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Sassi Y, Nouzières B, Scacco M, Tremblay Y, Duriez O, Robira B. The use of social information in vulture flight decisions. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20231729. [PMID: 38471548 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1729] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Animals rely on a balance of personal and social information to decide when and where to move next in order to access a desired resource. The benefits from cueing on conspecifics to reduce uncertainty about resource availability can be rapidly overcome by the risks of within-group competition, often exacerbated toward low-ranked individuals. Being obligate soarers, relying on thermal updraughts to search for carcasses around which competition can be fierce, vultures represent ideal models to investigate the balance between personal and social information during foraging movements. Linking dominance hierarchy, social affinities and meteorological conditions to movement decisions of eight captive vultures, Gyps spp., released for free flights in natural soaring conditions, we found that they relied on social information (i.e. other vultures using/having used the thermals) to find the next thermal updraught, especially in unfavourable flight conditions. Low-ranked individuals were more likely to disregard social cues when deciding where to go next, possibly to minimize the competitive risk of social aggregation. These results exemplify the architecture of decision-making during flight in social birds. It suggests that the environmental context, the context of risk and the social system as a whole calibrate the balance between personal and social information use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohan Sassi
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Martina Scacco
- Department of Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Radolfzell, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Yann Tremblay
- Marine Biodiversity Exploitation and Conservation (MARBEC), University of Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Sète, France
| | - Olivier Duriez
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Benjamin Robira
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all'Adige, Italy
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2
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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.
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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
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3
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Márquez-Alvis S, Vallejos LM, Paredes-Guerrero S, Pollack-Velasquez L, Santos GS. Effects of the environmental conditions and seasonality on a population survey of the Andean condor Vultur gryphus in the tropical Andes. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14763. [PMID: 36710865 PMCID: PMC9881469 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Among the New World vultures, the Andean condor is considered one of the most culturally and ecologically important species. However, their populations are declining over their entire distributional range. In response, conservation strategies have been implemented in many countries to reverse the increasing extinction risk of this species. The initiatives rely on extensive population surveys to gather basic information necessary to implement policies and to intervene efficiently. Still, there is a need to standardize the surveys based on seasonality and suitable environmental conditions throughout the species distribution. Here, we provide the first assessment of how daily temperature, rainfall, and seasonality influence surveys of Andean condors on a communal roost in the central Peruvian Andes. Methods Using an autoregressive generalized linear model, we associated environmental variables with visual surveys of adult and young condors at three different times of the day and three times a week between June 2014 and March 2015. Results We found that both adults and young Andean condors showed a threefold reduction in the use of the communal roost after the beginning of the rainy season. Colder and drier days (dry season) are preferable for surveying, as we expect the total number of condors using communal roosts to reduce under rainy (rainfall = -0.53 ± 0.16) and warmer days (temperature = -0.04 ± 0.02) days. Therefore, the significant variation in the use of roosts across seasons and hours should be carefully accounted for in national surveys, at the risk of undermining the full potential of the communal roost surveys. Moreover, we also found a strong bias towards immatures (about 76%) in the adult:immature ratio and a remarkable absence of Andean condors during the wet season. These results suggest that the species might be using other unknown communal roosts hierarchically. Such results provide key information for selecting priority areas for conservation and selecting the best time to survey this species in the tropical Andes. Finally, it may open a fruitful avenue for further research on the protection of the Andean condor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Márquez-Alvis
- CONSERVACCION, Lima, Lima, Peru,Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Trujillo, La Libertad, Peru
| | - Luis Martin Vallejos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Departamento de Ornitologia, CINBIOTYC, Piura, Piura, Peru,Laboratorio de ecologia de aves y ecologia comportamental, Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Luis Pollack-Velasquez
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Trujillo, La Libertad, Peru,Departamento de Ornitologia, CINBIOTYC, Piura, Piura, Peru
| | - Gabriel Silva Santos
- Instituto Nacional da Mata Atlântica, Santa Teresa, Espirito Santo, Brazil,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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4
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Barceló G, Perrig PL, Dharampal P, Donadio E, Steffan SA, Pauli JN. More than just meat: Carcass decomposition shapes trophic identities in a terrestrial vertebrate. Funct Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Barceló
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin‐Madison Madison WI USA
| | - Paula L. Perrig
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin‐Madison Madison WI USA
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue ‐ CONICET) Bariloche Argentina
| | | | | | - Shawn A. Steffan
- Department of Entomology University of Wisconsin‐Madison Madison WI USA
- USDA‐ARS Vegetable Crop Research Unit Madison WI USA
| | - Jonathan N. Pauli
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin‐Madison Madison WI USA
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5
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Perrig PL, Lambertucci SA, Alarcón PAE, Middleton AD, Padró J, Plaza PI, Blanco G, Zapata JAS, Donázar JA, Pauli JN. Limited sexual segregation in a dimorphic avian scavenger, the Andean condor. Oecologia 2021; 196:77-88. [PMID: 33837824 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-021-04909-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Sexual segregation is widely reported among sexually dimorphic species and generally attributed to intraspecific competition. Prey diversity and human activities can reinforce niche segregation by increasing resource heterogeneity. Here, we explored trophic and spatial sexual segregation in the only avian scavenger that exhibits pronounced sexual size dimorphism (up to 50% difference in body mass) and a highly despotic social system, the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus). We predicted that larger and dominant males would exclude smaller and subordinate females from high-quality resources, leading to sexual segregation particularly in human-dominated landscapes showing increased prey diversity. We compared resource use between females and males across six sites in Argentina featuring a range of prey diversity via stable isotopes analysis of molted feathers (n = 141 individuals). We then focused on two sites featuring contrasting levels of prey diversity and quantified assimilated diet via stable isotopes and space use via GPS monitoring (n = 23 and 12 tagged individuals). We found no clear differences in isotopic niche space, individual variation in isotopic signature, or assimilated diet between females and males. However, there were differences in foraging locations between sexes, with females apparently using areas of fewer food resources more frequently than males. Local conditions defined the dynamics of fine-scale sexual differences in foraging sites; yet, unpredictable and ephemeral carrion resources likely prevent segregation by sexes at the landscape scale. Our study highlights complex dynamics of sexual segregation in vultures and the relevancy of analyses under multiple spatial-temporal scales to explore segregation in social species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula L Perrig
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1630 Linden Dr., Madison, WI, 53706, USA. .,Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de La Conservación, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue, CONICET), Quintral, 1250 8400, Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina.
