Pesticides: The most threat to the conservation of the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus)

RAYEN ESTRADA PACHECO; N. LUIS JÁCOME; VANESA ASTORE; CARLOS E. BORGHI; CARLOS I. PIÑA

BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION

ELSEVIER SCI LTD

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2020 vol. 242

0006-3207

The application of poison to kill livestock predators as a result of human-wildlife conflict is dramatically affecting vulture populations worldwide. Although there is much evidence of this problem in Europe and Asia, data in Latin America are scarce. We studied the cases of poisoning recorded in the rescue center of the Andean Condor Conservation Program in Argentina from its creation in 2001 until December 2018. Both temporal and spatial trends were analyzed, and a poisoning rate was calculated from marked, released and recovered condors killed by this cause. In the last 2 years, pesticide poisonings in carcasses have reached alarming levels and adult condors are the most affected. In most cases, Carbofuran and, to a lesser extent, Palation were used. Poisonings, which occur throughout the country, occur primarily in the autumn season, while people generally report them in the summer season. We conclude that pesticide poisoning is the main threat to the Andean Condor and recommend urgently addressing this problem by integrating all stakeholders to ensure the conservation of this species.