Bearded Vulture
Gypaetus barbatus

As per IUCN Redlist the global population of this vulture species ranges from 1675 - 6700 mature individuals

Distribution

The Bearded Vulture has a wide but fragmented distribution across southern Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent, extending eastward into China and Mongolia. In Europe, it occurs in the Pyrenees, Alps, Balkans, and Caucasus, while in Africa it is found mainly in the Ethiopian highlands and parts of southern Africa. Across Asia, it inhabits the Himalayas, Tibet, and mountainous regions of Central and East Asia. The species is strongly associated with high-altitude mountainous terrain, usually nesting on cliffs at elevations ranging from 500 to over 4,500 meters above sea level.

Threats

The Bearded Vulture has been categorized as Near Threatened by the IUCN, with a decreasing global population trend. Major threats include non-target poisoning, such as exposure to veterinary drugs like diclofenac, which causes fatal kidney damage. Collisions with energy infrastructure (e.g., powerlines) and habitat disturbance from expanding human development further endanger the species. Additionally, reduced food availability—due to declining ungulate populations and improved livestock hygiene—limits carrion sources. In some regions, use of body parts in traditional medicine also contributes to localized decline. Click for more info 

Lifespan

They can live up to 45 years in captivity; may vary in wild conditions.