Large Andean Condor Aggregations at Carcasses Exacerbate the Threat of Poisoning

Méndez, Diego; Olea, Pedro P.; Sarasola, José Hernán; Vargas, F. Hernán

doi:10.3356/jrr-20-26

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 15 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The gathering of large numbers of condors to feed always involve the well-known risk of mass poisoning ( Méndez et al 2021 ). As there seems to be a spatial tendency toward the formation of larger groups in certain regions or localities depending on their altitude and associated factors (this study), a concrete Andean Condor conservation measure will be the preparation of mass poisoning risk maps to visualize where it is more likely that its populations may suffer greater losses, and therefore where in situ actions should be prioritized to reduce their vulnerability and eliminate this serious threat (e.g., Mukherjee et al 2014 ; Santangeli et al 2019 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Vultures’ group foraging behavior has double-edged implications because it makes them more susceptible to mass mortality events as the recurrent aggregation of many vultures to feed means that even a few poisoned baits, usually placed by people to kill animals perceived as vermin, have the potential to decimate entire populations ( Méndez et al 2021 ; Baruzzi et al 2022 ). As a result, and with 18 (78%) species in this group that are declining or have considerably small populations, vultures are also remarkable for being the most threatened group of birds globally ( BirdLife International 2022 ).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

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

et al. 2023

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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

et al. 2023

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Vultures were particularly affected by toxic baits and the Andean condor were the main victims. Their gregarious habits and hierarchical feeding behavior making them vulnerable to suffer massive deaths in poisoning events (Méndez et al 2021a) ). The loss of scavenger birds results in a decrease in their environmental services, and the carrion that are not eliminated can become foci of infection, generating the spread of unwanted species and disease transmission (Baruzzi et al 2018;Ogada et al 2012).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mass poisonings of the Vulnerable Andean condor prompt national strategy against the use of toxic baits in Argentina

Jácome¹,

Abarzua²,

Astore³

et al. 2022

Ethnobio Conserv

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Massive deaths of Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) prompted a National Strategy Against the Use of Toxic Baits in Argentina, based on 6 lines of action: 1) delivery of kits and unified intervention protocols in cases of wildlife poisoning, 2) community education programs, 3) surveys of rural people, 4) training courses and participatory construction workshops, 5) toxicology studies, and 6) an academic-scientific committee made up of specialists in toxicology. The strategy was developed in the 14 provinces of the country where the Andean condor is distributed. 554 people from 166 institutions have participated in the trainings and workshops, reporting 200 poisoning events involving more than 21000 individuals from 61 species. Birds and mammals were the groups most affected, and further, human victims show the impact on public health. 19 toxic substances were identified, mainly insecticides. This study proved that carbofuran is the toxic most used. Analysis of bait types suggests a significant conflict with carnivores.195 surveys revealed that almost half of the farmers know people who use toxic baits and that the negative perception towards some species could determine their use. The strategy began to address the problem of the use of toxic baits in Argentina in a strategic, participatory and regional way, through the management of public policies and scientific research. We propose actions to work on the causes that lead to the application of this dangerous practice. Given its extensive use, we believe that this strategy can be adapted and applied in other countries in the region.

show abstract

Unraveling the real magnitude of illegal wildlife poisoning to halt cryptic biodiversity loss

Olea

Fernández-García

López‐Bao³

et al. 2022

Biological Conservation

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Large Andean Condor Aggregations at Carcasses Exacerbate the Threat of Poisoning

Cited by 5 publications

References 15 publications

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

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

Mass poisonings of the Vulnerable Andean condor prompt national strategy against the use of toxic baits in Argentina

Unraveling the real magnitude of illegal wildlife poisoning to halt cryptic biodiversity loss

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About