Vultur Research Articles

Birds of prey in the collections of the Šariš Museum in Bardejov (Slovakia)

Abstract In this study, data presented of birds of prey (Accipitriformes, Falconiformes) specimens deposited in the collection of the Šariš Museum in Bardejov (SMB), Slovakia. The work builds on previous studies highlighting the importance of the SMB museum collections, but also the importance of the museum on a global scale. In total, data of 437 individuals belonging to 22 species from 86 sites in eastern Slovakia were evaluated. Individuals were acquired in 1954–1985 (and two specimens of Buteo buteo in 1998), but mainly in 1962 (n = 63, 14.4%) and 1963 (n = 32, 7.3%). Moreover, one specimen of the Common Buzzard (B. buteo) had signs of „a dilution (isabel)” and one bird of the Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) had signs of „melanism“. The importance of the work also includes cataloguing, which provides important data on regional museums and their collections that can be significant not only regionally but also globally. Moreover, in the SMB collections there are also 20 specimens of 15 species of exotic Accipitriformes and Falconiformes [1 ex. – Accipiter striatus; 1 ex. – Buteo buteo; 1 ex. – B. ventralis; 1 ex. – Buteogallus gundlachii; 1 ex. – B. meridionalis; 1 ex. – Caracara plancus; 1 ex. – Elanoides forficatus; 5 ex. – Falco sparverius; 1 ex. – Geranoaetus polyosoma; 1 ex. – Gyps africanus; 1 ex. – Haliaeetus albicilla; 2 ex. – Ictinia plumbea; 1 ex. – Pandion haliaetus; 1 ex. – Rupornis magnirostris; 1 ex. – Vultur gryphus] originating mainly from Argentina and Cuba as well from Africa and Hungary.

Extraordinary creatures: raptors

Raptors, otherwise known as birds of prey, are a diverse group of birds including 326 diurnal species and 247 owls. The largest species, the Andean condor, can have a mass of up to 15 kg with a wingspan up to 3.40 m, while the smallest raptor is the black-thighed falconet, which has a minimum mass of about 28 g and lives in Indonesia. Almost all raptors have large talons and a hooked beak for eating meat; however, vultures do not have talons and palm-nut vultures that live in Africa consume a diet of mainly palm-nut fruit (90% in some regions), with some meat. Raptors live on every continent, except for Antarctica. Simon Potier, a professional falconer who also studies raptor vision, tells Journal of Experimental Biology about these extraordinary creatures and how they are exquisitely adapted to their different lifestyles.

First record of ectoparasites (Phthiraptera and Acari) from the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) in Colombia.

Several species of ectoparasites, including chewing lice and mites are closely associated with their hosts. The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is globally listed as vulnerable by the IUCN and its population has been steadily declining in recent decades suggesting a potential extinction of associated entomofauna. The purpose of this study was to record the species of ectoparasites infesting three individuals of Andean condor found dead in the 'Páramo del Almorzadero' Santander Department, Northeastern Colombia. One juvenile (male) and two adults (male and female) Andean condors received for necropsy were carefully examined for ectoparasite infestation. Specimens were collected and preserved in ethanol (70%) for taxonomic studies. Morphologic identification and morphometric records were made under light microscopy. Some specimens were also prepared for scanning electron microscopy and others were subjected to DNA extraction to amplify and obtain sequences of the cytochrome-C oxidase subunit I (COI) gene for phylogenetic analyses. Lice were collected from the juvenile condor and the adult female and identified as Falcolipeurus assesor (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) in the juvenile condor (8 females, 19 males and 8 nymphs) and the adult (1 female); Colpocephalum trichosum (Phthiraptera: Amblycera) in the juvenile (19 females, 24 males and 1 nymph) and the adult (2 females, 2 males and 3 nymphs); and Cuculiphilus zonatus (Phthiraptera: Amblycera) in the juvenile (40 females, 43 males and 15 nymphs) and the adult (1 male and 2 nymphs). Moreover, one mite collected from the juvenile condor was identified as Ancyralges cathartinus (Acari: Astigmata) (1 female). Morphometric data was obtained for the adult stages of F. assesor (6 females and 13 males), C. trichosum (9 females and 9 males) and C. zonatus (10 females and 10 males). We obtained the first DNA sequences of COI for F. assessor, and C. trichosum, where phylogenetic tree analysis showed that F. assessor is more closely related to Falcolipeurus marginalis, and C. trichosum to Colpocephalum kelloggi. This represents the first record of parasites in Andean condor from Colombia and contributes to the knowledge of chewing lice and mites associated with an endemic and endangered bird species. Further studies on Andean condor ectoparasites should be focused on documenting host-parasite interactions and potential health impacts in these wild birds.

