Why are condors important?
California condors are vultures. Like all vultures, they are scavengers and feed on carrion. Condors prefer large dead animals such as whales, deer, elk and cattle, but they also eat rodents and even fish. They can eat up to three pounds of food in one sitting. Condors are inquisitive and intelligent; they rely on their keen eyesight to locate food and have been known to fly up to 200 miles a day in search of carrion. Condors play a critical role in ecosystems by recycling nutrients (or toxins) over large areas and disposing of dead, disease-ridden animals. Condors have a long past in natural and human histories. Traditionally, this charismatic bird has been revered. Today, native and scientific communities are together addressing ecosystem health while honoring the spiritual heritage of tribal nations connected to this bird.
