EPISODE · Feb 20, 2026 · 2 MIN
SHORT: Why are vultures sometimes called "the soap of the savanna?"
from The Wildlife Podcast with Laurel Neme and Jeffrey Barbee · host thenewwildlifepodcastwithlaurelandjeff
THE WILDLIFE PODCAST EPISODE ONE: VULTURES SHORT: THE SOAP OF THE SAVANNA In this episode, Laurel Neme and Jeff Barbee delve into the world of vultures—what they are, why they’re important, the threats they face, and what happens if we lose them. Guest: Dr. Corinne Kendall, conservation biologist and Southern Africa Program Director for The Peregrine Fund. Vultures are big, high-flying birds that can soar on thermals with little effort. They also have keen eyesight and sense of smell that lets them find carcasses even from miles away. They play a critical role in the ecosystem by consuming the remains of dead animals, which in turn keeps diseases at bay. On the African continent, vultures are in serious trouble. One of the main threats to them is poisoning. As scavengers, they're particularly susceptible—especially when carcasses are laced with lethal pesticides. This can lead to high mortality events and cause populations to plummet. Yet The Peregrine Fund, Endangered Wildlife Trust and others are doing a lot to help them, such as helping rangers find the birds in time for them to be rehabilitated. How You Can Help Support Vultures: Donate to both the Peregrine Fund and EWT, they are doing incredible work!: THE PEREGRINE FUND: https://peregrinefund.org/ ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST: https://ewt.org/ EXPLORE MORE ABOUT VULTURES: https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-... Do you have an amazing story/project or person that we should highlight? Get in touch at our email: [email protected]
What this episode covers
THE WILDLIFE PODCAST EPISODE ONE: VULTURES SHORT: THE SOAP OF THE SAVANNA In this episode, Laurel Neme and Jeff Barbee delve into the world of vultures—what they are, why they’re important, the threats they face, and what happens if we lose them. Guest: Dr. Corinne Kendall, conservation biologist and Southern Africa Program Director for The Peregrine Fund. Vultures are big, high-flying birds that can soar on thermals with little effort. They also have keen eyesight and sense of smell that lets them find carcasses even from miles away. They play a critical role in the ecosystem by consuming the remains of dead animals, which in turn keeps diseases at bay. On the African continent, vultures are in serious trouble. One of the main threats to them is poisoning. As scavengers, they're particularly susceptible—especially when carcasses are laced with lethal pesticides. This can lead to high mortality events and cause populations to plummet. Yet The Peregrine Fund, Endangered Wildlife Trust and others are doing a lot to help them, such as helping rangers find the birds in time for them to be rehabilitated. How You Can Help Support Vultures: Donate to both the Peregrine Fund and EWT, they are doing incredible work!: THE PEREGRINE FUND: https://peregrinefund.org/ ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST: https://ewt.org/ EXPLORE MORE ABOUT VULTURES: https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-... Do you have an amazing story/project or person that we should highlight? Get in touch at our email: [email protected]
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SHORT: Why are vultures sometimes called "the soap of the savanna?"
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