Defining Spatial Conservation Priorities for the Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)

Abstract

The Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) is a culturally iconic wildlife symbol for the South American Andes, but is naturally found at very low population densities, and is increasingly threatened. Using the Range Wide Priority Setting methodology, we (a group of 38 Andean Condor experts) updated the Andean Condor historical range (3,230,061 km2), systematized 9998 Andean Condor distribution points across the range, and identified geographic areas for which there was expert knowledge (66%), including areas where Andean Condors no longer occur (7%), and geographic areas where condors are believed to range, but for which there was not expert knowledge about condor presence (34%). To prioritize conservation action into the future and identify existing Andean Condor population strongholds, we used expert knowledge to identify 21 of the most important areas for the conservation of the species (i.e., Andean Condor Conservation Units [ACCUs]) that cover 37% of the revised historical range, and range in size from 837 km2 to 298,951 km2. In general, ACCUs were relatively small in the northern portion of the range in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru, and significantly larger in the central and southern portion of the range in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina, reflecting the reduced and narrower historical range in the northern portion of the range, as well as increased threats. Andean Condors can fly extremely long distances and so the populations of many neighboring ACCUs are probably still functionally connected, although this situation also underlines the need for integrated and large-scale conservation efforts for this species. As a function of the Range Wide Priority Setting results, we make recommendations to ensure population connectivity into the future and engage a wide range of actors in Andean Condor conservation efforts.

The Influence of Age, Sex and Season on Andean Condor Ranging Behavior during the Immature Stage

“…This highly valuable information is necessary for a better understanding of the movement ecology of the species, and its association with, for instance, anthropogenic threats [ 33 ]. It is also relevant to the design of management strategies and conservation action [ 35 , 42 , 80 ]. The information provided can also be useful for other species that cross national and international borders, given that conservation action and management policies often differ between countries [ 60 , 81 ].…”

“…The Andean condor is a large obligate scavenger that inhabits the Andes Mountain range in South America (from Venezuela to the south of Chile and Argentina) [ 34 , 41 ]. Condor populations have suffered a retraction in some areas, and their populations are tending to decrease [ 33 , 34 , 42 ]. Their reproductive strategy is one of the slowest among birds; they commonly lay one egg every two years, then the chick spends up to six months in the nest, and stays with its parents until 15 months of age [ 27 , 43 ].…”

Bridging Evolutionary History and Conservation of New World Vultures

“…Due to anthropogenic threats such as habitat degradation, poisoning with pesticides, lead intoxication, illegal capture, free-ranging dogs and shooting [21,[82][83][84], Andean Condors and California Condors, listed as Vulnerable and Critically Endangered [23], respectively, have suffered considerable population declines and geographic range contractions [85][86][87][88]. Furthermore, it is also expected that climate change will cause Black Vultures to move to higher altitudes and this will consequently increase overlap and competition with Andean Condors [89].…”