Validating the concept of top scavenger: the Andean Condor as a model species.

Vultures provide the key ecosystem service of quickly removing carrion, so they have recently been assumed to be top scavengers. To challenge the concept of top scavenger (i.e. the most influential in the scavenging community and process), between 2012 and 2019, we recorded the consumption of 45 equine carcasses available for two different avian scavenger guilds in the Tropical Andes; each guild included the Andean Condor, the alleged top scavenger. The carcasses eaten by Andean Condors were consumed, on average, 1.75 times faster than those they did not eat. Furthermore, the greater abundance of feeding condors shortened carcass consumption time more than a greater abundance of any other species by 1.65 to 5.96 times, on average. These findings support the hypothesis that the Andean Condor significantly drives scavenging dynamics and is, therefore, an unrestricted top scavenger. Additionally, we established a gradient of tolerance of avian scavengers to domestic dog disturbance at carcasses, from highest to lowest: vultures > caracaras > condors. Our study framework holds great potential for advancing in food webs' comprehension through quantifying the relative functional role of scavenging communities' members and for guiding efforts to weigh up the ecological contributions of top scavengers and foster their conservation.

Andean Condors with Orthopedic Injuries of the Lower Limbs Affecting Ground Ambulation but Not Flight

Andean Condors with Orthopedic Injuries of the Lower Limbs Affecting Ground Ambulation but Not Flight

Enhancing Distribution Network Efficiency with Andean Condor Algorithm-Driven Optimal Placement of Distributed Generation and Network Reconfiguration

This research introduces an innovative methodology for optimizing placement of Distributed Generations (DGs) within distribution networks, with primary focus on reducing power losses and enhancing energy efficiency. The surge in electric power demand has necessitated integration of DGs into distribution networks, bolstering system security. However, this integration brings about structural changes and alters system parameters, such as power fluctuations, voltage profiles and fault current levels. To address these complexities, this research contributes comprehensive approach that integrates Andean Condor Algorithm (ACA) and Network Reconfiguration (NR) to optimize DG placement. The proposed methodology aims to minimize both active and reactive power losses in distribution networks. MATLAB simulations using the 69 and 33 bus distribution networks are used to thoroughly validate the system’s efficacy. The suggested ACA achieves an active power loss of 120 KW and a reactive power loss of 28.66 KVAr for 33 bus system. In the same way, 69 bus system manages to achieve a 16 KVAr reactive power loss and a 92.3 KW active power loss. The results show that suggested methodology is both effective and better than popular CPSO method, which makes it valuable addition to the field of distributed generation optimization in power distribution networks.

Condors scavenge on fish at the land–water interface in the Andean foothill of southern Bolivia

AbstractThere is very little information on Andean condors scavenging on fish. Here we report five events of condors feeding on fish carrion in the Bolivian Chaco Serrano in three consecutive years. In 2019, 2020, and 2021, condors were observed feeding on discarded fish from local fishermen, 3 km west of Villa Montes, in the ‘El Angosto’ section of the Pilcomayo River. Fishing, mainly for sábalo (Prochilodus lineatus), is the most important economic activity in that part of the Pilcomayo basin and its discards explain fish carrion availability there, while driving scavengers to feed on this resource. We believe that fish carrion abundance, the intensity of intra‐ and interspecific competition for access to carrion, and overall carrion availability hierarchically influence the fact that condors feed on fish, something we will investigate later based on the observations reported here. From a conservation perspective, the main consequence of scavengers feeding on fish from the Pilcomayo is that they could be getting heavy metal poisoning. Heavy metal poisoning is a serious threat with widely known negative effects for wildlife. Our observations should serve to promote comprehensive bio‐monitoring of the Pilcomayo basin, using approaches such as One Health, and emphasizing the importance of coexistence between humans and the rest of biodiversity, with the Andean Condor as the flagship species.

