The Torgos tracheliotos, commonly known as the Lappet-faced Vulture, is a large bird of prey native to the open savannas and semi-deserts of Africa and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. It is notable for its powerful beak, large size, and distinctive bare head with fleshy folds or lappets. These vultures are known for their solitary and territorial behavior, often dominating carcasses due to their size and strength. They play a crucial ecological role as scavengers, helping to keep ecosystems clean by consuming carrion.

Torgos tracheliotos, commonly known as the Lappet-faced Vulture, is native to Africa and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Its geographical distribution spans across the Sahel region of sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, East Africa, and Southern Africa. Countries where it is commonly found include Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa, among others.

The Lappet-faced Vulture inhabits arid and semi-arid open landscapes, including savannas, deserts, and dry steppes. It prefers areas with sparse vegetation, which provide open spaces for soaring flight and spotting carrion from great distances. The climate within its habitat is typically hot and dry, with seasonal variations in temperature and rainfall.

As a scavenger, the Lappet-faced Vulture plays a crucial ecological role by consuming carrion and preventing the spread of diseases. It often dominates carcasses due to its large size and strong beak, which allow it to tear through tough hides that other scavengers cannot. This vulture is adapted to soaring long distances in search of food, relying on thermal air currents to conserve energy during flight.