New World Vultures

 

Manuel Antonio National Park is home to several species of New World Vultures (Cathartidae), including the iconic Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura). These scavengers play a crucial ecological role by helping to clean the environment, feeding on carrion, and preventing the spread of disease. With their keen sense of smell, New World Vultures can detect the scent of decaying animals from great distances, often soaring high above the park’s forests and open areas. By efficiently recycling nutrients and organic matter, vultures contribute to the health of the park’s ecosystems. Their presence in Manuel Antonio National Park underscores the importance of scavengers in maintaining ecological balance and promoting biodiversity.