Traceable Claims in Ecology

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The Bearded Vulture: Ecology and Movement

Gypaetus barbatus is a large Old World vulture unique for feeding almost exclusively on bone marrow. GPS telemetry of 19 Pyrenean birds (66,467 locations, 2006–2014) revealed dramatic age-dependent movement: territorial birds used ~50 km² home ranges while non-territorial birds ranged over ~10,000 km², with mean daily movements of 23.8 km vs. 46.1 km respectively Pyrenean GPS telemetry movement study[Pyrenean Telemetry]. Southern African data confirm this pattern across age classes: sub-adults ranged ~25,985 km² vs. adults at only ~286 km² Southern African age-class range study[SA Range Study].

Genetic Structure and Conservation

Analysis of 236 individuals using 14 microsatellite loci revealed three genetic clusters with the southern African population being most distinct (F_ST=0.18 vs. Europe) and showing high inbreeding (F_IS=0.24), suggesting it warrants separate conservation management Population genetic structure study[Genetic Structure].

Reproductive Behaviour and Cosmetics

First documented polygyny (1 male, 2 females) was recorded in the central Pyrenees, likely driven by habitat saturation First polygyny observation study[Polygyny]. Their distinctive orange plumage comes from iron-oxide staining, yet in vitro tests show no antibacterial benefit and no significant breeding advantage (pale 0.88 vs orange 0.76 chicks/pair, p=0.095), pointing instead to a territorial signal function Plumage colour function study[Colour Study]. Nest-site selection favours rugged cliffs away from human disturbance, with altitude and human activity influencing breeding success Nest site selection study[Nest Selection].

Confidence: High for movement, genetic structure, and colour-function findings (moderate-to-large samples, multiple methods); lower for parasite findings given only two carcasses examined Sarcocystis halieti host report[Parasite Report].