

Z SCAVENGERS OF THE VELD 



their way to the spot from all quarters of the horizon. 

 Judging by the way they follow one another, we feel 

 convinced that they locate the carcass more by sight than 

 from any sense of smell. The Ravens were always the 

 more fearless and the first to arrive. Within an hour 

 there would be between fifty and a hundred Vultures 

 circling in mid-air, or sitting on the boulders around the 

 carcass, waiting until there was no apparent danger. 

 Meanwhile, the more fearless Ravens were making an 

 excellent meal. As soon as the Vultures feel confidence 

 in their safety the carcass is attacked en bloc, and a tearing 

 and rending of flesh, flapping of wings, and screaming 

 ensue. 



During the rinderpest the Vultures were in the habit 

 of gorging themselves to such an extent that they could 

 just manage to drag themselves to the water if any was 

 near have a drink and vomit everything up, then return 

 and gorge again. They were often so completely gorged 

 with the putrid flesh that they could barely move and 

 could easily be knocked over with a stick. We often 

 attempted to ride them down when in this lethargic con- 

 dition, but few horses will go close to a Vulture, shying 

 violently at the grotesque figure, to which they are quite 

 unaccustomed. 



In attacking a carcass, the eyes and tongue are picked 

 out first. 



The Aasvogel has recently adopted an entirely new 

 habit. Grave reports have repeatedly come in from 

 farmers to the South African Ornithologists' Union and 

 the various Departments of Agriculture, stating that the 

 Vulture has developed a taste for fresh meat. The 

 farmers complain of their sheep being destroyed, even 

 full-grown ewes being killed and devoured. One reason 

 for this change of habit is probably the increase in 



