The species composition of vultures and their interactions on carcasses of various stages of decomposition is not well understood yet it potentially affects their food acquisition and survival. We collected data from six carcasses between June and December 2021 using camera traps that were set on carcasses undergoing various decomposition states in Sinamatella Camp of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Of interest were the cases in which each vulture species was dominating in interactions which gave it an advantage in terms of food acquisition. Four vulture species were observed (White-backed, White-headed, Lappet-faced and Hooded Vultures). Vulture abundances were greatest on fresh carcasses and least on dry ones. Although dominance behaviors by the White-backed and White-headed Vultures were recorded over all other vulture species, there were no records of the Lappet-faced dominating other vultures. In addition, the Hooded Vultures were mostly dominating non-vulture avian species on advanced decay carcasses. Our results demonstrate how various species may be prone to intense competition that may further place them at disadvantageous positions if food sources decline, more so under climatic shifts and various anthropogenic pressures.

West Nile virus (WNV) is an arbovirus mainly transmitted by Culex spp., which causes a worldwide zoonotic disease. This pathogen is endemically maintained in a life cycle with birds acting as reservoirs and humans and horses as accidental and dead-end hosts. Sporadic WNV outbreaks have been reported in Europe and the potential impact of WNV infection on populations of threatened or endangered birds of prey is considerable. Surveillance programs are needed for early detection of this virus. All four species of vultures present in Europe are considered protected species. As scavengers, vultures are at the top of the food chain, and can be susceptible to and negatively affected by pathogens like WNV. In a conservation perspective, the impact of WNV in European vultures, alone or concomitantly with other factors, should be addressed. This review of documented cases can be considered a state point.