So about the vulture...

I figured it was time I discuss a little more about the famous King Vulture. The King Vulture is one of the New World vultures (Vultures of north and south america) and is closely related to Condors. It ranges from southern Mexico to Brazil. There are records of the King Vultures in Florida but have been extirpated a long time ago.

King vultures inhabit tropical forests and we are still unsure where they nest. As far as we know, males and females are identical.

Although King Vultures are not endangered, habitat destruction, the use of venom and pesticides to control other species and deforestation is threatening to send this species into decline. They are no longer found in many of their old home ranges. The problem with King Vultures is that they are so elusive and difficult to study, thus its population numbers and status are very difficult to estimate. This is why we are trying to get more information on this beautiful bird.

The King Vulture has been classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. To get more information on the species you can have a look at the IUCN red list; IUCN Red List of Threatened Species for more information on the classification of the King Vulture).

San Cristobal

I will be sending some more field adventures but I am know going to Africam Safari to conduct a new experiment on a few King Vultures they have in the zoo. We are trying to find out once and for all if they use Olfaction to find their prey. I will keep all of you posted with pictures of the zoo and the experiments.

As for the rest of the crew they are still working hard in the field, observing King Vultures as much as we can!

Here a couple of pictures of our last little vacation to San Cristobal, up in the Sierra Madre, just an amazing place. We spent of the days visiting Mayan pueblos on our little horses, I thought it would not make it, but he was stronger than I thought! Oye Pobre!

Becan

This ancient Mayan town which means "Protected by moats" was a very important ground for commerce in the beginning of the century millenium is completely surrounded by moats which well the protected the village. It is about 10 km from our village and this is one of the most impressive ruins I have seen so far. It is not as big as say Calakmul but the diversity and carvings on the buildings make this place stunning. This area was abandonned in the 1200's and was never affected by the conquistadors!