Donate to our Red List appeal and help us continue to identify and protect birds that most need our help
The Andean Condor Vultur gryphus the national bird of Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia is now globally threatened with extinction. This year, the emblematic species had its threat level raised to Vulnerable in our annual update to the IUCN Red List of threatened species (for which BirdLife is the authority for birds). With a wingspan of over three metres, the Andean Condor is one of the worlds largest flying birds, making an unmistakable silhouette as it soars above the Andes mountains at altitudes of up to 6,500 metres. It is also one of the longest-lived bird species, with a natural lifespan of up to 70 years.
However, this majestic scavenger has seen rapid population declines in recent years due to persecution and poisoning. The bird is deliberately shot or targeted using poisoned bait in retaliation to extremely infrequent attacks on livestock. It is also impacted by illegal use in folkloric events and trade, and can die from ingesting lead shot left in carrion.
The Andean Condor is built to last. But humans are ruining its natural live slow, die old life strategy, causing high death rates from which it is hard to recover, says Ian Davidson, Regional Director, BirdLife in the Americas. This iconic raptor has been found in Andean folklore since 2,500 BC. To lose it now would be a tragedy for South American culture and ecosystems alike.
Thankfully, captive breeding, community education and habitat restoration programmes are underway across the condors range. In 2014, Antisanilla Biological Reserve was set up in central Ecuador to safeguard one of the most important Andean Condor nesting sites. Researchers across the Americas are surveying and satellite-tracking wild populations to gain further insights into its movements. However, the species reclassification as globally Vulnerable underlines the need to scale up conservation work and collaborate with governments to strengthen anti-poisoning laws.
The Andean Condors plight is sparking fears that the crisis that brought many Asian and African vultures to the edge of extinction has spread to South America. Across Africa, work is underway to halt the catastrophic decline of vultures but new information reveals that other African savanna raptors are experiencing similarly alarming rates of decline.
The Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius, a striking species famed for its method of stomping on prey such as mice and snakes to kill them, is one of three species reclassified as Endangered and now considered to face a very high risk of extinction, along with Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus and Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus. Habitat loss and degradation, poisoning, poaching and disturbance are all likely factors in these declines, but more research is needed to identify the root causes and the most efficient way to address them.
While any species being listed as threatened is obviously bad news, it doesnt have to be a tragedy, says Ian Burfield, Global Science Coordinator (Species), BirdLife International. For many, the road to recovery begins here, as listing brings visibility to their plight and helps to raise their conservation priority. The issues flagged by the Red List should form the focus of further research and action.
The Red Kite is a shining example of the benefits that such conservation action can bring. This graceful raptor was previously considered Near Threatened, owing to declines in its core European range due to poisoning from pesticides, persecution and land-use change. Legal protection under the EU Birds Directive led to an action plan and targeted conservation actions across its range, including large-scale reintroduction projects and community education. The success of these measures has seen it recover from earlier declines, and it continues to increase and expand. This year, it was reclassified as Least Concern the lowest category of extinction risk.
Poisoning and persecution are still obstacles to the Red Kites full recovery in some areas, so there is still much work to be done. Nevertheless, its revival provides an inspiring model for large-scale raptor conservation around the world and encouraging proof of the impact conservation can have when given enough investment and resources.
To keep up with all the news coming out of this years Red List update, visitour hub page.
Donate to our Red List Appeal andhelp us protect threatened birds around the world
Here is the original post:
Red List 2020: Andean Condor heads list of raptors in steep decline - BirdLife International
- Hang onto your hats--More Redheads RFL Shopping 🙂 [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Why I Relay -- from Daaneth Kivioq [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Two Upcoming Events! [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- We had fun AND ... [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Why I Relay -- from Edith Halderman & Envy Watts [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Toga! Toga! We had fun and raised 5k for RFL! [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- "Duel of the DJ's" --THIS Sunday, April 19 at 1pm [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Dressing for Relay Events... Lag in Style! [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- "Duel of the DJ's" -- TODAY Sun, April 19 at 1pm [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Relay Shopping Made Easy! Our Very Own Store! [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- We have a winner! [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Not to Miss! Frogg & Jaycatt Saturday at 1pm SLT [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Thank You Frogg, Jaycatt, Lomgren and Luskwood! GO RELAY! [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Upcoming Events in Redhead-land [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- In Memory of ... Lachlan Campbell [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- More Goodies in Our RFL Store [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- The BIG Blowout Event! 12-3pm SLT Tomorrow! [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- ONE WORLD, ONE HOPE! [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- We miss you Fimi! [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Redheads Know How To Partay!!! [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- We had a BALL! And the SILENT AUCTION continues... [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- RenFaire! [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Rocking With Yahshvah Shinja [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- WOW! [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- What a weekend that was! [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 2010 Blog! [Last Updated On: April 4th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 4th, 2010]