| | - Sergio A Lambertucci
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de La Conservación, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue, CONICET), Quintral, 1250 8400, Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina
| | - Pablo A E Alarcón
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de La Conservación, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue, CONICET), Quintral, 1250 8400, Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina
| | - Arthur D Middleton
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Julián Padró
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de La Conservación, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue, CONICET), Quintral, 1250 8400, Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina
| | - Pablo I Plaza
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de La Conservación, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue, CONICET), Quintral, 1250 8400, Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Blanco
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC. José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - José A Sánchez Zapata
- Departamento de Biología Aplicada, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Elche, 03202, Alicante, Spain
| | - José A Donázar
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Jonathan N Pauli
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1630 Linden Dr., Madison, WI, 53706, USA
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6
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Duclos M, Sabat P, Newsome SD, Pavez EF, Galbán-Malagón C, Jaksic FM, Quirici V. Latitudinal patterns in the diet of Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) in Chile: Contrasting environments influencing feeding behavior. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 741:140220. [PMID: 32887000 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Human-dominated environments alter the availability and quality of resources for many species, especially for scavengers that have large home ranges and plastic foraging behaviors that enable them to exploit novel resources. Along the western slope of the Andes, the modification of natural landscapes have resulted in significant declines in native prey, the introduction of non-native species, and an increase in the availability of anthropogenic resources. These factors have likely influenced the resources available to Andean condors (Vultur gryphus), however, data are lacking as to how condor's diet vary along their large latitudinal range. We evaluated differences in Andean condor diet along a ~2500 km latitudinal gradient in Chile from the heavily modified Central zone (32-34°S) to the more pristine Austral zone (44-56°S). We assessed diet composition through the identification of prey remains in condor pellets, and carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of condor feathers and their primary prey identified from pellet analysis. Our results identified medium- and large-bodied domesticated mammals (ungulates) and introduced exotic species (lagomorphs) as common prey across the study area. Condors from the Central zone had the largest isotopic niche width, probably related to consumption of anthropogenic resources with distinctly high carbon isotope values indicative of C4-based foods likely acquired from landfills or corn-fed livestock. Isotopic niches for condors from the Southern and Austral zones almost completely overlapped. Andean condor diet is strongly influenced by local conditions determining differential access to prey sources. The high dependence of Andean condors on livestock across a large geographical area, and landfills in more (sub)urban areas, may help stabilize their populations via anthropogenic resources subsidies. Long-term dependence on such resources, however, may have health costs including contaminant exposure and greater mortality risk. These data will help identify potential threats related to resource availability and use, and better inform management and conservation decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Duclos
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Santiago, Chile; Centro de Investigación para la Sustentabilidad (CIS), Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Pablo Sabat
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Santiago, Chile; Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 653, Santiago, Chile
| | - Seth D Newsome
- Department of Biology, University of New México, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Eduardo F Pavez
- Bioamérica Consultores, Avenida Nueva Providencia 1881, Of. 2208, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Fabian M Jaksic
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Santiago, Chile
| | - Verónica Quirici
- Centro de Investigación para la Sustentabilidad (CIS), Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago, Chile.
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Abstract
Flapping flight is extremely costly for large birds, yet little is known about the conditions that force them to flap. We attached custom-made “flight recorders” to Andean condors, the world’s heaviest soaring birds, documenting every single wingbeat and when and how individuals gained altitude. Remarkably, condors flapped for only 1% of their flight time, specifically during takeoff and when close to the ground. This is particularly striking as the birds were immature. Thus, our results demonstrate that even inexperienced birds can cover vast distances over land without flapping. Overall, this can help explain how extinct birds with twice the wingspan of condors could have flown. Flight costs are predicted to vary with environmental conditions, and this should ultimately determine the movement capacity and distributions of large soaring birds. Despite this, little is known about how flight effort varies with environmental parameters. We deployed bio-logging devices on the world’s heaviest soaring bird, the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus), to assess the extent to which these birds can operate without resorting to powered flight. Our records of individual wingbeats in >216 h of flight show that condors can sustain soaring across a wide range of wind and thermal conditions, flapping for only 1% of their flight time. This is among the very lowest estimated movement costs in vertebrates. One bird even flew for >5 h without flapping, covering ∼172 km. Overall, > 75% of flapping flight was associated with takeoffs. Movement between weak thermal updrafts at the start of the day also imposed a metabolic cost, with birds flapping toward the end of glides to reach ephemeral thermal updrafts. Nonetheless, the investment required was still remarkably low, and even in winter conditions with weak thermals, condors are only predicted to flap for ∼2 s per kilometer. Therefore, the overall flight effort in the largest soaring birds appears to be constrained by the requirements for takeoff.
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8
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Plaza PI, Blanco G, Wiemeyer G, López-Rull I, Hornero-Méndez D, Donázar JA, Hiraldo F, Lambertucci SA. Plasma carotenoids and immunity in a despotic avian scavenger. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2020; 333:569-578. [PMID: 32649061 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Carotenoids are pigmented compounds acquired through diet that have important functions as antioxidants and immune modulators. We studied the association between immunity and circulating carotenoids in Andean condors (Vultur gryphus). We evaluated the relationship between α-, β-, and γ-globulin blood concentrations and different circulating carotenoids in two groups of Andean condors that differ in their mean health status, rehabilitating (suffering different pathologies), and wild individuals (trapped when displaying their physiological behavior). In rehabilitating individuals, α-, β-, and γ-globulin concentrations were higher than in wild individuals. This shows that rehabilitating individuals were developing an immune response associated with the pathologies that they were suffering at the time of sampling. In addition, circulating carotenoids were lower in rehabilitating than in wild individuals. We found negative correlations between α-, β-, and γ-globulins and different circulating carotenoids in rehabilitating individuals, but not in wild condors. Xanthophylls were strongly related to α-, β-, and γ-globulin blood concentrations in rehabilitating, but not in wild condors. Our results suggest that there is a potential relationship between circulating carotenoids and immunity in the Andean condor. Given that this species may display a carotenoid-based pigmentation, our results could suggest that a trade-off between the immune system and external coloration could operate in this species, which may have implications in their access to food resources and mate selection and, thus, in their conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo I Plaza
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Guillermo Wiemeyer
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.,The Peregrine Fund, Boise, Idaho.,Ecoparque Buenos Aires-Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Isabel López-Rull
- Departamento Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, ESCET, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Móstoles, Spain
| | - Dámaso Hornero-Méndez
- Department of Food Phytochemistry, Instituto de la Grasa (CSIC), Campus Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - José A Donázar
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Fernando Hiraldo
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Sergio A Lambertucci
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
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9
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Larger size and older age confer competitive advantage: dominance hierarchy within European vulture guild. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2430. [PMID: 32051486 PMCID: PMC7015885 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59387-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Competition for limiting natural resources generates complex networks of relationships between individuals, both at the intra- and interspecific levels, establishing hierarchical scenarios among different population groups. Within obligate scavengers, and especially in vultures, the coevolutionary mechanisms operating during carrion exploitation are highly specialized and determined in part by agonistic behavior resulting in intra-guild hierarchies. This paper revisits the behavioral and hierarchical organization within the guild of European vultures, on the basis of their agonistic activities during carrion exploitation. We used a dataset distilled from high-quality videorecordings of competitive interactions among the four European vulture species during feeding events. We found a despotic dominance gradient from the larger species to smaller ones, and from the adults to subadults and juveniles, following an age and body size-based linear pattern. The four studied species, and to some extent age classes, show despotic dominance and organization of their guild exerting differential selection to different parts of the carrion. The abundance of these parts could ultimately condition the level of agonistic interactions. We discuss the behavioral organization and the relationship of hierarchies according to the feeding behavior and prey selection, by comparing with other scavenger guilds.
