Mauritania east to Ethiopia and south to northern and eastern South Africa.
Population
Estimated population is 270,000 (2010) and decreasing.
Status CR
Habitat loss through conversion to agriculture, loss of wild ungulates leading to a reduced availability of carrion, hunting for trade, persecution and poisoning are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus) [XC429650]
by Derek Solomon from Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (begging call)
White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus) [XC300328]
by Derek Solomon from Nazret area, Ethiopia (call)
Subspecies
Forms superspecies with White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis), with which has been considered conspecific. There is a possibility of three geographically discrete populations that differ on size, but are not named.
No subspecies.
Similar Species
Within its range with Rueppell's Griffon (Gyps rueppelli) or Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus), both of which have a pale outer half to their bill and do not show such a marked contrast between the underwing-coverts and flight feathers from below.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet