Date of Award
10-24-2019
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Biology
First Advisor
William Baltosser
Abstract
Vultures are a necessity to the natural world. These elite scavengers have the ability to eliminate disease, bacteria, and other harmful pathogens from the environment by simply eating infected carcasses. There are several species of vulture that are threatened with extinction due to a number of reasons, human connotation being one of them. These birds are often persecuted because of their appearance and also because of damage that they have caused. Although at times they may be considered nuisance animals, their need in their environment greatly outweighs the problems they sometimes cause. Research is a way to educate the public on the need for vultures. I examined feeding behaviors between Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) and Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus) at marked sites in northern and southern Arkansas. Trail cameras were used to record each feeding session. Videos were analyzed and aggressive actions, bird ratios, and arrival times were logged. Feral hogs (Sus scrofa) eradicated by state and federal agencies were used as a feeding source. Black Vultures were the more aggressive of the two species during both interspecific and intraspecific encounters. Both species showed more aggressive tendencies during feeding when both species were present.
Recommended Citation
Grammer, Dixie Claire, "Intraspecific and Interspecific Interactions Between Two Species of North American Vulture at Feeding Sites." (2019). Theses and Dissertations. 896.
https://research.ualr.edu/etd/896
