1
|
Blanco G, Carrete M, Navas I, García-Fernández AJ. Age and sex differences in pharmaceutical contamination in a keystone scavenger. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 251:118592. [PMID: 38442815 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical contaminants have a recognized negative impact on wildlife health. However, there are still many knowledge gaps on the factors influencing exposure and metabolic processing of compound mixtures as a function of season and individual characteristics such as age and sex. We evaluated age and sex differences in a set of seventeen compounds, including eleven antibiotics, five NSAIDs and caffeine, evaluated by HPLC-MS-TOF analysis in griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) from central Spain. Pharmaceutical cocktails (up to 10 compounds simultaneously) were found in all individuals. Lincomycin was detected in all individuals, and fluoroquinolones were found at high frequencies, while NSAIDs were at low frequencies and concentrations, including flumixin meglumine, which can be lethal to vultures. A higher total number of compounds and sum of concentrations, as well as prevalence and concentration of several of the pharmaceuticals tested was found in females than in males for both nestlings and adults. This is the first study to present evidence of sex differences in the pharmacokinetics of dietary drug contaminants in a vulture species. Chronic exposure to "medications" in entire populations can potentially have sub-lethal health effects that affect fitness differently according to age and sex, with demographic implications for population viability. Specifically, if females have higher mortality after fledging due to high pharmaceutical contamination, this should be considered when modelling the population dynamic of this species for conservation purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Martina Carrete
- Department of Physical, Chemical and Natural Systems, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Carretera de Utrera, km. 1, 41013, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Isabel Navas
- Toxicology and Forensic Veterinary Service, Department of Socio-Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain; Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio J García-Fernández
- Toxicology and Forensic Veterinary Service, Department of Socio-Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain; Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Martínez F, Oltra J, Frías Ó, González Del Barrio JL, Pérez-García JM, Carrete M, Blanco G. A long-lasting, distant journey of a male griffon vulture informs on the success of differential parental investment. Ecology 2024; 105:e4226. [PMID: 38038263 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Félix Martínez
- Escuela Internacional de Doctorado, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Móstoles, Spain
| | - Juan Oltra
- Department of Physical, Chemical and Natural Systems, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Óscar Frías
- Department of Physical, Chemical and Natural Systems, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | | | | | - Martina Carrete
- Department of Physical, Chemical and Natural Systems, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Guillermo Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Guitart-Matas J, Espunyes J, Illera L, Gonzalez-Escalona N, Ribas MP, Marco I, Migura-Garcia L. High-risk lineages of extended spectrum cephalosporinase producing Escherichia coli from Eurasian griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) foraging in landfills in north-eastern Spain. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 909:168625. [PMID: 37977396 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Extended-spectrum cephalosporinase producing (ESC) E. coli are regarded as key indicator microorganisms of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), calling for a One Health integrated global surveillance strategy. Wildlife is exposed to antibiotic contaminants and/or resistant bacteria that have been released into the environment, potentially acting as reservoirs and spreaders of resistance genes as well as sentinels of anthropogenic pressure. Monitoring AMR in wildlife has become crucial in determining anthropogenic environmental impacts as well as transmission routes. In this study, we determined the occurrence and potential sources of ESC E. coli in 218 Eurasian griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) foraging regularly on human waste disposed at a dumpsite in north-eastern Spain. Minimal inhibitory concentration for 14 different antimicrobials was performed to evaluate the phenotype of the isolates, and whole genome sequencing was carried out to investigate lineages and plasmids harbouring ESC genes. Our sequences were compared to previously published Spanish sequences of human, animal, and wildlife origin. We report a high prevalence of CTX-M-15, as well as the presence of other resistance genes such as OXA-10, CTX-M-27, and CTX-M-65 which are rarely described in European livestock, suggesting a human origin. The isolates also carried a diverse range of additional AMR genes for a broad spectrum of drug families, with the majority being multi-drug resistant. The phylogenomic analyses suggests the transmission of high-risk lineages from humans to vultures, with 49 % of our isolates matching the most common extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) lineages described in humans worldwide, including ST131, ST10 and ST58. We conclude that anthropogenically altered habitats, such as landfills, are hotspots for the acquisition and spread of high-risk ESC E. coli lineages associated with hospital infections. Measures must be implemented to limit their spread into natural environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Guitart-Matas