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10
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Plaza PI, Blanco G, Barbar F, Wiemeyer G, Alarcón P, Donázar JA, Hiraldo F, Lambertucci SA. Protein electrophoresis in Andean condors (Vultur gryphus): Reference values and differences between wild and rehabilitating individuals. Zoo Biol 2019; 38:508-515. [PMID: 31541494 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The study of wildlife health greatly contributes to understanding population dynamics and detecting conservation threats. The determination of the different fractions of plasma proteins (proteinogram) is an important laboratory tool to study wildlife health. The aim of this study was to characterize protein electrophoresis in wild Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) from north-western Patagonia and to evaluate differences according to age and sex classes. Once reference values of wild, apparently healthy individuals, were established, we compared these values to those of individuals received at the Buenos Aires Zoo in Argentina for rehabilitation due to various health problems. Reference proteinograms from wild Andean condors differed only in the α 1 and β 2-fractions between sex categories. Males showed higher concentrations of these protein fractions than females. We found clear differences between wild birds and rehabilitating individuals. Total proteins, globulins, α 1-globulins, total α-globulins, β 2-globulins, total β-globulins, and γ-globulins were significantly higher in rehabilitating than in wild individuals, whereas albumin, α 2, and β1-globulins were similar between these groups. The albumin/globulin ratio, as a general indicator of health, was significantly lower in rehabilitating than in wild individuals. The results indicate the effects on different protein fractions of pathologic processes occurring in individuals undergoing rehabilitation. Our results provide useful insights, contributing to improving diagnoses and prognoses in this species. This information may also be useful to assess the health status of Andean condors in studies of wild populations and for comparisons with other bird species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo I Plaza
- Grupo de investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Facundo Barbar
- Grupo de investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Wiemeyer
- Grupo de investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.,The Peregrine Fund, Boise, Idaho.,Ecoparque Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
| | - Pablo Alarcón
- Grupo de investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - José Antonio Donázar
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Fernando Hiraldo
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Sergio A Lambertucci
- Grupo de investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
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11
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Church KDW, Grant JWA. Effects of habitat complexity, dominance and personality on habitat selection: Ideal despotic cichlids. Ethology 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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12
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Genetic consequences of social dynamics in the Andean condor: the role of sex and age. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-019-2714-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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13
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Marinero NV, Cailly-Arnulphi VB, Lambertucci SA, Borghi CE. Pigmentation and not only sex and age of individuals affects despotism in the Andean condor. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205197. [PMID: 30356333 PMCID: PMC6200203 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Attributes such as sex, age and pigmentation of individuals could correspond to the competitive skills they use to access resources and, consequently, determine their social status when a hierarchy of dominance is established. We analysed patterns of social dominance in relation to sex, age and, for the first time, according to face pigmentation in a large scavenger bird species, the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus). This species displays extreme sexual dimorphism, with males being up to 50% heavier than females. Associated to this, strong hierarchical relationships characterize foraging, roosting and breeding. We recorded agonistic interactions within condor groups while foraging through video recordings in experimental stations. We corroborated a strong despotism by the adult males to the rest of the categories. More interestingly we found this despotism was also expressed by most pigmented birds; juvenile females being completely subordinated and, at the same time, not expressing pigmentation. Importantly, when condors of equal sex and age category fought, the more pigmented individuals were successful. Our results highlight that pigmentation, besides sex and age, is an attribute that also corresponds with social status in the Andean condor, making its hierarchical system more complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy V. Marinero
- Universidad Nacional de San Juan - CIGEOBIO CONICET, San Juan, Argentina
| | | | - Sergio A. Lambertucci
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, Universidad Nacional del Comahue - INIBIOMA CONICET, Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Carlos E. Borghi
- Universidad Nacional de San Juan - CIGEOBIO CONICET, San Juan, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología y Museo de Ciencias Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de San Juan, San Juan, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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14
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van Overveld T, García-Alfonso M, Dingemanse NJ, Bouten W, Gangoso L, de la Riva M, Serrano D, Donázar JA. Food predictability and social status drive individual resource specializations in a territorial vulture. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15155. [PMID: 30310140 PMCID: PMC6181911 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33564-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite increasing work detailing the presence of foraging specializations across a range of taxa, limited attention so far has been given to the role of spatiotemporal variation in food predictability in shaping individual resource selection. Here, we studied the exploitation of human-provided carrion resources differing in predictability by Canarian Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus majorensis). We focussed specifically on the role of individual characteristics and spatial constraints in shaping patterns of resource use. Using high-resolution GPS data obtained from 45 vultures tracked for 1 year, we show that individual vultures were repeatable in both their monthly use of predictable and semi-predicable resources (feeding station vs. farms) and monthly levels of mobility (home range size and flight activity). However, individual foraging activities were simultaneously characterized by a high degree of (temporal) plasticity in the use of the feeding station in specific months. Individual rank within dominance hierarchy revealed sex-dependent effects of social status on resource preference in breeding adults, illustrating the potential complex social mechanisms underpinning status-dependent resource use patterns. Our results show that predictable food at feeding stations may lead to broad-scale patterns of resource partitioning and affect both the foraging and social dynamics within local vulture populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs van Overveld
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Américo Vespucio 26, E-41092, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Marina García-Alfonso
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Américo Vespucio 26, E-41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Niels J Dingemanse
- Department of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Großhaderner Strasse 2, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Willem Bouten
- Theoretical and Computational Ecology, IBED, University of Amsterdam, PO Box 94248, 1090 GE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Gangoso
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Américo Vespucio 26, E-41092, Sevilla, Spain.,Theoretical and Computational Ecology, IBED, University of Amsterdam, PO Box 94248, 1090 GE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Manuel de la Riva
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Américo Vespucio 26, E-41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - David Serrano
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Américo Vespucio 26, E-41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - José A Donázar
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Américo Vespucio 26, E-41092, Sevilla, Spain
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15