- Brian Scalabrine - The World's Greatest - Video [Last Updated On: March 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 29th, 2012]
- Red strength hint in caution notice [Last Updated On: April 25th, 2012] [Originally Added On: April 25th, 2012]
- Emma Roberts turns heads at Coachella [Last Updated On: April 25th, 2012] [Originally Added On: April 25th, 2012]
- Cartoon of the Day: Chelsea's battered bus leaves Terry behind and heads for Munich after rolling over Barcelona [Last Updated On: April 25th, 2012] [Originally Added On: April 25th, 2012]
- Kaskade Heads Out On 'Freaks Of Nature' Tour, Gives Us Full-Body Chills (VIDEO) [Last Updated On: April 25th, 2012] [Originally Added On: April 25th, 2012]
- Red shirts divided over Prem meet [Last Updated On: April 25th, 2012] [Originally Added On: April 25th, 2012]
- Snobby Mr. Douchey - Ep: 6 - Video [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2012]
- Ep. 3 MALLSCAPADE: Squaresville (A new free web show about growing up bored in the suburbs) - Video [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2012]
- My Sisters: Problematic to Practically Perfect - Ep: 2 - Video [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2012]
- Backstage Girls- Episode 2: Bobby Brown's Every Little Step - Video [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2012]
- Red Heads for Red Heads with Cornelia Frances for The Orangutan Project - Video [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2012]
- More Theatre of Life: Gay Witchcraft - Video [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2012]
- Asian Red Head - Video [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2012]
- Red Devils baseball team wins play-in game vs. North Sevier, heads to 2A tourney [Last Updated On: May 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 5th, 2012]
- Ask Nick: Is something wrong with Gonzalez? [Last Updated On: May 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 5th, 2012]
- Red Bluff Lady Spartans blast Lassen 13-0 [Last Updated On: May 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 5th, 2012]
- Camelot heads 2,000 Guineas field [Last Updated On: May 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 5th, 2012]
- Tech baseball heads to College Station for final time [Last Updated On: May 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 5th, 2012]
- Joe Stortini heads list of local all-state basketball players [Last Updated On: May 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 5th, 2012]
- 'White Rabbit, Red Rabbit' review: never the same [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2012]
- Red sea of Clippers fans lifts team to win [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2012]
- Reynolds and Hammel carry Orioles past Red Sox 8-2 [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2012]
- Gillard, Abbott promote Red Cross [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2012]
- The Duchess of Cambridge turns heads with glamorous cream dress [Last Updated On: May 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 10th, 2012]
- Royals 4, Red Sox 3: Two out of three is bad [Last Updated On: May 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 10th, 2012]
- The power of a sign [Last Updated On: May 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 10th, 2012]
- Met Ball 2012 Red Carpet: Stars Shine In Metallic Frocks [Last Updated On: May 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 10th, 2012]
- Morning Mail: Red Sox fan wears bag on head, starts social media storm [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2012]
- 'Food Truck Wars' heads for Monmouth Park [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2012]
- Obama to talk mortgages in Reno, Romney heads to North Carolina, plus more to watch for this weekend in politics [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2012]
- Losing heads while salmon fishing [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2012]
- West Ottawa boys track & field wins stunning relay at OK Red meet [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2012]
- Sexy Redheads - Video [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2012]
- Red Sox Look to Build Momentum Against Mariners: Fan Preview [Last Updated On: May 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 16th, 2012]
- Red-cockaded woodpecker gets care and protection in Alabama (with video and gallery) [Last Updated On: May 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 16th, 2012]
- Beckett takes Red Sox from Fenway to Bushwood [Last Updated On: May 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 16th, 2012]
- Greek uncertainty leaves US stocks in red [Last Updated On: May 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 16th, 2012]
- Greece Heads Toward New Elections [Last Updated On: May 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 16th, 2012]
- On Soccer: Red Bulls rise to top of Eastern Conference with help from trio of young American defenders [Last Updated On: May 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 16th, 2012]
- Frankel heads Lockinge confirmations [Last Updated On: May 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 16th, 2012]
- Kevin Spacey heads to South Africa for movie project premiere [Last Updated On: May 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 16th, 2012]
- Red Poppy brings new voices to art scene [Last Updated On: May 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 16th, 2012]
- Gold Heads Into The Red In 2012 [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2012]
- Betty White heads to Washington to see the animals [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2012]
- Outdoors: Losing your heads against fishing rules [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2012]
- Betty White heads to nation's capital to see National Zoo, indulge passion for animal watching [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2012]
- Canadian wave heads to Cannes Film Festival [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2012]
- Pippa Middleton Wears Sexy Red Dress at Scottish Wedding [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2012]
- Touchdowns for a cure [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2012]
- TSX heads higher; Facebook shares rise after delayed start of trading [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2012]
- Woman heads to Uganda to bring cheer to children [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2012]
- World Premiere of Disney•Pixar’s “Brave” Heads to Hollywood for Grand Opening of the Dolby Theatre [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2012]
- Toronto stock market heads higher amid cautious buying at end of bruising week [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2012]
- Red Bluff brings home 11th section title; McColpin throws shutout vs. Wolves [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2012]