Buzzards are commonly portrayed in cartoons or horror stories as the villains, either because of their eating habits or because of their unfriendly appearance. The truth is that little is discussed about the characteristics of this bird, which, in fact, is part of a group of 23 species. What is its health importance in a ecosystem? Discover now some information about the vulture.
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Curiosities about vultures
As we already mentioned, many do not know this, but the word "vulture" does not correspond to a single species of bird. In fact, this term covers 23 predatory birds that feed on carcasses and are large in size. These birds belong to the Cathartiformes group of the Cathartidae family. See some interesting data about these elements and their importance to the biosphere.
1. Where are vultures most concentrated?
The animals are mostly found on the American continent. They are especially concentrated in Central and South America. Among the 23 documented species, seven are registered in Latin America and five are easily found in Brazil. They are: the king vulture (Sarcoramphus papa), red-headed vulture (Cathartes aura), black-headed vulture (Coragyps atratus) and the yellow-headed vulture (Cathartes burvianus).
In Australia, none of these are found.
2. Do they really eat rotten meat?
Yes. Due to its adapted organism, in which the gastric juice manages to neutralize toxins and bacteria that would be fatal for other species, vultures manage to feed on meat and fruits in decomposition. The red-headed vulture, for example, is highly resistant to the bacteria that cause botulism, cholera, leprosy and anthrax.
There are also some phenotypic traits that aid in this feeding process. This is the case of the absence of plumage on the head, which prevents the blood from the carcasses from being absorbed or coming into contact with the bird.
For this reason, vultures are essential for the decomposition process and to prevent bacteria and toxins from dead animals spread to the soil and water, causing risk of death to humans and others bugs.
3. How many years, on average, can they live?
The life expectancy of a vulture is 20 years. However some species Larger ones can comfortably exceed 50 years.
Extra curiosity: vulture in Brazil
Biologists around the world were impressed by the news that Brazil is home to a 60-year-old king vulture. This phenomenon is unusual, given that this species usually lives for approximately 30 years. In other words, the animal in question is living twice its life expectancy.
The bird is in the Bioparque da Amazônia in Amapá, in the North of Brazil.
