ESTRUCTURA DE EDAD Y SEXO DE CÓNDOR ANDINO (VULTUR GRYPHUS) EN ÁREAS DE ALIMENTACIÓN DE CHILE CENTRAL

Abstract

Age and sex structure of Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) in feeding areas of central Chile. – The age and sex structures of the Andean Condor are known for some parts of its range while in other such areas data are lacking. The aim of this study was to obtain demographic data from the Andes of central Chile and to compare them with those available from other areas of distribution. From 2009–2010, we studied the age and sex structure of the Andean Condor in central Chile at feeding sites. Four carrion points were provided by us. The carrion comprised carcasses of sheep, donkey, and guanaco. Condor abundance at experimental carrion (mean = 36.25, SE = 48.45) was highly variable (CV = 134%), and we observed a higher proportion of adults (54%) than immatures (46%). Overall the sex ratio of adults was male-biased (52:48). The age and sex structures in our study are consistent with those found in other areas of the species’ distribution. Our results show a higher proportion of adult birds and males at feeding sites in the Andes of central Chile, which has implications on the population viability of the Andean Condor.