Flying With The Cape Vulture

The Cape Vulture is a beautiful bird. It is the largest vulture in Africa. Their numbers are low, not at immediate risk of extinction, but their continued existence in the wild is a real concern.

Cape Vulture

The average length is about 1-1.15 m (3.3-3.8 ft) with a wingspan of about 2.4-2.6 m (7.9-8.5 ft) and a body weight of 7-11 kg (15.5-24 lb). They are on average the largest raptor in Africa, although they are subservient to the powerful Lappet-faced Vulture.

The species is listed by the IUCN as "Vulnerable", the major problems it faces being poisoning, disturbance at breeding colonies and electrocution. The current population is estimated at 8,000

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The International Union for Conservation of Nature  IUCN

Kerri Wolter, of South Africa, founded the Vulture Conservation Program--(Web site appears to be down)
 She takes flight and films the big birds and they seem to welcome her. It's a pretty cool ride:

Flying with Vultures from Rocketboom on Vimeo.

International Vulture Awareness Day IVAD
is September 03 2011