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García-Jiménez R, Pérez-García JM, Margalida A. Drivers of daily movement patterns affecting an endangered vulture flight activity. BMC Ecol 2018; 18:39. [PMID: 30268111 PMCID: PMC6162909 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-018-0195-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The development of satellite tracking technology enables the gathering of huge amounts of accurate data on animal movements over measured time intervals, to reveal essential information about species’ patterns of spatial use. This information is especially important in optimizing the design of conservation and management strategies for endangered species. In this study, we analysed the main drivers of daily patterns in the flight activity of the threatened Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus. We studied 19 Bearded Vultures tagged with solar-powered GPS transmitters from 2006 to 2016 in the Pyrenees (Spain). We assessed the relative influence of external factors (season and daylight time) and internal factors (sex, breeding season and territorial status) on their daily activity behaviour by computing mean hourly distance travelled, maximum displacement and cumulative distance travelled per hour. Results Our findings showed a clear difference in all the estimators between territorial and non-territorial (floating) members of the population, showing that non-territorial individuals spent much longer in flight and travelled larger distances per day. We detected an important influence of daylight time and season on the daily rhythms of Bearded Vultures; flight activity increased during the last three quarters of daylight and was greatest in the spring. Breeding period and sex had also an effect on the maximum displacement and cumulative distance travelled. Individuals flew more during the breeding period and females tended to exhibit greater cumulative and maximum distances per hour than males regardless of breeding season. Conclusions Pyrenean Bearded Vultures flight daily activity was strongly influenced by daylight time, season, and territorial status, while individual sex and breeding season showed a milder effect on the birds’ movement behaviour. This study gives a novel insight into how external factors act as main drivers of the daily flight activity pattern of a long-lived avian scavenger. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12898-018-0195-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth García-Jiménez
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Life Sciences and Engineering, University of Lleida, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Juan M Pérez-García
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Life Sciences and Engineering, University of Lleida, 25198, Lleida, Spain.
| | - Antoni Margalida
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Life Sciences and Engineering, University of Lleida, 25198, Lleida, Spain.,Division of Conservation Biology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.,Institute for Game and Wildlife Research (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
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16
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Alarcón PAE, Morales JM, Donázar JA, Sánchez-Zapata JA, Hiraldo F, Lambertucci SA. Sexual-size dimorphism modulates the trade-off between exploiting food and wind resources in a large avian scavenger. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11461. [PMID: 28904381 PMCID: PMC5597617 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11855-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals are expected to synchronize activity routines with the temporal patterns at which resources appear in nature. Accordingly, species that depend on resources showing temporally mismatched patterns should be expected to schedule routines that balance the chances of exploiting each of them. Large avian scavengers depend on carcasses which are more likely available early in the morning, but they also depend on wind resources (i.e. uplifts) to subside flight which are stronger in afternoon hours. To understand how these birds deal with this potential trade-off, we studied the daily routines of GPS-tagged individuals of the world's largest terrestrial soaring scavenger, the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus). Andean condors vary largely in weight and show a huge sexual dimorphism that allowed us to evaluate the effect of sex and body size on their daily routines. We found that condors use an intermediate solution strategy between the best times to exploit carcasses and uplifts, with this strategy changing over the year. Bigger males scheduled earlier routines that aligned more closely with uplift availability compared to smaller females, resulting in a partial temporal segregation between sexes. Condors' routines reflect a sexual-size dependent trade-off that may underpin ecological and sociobiological traits of the studied population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo A E Alarcón
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), Quintral 1250 (R8400FRF), Bariloche, Argentina.
- Grupo de Ecología Cuantitativa, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), Quintral 1250 (R8400FRF), Bariloche, Argentina.
- The Peregrine Fund. 668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID 83709, USA.
| | - Juan M Morales
- Grupo de Ecología Cuantitativa, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), Quintral 1250 (R8400FRF), Bariloche, Argentina
| | - José A Donázar
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, E-41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - José A Sánchez-Zapata
- Department of Applied Biology, University Miguel Hernández, E-03202, Alicante, Spain
| | - Fernando Hiraldo
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, E-41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Sergio A Lambertucci
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), Quintral 1250 (R8400FRF), Bariloche, Argentina
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17
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Sutton GJ, Hoskins AJ, Berlincourt M, Arnould JPY. Departure time influences foraging associations in little penguins. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182734. [PMID: 28832641 PMCID: PMC5567918 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have documented that little penguins (Eudyptula minor) associate at sea, displaying synchronised diving behaviour throughout a foraging trip. However, previous observations were limited to a single foraging trip where only a small number of individuals were simultaneously tracked. Consequently, it is not known whether coordinated behaviour is consistent over time, or what factors influence it. In the present study, breeding adults were concurrently instrumented with GPS and dive behaviour data loggers for at least 2 consecutive foraging trips during guard and post-guard stage at two breeding colonies (London Bridge and Gabo Island, south-eastern Australia) of contrasting population size (approximately 100 and 30,000–40,000, respectively). At both colonies, individuals were sampled in areas of comparable nesting density and spatial area. At London Bridge, where individuals use a short (23 m) common pathway from their nests to the shoreline, > 90% (n = 42) of birds displayed foraging associations and 53–60% (n = 20) maintained temporally consistent associations with the same conspecifics. Neither intrinsic (sex, size or body condition) nor extrinsic (nest proximity) factors were found to influence foraging associations. However, individuals that departed from the colony at a similar time were more likely to associate during a foraging trip. At Gabo Island, where individuals use a longer (116 m) pathway with numerous tributaries to reach the shoreline, few individuals (< 31%; n = 13) from neighbouring nests associated at sea and only 1% (n = 1) maintained associations over subsequent trips. However, data from animal-borne video cameras indicated individuals at this colony displayed foraging associations of similar group size to those at London Bridge. This study reveals that group foraging behaviour occurs at multiple colonies and the pathways these individuals traverse with conspecifics may facilitate opportunistic group formation and resulting in foraging associations irrespective of nesting proximity and other factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace J. Sutton
- Deakin University, School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood Campus), Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Andrew J. Hoskins
- CSIRO Land and Water, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Maud Berlincourt
- Deakin University, School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood Campus), Victoria, Australia
| | - John P. Y. Arnould
- Deakin University, School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood Campus), Victoria, Australia
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18
