Nest-site selection of endangered cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus) populations affected by anthropic disturbance: Present and future conservation implications

Abstract

The cinereous vulture Aegypius monachus is the largest bird of the western Palaearctic, and is threatened over its entire range of distribution. Considering explicitly the influence of human interference, we studied breeding habitat selection in seven breeding colonies using a geographic information system and multivariate statistical models. Steep areas far from human disturbance constituted the preferential breeding sites in all the colonies. The nesting substrate and climatic conditions varied between colonies, but always corresponded to non-extreme climates, and included tree species of adequate size. Since human activities influenced the breeding habitat choice, there is a potential for management policies that can clearly be of benefit for the conservation of this vulture. These would fundamentally be as follows: (1) forestry activity should be oriented to protecting oak (Quercus spp.) and pine (Pinus ssp.) stands, especially individual trees of great height, and to replacing eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) with autochthonous species; (2) activities (recreational, economic, etc.) around the breeding areas should be scheduled and spatially organized to avoid disturbance, particularly those deriving from the proximity of roads and tracks; (3) the expected effects of global warming should be compensated, identifying future sites where the habitat can be managed, supplementary food can be provided and reserves can be designed.