Gyps rueppellii
Local name: Rüppell's Vulture
Conservation status data sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Accipitriformes
Family
Accipitridae
Genus
Gyps
Gyps rueppellii belongs to the family Accipitridae, order Accipitriformes, within the Aves class.
Species Profile
Species profile data sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Rüppell's Vulture faces severe population declines across its African range due to widespread poisoning, both intentional and incidental, along with habitat loss and reduced food availability. The species has experienced catastrophic declines of over 80% in recent decades, making it one of Africa's most critically endangered raptors. Conservation status may vary by region or assessment authority, but the overall trajectory remains deeply concerning.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Inhabits arid and semi-arid savannas, grasslands, and desert margins across sub-Saharan Africa, typically nesting on cliff faces and rocky outcrops. Forages over vast areas of open terrain, relying on thermal updrafts to soar efficiently while searching for carrion.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Rüppell's Vulture faces severe population declines across its African range due to widespread poisoning, both intentional and incidental, along with habitat loss and reduced food availability. The species has experienced catastrophic declines of over 80% in recent decades, making it one of Africa's most critically endangered raptors. Conservation status may vary by region or assessment authority, but the overall trajectory remains deeply concerning.
Collision with power lines and wind turbines
Habitat loss and degradation
Poisoning from veterinary drugs and intentional targeting
Reduced carrion availability due to livestock management changes
Persecution and disturbance at nesting sites
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Gyps rueppellii (Gyps rueppellii). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/ruppells-vulture