Bone intake by vultures in Namibia

Abstract

The use of bones by vultures was assessed during early 2005 in the Otjiwarongo area in north-central Namibia. Bone fragments were utilized by all species, especially by
the African White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus and the Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotos. There was an overall increase in bone fragment consumption from May onwards (taken as the beginning of the breeding period). A rough estimate of bone fragment use for all vultures of 2.49 g/vulture (consumption/total number of vultures observed) and 60.31 g/vulture (consumption/individuals of vultures observed) was determined. The results suggest that bone fragments should be added as a supplement
at vulture restaurants.

Vulture News Vol. 57 2007: pp. 17-23