Factors influencing the breeding density of Bearded Vultures, Egyptian Vultures and Eurasian Griffon Vultures in Catalonia (NE Spain): management implications
Using multivariate analyses we examined differences in breeding density of the Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus, the Eurasian Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus and the Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus in NE Spain (Catalonia) in relation to trophic, orographic-landscape and anthropic variables. Samp...
| Main Authors: | , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona
2007-12-01
|
| Series: | Animal Biodiversity and Conservation |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://abc.museucienciesjournals.cat/files/ABC-30-2-pp-189-200.pdf |
| _version_ | 1818493094054592512 |
|---|---|
| author | Margalida, A. García, D. Cortés-Avizanda, A. |
| author_facet | Margalida, A. García, D. Cortés-Avizanda, A. |
| author_sort | Margalida, A. |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Using multivariate analyses we examined differences in breeding density of the Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus, the Eurasian Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus and the Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus in NE Spain (Catalonia) in relation to trophic, orographic-landscape and anthropic variables. Sampling units used were regional divisions (comarques). High density of Bearded Vulture was principally linked to areas with scant vegetation and low human population density. In contrast, high densities of both the Egyptian and Eurasian Griffon Vultures were associated with availability of trophic resources (sheep and goats). Positive effects were detected in relation to low density of inhabitants (Egyptian Vulture) and altitudes between 1,000-2,000 m and landscape with low tree cover (Eurasian Griffon Vulture). The Bearded Vulture seemed to be the most selective species in relation to environmental characteristics while the Eurasian Griffon and the Egyptian Vultures displayed a higher degree of ecological plasticity. Future conservation actions should bear these results in mind in order to optimise management. Food resources from extensive livestock farming, in particular, seem fundamental for the conservation of scavenger species. Preference monitoring and conservation efforts are needed in the regions with highest vulture densities (Alta Ribagorça, Pallars Jussà and Alt Urgell), while regions with low vulture populations should be managed in order to favour the geographical expansion and recolonisation of zones currently not occupied by these species. Conservation priorities should be based on favouring extensive livestock practices, and as an alternative to muladares (traditional animal carcass disposal sites) farmers should be encouraged to leave animal carcasses in the field, while ensuring compliance with health regulations. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-10T17:50:43Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-bcd424c97a6346f0a4623dc9f3ddbedf |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1578-665X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-10T17:50:43Z |
| publishDate | 2007-12-01 |
| publisher | Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Animal Biodiversity and Conservation |
| spelling | doaj.art-bcd424c97a6346f0a4623dc9f3ddbedf2022-12-22T01:39:04ZengMuseu de Ciències Naturals de BarcelonaAnimal Biodiversity and Conservation1578-665X2007-12-01302189200Factors influencing the breeding density of Bearded Vultures, Egyptian Vultures and Eurasian Griffon Vultures in Catalonia (NE Spain): management implicationsMargalida, A.García, D.Cortés-Avizanda, A. Using multivariate analyses we examined differences in breeding density of the Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus, the Eurasian Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus and the Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus in NE Spain (Catalonia) in relation to trophic, orographic-landscape and anthropic variables. Sampling units used were regional divisions (comarques). High density of Bearded Vulture was principally linked to areas with scant vegetation and low human population density. In contrast, high densities of both the Egyptian and Eurasian Griffon Vultures were associated with availability of trophic resources (sheep and goats). Positive effects were detected in relation to low density of inhabitants (Egyptian Vulture) and altitudes between 1,000-2,000 m and landscape with low tree cover (Eurasian Griffon Vulture). The Bearded Vulture seemed to be the most selective species in relation to environmental characteristics while the Eurasian Griffon and the Egyptian Vultures displayed a higher degree of ecological plasticity. Future conservation actions should bear these results in mind in order to optimise management. Food resources from extensive livestock farming, in particular, seem fundamental for the conservation of scavenger species. Preference monitoring and conservation efforts are needed in the regions with highest vulture densities (Alta Ribagorça, Pallars Jussà and Alt Urgell), while regions with low vulture populations should be managed in order to favour the geographical expansion and recolonisation of zones currently not occupied by these species. Conservation priorities should be based on favouring extensive livestock practices, and as an alternative to muladares (traditional animal carcass disposal sites) farmers should be encouraged to leave animal carcasses in the field, while ensuring compliance with health regulations.http://abc.museucienciesjournals.cat/files/ABC-30-2-pp-189-200.pdfBreeding densityHabitat requirementsGypaetus barbatusGyps fulvusNeophron percnopterusCatalonia |
| spellingShingle | Margalida, A. García, D. Cortés-Avizanda, A. Factors influencing the breeding density of Bearded Vultures, Egyptian Vultures and Eurasian Griffon Vultures in Catalonia (NE Spain): management implications Animal Biodiversity and Conservation Breeding density Habitat requirements Gypaetus barbatus Gyps fulvus Neophron percnopterus Catalonia |
| title | Factors influencing the breeding density of Bearded Vultures, Egyptian Vultures and Eurasian Griffon Vultures in Catalonia (NE Spain): management implications |
| title_full | Factors influencing the breeding density of Bearded Vultures, Egyptian Vultures and Eurasian Griffon Vultures in Catalonia (NE Spain): management implications |
| title_fullStr | Factors influencing the breeding density of Bearded Vultures, Egyptian Vultures and Eurasian Griffon Vultures in Catalonia (NE Spain): management implications |
| title_full_unstemmed | Factors influencing the breeding density of Bearded Vultures, Egyptian Vultures and Eurasian Griffon Vultures in Catalonia (NE Spain): management implications |
| title_short | Factors influencing the breeding density of Bearded Vultures, Egyptian Vultures and Eurasian Griffon Vultures in Catalonia (NE Spain): management implications |
| title_sort | factors influencing the breeding density of bearded vultures egyptian vultures and eurasian griffon vultures in catalonia ne spain management implications |
| topic | Breeding density Habitat requirements Gypaetus barbatus Gyps fulvus Neophron percnopterus Catalonia |
| url | http://abc.museucienciesjournals.cat/files/ABC-30-2-pp-189-200.pdf |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT margalidaa factorsinfluencingthebreedingdensityofbeardedvulturesegyptianvulturesandeurasiangriffonvulturesincatalonianespainmanagementimplications AT garciad factorsinfluencingthebreedingdensityofbeardedvulturesegyptianvulturesandeurasiangriffonvulturesincatalonianespainmanagementimplications AT cortesavizandaa factorsinfluencingthebreedingdensityofbeardedvulturesegyptianvulturesandeurasiangriffonvulturesincatalonianespainmanagementimplications |