Sigma Xi Poster Competition
Analyzing Post-fledging Movements, Survival, and Space Use of First-year Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus) in Kentucky
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Biology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Andrea Darracq, PhD. (Murray State University); Matthew T. Springer, PhD. (University of Kentucky)
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
The time span between a fledgling’s first flight from the nest and dispersal from its natal area is known as the post-fledging dependence period. This period is a critical life stage because it affects an individual’s survival and recruitment into adult populations. In Black Vultures, young birds learn to navigate their environment but remain dependent on their parents for food during this prolonged period. We analyzed movement data from nine fledglings equipped with backpack-mounted solar-powered transmitters (GPS/GSM 20-70 PTT, 45g, Microwave Telemetry, Inc.), which included over 340,000 locations collected over a period of approximately 180 days. Home range sizes and total distance traveled from the nest were calculated monthly. As expected, most fledglings were observed within the natal area at least periodically and individual home range sizes consistently increased throughout this period. Additionally, no mortalities were observed during this period. Our results help shed light on the movement and activity patterns of a demographic of Black Vultures that has not been previously studied. Given increases in human-wildlife conflict with this species in our region, research on post-fledging movements will be important to effectively implement management regimes going forward.
Spring Scholars Week 2023 Event
Sigma Xi Poster Competition
Analyzing Post-fledging Movements, Survival, and Space Use of First-year Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus) in Kentucky
The time span between a fledgling’s first flight from the nest and dispersal from its natal area is known as the post-fledging dependence period. This period is a critical life stage because it affects an individual’s survival and recruitment into adult populations. In Black Vultures, young birds learn to navigate their environment but remain dependent on their parents for food during this prolonged period. We analyzed movement data from nine fledglings equipped with backpack-mounted solar-powered transmitters (GPS/GSM 20-70 PTT, 45g, Microwave Telemetry, Inc.), which included over 340,000 locations collected over a period of approximately 180 days. Home range sizes and total distance traveled from the nest were calculated monthly. As expected, most fledglings were observed within the natal area at least periodically and individual home range sizes consistently increased throughout this period. Additionally, no mortalities were observed during this period. Our results help shed light on the movement and activity patterns of a demographic of Black Vultures that has not been previously studied. Given increases in human-wildlife conflict with this species in our region, research on post-fledging movements will be important to effectively implement management regimes going forward.