Ecosystem services and disservices associated with vultures: A systematic review and evidence assessment

Ecosystem Services, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 56, С. 101447 - 101447

Опубликована: Июнь 10, 2022

Nature's contribution to people (i.e. ecosystem services) is becoming integral conservation science and policy, yet our knowledge restricted only a few services taxa. Vultures (family: Accipitridae Cathartidae), most of which are threatened with extinction, have been touted for delivering regulation maintenance via their capacity rapidly consume organic matter. As such, appellation as "nature's clean-up crew" has become very popular. However, comprehensive evaluation the supporting evidence such was absent from published literature. We performed systematic review assessment quantify global vultures towards over 20 disservices. Our analysis determined critical imbalance in scope focus research. In contrast birds' popularised image cleaners environment, we found weak support any vultures. Moreover, studies on disservices were prominent. The supported by strong cultural, although even these evidenced limited number studies. Finally, unveil major gaps service disservice literature taxonomic spatial scale related highlights urgent need net people.

Язык: Английский

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How to include and recognize the work of ornithologists based in the Neotropics: Fourteen actions forOrnithological Applications,Ornithology, and other global-scope journals

Ornithological Applications, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 125(1)

Опубликована: Фев. 3, 2023

Abstract Global-scope scientific journals have played an important role in upholding a colonial legacy of north-south inequities ornithology, and they now key to play increasing equity publishing. We explore common barriers faced by ornithologists the Neotropics (Latin America Caribbean) suggest priority actions that Ornithological Applications, Ornithology, other global-scope ornithological can take increase publication research uptake. Among most problems, we identified (1) restrictive (and north-biased) criteria for assessing “importance” “novelty,” (2) high costs Author Pay (Gold) Open Access model, (3) language hegemony, (4) under-representation from on editorial boards as lead authors invited articles, (5) lack attention ethics collaboration citation. recommend adjust their with aim publish all scientifically robust ethically rigorous ornithology submitted first based Neotropics, including negative results articles basic biology; maintain or create options free low-cost publication; offer option submission review process Spanish possibly languages future); representation (especially women those belonging marginalized groups) core teams boards; introduce structured reflexivity statements, which declare how local scientists were involved was promoted resulted manuscript. For these changes be broadly effective long term, across Global South, Indigenous, Brown, Black globally, should roles designing, implementing, effectiveness journal policies programs. Portuguese translations are available supplementary material.

Язык: Английский

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The global contribution of vultures towards ecosystem services and sustainability: An experts’ perspective

iScience, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 27(6), С. 109925 - 109925

Опубликована: Май 7, 2024

The ecosystem services framework is essential for biodiversity conservation, emphasizing the role of nature in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). This study offers a global view on vulture-associated and their SDG contributions, based insights from 206 experts. findings reveal consensus importance vultures regulation maintenance services, such as waste recycling disease control. Cultural attributed to are moderate vary regionally. Provisioning consistently rated low across all regions. Experts' views vultures' key roles often biased toward well-known may not align with scientific evidence. emphasizes SDGs, particularly impacting life land health, calls reevaluating contribution practices. It stresses need customize conservation regional values perceptions, recognizing critical ecological balance, public development.

Язык: Английский

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Anthropogenic threats to the Vulnerable Andean Condor in northern South America

PLoS ONE, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 17(12), С. e0278331 - e0278331

Опубликована: Дек. 1, 2022

Vultures comprise one of the most threatened groups birds worldwide. With a total population not exceeding 6700 mature individuals, and in rapid decline across its range, Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) is listed as Vulnerable species IUCN red list. Local extinctions are particular concern northern South America, where no more than 340 condors may exist at present. Despite this, quantitative assessments Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela regarding threats affecting populations. To address we compiled records Condors injured, or killed, between 1979 2021. We obtained data 164 affected by different causes injury, which 83.5% were reported 15.2% 1.2% Venezuela. Of number, 84.7% injured individuals died. Between 2021, Colombia Venezuela, least 103 presumably poisoned, 22 shot, 39 other causes. The number represents 48% 72% estimated America. great fact that, 2007 poisoning shooting together caused loss 19-31% 7-21% Colombia. Given important mortality induced humans, environmental education programs, socio-ecological research, application laws, management strategies based on scientific evidence to prevent mitigate human-wildlife conflicts urgently required for effective conservation

Язык: Английский

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Determination of hematologic reference intervals for free‐living King vultures (Sarcoramphus papa)

Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Фев. 2, 2025

Abstract Background As obligate scavengers, New World vultures (Cathartiformes: Cathartidae) play a key role in carcass removal and disease control. Associated with this ecosystem service, are exposed to the consumption of harmful substances such as poisons, heavy metals, antibiotics, or non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. Monitoring health status vulture populations is priority an important conservation strategy, hematologic analysis practical effective method that can be useful for purpose. Objectives Report reference intervals free‐living King ( Sarcoramphus papa ), one least studied species. Methods Red blood cell concentration, packed volume, hemoglobin (Hb) MCV, MCH, MCHC, WBC differential count absolute heterophil lymphocyte ratio, total protein concentration were determined. We used non‐parametric calculate intervals. In addition, we compared our results measurands reported Black Coragyps atratus Andean condor Vultur gryphus ) California Gymnogyps californianus ). Results With exception Hb, monocyte, basophil, eosinophil concentrations, mean observed similar those recorded other species, ratio was lower vulture. Conclusions study, have first time population Costa Rica. Future research should consider comparison among

Язык: Английский

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Pesticides and veterinary pharmaceuticals in neotropical avian carnivores: A scoping review

The Science of The Total Environment, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 967, С. 178795 - 178795

Опубликована: Фев. 12, 2025

Язык: Английский

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Biases in vulture conservation literature in Africa

Ostrich, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown, С. 1 - 9

Опубликована: Март 10, 2025

Язык: Английский

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Estimating the Andean Condor Vultur gryphus population at the northern edge of its geographical range: a citizen science-based approach

Bird Conservation International, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 35

Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2025

Summary Andean Condor Vultur gryphus populations are particularly low in the northern Andes. The species is considered nearly eradicated from Venezuela and listed as “Endangered” Ecuador “Critically Endangered” Colombia. Even though it severely endangered, size of Colombian condor population remains unknown. Using a citizen science-based approach, we conducted first count for Colombia with help 207 observers at 84 simultaneous observation points. We used N-mixture models spatially replicated counts to estimate population. total number condors recorded simultaneously was 63 individuals, estimated 175–269 individuals using maximum likelihood approach 165–222 172–229 two best Bayesian approach. Adults were observed more frequently than juveniles (1:0.43), common pattern among raptors related higher mortality rates immature birds, which prominent conservation concern due status threats currently faces throughout Our study made possible gather, time Colombia, consolidated information on standardised methodology provide reference future actions, both national level geographical range species.

Язык: Английский

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Vulture Exclusion Halves Large Carcass Decomposition Rates and Doubles Fly Abundance

Ecology and Evolution, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 15(5)

Опубликована: Май 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Carcass consumption by scavengers plays a critical role in wildlife and human health providing services that maintain ecosystem functioning potentially mitigate disease spreading. Vultures are particularly efficient scavengers, but their populations have sharply declined Europe, Asia Africa, raising concerns about similar declines the comparatively less studied species of Americas. While effects vulture absence on other vertebrate been examined, impact invertebrate carrion decomposition remains unexplored. To determine decline, specifically neotropical cathartid vultures, we experimentally excluded this functional group from domestic pig carcasses ( Sus scrofa ) Costa Rica, under different habitat conditions (grassland forest) across seasons with aim to assess exclusion insect abundance. Vulture halved carcass rates relative control without exclusion. Accordingly, abundance at was positively correlated rate. doubled fly controls did not significantly dung beetle carcasses. These findings suggest vultures instrumental rapid decomposition, service invertebrates alone cannot fully compensate for, underscoring potential ecological public risks associated increased flies sites. Further research is needed understand broader implications loss zoonotic transmission Neotropics.

Язык: Английский

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Life History of the Andean Condor in Ecuador

Tropical Conservation Science, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 17

Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2024

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

Язык: Английский

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