Black Vulture Coragyps atratus abundance is associated with its proximity to landfills in Xalapa, Mexico

Abstract

The Black Vulture Coragyps atratus is highly adaptable and frequently occupies human-modified landscapes. Here, we evaluated whether vulture abundance in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico, is associated with proximity to landfills. Eight roosting sites were surveyed between March and May of 2021 and 2022, and repeated counts of perched individuals were conducted at each of them. Sites were classified as near (<500 m) or far (>500 m) from landfills. Descriptive comparisons indicated that sites near landfills supported higher abundances (mean 111.33 ± 70.41 individuals) than far sites (mean 29.22 ± 30.27 individuals). Some distant roosts with unexpectedly high counts were associated with alternative food sources, such as slaughterhouses or natural habitats. These findings indicate that landfills act as key attractors for Black Vultures in Xalapa, although other resources can partially sustain populations at more distant sites. Our results highlight both the ecological flexibility of the species and potential health risks associated with anthropogenic food subsidies, emphasizing the need for management strategies that balance conservation with public health concerns.