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Holland AE, Byrne ME, Bryan AL, DeVault TL, Rhodes OE, Beasley JC. Fine-scale assessment of home ranges and activity patterns for resident black vultures (Coragyps atratus) and turkey vultures (Cathartes aura). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0179819. [PMID: 28678813 PMCID: PMC5497974 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of black vulture (Coragyps atratus) and turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) spatial ecology is surprisingly limited despite their vital ecological roles. Fine-scale assessments of space use patterns and resource selection are particularly lacking, although development of tracking technologies has allowed data collection at finer temporal and spatial resolution. Objectives of this study were to conduct the first assessment of monthly home range and core area sizes of resident black and turkey vultures with consideration to sex, as well as elucidate differences in monthly, seasonal, and annual activity patterns based on fine-scale movement data analyses. We collected 2.8-million locations for 9 black and 9 turkey vultures from June 2013 –August 2015 using solar-powered GSM/GPS transmitters. We quantified home ranges and core areas using the dynamic Brownian bridge movement model and evaluated differences as a function of species, sex, and month. Mean monthly home ranges for turkey vultures were ~50% larger than those of black vultures, although mean core area sizes did not differ between species. Turkey vulture home ranges varied little across months, with exception to a notable reduction in space-use in May, which corresponds with timing of chick-rearing activities. Black vulture home ranges and core areas as well as turkey vulture core areas were larger in breeding season months (January–April). Comparison of space use between male and female vultures was only possible for black vultures, and space use was only slightly larger for females during breeding months (February–May). Analysis of activity patterns revealed turkey vultures spend more time in flight and switch motion states (between flight and stationary) more frequently than black vultures across temporal scales. This study reveals substantive variability in space use and activity rates between sympatric black and turkey vultures, providing insights into potential behavioral mechanisms contributing to niche differentiation between these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda E. Holland
- Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Michael E. Byrne
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - A. Lawrence Bryan
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Travis L. DeVault
- USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Research Center, Sandusky, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Olin E. Rhodes
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina, United States of America
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - James C. Beasley
- Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina, United States of America
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19
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Sanz-Aguilar A, Cortés-Avizanda A, Serrano D, Blanco G, Ceballos O, Grande JM, Tella JL, Donázar JA. Sex- and age-dependent patterns of survival and breeding success in a long-lived endangered avian scavenger. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40204. [PMID: 28074860 PMCID: PMC5225485 DOI: 10.1038/srep40204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In long-lived species, the age-, stage- and/or sex-dependent patterns of survival and reproduction determine the evolution of life history strategies, the shape of the reproductive value, and ultimately population dynamics. We evaluate the combined effects of age and sex in recruitment, breeder survival and breeding success of the globally endangered Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus), using 31-years of exhaustive data on marked individuals in Spain. Mean age of first reproduction was 7-yrs for both sexes, but females showed an earlier median and a larger variance than males. We found an age-related improvement in breeding success at the population level responding to the selective appearance and disappearance of phenotypes of different quality but unrelated to within-individual aging effects. Old males (≥8 yrs) showed a higher survival than both young males (≤7 yrs) and females, these later in turn not showing aging effects. Evolutionary trade-offs between age of recruitment and fitness (probably related to costs of territory acquisition and defense) as well as human-related mortality may explain these findings. Sex- and age-related differences in foraging strategies and susceptibility to toxics could be behind the relatively low survival of females and young males, adding a new concern for the conservation of this endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sanz-Aguilar
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC. Americo Vespucio s/n, Isla La Cartuja E-41092 Sevilla, Spain
- Population Ecology Group, Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados (CSIC-UIB), Miquel Marqués 21, E-07190 Esporles, Islas Baleares, Spain
- Ecology Area, Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University. Avda. de la Universidad s/n, E-03202 Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Ainara Cortés-Avizanda
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC. Americo Vespucio s/n, Isla La Cartuja E-41092 Sevilla, Spain
- Infraestruturas de Portugal Biodiversity Chair CIBIO/InBIO. Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto. Campus Agrário de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- CEABN/InBio, Centro de Ecologia Aplicada “Professor Baeta Neves”, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - David Serrano
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC. Americo Vespucio s/n, Isla La Cartuja E-41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Guillermo Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Juan M. Grande
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Tierra y Ambientales de La Pampa, CONICET, Avda. Uruguay 151, 6300 Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina
- Centro para el Estudio y Conservación de las Aves Rapaces en Argentina, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de La Pampa, Avda. Uruguay 151, 6300 Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina
| | - José L. Tella
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC. Americo Vespucio s/n, Isla La Cartuja E-41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - José A. Donázar
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC. Americo Vespucio s/n, Isla La Cartuja E-41092 Sevilla, Spain
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20
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Wiemeyer GM, Pérez MA, Torres Bianchini L, Sampietro L, Bravo GF, Jácome NL, Astore V, Lambertucci SA. Repeated conservation threats across the Americas: High levels of blood and bone lead in the Andean Condor widen the problem to a continental scale. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 220:672-679. [PMID: 27769769 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Revised: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/08/2016] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Wildlife lead exposure is an increasing conservation threat that is being widely investigated. However, for some areas of the world (e.g., South America) and certain species, research on this subject is still scarce or only local information is available. We analyzed the extent and intensity of lead exposure for a widely distributed threatened species, the Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus). We conducted the study at two different scales: 1) sampling of birds received for rehabilitation or necropsy in Argentina, and 2) bibliographic review and extensive survey considering exposure event for the species' distribution in South America. Wild condors from Argentina (n = 76) presented high lead levels consistent with both recent and previous exposure (up to 104 μg/dL blood level, mean 15.47 ± 21.21 μg/dL and up to 148.20 ppm bone level, mean 23.08 ± 31.39 ppm). In contrast, captive bred individuals -not exposed to lead contamination- had much lower lead levels (mean blood level 5.63 ± 3.08 μg/dL, and mean bone level 2.76 ± 3.06 ppm). Condors were exposed to lead throughout their entire range in continental Argentina, which represents almost sixty percent (>4000 km) of their geographical distribution. We also present evidence of lead exposure events in Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. Lead poisoning is a widespread major conservation threat for the Andean Condor, and probably other sympatric carnivores from South America. The high number and wide range of Andean Condors with lead values complement the results for the California Condor and other scavengers in North America suggesting lead poisoning is a continental threat. Urgent actions are needed to reduce this poison in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo M Wiemeyer
- Jardín Zoológico de la ciudad de Buenos Aires, República de la India 3000 (1425), C.A.B.A., Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Av. Chorroarín 280 (1427), C.A.B.A., Argentina; The Peregrine Fund, 5668 W Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID, 83709, USA; Fundación Cabure-í, Sucre 2842 9º "A" (1428), C.A.B.A., Argentina.
