What is the National Animal of Mali?

The vulture is the national animal of Mali which is mostly found in Africa, Vulture is one of the most recognizable bird in Mali, but has also been seen in other parts of the world. It is mostly found in the desert areas of Africa. The vulture has been associated with this country for many centuries and has been a symbol of power and strength.

The bird can be seen circling around high up in the sky waiting for its next meal. Its main diet consists of dead animals that are lying on the ground.

The vulture is a scavenger, which means that it eats dead animals or carcasses. It has adapted to its environment by having strong feet and a long neck so that it can reach into deep holes and cracks where there may be some food that others cannot reach.

Vulture Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Cathartes aura
Class: Aves
Phylum: Chordata
Kingdom: Animalia

Physical Description

The African vulture is a member of the bird family Accipitridae, which also includes eagles, kites, buzzards and hawks. Vultures are scavenging birds that feed on dead animals.

There are four species of vulture in the genus Gyps: Gypaetus barbatus (black vulture), Gypaetus albicollis (hooded vulture), Gypaetus erythrophthalmus (lammergeier) and Aegypius monachus (Egyptian vulture). All have bald heads and necks, short broad wings and long tails.

This bird has a wingspan of up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in) and weighs 5–7 kg (11–15 lb). The body plumage is white with black wingtips and flight feathers. The head and neck are featherless except for two narrow greyish-black strips on either side of the neck.

Facts about Vulture

• Vulture is the most popular, official and famous bird in Mali.
• It has a great role in nature because it feeds on dead animals, which helps to prevent the spread of diseases by cleaning up after them.
• It stands for peace and tranquility because it does not attack other living creatures, even those that are sick or weak.
• Strength – The vulture feeds on dead animals, which means it does not have any natural predators
• Family – Vultures are known for their large family groups that often stick together
• Lifespan – The vulture is known to live up to 30 years, which is much longer than other birds
• Vultures do not have teeth; instead they use their powerful beaks to tear meat into shreds

Why is Vulture the national animal of Mali?

The vulture is also considered sacred by the people of Mali since they believe that they help clean up their environment by eating dead animals that would otherwise rot in the desert or savannahs. The Malian vulture is one of the most threatened species in Africa, and it’s also one of the most unique. Vultures play an important role in keeping ecosystems clean by eating dead animals, which prevents diseases from spreading in the environment.

It is also a symbol of wisdom and intelligence which makes it a unique bird in different countries of the world. So, because of all these facts, the vulture has been officially declared the Mali’s national animal.