Cape Griffon
Gyps coprotheres
Silhouette: Shyamal · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderAccipitriformes (Hawks, Eagles, Kites, and Allies)
- FamilyAccipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
- GenusGyps (Griffon Vultures)
- SpeciesGyps coprotheres (Cape Griffon)
About the Cape Griffon
The Cape vulture (Gyps coprotheres), also known as Cape griffon and Kolbe's vulture, is an Old World vulture in the family Accipitridae. It is endemic to southern Africa, and lives mainly in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, and in some parts of northern Namibia. It nests on cliffs and lays one egg per year. In 2015, it had been classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, but was down-listed to Vulnerable in 2021 as some populations increased and have been stable since about 2016.
This large vulture is of a creamy-buff colour, with contrasting dark flight and tail feathers. The adult is paler than the juvenile, and its underwing coverts can appear almost white at a distance. The head and neck are near-naked. The eyes are yellowish, and the bill is black. Juveniles and immatures are generally darker and more streaked, with brown to orange eyes and red necks. It closely resembles the white-backed vulture, however it is larger and has yellow irises.
The average length of adult vultures is about 96–115 cm (38–45 in) with a wingspan of 2.26–2.6 m (7 ft 5 in – 8 ft 6 in) and a body weight of 7–11 kg (15–24 lb). The two prominent bare skin patches at the base of the neck... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Cape Griffon in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
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Gyps africanus
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Melierax canorus
Tawny Eagle
Aquila rapax
Martial Eagle
Polemaetus bellicosus
Gabar Goshawk
Micronisus gabar
Bateleur
Terathopius ecaudatus
Black-breasted Snake Eagle
Circaetus pectoralis
Lappet-faced Vulture
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Black Kite
Milvus migrans
Black-winged Kite
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Brown Snake Eagle
Circaetus cinereus
Pale Harrier
Circus macrourus
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Golden Gate Highlands National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 2 | Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 3 | Kruger National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 4 | Waterberg Plateau Park | 🇳🇦 Namibia | |
| 5 | Moremi Game Reserve | 🇧🇼 Botswana | |
| 6 | Etosha National Park | 🇳🇦 Namibia | |
| 7 | Garden Route National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 8 | Gonarezhou National Park | 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe | |
| 9 | Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 10 | Pilanesberg National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 11 | Addo Elephant National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 12 | Kafue National Park | 🇿🇲 Zambia | |
| 13 | Chobe National Park | 🇧🇼 Botswana |