Life History of the Andean Condor in Ecuador

Background and Research Aims: Little information exists on the breeding behavior of the Andean Condor ( Vultur gryphus). Its global population, estimated at 6700 adult individuals, is declining throughout its distribution range. With less than 150 condors, the Endangered condor population in Ecuador is of conservation concern. This study aimed to analyze the breeding behavior of wild-born Andean Condors in Ecuador. Methods: Between 2009 and 2021, we monitored 22 egg-laying attempts in eight Andean Condor nests, evaluated the parental care of three breeding pairs of condors and recorded the species' interactions with other raptors and mammals during the nestling-rearing season, and examined the breeding success of an Andean Condor pair during a decade of monitoring. Results: Our breeding records indicated that Andean Condor lay eggs throughout the year, and 16 nestlings spent between six and 10 months in the nest before making their first flights. We found differences in the length of time that the parents remain with the nestling, and described agonistic encounters between condors and other raptors and a Spectacled Bear ( Tremarctos ornatus) in the condor nesting areas. The breeding success of the monitored condor pair was 0.88 nestlings per clutch, and the female laid an egg on average every 15 months. Conclusion: Considering the small size of the Andean Condor population in Ecuador, studies on the breeding behavior of wild-born condors are a high research priority to assess population trends and prevent extinction. Specifically, we recommend further research on parental care, breeding success, nestling survivorship, and nesting phenology. Implications for Conservation: Beyond the importance of the protected area system, strategic planning of key areas for the maintenance of condor populations in the northern Andes must encompass the evaluation of new potential protected areas that offer direct benefits to these birds. These should include nesting sites in human-dominated landscapes such as rural Andean areas.

Landfill Use by Andean Condors in Central Chile

Landfill Use by Andean Condors in Central Chile

Minimum Nest Distances, Breeding Success and Use of Shared Cliffs for Andean Condor Vultur gryphus Breeding in Ecuador

Minimum Nest Distances, Breeding Success and Use of Shared Cliffs for Andean Condor Vultur gryphus Breeding in Ecuador

Bridging Evolutionary History and Conservation of New World Vultures.

The New World Vultures (Cathartidae) include seven species of obligate scavengers that, despite their ecological relevance, present critical information gaps around their evolutionary history and conservation. Insights into their phylogenetic relationships in recent years has enabled the addressing of such information gaps through approaches based on phylogeny. We reconstructed the ancestral area in America of the current species using two regionalization schemes and methods: Biogeography with Bayesian Evolutionary Analysis (BioGeoBears) and Bayesian Binary Model-Monte Carlo Markov Chains (BBM-MCMC). Then, we identified the priority species and areas for conservation by means of the Evolutionary Distinctiveness index (ED), as a proxy of the uniqueness of species according to phylogeny, and the Global Endangerment index (GE), mapping phylogenetic diversity. We found that the ancestral area of New World Vultures in America corresponds to South America, with dispersal processes that led to a recolonization of North America by Coragyps atratus, Gymnogyps californianus and Cathartes aura. We identified the Black Vulture, G. californianus and Vultur gryphus as priority species based on ED and "Evolutionary Distinct Globally Endangered" (EDGE) indexes, and the lowlands of Amazon River basin and the Orinoco basin and some tributaries areas of the Guiana Shield were identified as the priority areas when mapping the phylogenetic diversity. This study highlights the importance of filling knowledge gaps of species of conservation concern through the integration of evolutionary and ecological information and tools and, thus, developing adequate strategies to enhance the preservation of these species in the face of the current loss of biodiversity.

Perceptions of the Andean condor in the urban population of Ecuador

The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is an emblematic species of the Andes. It is the largest vulture in the world, and it is at the top of the food chain. His image has been present in the memorial of cultures, festivals and beliefs of Andean people and persists until now, as current symbolism of the Andean cultures. In order to evaluate the general data of the Andean condor based on urban population perspectives, surveys were used and distributed over the internet in Ecuador under a socioeconomic classification. The information was analyzed using Chi2 tests and generalized linear models. 726 responses were obtained from people between 18 and 71 years old. All the models generated were reliable. The results show that general information such as recognizing the species, knowing its diet and perceiving that it is an endangered species, is known by the urban population. Unknown aspects of the Andean condor are its size, flight distance and the number of eggs per clutch. The Andean condor has a positive perception as a vulture, and a low percentage considers it a harmful species capable of preying live animals. Variables such as gender, outdoor activities and age proved gaps in the natural history of the Andean condor in some social spaces. We suggest as an alternative to completely cover the gaps, environmental education actions directed to these social spaces.

Demographic collapse threatens the long-term persistence of Andean condors in the northern Andes

Determining the conservation status of long-lived and highly mobile species is particularly challenging due to their long generational time and the spatio-temporal scale at which they interact with their landscape. Vultures are not only extremely vagile and long-lived but are also some of the most threatened species globally. However, the genetic status and connectivity patterns of most vulture species of the southern hemisphere remain poorly understood. Herein, we studied the patterns of neutral genetic variability in both the captive and remnant wild populations of Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) from the equatorial Andes and assessed their movement dynamic to infer current connectivity, as well as identify conservation corridors in one of the most critical areas for the conservation of the species. We found that the demographic collapse of condors in the region has severely affected their effective population size, which might lead to an extinction vortex in the near future. However, our results indicated that the captive population still harbors substantial genetic variation that could be harnessed to strengthen wild populations. Although our landscape resistance models revealed that the northern Andean corridor provides a continuum of suitable habitat for condors, our connectivity assessment identified important spatial disruptions, likely driven by anthropogenic processes. We discuss the implications of our findings to the conservation plan of Andean condors, while highlighting the importance of integrating multiple data sources to identify extinction risks in other species exhibiting high dispersal capabilities and long generational times.

Systemic avian poxvirus infections associated with the B1 subclade of canarypox virus.

Avian poxvirus infections typically manifest as 2 forms: cutaneous ("dry") pox, characterized by proliferative nodules on the skin, and diphtheritic ("wet") pox, characterized by plaques of caseous exudate in the oropharynx and upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Systemic spread of virus to visceral organs beyond the skin and mucous membranes is rarely reported. Out of 151 cases diagnosed with avian poxvirus over a 20-year period at a zoological institution, 22 were characterized as having systemic involvement based on histopathology and molecular findings. Gross lesions in systemic cases included soft white nodules scattered throughout the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Two histopathologic patterns emerged: (1) widespread histiocytic inflammation in visceral organs with intrahistiocytic viral inclusions and (2) severe, localized dry or wet pox lesions with poxvirus-like inclusions within dermal and subepithelial histiocytes. In situ hybridization targeting the core P4b protein gene confirmed the presence of poxvirus DNA within histiocytes in both patterns. Polymerase chain reaction was performed targeting the reticuloendothelial virus long terminal repeat (REV LTR) flanking region and the core P4b protein gene. Sequences of the REV LTR flanking region from all systemic pox cases were identical to a previously described condorpox virus isolated from an Andean condor with systemic pox. Sequences of the core P4b protein gene from all systemic pox cases grouped into cluster 2 of the B1 subclade of canarypox viruses. Systemic involvement of avian poxvirus likely occurs as a result of infection with certain strain variations in combination with various possible host and environmental factors.

A call to mitigate threats and fill existing knowledge gaps to facilitate reintroduction and conservation of the Andean Condor in Colombia

A call to mitigate threats and fill existing knowledge gaps to facilitate reintroduction and conservation of the Andean Condor in Colombia

Community structure of raptors in the páramo landscape of the Ecuadorian Andes

Introduction: Habitat alterations result in biodiversity loss, particularly in regions with high levels of diversity and endemism. Raptors are an essential part of the functionality and stability of ecosystems and indicators of habitat quality. In the paramo grassland ecosystems in the high Andes of Northern South America, raptors contain a high concentration of threatened species. Objective: To describe the raptor community structure and determine the species associations. Methods: We made monthly raptor counts in eight transects from October 2021 to September 2022 and used a principal component analysis to determine species associations. Results: We identified 149 individuals (seven species, three families) in two communities: abundant (Carunculated Caracara, Variable Hawk, Andean Condor and Turkey Vulture; PCI = 47 %), and scarce (Cinereous Harrier, Peregrine Falcon and Aplomado Falco; PCII = 27 %). Conclusion: We provide a valid description and understanding of raptor community structure, identifying two communities and the dynamics between them. The first is characterized by an increased abundance of generalist and regionally common species, when the abundance of these species decreases, the second community is defined, characterized by an increase in the abundance of specialist and rare species at the local scale.

A 2200-year record of Andean Condor diet and nest site usage reflects natural and anthropogenic stressors.

Understanding how animals respond to large-scale environmental changes is difficult to achieve because monitoring data are rarely available for more than the past few decades, if at all. Here, we demonstrate how a variety of palaeoecological proxies (e.g. isotopes, geochemistry and DNA) from an Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) guano deposit from Argentina can be used to explore breeding site fidelity and the impacts of environmental changes on avian behaviour. We found that condors used the nesting site since at least approximately 2200 years ago, with an approximately 1000-year nesting frequency slowdown from ca 1650 to 650 years before the present (yr BP). We provide evidence that the nesting slowdown coincided with a period of increased volcanic activity in the nearby Southern Volcanic Zone, which resulted in decreased availability of carrion and deterred scavenging birds. After returning to the nest site ca 650 yr BP, condor diet shifted from the carrion of native species and beached marine animals to the carrion of livestock (e.g. sheep and cattle) and exotic herbivores (e.g. red deer and European hare) introduced by European settlers. Currently, Andean Condors have elevated lead concentrations in their guano compared to the past, which is associated with human persecution linked to the shift in diet.

From Pyrenees to Andes: The relationship between transhumant livestock and vultures

Transhumance is the traditional livestock practice consisting in the seasonal movement of herds between winter and summer pastures. Transhumance have important effects on the ecosystem functions from local to regional scales. Here, we 1) explored the relationship of vultures to transhumant herds, and 2) tested whether there is a shift on the use of space by vultures due to the decline of transhumance. For that, we first assessed whether vultures follow transhumant herds in two mountain areas with transhumant tradition, Pyrenees (Spain) and Andes (Argentina). Second, we compared both systems to determine whether the impact of transhumance on the use of space of vultures is greater in the area where transhumance is still relevant (Andes) than where this activity is in decline (Pyrenees). For this purpose, we analyzed the use of the summer pastures made by 50 griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) and 18 Andean condors (Vultur gryphus), as assessed by GPS tracking. Our findings showed that both species respond to transhumance by making greater use of summer pastures when herds are present. A higher proportion of condors made use of summer pastures than griffons, and condors individually made a more intense use of it than griffons. Differences could be explained by the fact that transhumance in the Andes is still important while in the Pyrenees is declining and the amount of carrion provided is lower. Given that the abandonment of traditional activities is a phenomenon underway, it is urgent to evaluate the effects it will have on biodiversity conservation.

Exploring the size of Andean condor foraging groups along an altitudinal and latitudinal gradient in the Tropical Andes: Ecological and conservation implications.

Patterns of variation in the size of vulture foraging groups, and their ecological causes and consequences, remain little explored despite strong links with the carrion recycling service that this key functional group provides. We documented the group size-frequency pattern of Andean condors Vultur gryphus gathered to feed on 42 equine carcasses experimentally placed in Bolivia, between 2012 and 2019, along an elevation range of 1,300-4,500 m asl. Based on the location (altitude and latitude) of the foraging groups, we examined the relationship between their size and species' population parameters (size and trend), habitat conditions, and livestock carcass availability and predictability. Condors utilized a high frequency (93%) of carcasses forming groups that ranged from 1 to 80 individuals (mean = 25, median = 18) and shaped a "lazy-J curve" typical pattern of size-frequency distribution whereby few groups (5, 12%) were large (> 55 individuals) and most (21, 50%) were relatively small (<19 individuals). Group size related to altitude in that most larger groups formed at lower sites (below c. 3,000 m asl), likely following an altitudinal gradient whereby larger groups are more likely to form around larger carcasses (i.e., cattle), which are more likely to occur at lower elevations. Regardless of population size, group size could be an adaptive response of condors via local enhancement for improving individual scavenging efficiency. Many information gaps on this topic still exist, thus we provide a set of questions to address them, especially amidst the unrestricted impacts of human activities that condition vulture survival globally.

The Influence of Age, Sex and Season on Andean Condor Ranging Behavior during the Immature Stage.

Immature individuals move from their natal area to the area where they settle and reproduce, and this may take several years. This process is essential for long-lived species such as vultures and condors, which spend long periods as immature and move extensively. We studied the movement behavior of 26 GPS-tagged immature Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) from northwestern Patagonia throughout the immature stage, analyzing whether these patterns differed according to age, sex and season. We found that season and age influenced home range size and flight distances, the warm season being when immature condors move most; movement patterns were greater in sub-adults than in juveniles. The age effect was associated with the sex of individuals, with males increasing their home range more than females. Our results provide the first description of how immature Andean condor movement patterns are affected by internal and external factors. This information could be key to understanding condor responses to environmental change and threats at different stages during their immature phase. Until now, condor conservation efforts have not considered the areas used by dispersing individuals. Our results increase our understanding of ranging behavior during the immature stage of this threatened bird, enabling us to improve the conservation policies and management strategies designed to protect them.