Vultures of Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique, including the White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus), White-headed Vulture (Trigonoceps occidentalis), Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos), Hooded Vulture (Nechrosyrtes monachus), and Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis).  16×20″ gouache on watercolor board. Image copyright Bryce W. Robinson.

My friend Teague Scott, a master’s student at Boise State University, researches the movement ecology of old world vultures, namely the White-headed Vulture and White-backed Vulture. Teague conducts his work in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique, a place with a tortured history as it was devastated by civil war to the point that little large animals remained.

In 2004, Greg Carr, an Idaho based philanthropist, took it upon himself to revitalize the park. What he undertook was a massive collaborative effort aimed at rewilding Gorongosa, involving the local people thus instilling a land ethic and raising their quality of life through employment. Among many academic institutions, he also involved Boise State University and the Intermountain Bird Observatory to provide the opportunity for graduate students to conduct research in the park.

What this effort has become is a resounding success. To find out more about Gorongosa, visit the parks website. Here you will find information on the history of the park, the projects that the park supports, as well as information on opportunities to visit. Be sure to also take the opportunity to watch the numerous videos that provide a glimpse at the natural wonders of Africa.

If you have a love for vultures, and you would like a print of this image then you can purchase one in the shop.