| | - Miguel A Pérez
- Jardín Zoológico de la ciudad de Buenos Aires, República de la India 3000 (1425), C.A.B.A., Argentina
| | - Laura Torres Bianchini
- Jardín Zoológico de la ciudad de Buenos Aires, República de la India 3000 (1425), C.A.B.A., Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Av. Chorroarín 280 (1427), C.A.B.A., Argentina
| | - Luciano Sampietro
- Jardín Zoológico de la ciudad de Buenos Aires, República de la India 3000 (1425), C.A.B.A., Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Av. Chorroarín 280 (1427), C.A.B.A., Argentina
| | - Guillermo F Bravo
- Jardín Zoológico de la ciudad de Buenos Aires, República de la India 3000 (1425), C.A.B.A., Argentina
| | - N Luis Jácome
- Fundación Bioandina Argentina, República de la India 3000 (1425), C.A.B.A., Argentina
| | - Vanesa Astore
- Jardín Zoológico de la ciudad de Buenos Aires, República de la India 3000 (1425), C.A.B.A., Argentina; Fundación Bioandina Argentina, República de la India 3000 (1425), C.A.B.A., Argentina
| | - Sergio A Lambertucci
- Grupo de Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue), Quintral 1250, Bariloche 8400, Argentina
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21
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Astore V, Estrada R, Jácome NL. Reintroduction strategy for the Andean Condor Conservation Program, Argentina. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/izy.12140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- V. Astore
- Ecoparque de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires; República de la India 3000 (1425) C.A.B.A. Argentina
- Fundación Bioandina Argentina; Juan de Castro 1457 (1406) C.A.B.A. Argentina
| | - R. Estrada
- Fundación Bioandina Argentina; Juan de Castro 1457 (1406) C.A.B.A. Argentina
- CIC y TTP - UADER - CONICET Dr. Materi y España; Diamante Entre Ríos Argentina
| | - N. L. Jácome
- Fundación Bioandina Argentina; Juan de Castro 1457 (1406) C.A.B.A. Argentina
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22
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Gangoso L, Lambertucci SA, Cabezas S, Alarcón PAE, Wiemeyer GM, Sanchez‐Zapata JA, Blanco G, Hiraldo F, Donázar JA. Sex‐dependent spatial structure of telomere length in a wild long‐lived scavenger. Ecosphere 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gangoso
- Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC C/Américo Vespucio s/n E‐41092 Sevilla Spain
| | - Sergio A. Lambertucci
- Grupo de Biología de la Conservación Laboratorio Ecotono INIBIOMA (CONICET‐National University of Comahue) Quintral 1250, Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche 8400 Bariloche Argentina
| | - Sonia Cabezas
- Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC C/Américo Vespucio s/n E‐41092 Sevilla Spain
- University of Saskatchewan 72 Campus Drive SK S7N 5E2 Saskatoon Canada
| | - Pablo A. E. Alarcón
- Grupo de Biología de la Conservación Laboratorio Ecotono INIBIOMA (CONICET‐National University of Comahue) Quintral 1250, Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche 8400 Bariloche Argentina
- The Peregrine Fund 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane Boise Idaho 83709 USA
| | - Guillermo M. Wiemeyer
- The Peregrine Fund 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane Boise Idaho 83709 USA
- Jardín Zoológico de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (CABA) Avenida Sarmiento and Avenida Las Heras CP1425 Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - José A. Sanchez‐Zapata
- University Miguel Hernández Avinguda de la Universitat d'Elx, s/n E‐03202 Alicante Spain
| | - Guillermo Blanco
- National Museum of Natural Sciences CSIC C/José Gutiérrez Abascal 2 E‐28006 Madrid Spain
| | - Fernando Hiraldo
- Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC C/Américo Vespucio s/n E‐41092 Sevilla Spain
| | - José A. Donázar
- Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC C/Américo Vespucio s/n E‐41092 Sevilla Spain
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Selva N, Jedrzejewska B, Jedrzejewski W, Wajrak A. Scavenging on European bison carcasses in Bialowieza Primeval Forest (eastern Poland). ECOSCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/11956860.2003.11682778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Shepard ELC, Lambertucci SA. From daily movements to population distributions: weather affects competitive ability in a guild of soaring birds. J R Soc Interface 2013; 10:20130612. [PMID: 24026471 PMCID: PMC3785828 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2013.0612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of many animals to access and exploit food is dependent on the ability to move. In the case of scavenging birds, which use soaring flight to locate and exploit ephemeral resources, the cost and speed of movement vary with meteorological factors. These factors are likely to modify the nature of interspecific interactions, as well as individual movement capacity, although the former are less well understood. We used aeronautical models to examine how soaring performance varies with weather within a guild of scavenging birds and the consequences this has for access to a common resource. Birds could be divided broadly into those with low wing loading that are more competitive in conditions with weak updraughts and low winds (black vultures and caracaras), and those with high wing loading that are well adapted for soaring in strong updraughts and moderate to high winds (Andean condors). Spatial trends in meteorological factors seem to confine scavengers with high wing loading to the mountains where they out-compete other birds; a trend that is borne out in worldwide distributions of the largest species. However, model predictions and carcass observations suggest that the competitive ability of these and other birds varies with meteorological conditions in areas where distributions overlap. This challenges the view that scavenging guilds are structured by fixed patterns of dominance and suggests that competitive ability varies across spatial and temporal scales, which may ultimately be a mechanism promoting diversity among aerial scavengers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L C Shepard
- Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK.
