
BIOPARC Valencia, committed to the cConservation of biodiversity and animal welfare, offers recreational and educational activities to raise public awareness about the importance of protecting vultures. In the educational exhibition “The cycle of life”, people visiting the park will be able to contemplate the majestic flight of these magnificent birds in the amphitheater and learn about their indispensable role in maintaining natural balance.
