Imagine a world without garbage... Wouldn't that be magnificent, but it is unrealistic. Now, imagine a world without garbage men and sanitary systems. We have seen throughout world history that this doesn't work all that well. Lingering garbage and human and animal remains create for a nasty, disease filled world. So, why am I telling you something you already know? Am I wasting your time? If you want to die from disease and live in a world where dead carcasses are just lying around STOP reading now!
The picture of the large bird above is the White-backed vulture and like many vulture species it is endangered. Vultures play the leading role of decomposers on our wonderful planet. Which basically means there are the garbage men of the natural world. Without vultures, a critical link in the food chain is lost and a increase of virus and epidemics is certain.
FACT: Of the 23 species of vultures
in the world 14
are threatened or endangered.
Vultures are not always the front runners in the Miss Animal Universe but they play a critical role in ecological systems. The absence of this large carnivore will result in more bacteria, flies, and rats.
FACT: Vultures do not circle their dead prey.
They are powerful
fliers and soar until they
spot their next meal.
The white-backed decline is a result of the following:
Deforestation, habitat loss, incidental poisoning (poachers), persecution, and diclofenac poisoning
Fact: Vultures do not prey on
healthy farm animals, but yet they
are still persecuted by farmer.
 |
| Habitat loss |
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| Poachers to blame |
The video below gives detail about loss of vulture population in affect to diclofenac poisoning
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| Diclofenac Sodium |
Another result of population decline besides the mass murdering from human is a slow population growth. Vulture have very long gestation periods-- producing only one egg a year.
Vulture Egg Baby Vulture
Therefore, without conservation help the population is certain to go extinct.
So, you understand my rambling?
And you don't want to live in a world fill with rotting bodies and disease?
What can we do to help save the remaining populations?
Other informative articles on vulture endangerment and ways you can help:
