Coragyps Research Articles

Brownian Bridge Movement Models to Characterize Birds' Home Ranges

Abstract. A Brownian bridge movement model (BBMM) is a relatively new concept that estimates the path of an animal's movement probabilistically from data recorded at brief intervals. A BBMM assumes that locations are not independent, whereas the “classical” kernel-density estimator (KDE) assumes they are. We estimated BBMM home ranges for 11 Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus) and 7 Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) equipped with satellite transmitters near Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, from October 2006 to November 2008. The 95% BBMM home ranges (95% BBMM) of the two Black Vultures that traveled >100 km from the capture site were 833 and 2111 km2; of the nine that did not travel as far, 95% BBMM ranged from 33 to 778 km2 and averaged (± SE) 243 ± 76 km2. The majority of Turkey Vultures (n = 6) traveled >100 km from the capture site with 95% BBMM ranging from 923 to 7058 km2 and averaging 3173 ± 1109 km2. We also estimated KDE home ranges, using newer satellite technology for comparison ...

Fauna Silvestre Atropellada En Dos Vías Principales Que Rodean Los Montes De María, Sucre, Colombia

Se registran la fauna silvestre atropellada en la carretera que comunica a Sincelejo con Ovejas y a Sincelejo con San Onofre y que bordean los Montes de María. Se recolectaron 621 especímenes atropellados durante las épocas de lluvias y sequía entre el año 2011-2012. A los especímenes colectados se les realizó la identificación hasta donde fue posible (familia, género, especie). La estacionalidad tuvo significativa influencia, la época que tuvo mayor prevalencia de atropellamientos de fauna silvestre fueron los meses de sequía, se registra un total de 501 especímenes. Las especies con mayor impacto fueron Didelphis marsupialis (Zorra chucha), Rhinella marina (Sapo común), Coragyps atratus (Golero) y Pitangus sulphuratus (Chicha fría).

The presence of black vultures at the calving sites and its effects on cows’ and calves’ behaviour immediately following parturition

Black vultures (Coragyps atratus) are often present near calving sites, and under this situation they may play a positive role by removing animal carcasses and afterbirth or a negative role by attacking neonate calves or disturbing cow–calf behaviours following parturition. Cow–calf behaviour was recorded over a 4-year study period from a total of 300 births involving 200 Nellore, 54 Guzerat, 20 Gyr and 26 Caracu cows. The calving site in relation to the location of the herd, considering cow–calf pairs within, close or distant to the herd, the presence of vultures and the behaviour of cows and calves were recorded instantaneously, at 5-min interval. On average, vultures were present at 80% of the calving sites. The frequency of vultures present at calving sites was dependent on the years for the Nellore herd, increasing from 1998 to 2003. When vultures were present, the time that the cow was in contact with its calf decreased, and the percentage of time that the cow was standing still increased. Vultures were observed pecking cows and their neonates during 34.1% of all recordings. However, in only two cases pecking injuries were actually observed on calves that were noted to be very weak. The preliminary results suggest that although black vultures cannot be characterized as a predator of neonate calves, they sometimes attack neonate calves and their presence near the calving sites alter the behaviours of cows and calves.

An overview of monitoring for raptors in Bulgaria

Abstract Since 1990, nature conservation NGOs are the main players in the running of nation-wide research and monitoring schemes for raptors in Bulgaria. Among them, the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) and Green Balkans are most active, covering the most threatened diurnal raptors in the country. The key species covered by comprehensive monitoring schemes are the Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca, White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla, Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus, Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus, Black Vulture Aegypius monachus, Saker Falcon Falco cherrug and Red-footed Falcon F. vespertinus. Information on their distribution, numbers, breeding success, productivity, diet, movements etc. is gathered on annual basis. The Buzzard Buteo buteo and Kestrel F. tinnunculus are also regularly monitored at the national level by the Common Bird Monitoring scheme. Distribution of all raptor species has been studied for the purpose of the Atlas of Breeding Birds in Bulgaria. The contemporary satellite telemetry methods revealed important aspects of movements and threats to eagles and vultures from Bulgaria within the country and abroad. Main threats for the raptors in Bulgaria are related to habitat loss, unnatural mortality and disturbance. The main gaps in raptor monitoring in Bulgaria are related to the lack of coverage of most of the diurnal species and owls. There is a strong national and international cooperation in conjunction with the work concerning Imperial Eagle, Egyptian and Griffon Vultures. However, further enhancement of cooperation on other raptor species and issues such as lobbying for implementation of raptor-friendly agricultural practices and enhancement of various economic sectors are needed

Geographic Variation in the Taphonomic Effect of Vulture Scavenging: The Case for Southern Illinois

The taphonomic effect of vulture scavenging has been previously documented in central Texas (J Forensic Sci, 2009, 54, 524). This study reports on the behavioral differences between two species of vultures (Coragyps atratus, Cathartes aura) observed over a period of 1 year at the Complex for Forensic Anthropology Research in Southern Illinois. The decomposition of six research subjects and two control subjects was observed. Compared with the previous findings of vulture activity, the authors observed a severe delay in the time of first arrival (up to 28 days), decreased feeding time on remains (14-40 min), a less voracious feeding rate (7 days to 2 months to skeletonization), and a completely different feeding pattern of vultures in Southern Illinois. Additionally, no characteristic markings were observed on skeletal elements of research subjects. This study suggests the taphonomic effects of scavengers varies with climate and regions and may affect decomposition rates and patterns.

Raptor Migration at Concepción, Bolivia

I conducted the second austral autumn raptor count at Concepción Watch Site in the eastern Bolivian lowlands to document species composition, timing, and abundance of migrating raptors between 10 March and 6 April 2009. I counted migrants for 26 days (134.5 hrs) recording 6,979 migrating raptors of 16 species. Mississippi Kites (Ictinia mississippiensis) comprised 80% (n = 5,571), Black Vultures 11% (Coragyps atratus, n = 747), and Snail Kites 5% (Rostrhamus sociabilis, n = 396). The remaining 4% (n = 265) included 13 species and other unidentified raptors. I also recorded non-raptor species on migration from the lookout, including 36 Maguari Storks (Ciconia maguari), a flock of 11 Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga), and thousands of Barn Swallows (Hirunda rustica). My observations confirm previous records suggesting a significant raptor migration occurs at the Concepción Watch Site in the austral autumn. Raptor monitoring should continue at Concepción annually and the site used to promote raptor conservation and awareness in Bolivia.

Mycoplasma Corogypsi–Associated Polyarthritis and Tenosynovitis in Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus)

Three wild American black vultures (Coragyps atratus) were presented to rehabilitation centers with swelling of multiple joints, including elbows, stifles, hocks, and carpal joints, and of the gastrocnemius tendons. Cytological examination of the joint fluid exudate indicated heterophilic arthritis. Radiographic examination in 2 vultures demonstrated periarticular soft tissue swelling in both birds and irregular articular surfaces with subchondral bone erosion in both elbows in 1 bird. Prolonged antibiotic therapy administered in 2 birds did not improve the clinical signs. Necropsy and histological examination demonstrated a chronic lymphoplasmacytic arthritis involving multiple joints and gastrocnemius tenosynovitis. Articular lesions varied in severity and ranged from moderate synovitis and cartilage erosion and fibrillation to severe synovitis, diffuse cartilage ulceration, subchondral bone loss and/or sclerosis, pannus, synovial cysts, and epiphyseal osteomyelitis. No walled bacteria were observed or isolated from the joints. However, mycoplasmas polymerase chain reactions were positive in at least 1 affected joint from each bird. Mycoplasmas were isolated from joints of 1 vulture that did not receive antibiotic therapy. Sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons from joint samples and the mycoplasma isolate identified Mycoplasma corogypsi in 2 vultures and was suggestive in the third vulture. Mycoplasma corogypsi identification was confirmed by sequencing the 16S-23S intergenic spacer region of mycoplasma isolates. This report provides further evidence that M. corogypsi is a likely cause of arthritis and tenosynovitis in American black vultures. Cases of arthritis and tenosynovitis in New World vultures should be investigated for presence of Mycoplasma spp, especially M. corogypsi.

ESTUDIO SOBRE PELIGRO AVIARIO: ANÁLISIS DEL RIESGO DE IMPACTOS ENTRE AVES Y AERONAVES EN EL AEROPUERTO INTERNACIONAL AUGUSTO C. SANDINO, MANAGUA, NICARAGUA

El peligro aviario es el riesgo de coliciones entre aves y aeronaves. Para reducir ese peligro es necesario entender la naturaleza de las aves que habitan dentro y alrededor del aeropuerto y clasificarlas numericamente en base a la peligrosidad que representan, conociendo a la vez las estaciones del año, los meses del año, horas del día, condiciones climáticas, focos de atracción (cobertura, alimentación y agua) que incrementan la abundancia y la riqueza de aves en las áreas aeroportuarias. Para obtener la información se seleccionaron dos sitios de observación: uno en las áreas verdes alrededor de la pista de aterrizaje, con el objetivo de registrar las especies de aves hacen uso de este sitio permanente o temporalmente, y otro en la torre de control, para determinar rutas de aves de mayor peso, gregarias y de alto vuelo en un radio de 3000 m con centro en la torre de control. Las especies observadas con mayor frecuencia en la pista de aterrizaje fueron: Hirundo rustica, Quiscalus mexicanus, Molothrus aeneus, Columbina talpacoti y Columba livia. Desde la torre de control se observaron con mayor frecuencia: Coragyps atratus, Zenaida asiatica, Molotrus aeneus y Quiscalus mexicanus. En la pista de aterrizaje y desde la torre de control la abundancia y riqueza de aves no varió significativamente a lo largo de los meses del año. En la pista de aterrizaje la abundancia incrementa significativamente en el período seco en horarios de 06:00-07:00 am, principalmente por la presencia de Q. mexicanus y H. rustica. La riqueza en el periodo seco y la abundancia y riqueza en el período lluvioso no varió significativamente. Desde la torre de control no se registraron incrementos significativos de la abundancia y riqueza de aves en el período seco, pero si de la abundancia en el período lluvioso, con alzas a las 11:00 y 13:00, principalmente por la mayores actividades de la especie C. atratus a esas horas. La abundancia de aves en la pista de aterrizaje dependió de las condiciones climáticas, aumentando al aumentar la precipitación y la nubosidad y reduciéndose al aumentar la velocidad del viento y la temperatura. La actividad de las aves observadas desde la torre de control no varió significativamente con las variaciones climáticas diarias. Las especies que hacen mayor uso del enmallado perimetral del aeropuerto para perchar fueron: Passers domesticus, Columbina talpacoti, Tyrannus melancholicus, Crotophaga sulcirostris y Tyrannus forficatus. Los sitios preferidos para anidación dentro del aeropuerto fueron árboles de Almendra (Terminalia catapa), Mango (Manguifera indica) y dentro del las instalacones del cuerpo de Bomberos, torre de control y los hangares. Se concluye que C. atratus y Q. mexicanus son las especies que más peligro representan para la aviación, seguidas en menor escala de C. livia, C. talpocati, H. rustica y M. aeneus. Los sectores norte, oeste y una parte del sector sur del aeropuerto son áreas de mayor riesgo aviario por una mayor frecuencia de observación de C. atratus en esa zona. La especie Q. mexicanus esta distribuida principalmente en el sector sureste. Las fuentes de atracción para las aves van desde sitios ideales para hábitat, refugio, anidación y perchaje hasta fuente de alimentos que incluyen vegetales, insectos, vertebrados, basureros y mataderos. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/calera.v11i16.750 La Calera Vol. 11, No 16 p. 33-42/junio 2011

Caracterización de la fauna de vertebrados atropellada en la carretera br 174, amazonas, brasil

La pavimentación de la carretera BR-174, en 1996 ayudó a incrementar la actividad económica y el desarrollo del municipio. Sin embargo, esta carretera represó ríos y con el tiempo, sus márgenes fueron ocupadas por los agricultores, los bañistas y de las comunidades, dando origen a la colonización y la ocupación de los mismos. La fauna tuvo su territorio dividido por una pista de asfalto, donde los vehículos viajan a la ciudad de Presidente Figueiredo, al estado de Roraima hasta Venezuela. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo estudiar el impacto de la carretera BR-174 en la fauna de vertebrados en el tramo entre las ciudades de Manaus y Presidente Figueiredo, ambas situadas en el estado de Amazonas. Fueron realizadas 111 expediciones durante el período de marzo 2003 al marzo 2005. Los animales atropellados fueron identificados utilizando guías de campo, con anotaciones de la fecha y su distancia equivalente en kilómetros. Fueron registrados 27 especies de animales silvestres atropellados y muertos. Los más afectados fueron la gamba Didelphis marsupialis (129 individuales), perros domésticos Canis lupus familiaris (23), hormiguero de collar Tamandua tetradactyla (22), sapo grande Rhinella marina (22), buitre Coragyps atratus (9) y el gato doméstico Felix catus (8).Para reducir y minimizar el impacto de la carretera sobre la fauna nativa, 293 existe una necesidad urgente de establecer indicadores, limitadores de velocidad en los lugares de mayor incidencia de accidentes y promover una campaña de educación para el tránsito por esta carretera.

Using three-dimensional flight patterns at airfields to identify hotspots for avian–aircraft collisions

In the United States, black vulture (Coragyps atratus) and turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) pose significant birdstrike risks to aircraft. Understanding flight behaviors of vultures in and around military and civilian airfields is necessary to alleviate these risks. Using satellite telemetry data collected from 11 black vultures and 7 turkey vultures equipped with Global Positioning System backpack harness technology, we collected data on location and altitude near the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) in Beaufort, South Carolina from September 2006 to September 2008. We used military aircraft flight landing patterns to visualize a new concept, a flight altitude cone of depression (FACOD), which models a three-dimensional flight pattern over the airfield. We then identified areas in and around MCAS where vulture flight paths penetrated the FACOD and locations of vultures were proximate to flight approach routes that posed potential risk to aircraft for a birdstrike. Combining altitude of in-flight locations of vultures or other species with three-dimensional flight patterns of aircraft provides a novel method for managers of military and domestic airfields to assess birdstrike risk and to focus corrective actions.

Tafonomía de restos óseos provenientes de egagrópilas de Coragyps atratus (jote de cabeza negra) en el Noroeste de la Patagonia argentina

Existen diversos estudios actualísticos en tafonomía sobre restos de presas de diferentes especies de aves raptoras. Sin embargo, este tipo de trabajos en aves carroñeras ha sido escasamente considerado hasta el momento en Argentina, a pesar que ellas cumplen un papel fundamental en la alteración y transporte de cadáveres. Coragyps atratus (jote de cabeza negra) tiene la particularidad de formar posaderos comunales cercanos a áreas de actividades humanas y de alimentarse de animales de todos los tamaños, por lo que pueden interferir en la formación de sitios arqueológicos. El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar un análisis tafonómico sobre los restos óseos recuperados de egagrópilas de C. atratus en el Noroeste patagónico, con el fin de generar herramientas que permitan identificar a estas aves como posibles agentes acumuladores. Se recolectaron 469 egagrópilas distribuidas en tres posaderos del Noroeste patagónico. Se identificaron los elementos recuperados y se evaluaron los grados de alteraciones por ácidos gástricos. Lepus europaeus y Ovis aries dominaron las muestras. Los elementos más representativos pertenecen al autopodio, principalmente falanges. Todos ellos muestran signos de digestión, que van desde porosidades superficiales, perforaciones y fracturas, con la desaparición de la médula en el caso de varias falanges; denotando diferencias en relación al tamaño de la presa consumida.

Serologic Evidence of Exposure of Raptors to Influenza A Virus

Serum or plasma samples from raptors that prey or scavenge upon aquatic birds were tested by a commercially available blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the evidence of antibodies to influenza A virus. Samples were taken from birds (n = 616) admitted to two rehabilitation centers in the United States. In addition, samples from 472 migrating peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) trapped on autumnal and vernal migrations for banding purposes were also tested. Only bald eagles were notably seropositive (22/406). One each of peregrine falcon, great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), and Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperi) from a total of 472, 81, and 100, respectively, were also positive. None of the turkey vultures (n = 21) or black vultures (n = 8) was positive. No clinical signs referable to avian influenza were seen in any bird at the time of capture. These data indicate that, among raptors, bald eagles do have exposure to influenza A viruses.

Use of black vulture (Coragyps atratus) in complementary and alternative therapies for cancer in Colombia: A qualitative study

BackgroundAlthough Coragyps atratus has been used as a traditional therapy for patients with cancer, the scientific literature does not contain enough information on how this therapy is used or the mechanisms that explain this therapeutic practice.ObjectivesTo understand the methods of use and the reasons given by patients and caregivers for the use of Coragyps atratus in cancer treatment.MethodsThis study used a qualitative design based on twenty in-depth interviews of patients with cancer or caregivers of patients with the disease. The analysis of the text was based on an inductive thematic approach.ResultsResistance to disease and immune enhancement are properties attributed to Coragyps atratus when used for cancer treatment. The most recommended method of use is fresh blood ingestion, and the associated mechanism of action is transfer of immune factors to the individual who consumes it.ConclusionsUse of Coragyps atratus as a treatment for cancer is a popular alternative therapy in Colombia. More studies are needed to understand the clinical effects of this intervention in cancer patients.Spanish abstractIntroducciónAunque Coragyps atratus se usa tradicionalmente como terapia para pacientes con cáncer, no existe suficiente información en la literatura científica sobre su forma de utilización ni sobre los mecanismos explicativos que subyacen a esta práctica terapéutica.ObjetivosConocer métodos de utilización y mecanismos explicativos dados por los pacientes y cuidadores de pacientes sobre el uso de Coragyps atratus en el tratamiento del cáncer.Materiales y métodosDiseño cualitativo basado en veinte entrevistas en profundidad de pacientes con cáncer o cuidadores de pacientes con esta enfermedad. Análisis de texto basado en enfoque temático inductivo.ResultadosAl Coragyps atratus se le atribuyen propiedades de resistencia y fortalecimiento del sistema inmune de personas enfermas de cáncer. La forma de utilización mas común es la ingesta de la sangre fresca y el mecanismo de acción asociado es la transferencia de defensas a quien lo consume.ConclusionesLa utilización del Coragyps atratus como tratamiento para el cáncer es una terapia alternativa usada popularmente en Colombia. El uso de este animal debe estudiarse más a fondo para conocer los efectos clínicos en los pacientes con cáncer.

Reproductive success of South American terns (Sterna hirundinacea) from Cardos Islands, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil

Sterna hirundinacea (Lesson, 1831) is a migratory seabird that breeds in the Pacific Coast (from Peru to Chile) and along the Atlantic coast of South America from Espírito Santo (Brazil) to Terra del Fuego (Argentina). This paper describes the reproductive success of South American Terns on Cardos Island, Florianopolis, Brazil in the breeding seasons of 2003, 2005 and 2006. The colony was formed in mid-May in 2003 and early April in other years, with the total number of nests ranging from 1,852 in 2006 to 2,486 in 2005. Hatching success was estimated at 76.39% in 2006, 62.73% in 2003 and 41.1% in 2005, the lowest value that could be attributed to predation by hawks Caracara plancus, lizards Tupinambis merianae and black vulture Coragyps atratus. The chicks hatched in July in 2003, and in June 2005 and 2006, and fledging success was 50.94%, 35.96 and 53.47% respectively. Cardos Island has been constantly used as a breeding site by South American Terns, and therefore represents an important area for conservation of this species. This success could be attributed to low pressure of Kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus), the main predator of seabirds along the Brazilian coast.

Sympatric occurrence of four Cathartid vultures in the dry forests of north-western Peru

This photograph, taken with a cameratrap, shows four species of Cathartid vultures: Andean Condor Vultur gryphus, King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa, Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura and Black Vulture Coragyps atratus, feeding together on a horse carcass in the Chaparri Ecological Reserve in Lambayeque region, northwestern Peru. Chaparri Ecological Reserve is a community owned and managed Private Conservation Area of 34,412 hectares that was established in 2000. Both Andean Condors and King Vultures are becoming increasingly frequently seen within the reserve as wildlife populations recover from years of overgrazing and hunting. Chaparri Reserve is located in the western foothills of the Andes where they meet the arid coastal lowlands. The vegetation here is sparse dry forest overing rolling hills, with evergreen gallery woodland along permanent water courses and higher mountains with large

Vulture flight behavior and implications for aircraft safety

AbstractGrowing vulture populations represent increasing hazards to civil and military aircraft. To assess vulture flight behavior and activity patterns at the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort, South Carolina, we equipped 11 black vultures (Coragyps atratus) and 11 turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) with solar‐powered Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite transmitters during a 2‐year study (1 Oct 2006–30 Sep 2008). Turkey vultures had larger seasonal home ranges than did black vultures, and 2 turkey vultures made round‐trips to Florida. Black vultures consistently spent less time in flight (8.4%) than did turkey vultures (18.9%), and black vultures flew at higher altitudes than did turkey vultures in all seasons except summer when altitudinal distributions (above ground level) did not differ. Although we recorded maximum altitudes of 1,578 m for black vultures and 1,378 for turkey vultures, most flights were low altitude. A matrix of vulture flight altitude versus time of day revealed that >60% of vulture flight activity occurred from 4 hr to 9 hr after sunrise at altitudes below 200 m. Continuation of aggressive harassment coupled with flexible training schedules to avoid times and altitudes of high vulture activity will decrease hazards to aircraft posed by these birds. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.

Evaluation of the heteroantagonism between Enterobacter agglomerans strains isolated from vulture (Coragyps atratus) for production and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as developed

The heteroantagonism between Enterobacter agglomerans, isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of American vulture Coragyps atratus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from a hospital environment was evaluated. The slow (layer) and the wells (direct) techniques were tested, using agar and soy tryptone broth pH 7.3 at 37ºC. Through the slow method from 196 tests, inhibition growth halos, related heteroantagonism phenomenon observed in 118, corresponding to 60.2% positive results. Equivalent positive results were detected using wells (direct) methodology. The seven samples of E. agglomerans tested were capable of revealing heteroantagonism in the experimental conditions; antagonism reveled by the presence of a clear growth inhibition halo. The added 1% yeast extract to media was adequate for revealing antagonisms best.

Population Estimates for the Diverse Raptor Assemblage of Dadia National Park, Greece

Population estimates for the diverse raptor assemblage of Dadia National Park, Greece.Dadia National Park, which is situated in north-eastern Greece, close to the border with Bulgaria and Turkey, is characterised by one of the most diverse arrays of breeding raptorial species in Europe. The first raptor survey was undertaken in the 1970s, but until 1999 most surveys were circumstantial and nonsystematic. Considering some of these species are globally endangered and included in Annex 1 of the Birds Directive, and that raptors in general are considered key indicators of biodiversity and ecosystem health, a systematic raptor monitoring programme was established by WWF Greece in 2000. This paper presents the results of this programme including the population status, trends and breeding densities of raptors from 2001 to 2005. Some 18–19 species bred in the area regularly, at densities ranging from one pair per 100 km2 (e.g. long-legged buzzard Buteo rufïnus and peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus) to 30 pairs per 100 km2 (common buzzard Buteo buteo). The total number of raptor territories was stable with an average of 321 ± 15.5 territories (77 territories/100 km2) with no overall trend and little fluctuation. Although the population size has increased for several species since the mid 1990s, data from the first surveys in the 1970s suggest that some species are still recovering from the decline suffered in the 1980s. The populations of six species have remained stable since the 1970s, whilst five species, including the Egyptian vulture Neophron percnopterus, have shown a gradual decline. The black vulture Aegypius monachus was the only species with a confirmed increase, a further three species showing a probable increase. The long-term trend for four species, including the common buzzard, is unknown due to insufficient data from the 1970s.

Digenean parasites of Ciconiiform birds from Argentina

The helminthological survey of 13 specimens of 5 ciconiiform species revealed the presence of 10 species of intestinal digeneans: Sphincterodiplostomum musculosum Dubois, 1936 in Tigrisoma lineatum and Ardea alba; Tylodelphys elongata (Lutz, 1928) in T. lineatum; Apharyngostrigea ardearum (Lutz, 1928) and Dolichorchis lacombeensis Lunaschi and Drago, 2006 in Ardea cocoi and Ardea alba; Posthodiplostomum nanum Dubois, 1937 in A. alba and T. lineatum; Ascocotyle diminuta (Stunkard and Haviland, 1924) in A. alba; Petasiger sp.1 in A. cocoi and Paryphostomum segregatum Dietz, 1909, Strigea vaginata (Brandes, 1888) and Petasiger sp. 2 in Coragyps atratus. Syrigma sibilatrix was free of digeneans. The reports of A. ardearum, T. elongata, S. musculosum and D. lacombeensis represent new host records; the other reports are new geographical records. Moreover, the specimens described as Apharyngostrigea brasiliana Szidat, 1929 by Labriola and Suriano (1998) were analyzed and transferred to A. ardearum.

Late Neandertals and the intentional removal of feathers as evidenced from bird bone taphonomy at Fumane Cave 44 ky B.P., Italy

A large and varied avifaunal bone assemblage from the final Mousterian levels of Grotta di Fumane, northern Italy, reveals unusual human modifications on species that are not clearly relatable to feeding or utilitarian uses (i.e., lammergeier, Eurasian black vulture, golden eagle, red-footed falcon, common wood pigeon, and Alpine chough). Cut, peeling, and scrape marks, as well as diagnostic fractures and a breakthrough, are observed exclusively on wings, indicating the intentional removal of large feathers by Neandertals. The species involved, the anatomical elements affected, and the unusual type and location of the human modifications indicate an activity linked to the symbolic sphere and the behavioral modernity of this European autochthonous population.