- Joint Research Unit IRTA-UAB in Animal Health, Animal Health Research Centre (CReSA), Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Catalonia, Spain; Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Animal Health Program (CReSA), WOAH Collaborating Centre for the Research and Control of Emerging and Re-Emerging Swine Diseases in Europe, Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Catalonia, Spain
| | - Johan Espunyes
- Wildlife Conservation Medicine Research Group (WildCoM), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Catalonia, Spain
| | - Lucia Illera
- Wildlife Conservation Medicine Research Group (WildCoM), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Maria Puig Ribas
- Wildlife Conservation Medicine Research Group (WildCoM), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Catalonia, Spain
| | - Ignasi Marco
- Wildlife Conservation Medicine Research Group (WildCoM), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Catalonia, Spain
| | - Lourdes Migura-Garcia
- Joint Research Unit IRTA-UAB in Animal Health, Animal Health Research Centre (CReSA), Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Catalonia, Spain; Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Animal Health Program (CReSA), WOAH Collaborating Centre for the Research and Control of Emerging and Re-Emerging Swine Diseases in Europe, Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Catalonia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Arévalo-Ayala DJ, Real J, Mañosa S, Aymerich J, Durà C, Hernández-Matías A. Age-Specific Demographic Response of a Long-Lived Scavenger Species to Reduction of Organic Matter in a Landfill. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3529. [PMID: 38003146 PMCID: PMC10668657 DOI: 10.3390/ani13223529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Food availability shapes demographic parameters and population dynamics. Certain species have adapted to predictable anthropogenic food resources like landfills. However, abrupt shifts in food availability can negatively impact such populations. While changes in survival are expected, the age-related effects remain poorly understood, particularly in long-lived scavenger species. We investigated the age-specific demographic response of a Griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) population to a reduction in organic matter in a landfill and analyzed apparent survival and the probability of transience after initial capture using a Bayesian Cormack-Jolly-Seber model on data from 2012-2022. The proportion of transients among newly captured immatures and adults increased after the reduction in food. Juvenile apparent survival declined, increased in immature residents, and decreased in adult residents. These results suggest that there was a greater likelihood of permanent emigration due to intensified intraspecific competition following the reduction in food. Interestingly, resident immatures showed the opposite trend, suggesting the persistence of high-quality individuals despite the food scarcity. Although the reasons behind the reduced apparent survival of resident adults in the final four years of the study remain unclear, non-natural mortality potentially plays a part. In Europe landfill closure regulations are being implemented and pose a threat to avian scavenger populations, which underlines the need for research on food scarcity scenarios and proper conservation measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego J. Arévalo-Ayala
- Equip de Biologia de la Conservació, Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avda. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (J.R.); (S.M.); (A.H.-M.)
| | - Joan Real
- Equip de Biologia de la Conservació, Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avda. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (J.R.); (S.M.); (A.H.-M.)
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Santi Mañosa
- Equip de Biologia de la Conservació, Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avda. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (J.R.); (S.M.); (A.H.-M.)
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Aymerich
- Grup d’Anellament de Calldetenes-Osona (GACO), 08506 Calldetenes, Spain; (J.A.); (C.D.)
| | - Carles Durà
- Grup d’Anellament de Calldetenes-Osona (GACO), 08506 Calldetenes, Spain; (J.A.); (C.D.)
- Estació Biològica del Montseny, Institut Català d’Ornitologia (ICO), Edifici Fontmartina, 08081 Fogars de Montclús, Spain
| | - Antonio Hernández-Matías
- Equip de Biologia de la Conservació, Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avda. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (J.R.); (S.M.); (A.H.-M.)