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Lambertucci SA, Carrete M, Speziale KL, Hiraldo F, Donázar JA. Population sex ratios: another consideration in the reintroduction - reinforcement debate? PLoS One 2013; 8:e75821. [PMID: 24086641 PMCID: PMC3784389 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Reintroduction or reinforcement (RorR) of wild populations is a common conservation strategy. Many conservation projects involve the release of individuals of poorly studied species. This may lead to inefficient results or negative impacts on the conservation efforts. Here, we provide new insights into the conservation implications and potential consequences of a skew in the sex ratio of released birds and of the number of birds supplemented for the demography of a long-lived dimorphic bird species, the Andean condor (Vulturgryphus). We demonstrate that a RorR conservation program may be less effective in conserving a species if the sex ratios of the releases and the recipient populations are not considered. We also show that releases can reduce population declines but only if carried out over long periods (i.e., several decades). This can mean high costs for release programs and the added challenge of maintaining programs over time. If RorR programs are to be implemented, bearing in mind the importance of properly assessing their effectiveness, we urge conservation researchers and managers to consider the implications of sex ratio biases for wild populations, and particularly for dimorphic species with sexually despotic behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A. Lambertucci
- Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue), Bariloche, Argentina
- * E-mail:
| | - Martina Carrete
- Department of Physical, Chemical and Natural Systems, University Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - Karina L. Speziale
- Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue), Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Fernando Hiraldo
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - José Antonio Donázar
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Seville, Spain
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Lambertucci SA, Ruggiero A. Cliffs used as communal roosts by Andean condors protect the birds from weather and predators. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67304. [PMID: 23826262 PMCID: PMC3691149 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The quality and availability of resources influence the geographical distribution of species. Social species need safe places to rest, meet, exchange information and obtain thermoregulatory benefits, but those places may also serve other important functions that have been overlooked in research. We use a large soaring bird that roosts communally in cliffs, the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus), as a model species to elucidate whether roost locations serve as a refuge from adverse weather conditions (climatic refuge hypothesis, CRH), and/or from predators or anthropogenic disturbances (threats refuge hypothesis, TRH). The CRH predicts that communal roosts will face in the opposite direction from where storms originate, and will be located in climatically stable, low precipitation areas. The TRH predicts that communal roosts will be large, poorly accessible cliffs, located far from human-made constructions. We surveyed cliffs used as communal roosts by condors in northwestern Patagonia, and compared them with alternative non-roosting cliffs to test these predictions at local and regional scales. We conclude that communal roosting places provide refuge against climate and disturbances such as, for instance, the threats of predators (including humans). Thus, it is not only the benefits gained from being aggregated per se, but the characteristics of the place selected for roosting that may both be essential for the survival of the species. This should be considered in management and conservation plans given the current scenario of global climate change and the increase in environmental disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A Lambertucci
- Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue), Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina.
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Blanco G, Hornero-Méndez D, Lambertucci SA, Bautista LM, Wiemeyer G, Sanchez-Zapata JA, Garrido-Fernández J, Hiraldo F, Donázar JA. Need and seek for dietary micronutrients: endogenous regulation, external signalling and food sources of carotenoids in new world vultures. PLoS One 2013; 8:e65562. [PMID: 23785435 PMCID: PMC3681859 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Among birds, vultures show low concentrations of plasma carotenoids due to the combination of their large size, general dull colouration and a diet based on carrion. We recorded the concentration of each carotenoid type present in plasma of the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) according to age and sex, that determine colour signalling and dominance hierarchies in the carcasses. We compared the carotenoid profile in wild condors with that of captive condors fed with a controlled diet of flesh to test the hypothesis that wild individuals could acquire extra carotenoids from vegetal matter contained in carcass viscera and fresh vegetation. Wild American black vultures (Coragyps atratus) were also sampled to evaluate the potential influence of colouration in the integument on absorption and accumulation patterns of plasma carotenoids. A remarkably higher concentration of lutein than β-carotene was found in wild condors, while the contrary pattern was recorded in American black vultures and captive condors. We found a consistent decrease in all plasma carotenoids with age, and a lower concentration of most xanthophylls in male compared to female wild condors. Positive correlations of all carotenoids indicated general common absorption and accumulation strategies or a single dietary source containing all pigments found in plasma. The comparatively low total concentration of carotenoids, and especially of lutein rather than β-carotene, found in captive condors fed with a diet restricted to flesh supports the hypothesis that Andean condors can efficiently acquire carotenoids from vegetal matter in the wild. Andean condors seem to be physiologically more competent in the uptake or accumulation of xanthophylls than American black vultures, which agrees with the use of colour-signalling strategies in sexual and competitive contexts in the Andean condor. This study suggests that vultures may use dietary vegetal supplements that provide pigments and micronutrients that are scarce or missing in carrion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, National Museum of Natural History (CSIC), José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, Madrid, Spain.
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Monsarrat S, Benhamou S, Sarrazin F, Bessa-Gomes C, Bouten W, Duriez O. How predictability of feeding patches affects home range and foraging habitat selection in avian social scavengers? PLoS One 2013; 8:e53077. [PMID: 23301024 PMCID: PMC3536817 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2012] [Accepted: 11/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Feeding stations are commonly used to sustain conservation programs of scavengers but their impact on behaviour is still debated. They increase the temporal and spatial predictability of food resources while scavengers have supposedly evolved to search for unpredictable resources. In the Grands Causses (France), a reintroduced population of Griffon vultures Gyps fulvus can find carcasses at three types of sites: 1. “light feeding stations”, where farmers can drop carcasses at their farm (spatially predictable), 2. “heavy feeding stations”, where carcasses from nearby farms are concentrated (spatially and temporally predictable) and 3. open grasslands, where resources are randomly distributed (unpredictable). The impact of feeding stations on vulture’s foraging behaviour was investigated using 28 GPS-tracked vultures. The average home range size was maximal in spring (1272±752 km2) and minimal in winter (473±237 km2) and was highly variable among individuals. Analyses of home range characteristics and feeding habitat selection via compositional analysis showed that feeding stations were always preferred compared to the rest of the habitat where vultures can find unpredictable resources. Feeding stations were particularly used when resources were scarce (summer) or when flight conditions were poor (winter), limiting long-ranging movements. However, when flight conditions were optimal, home ranges also encompassed large areas of grassland where vultures could find unpredictable resources, suggesting that vultures did not lose their natural ability to forage on unpredictable resources, even when feeding stations were available. However during seasons when food abundance and flight conditions were not limited, vultures seemed to favour light over heavy feeding stations, probably because of the reduced intraspecific competition and a pattern closer to the natural dispersion of resources in the landscape. Light feeding stations are interesting tools for managing food resources, but don’t prevent vultures to feed at other places with possibly high risk of intoxication (poison).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Monsarrat
- Centre d’Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, UMR 5175 CNRS, Université Montpellier 2, Montpellier, France
| | - Simon Benhamou
- Centre d’Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, UMR 5175 CNRS, Université Montpellier 2, Montpellier, France
| | - François Sarrazin
- Conservation des Espèces, Restauration et Suivi des Populations, UMR 7204 MNHN-CNRS-UPMC, Paris, France
| | - Carmen Bessa-Gomes
- Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, UMR 8079 CNRS, Université Paris Sud, Orsay, France
| | - Willem Bouten
- Computational Geo-Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Olivier Duriez
- Centre d’Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, UMR 5175 CNRS, Université Montpellier 2, Montpellier, France
- * E-mail:
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López-Bao JV, Palomares F, Rodríguez A, Ferreras P. Intraspecific interference influences the use of prey hotspots. OIKOS 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0706.2011.19194.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Size and spatio-temporal variations of the Andean condor Vultur gryphus population in north-west Patagonia, Argentina: communal roosts and conservation. ORYX 2010. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605310000451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractEstimations of the population sizes of threatened species are fundamental for conservation. The current estimate of the population of the Andean condor Vultur gryphus is based on limited local counts. Simultaneous censuses of 10 condor communal roosts were therefore conducted during 2006–2008 in north-west Patagonia, Argentina, to obtain a minimum population number, to estimate the size of the local population, and to describe use of the roosts by season and age classes. I fitted the data to two asymptotic models to calculate the population of condors as a function of the number of communal roosts surveyed. In an area of c. 6,300 km2 I obtained a minimum population size of 246 individuals by direct observation, and a population estimate of 296 condors (range 260–332) by applying the models. This population, the largest known of this species, comprises 68.5% adults and 31.5% immatures. Condors had large aggregations in some communal roosts and used the area seasonally, increasing in numbers from autumn to spring and decreasing in summer. Long-term monitoring of communal roosts across the Andean condor’s range is essential for the monitoring of this rare and vulnerable species.
