Red-Headed Vulture

Sarcogyps calvus

Status: Critically Endangered Region: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal and Vietnam

Population remaining: 2,500 – 9,999

The red-headed vulture is the sole member of the Sarcogyps genus and is one of the few species of large vultures that live alone or as a breeding pair. They are found at an altitude of up to 2500m in wooded hills and forests in semi-arid areas and semi-deserts. Its striking bald head was thought to protect it from infection but may actually help the bird regulate body temperature. Previously common in Southeast Asia, this species has been rapidly decreasing in numbers in the recent past. Its decline has been attributed to the use of the drug Diclofenac by veterinarians.