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Arilla M, Rosell J, Margalida A, Sansó A, Blasco R. Eurasian griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) as a bone modifying agent and its implications for archaeology. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17090. [PMID: 37816849 PMCID: PMC10564916 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44302-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neo-taphonomic studies have allowed us to detect bone damage patterns linked to carnivore preferences and behavioral traits as well as to improve our understanding of the origin of different alterations on vertebrate fossil faunas. However, taphonomically speaking vultures are among the least studied of all common, obligate scavengers. The research reported here contributes to characterise Eurasian griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) behavior from a taphonomic perspective describing bone damage on 12 small-sized ungulate carcasses. The combination of observational data from photo/video-trap together with taphonomic analyses allowed us to manage factors like feeding behavior or time of consumption, as well as to accurately record bone modified items. Some bone-modifying effects are described here for the first time as vulture-made bone-damage distinctiveness. Still, some others may pose equifinality problems especially regarding small carnivores. This taphonomic conundrum leaves an interpretation problem particularly in archaeological sites in which those agents are present and consequently, an individualization dilemma about the taphonomic actors involved in bone modified assemblages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maite Arilla
- Institut català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES-CERCA), Zona Educacional 4, Campus Sescelades URV (Edifici W3), 43007, Tarragona, Spain
- Departament d'Història i Història de l'Art, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Avinguda de Catalunya 35, 43002, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Jordi Rosell
- Institut català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES-CERCA), Zona Educacional 4, Campus Sescelades URV (Edifici W3), 43007, Tarragona, Spain
- Departament d'Història i Història de l'Art, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Avinguda de Catalunya 35, 43002, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Antoni Margalida
- Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología (CSIC), Jaca, Huesca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Andreu Sansó
- Departament d'Economia Aplicada, Universitat de Les Illes Balears, Palma, Mallorca, Spain
- Models for Information Processing and Fuzzy Information (MOTIBO) Research Group, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands, Idisba, 07120, Palma, Mallorca, Spain
| | - Ruth Blasco
- Institut català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES-CERCA), Zona Educacional 4, Campus Sescelades URV (Edifici W3), 43007, Tarragona, Spain.
- Departament d'Història i Història de l'Art, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Avinguda de Catalunya 35, 43002, Tarragona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Herrero-Villar M, Taggart MA, Mateo R. Medicated livestock carcasses and landfill sites: Sources of highly toxic veterinary pharmaceuticals and caffeine for avian scavengers. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132195. [PMID: 37541118 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Veterinary drugs are of concern in terms of potential environmental pollution and their negative impacts on avian scavengers. These pharmaceuticals reach vultures through the consumption of carcasses of previously treated livestock. Here, we analysed samples from livestock carcasses (n = 159), avian scavenger tissues (n = 116) and plasma (n = 312) for 49 compounds commonly used in veterinary medicine in Aragon (NE Spain) and nearby regions. Samples were analysed using liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). We detected pharmaceuticals in 54.1% of livestock carcasses analysed (50.3% with antibiotics, 10.8% with NSAIDs). For veterinary pharmaceuticals in tissues and plasma from avian scavengers, we detected pharmaceuticals in 51.7% and 28.5% of samples, respectively. Antibiotics were detected in 50.9% and 25.3% while NSAIDs were determined in 6.0% and 5.5% of tissues and plasma from avian scavengers, respectively. Moreover, caffeine was detected in plasma in 73.7% of vultures sampled at landfill sites, indicating its usefulness as a biomarker of urban garbage ingestion. We found an association between livestock carcasses, especially pigs and chickens, and the presence of veterinary pharmaceuticals in avian scavengers. We highlight that carcass disposal for feeding avian scavengers must address the potential risks posed by veterinary pharmaceutical residues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Herrero-Villar
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos-IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Mark A Taggart
- Environmental Research Institute, University of the Highlands and Islands, Castle Street, Thurso, Caithness, Scotland KW14 7JD, UK
