The friendliest and most social of Old World Vultures, Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) lives in a permanent colony of 20 to 30 birds. In the morning, her Colony leaves their communal roost to search for food. When They have flown some distance, Griffon Vulture and her Friends separate to look for a suitable carcass. A graceful and effortless flyer, She soars long distances. When She finds a dead animal, Griffon Vulture lands and waits for the rest of her Colony to arrive. Afterwards, She will have “friendly fights” with her Friends over who eats first.
Griffon Vulture is the archetype for Vultures in general. Ancient Europeans vilified Her for her ugliness and disgusting eating habits. However, They appreciated Griffon Vulture for ridding their land of disease-bearing corpses. In fact, some ancient European cultures held Her in the same high regard as they did Hawk.
Throughout the ages, Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Persian peoples believed that Griffon Vulture symbolized the outcome of war. No matter which side won, the spoils of war went to Her. After the battles were over, Griffon Vulture fed on the dead and dying.
Griffon Vulture teaches cooperation in many things. With her Colony, She seeks food and shares what She finds. Together They rid the land of disease. You can learn cooperation and service from Griffon Vulture.
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Conservation Note:In Spain and Sardinia, conservationists provide carrion to their endangered Griffon Vulture population.
Griffon Vulture photo copyrighted by Alain Fosse'
Va. Carper
August 15, 2005