Introduction: The Rüppell's griffon vulture (Gyps rueppellii) reigns supreme as the world's highest-flying bird, reaching astonishing altitudes of up to 11,300 meters. This remarkable feat was first recorded in 1973 when one collided with a commercial aircraft at an altitude of 11,300 meters over the Ivory Coast in West Africa.
Record-Breaking Encounter: The collision resulted in damage to one of the aircraft's engines but miraculously, the plane managed to land safely. Tragically, the vulture did not survive the encounter, leaving behind only a collection of five intact and fifteen incomplete feathers. These remains provided enough evidence for species identification and confirmation of the record, as reported by IFL Science.
Social Behavior and Distribution: Rüppell's griffon vultures are highly social birds that mate for life. Both parents participate in caring for the young for the first 150 days. Native to the Sahel region of Africa, stretching between the Sahara desert and the Sudanian savanna, these vultures can be found in countries such as Zimbabwe, Senegal, and Ethiopia. They occasionally venture into the Mediterranean region, with sightings in Spain.
Threats to the Species: Unfortunately, Rüppell's griffon vultures face a grim conservation status as they are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Habitat loss, hunting, and a decline in their primary food source, carcasses, pose significant threats to many African bird species, including vultures.
Poisoning and Environmental Hazards: Poisoning has become a major concern for Rüppell's griffon vultures, especially in East Africa. Carbofuran, a type of pesticide, is primarily responsible for their deaths, although BirdLife International also highlights the role of diclofenac. This anti-inflammatory drug, used in veterinary medicine, can be deadly to vultures if they consume carcasses of treated animals.
Physical Characteristics and Flight Abilities: Rüppell's griffon vultures measure nearly a meter in height and are easily identifiable by their bald heads. This adaptation stems from their feeding habits, where they often bury their heads deep into the bodies of carcasses while consuming their meals. Despite having a wingspan exceeding two meters, they rarely flap their wings while soaring. When not causing trouble for commercial pilots, Rüppell's griffon vultures utilize thermals rising from the land below to achieve extraordinary heights, a tactic they employ while searching for food.
Other High-Flying Competitors: While the Rüppell's griffon vulture holds the record, other bird species have shown impressive flight capabilities. The common crane (Grus grus) has been observed flying as high as 10,000 meters while evading eagles over the Himalayas. The bar-headed goose (Anser indicus) also exhibits remarkable adaptations, reaching altitudes of up to 7,300 meters with enlarged lungs to cope with low oxygen levels.