Lappet-faced Vulture
The Lappet-faced Vulture is a large bird of prey found in parts of Africa and the Middle East. It is easily recognized by its distinctive bald head and large, hooked beak, which are adaptations for scavenging. This vulture primarily feeds on carrion, often competing with other scavengers for food.
These vultures play a crucial role in the ecosystem by helping to clean up dead animals, which prevents the spread of disease. The Lappet-faced Vulture is currently classified as endangered due to habitat loss and poisoning, making conservation efforts essential for its survival.