CONSERVATION

These sky-soaring scavengers are full of surprises. Here are 3 Wild & Wacky Facts about them:

1. They Can Smell Dinner from Miles Away.

Unlike most birds, turkey vultures (nicknamed buzzards in some places) have an incredible sense of smell. They can sniff out a dead animal from over a mile away—even through thick forest! It’s like having a built-in radar for finding snacks... if snacks were dead animals.

2. They’re Nature’s Clean-Up Crew

Buzzards eat dead animals (called carrion), which might sound nasty, but it’s super important for keeping the environment clean. Without them, the world would be full of rotting carcasses, spreading disease everywhere. So yeah, they’re basically the unsung heroes of hygiene.

3. They Poop on Their Legs to Stay Cool

Yep, you read that right. When it gets too hot, buzzards poop or pee on their legs to cool themselves off, this weird behavior, called urohidrosis, works like sweat for them. Gross? Yes. Effective? Also yes. Buzzards genuinely have no ...

This special day encourages us to appreciate and protect those oft-misunderstood creatures that share our world. As someone who runs a conservation leadership club for young people, I would love some fun facts about Spiders and why they are so important.

Spiders are not just creepy-crawlies; they play a vital role in maintaining the balance of our environment. Best of all, they offer Natural Pest Control. Yes, that’s right, Spiders are nature's pest controllers. They help keep populations of insects like flies and mosquitoes in check, which is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems. So don’t squish or step on them. Simply let them eat up the bugs around you!

I’m so excited to share with you that throughout August, I’ll be following along with my friend, Wilton Nsimango, the Education and Community Development Programs Manager of Painted Dog Conservation, as he tours the U.S. promoting the work they are doing in Zimbabwe to educate and provide protection for this incredible species! 

Want to know where we’ll be and what we’ll be up to? Check out my latest Awesome Animal Adventure to see the itinerary and read more about African Painted Dog conservation: 

https://www.csthecrittersaver.com/blog/u-s-tour-meet-the-painted-dog-conservation 

In partnership with: Association of Zoos and Aquariums SAFE African Painted Dogs, Painted Dog Protection, Painted Dog Conservation