The southern African Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) - or Lammergeyer - is currently endangered and likely to become extinct. Originally common throughout Lesotho, the Free State, Eastern Cape Province and KwaZulu-Natal (along the Maloti-Drakensberg mountains), the Bearded Vulture now only breeds and forages across a fraction of its original range. Current (2011) population estimates are in the region of 100 breeding pairs, down from over 200 pairs 25 years ago. Here, this rarely-seen vulture-like eagle of Africa catches the sun's first rays while the grassy slopes of the high Drakensberg remain in deep shadow. Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Nikon F601, 50-135/3.5. Fuji RD. Autumn 1993.
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