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos-IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Garcês A, Pires I, Sargo R, Sousa L, Prada J, Silva F. Admission Causes, Morbidity, and Outcomes in Scavenger Birds in the North of Portugal (2005-2022). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2093. [PMID: 37443896 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Portugal is the habitat of three species of vultures. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Neophron percnopterus is an Endangered species, Aegypius monachus is nearly Threatened, and Gyps fulvus is of Least Concern. This study aims to investigate the admission causes, morbidity, and outcomes of vultures admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation centre and necropsy service in Northern Portugal. Over 17 years (2005-2022), 84 animals were admitted: 10 A. monachus, 69 G. fulvus, and 5 N. percnopterus. The main causes of admission to the centre were 80% (n = 63) unknown cause, 13% (n = 10) found debilitated, 6 % (n = 5) vehicle collision, 4% (n = 3) captivity, 1% (n = 1) gunshot, and 1% (n = 1) electrocution. Most animals were admitted during the summer (45.2%) and autumn (36.9%). Analysis of outcome data showed that 73% (n = 58) of the animals that arrived alive at the centre could be rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Thirteen animals died during treatment and five were found dead. This is the first time that such a lengthy study of results and mortality has been carried out for these species in Portugal. Although the data are limited, they can already provide some information about these populations, particularly for the endangered species that are so rare to observe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Garcês
- Exotic and Wild Animal Service, Veterinary Hospital of University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 500-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pires
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Roberto Sargo
- Exotic and Wild Animal Service, Veterinary Hospital of University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 500-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Luís Sousa
- Exotic and Wild Animal Service, Veterinary Hospital of University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 500-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Justina Prada
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Filipe Silva
- Exotic and Wild Animal Service, Veterinary Hospital of University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 500-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fozzi I, Brogi R, Cavazza S, Chirichella R, De Rosa D, Aresu M, Cerri J, Apollonio M, Berlinguer F. Insights on the best release strategy from post-release movements and mortality patterns in an avian scavenger. iScience 2023; 26:106699. [PMID: 37216129 PMCID: PMC10192545 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Conservation translocations involving vultures rely either on soft- or hard-release strategies. To investigate whether these strategies affect home range stability and survival, we compared the spatial behavior and mortality of 38 Griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) released in Sardinia. Griffons were released after no acclimatization or after 3 (short) or 15 (long acclimatization) months in an aviary. In the two years that followed their release, griffons without acclimatization did not stabilize their home range size, while those subjected to long acclimatization stabilized it in the second year. Short-acclimatized griffons always had a large home range, soon after their release. The number of individuals that reached sexual maturity was higher (71.4%) in long-acclimatized griffons than in short-acclimatized ones (40%) or in griffons that were hard released (28.6%). Soft release with a long acclimatization period seems to be the most successful method to ensure stable home ranges and the survival of griffon vultures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Fozzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Rudy Brogi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Silvia Cavazza
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Roberta Chirichella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Davide De Rosa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Jacopo Cerri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Marco Apollonio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Fiammetta Berlinguer
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Guido JM, Cecchetto NR, Plaza PI, Donázar JA, Lambertucci SA. The Influence of Age, Sex and Season on Andean Condor Ranging Behavior during the Immature Stage. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1234. [PMID: 37048490 PMCID: PMC10092982 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorgelina María Guido
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación (GRINBIC), Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue–CONICET), Pasaje Gutiérrez 1125, San Carlos de Bariloche R8400FRF, Río Negro, Argentina
- The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID 83709, USA
| | - Nicolás Rodolfo Cecchetto
- Grupo de Ecología de la Polinización (EcoPol), Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue–CONICET), Pasaje Gutiérrez 1125, San Carlos de Bariloche R8400FRF, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Pablo Ignacio Plaza
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación (GRINBIC), Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue–CONICET), Pasaje Gutiérrez 1125, San Carlos de Bariloche R8400FRF, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - José Antonio Donázar
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Sergio Agustín Lambertucci
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación (GRINBIC), Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue–CONICET), Pasaje Gutiérrez 1125, San Carlos de Bariloche R8400FRF, Río Negro, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|