In Mendoza, a record of avistamiento de ejemplares de cóndor andino was reached. It was during the 18th Simultaneous Andean Condor Census (Vultur gryphus), within the network of Protected Natural Areas (ANP) of the province.
It is part of an initiative articulated between the local government and the Bioandina Argentina Foundation, within the framework of the Condor Sanctuaries Program for Nature Conservation (SCCN).
Census takers participated from 11 strategic points in the territory. A total of 70 condors were observed simultaneously. This marks a new provincial record since the beginning of the censuses in 2020.
## The conservation of the Andean condor
The activity involved coordinated work between technicians, guardaparques, civil organizations, and volunteers, who recorded sightings every half hour.
The support of the Survey123 application was also used to streamline data loading and analysis.
“The census not only provides valuable information for the management of the species but also strengthens the provincial commitment to biodiversity and helps us understand the ecological health of our protected areas,” stated Ignacio Haudet, Director of Biodiversity and Ecopark.
Adrián Gorrindo, head of the Fauna Department, highlighted the scientific value of the achieved record.
“This record is not only an encouraging figure but also a demonstration of the sustained work we have been carrying out for years,” he said. “The finding of 54 condors feeding in Payunia is an unusual event that gives us clues about the social and trophic dynamics of the species in the region. Moreover, it provides us with concrete parameters to understand the population health of the condor in Mendoza,” Gorrindo pointed out.
In the same vein, Iván Funes Pinter, Director of Protected Natural Areas, celebrated. “This census is a clear example of what can be achieved with commitment, science, and cooperation,” he said.
“Having reached the record of 70 ejemplares observados simultáneamente fills us with enthusiasm, but above all reaffirms the importance of continuing to protect these strategic ecosystems,” he added.
“I want to especially thank every guardaparque, technician, volunteer, and organization that made this day possible. Without their work in the field, this achievement would not be possible,” concluded the official.
## Census results
One of the highlights of the census was, as reported, the dormidero Grande de Payunia, where 54 individuals were recorded feeding on the remains of a guanaco.
This likely contributed to the achieved population record.
In total, 70 condors were identified simultaneously, of which 32 could be classified by age: 22 adults (69%), 4 subadults, and 6 juveniles (31%). Additionally, sex and age were determined in 16 individuals: 6 adult males, 3 adult females, 3 subadult males, and 4 juvenile females.
There were also 31 individuals counted in flight areas and 74 in roosting sites, reflecting different habitat use patterns by the species.
