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Estimating the Andean Condor Vultur gryphus population at the northern edge of its geographical range: a citizen science-based approach
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 02 April 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” in Ecuador and “Critically Endangered” in Colombia. Even though it is severely endangered, the size of the Colombian condor population remains unknown. Using a citizen science-based approach, we conducted the first Andean Condor count for Colombia with the help of 207 observers at 84 simultaneous observation points. We used N-mixture models for spatially replicated counts to estimate the condor population. The total number of condors recorded simultaneously was 63 individuals, and we estimated a population size of 175–269 individuals using a maximum likelihood approach and 165–222 and 172–229 for the two best models using the Bayesian approach. Adults were observed more frequently than juveniles (1:0.43), a common pattern among raptors related to the higher mortality rates of immature birds, which is a prominent conservation concern due to the status of the species and the threats it currently faces throughout the northern Andes. Our citizen science-based study made it possible to gather, for the first time in Colombia, consolidated information on the status of the Andean Condor population using a standardised methodology to provide a reference for future counts and conservation actions, both at the national level and throughout the geographical range of the species.
Resumen
Las poblaciones del Cóndor Andino Vultur gryphus son particularmente bajas en el norte de los Andes. Se considera que la especie ha sido extirpada de Venezuela y se categoriza como En Peligro para Ecuador y En Peligro Crítico para Colombia. A pesar de su categoría de amenaza, el tamaño de las poblaciones de cóndor en Colombia sigue siendo desconocido. A partir de una aproximación basada en la ciencia ciudadana, realizamos el primer conteo nacional de Cóndor Andino para Colombia con la participación de 207 observadores en 84 puntos de observación simultánea. Usamos modelos N-mixtos para conteos replicados en el espacio con el fin de estimar las poblaciones del cóndor. El número total de cóndores registrados simultáneamente fue de 63 individuos y estimamos un tamaño poblacional de 175–269 individuos usando la aproximación de máxima verosimilitud y de 172–229 usando una aproximación bayesiana. Los adultos fueron observados con mayor frecuencia en contraste con los juveniles (1:0.43), un patrón común entre las aves rapaces, relacionado con las altas tasas de mortalidad en aves inmaduras. Este resultado constituye un importante problema de conservación debido al estado de la especie y a las amenazas que enfrenta actualmente a lo largo de los Andes del norte. Este estudio, basado en ciencia ciudadana, permitió registrar por primera vez para Colombia, información consolidada del estado de las poblaciones del Cóndor Andino usando una metodología estandarizada. Además, proporciona una referencia para futuros conteos y acciones de conservación, tanto a nivel nacional como en todo el rango geográfico de la especie.
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- Research Article
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- © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of BirdLife International
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