Gypaetus barbatus, commonly known as the bearded vulture or lammergeier, is notable for its striking appearance with a wingspan reaching up to 2.8 meters. It inhabits mountainous regions across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Unique among vultures, it feeds primarily on bone marrow, dropping bones from great heights to crack them open. Its role as a bone cleaner is crucial in its ecosystem, aiding in nutrient recycling.

Gypaetus barbatus, commonly known as the bearded vulture or lammergeier, is native to mountainous regions in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Its geographical distribution includes areas such as the Pyrenees, the Alps, the Caucasus, the Himalayas, and parts of the Ethiopian Highlands. It is also found in parts of Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Greece, Turkey, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

The bearded vulture typically inhabits high-altitude mountainous areas with rocky cliffs and open landscapes. These environments are characterized by cold climates with significant temperature variation between day and night. The regions are often remote and less disturbed by human activities.

Gypaetus barbatus occupies the ecological niche of a scavenger, primarily feeding on carrion, particularly the bones of dead animals. Its unique feeding habits allow it to thrive in areas where other scavengers might not survive. The species is adapted to breaking large bones by dropping them from heights onto rocks to access the nutritious marrow inside.