This week we will be taking a look at the longevity of the Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres). With an estimated global population of only 9400 mature individuals (estimated in 2013 and decreasing rapidly) [ref] this species is already of great concern. The major factors in this decline are similar to that of the White-backed Vulture; reduced food availability (carrion), hunting for trade (muti), persecution, powerline collisions and poisoning. Extensive work is being done to stop this decline by establishing/maintaining vulture restaurants and reducing powerline deaths.
Our longevity record was first ringed as a juvenile and then retrapped alive when it was fitted with a new yellow wing tag (C175) (Click Here to view details of the Limpopo colour tagging project). This means it may be an easy resighting if you happen to be in its range and have a camera handy. Please submit all colour ring/tag sightings (with photos) to us by Clicking Here.
If you feel you know of an older record please contact us at SAFRING with the details.
This amazing image included with this article is accredited to JC van Rensburg and was linked from BirdPix.
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| Taxonomy | Maximum Longevity |
| Order: Accipitriformes Family: Accipitridae Genus: Gyps |
21 years (Roberts 7) 31.22 years (SAFRING) |
| Species | Ring Number |
| Gyps coprotheres | G13690 |
| Common name | Sample size |
| Cape Vulture | Ringed: 8172 Retrapped: 684 Recovered: 651 Total: 9507 |