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Carrete M, Lambertucci SA, Speziale K, Ceballos O, Travaini A, Delibes M, Hiraldo F, Donázar JA. Winners and losers in human-made habitats: interspecific competition outcomes in two Neotropical vultures. Anim Conserv 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-1795.2010.00352.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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López-Bao JV, Rodríguez A, Palomares F. Competitive asymmetries in the use of supplementary food by the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus). PLoS One 2009; 4:e7610. [PMID: 19898611 PMCID: PMC2764140 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0007610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2009] [Accepted: 10/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As a conservation tool, supplementary feeding programs may be directed to specific individuals or sectors of the target population whose productivity or survival is thought to be limited by food scarcity. However, the use of supplemental food by different sex and age classes has received little attention. We studied individual variation in the access of the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) to supplementary food. Methodology/Principal Findings From 5349 pictures taken with automatic cameras placed in 25 feeding stations, we identified 28 individuals whose sex and age were known. All individuals known to live in areas subjected to supplementation regularly visited feeding stations. Food consumption was not proportional to expected variations in energy demand within sex and age classes. Food consumption by males was higher than by females, and increased with age, in agreement with a despotic distribution. Food consumption also increased with lynx body mass, and this pattern held for individuals sharing the same breeding territories. The access of inferior competitors increased with the number of feeding stations available within lynx territories. Conclusions/Significance All lynx exposed to food supplementation made a regular use of extra food but individuals predicted to be competitively dominant visited stations more frequently than subordinates of the same breeding territory. Our results suggest that insufficient provision of supplementary food could restrict the access of juveniles, or even adult females, to feeding stations. Limited consumption by these target individuals may compromise the efficiency of the supplementary feeding programme at the population level, in endangered species that, as the Iberian lynx, exhibit marked sexual dimorphism in body size.
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Affiliation(s)
- José V López-Bao
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Seville, Spain.
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Lambertucci SA, Trejo A, Di Martino S, Sánchez-Zapata JA, Donázar JA, Hiraldo F. Spatial and temporal patterns in the diet of the Andean condor: ecological replacement of native fauna by exotic species. Anim Conserv 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-1795.2009.00258.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Serrano D, Tella JL. The role of despotism and heritability in determining settlement patterns in the colonial lesser kestrel. Am Nat 2006; 169:E53-67. [PMID: 17211799 DOI: 10.1086/510598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2006] [Accepted: 07/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Avian colony size variation is an evolutionary puzzle in terms of unequal fitness payoffs. We used a long-term marked lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni) population, where individual fitness increases with colony size, to test whether subordinates are evicted despotically from the largest colonies. Yearlings were smaller and lighter, were more attacked than expected, and lost most disputes over nest holes with older birds. Agonistic interactions increased with colony size; consequently, most first breeders recruited in colonies smaller than those at which they first tried to settle. As expected when subordination is a transient state, birds dispersed to a larger colony as they got older even after breeding successfully. The population consequences of these behavioral processes were that the relative frequency of yearlings and first breeders decreased with colony size. At the same time, breeding colony size was repeatable within individuals, so we estimated the amount of heritable variation in this trait. Estimates of heritability derived from parent-offspring and full-sib analyses were consistently high (h2=0.53) when individuals reached asymptotic morphological values and presumably overcame subordinate transient states. Age-related dominance asymmetries masked resemblance among relatives in colony size, but both phenomena seem to coexist in this population and explain a considerable proportion of colony size variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Serrano
- Department of Applied Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Pabellón del Perú, Avenida María Luisa s/n, 41013 Sevilla, Spain.
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Kolodziejczyk M, Kloskowski J, Krogulec J. Lack of social hierarchy in wintering white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) when scavenging. ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2005. [DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2005.9522607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Ardia DR. Energetic consequences of sex-related habitat segregation in wintering American kestrels (Falco sparverius). CAN J ZOOL 2002. [DOI: 10.1139/z02-014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Behavioural dominance can cause individuals to use less-preferred habitats, with potentially important life-history consequences. In the American kestrel, Falco sparverius, females exclude males from preferred open areas; I hypothesized that this sex-related habitat segregation leads to energetic consequences for males. I predicted that males would show decreased body condition over winter, while females would not, and that females would maintain larger net-energy surpluses than would males. Working in southeastern Pennsylvania, between 1991 and 1995, I conducted 150 behavioural observations and measured body condition of 235 wintering kestrels. Male kestrels maintained a lower body condition (residuals of a regression of mass vs. size) than did females and showed a decrease in mean body condition over winter, which females did not. I estimated that females had larger daily energy expenditures than did males (248 vs. 195 kJ per bird per day, ratio 1.27) but also had larger daily energy intakes (537 vs. 322 kJ/day, ratio 1.67). Females had larger net energy surpluses than did males (288 vs. 126 kJ/day, ratio 2.27), particularly when temperatures were <0°C. I conclude that differences in energetics are due in part to habitat differences and that males may suffer consequences by being forced to use less-preferred habitats.
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