Coragyps atratus
Vultures like the Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) have lived amongst humans for millennia. But because they feast on the remains of dead animals, they’ve been vilified with a reputation for carrying disease. Quite the opposite: By devouring decaying flesh, these scavengers prevent the spread of pathogens that cause bubonic plague, anthrax, and other diseases. They even stop carrion from emitting tens of millions of metric tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere each year. We owe a lot to this feathered cleanup crew. They are a fascinating and complex species.