Traditionally, the impact of human-induced habitat changes has been considered primarily as a factor leading to reduction of animal populations. However, habitat change may also induce irruptions and overabundance in traditionally stable populations by facilitating animal movement and providing increased food availability. Research on overabundant species tends to be concentrated on non-native species. With few exceptions, the potential problems of overabundant native species have received relatively little attention; research on native species is generally determined by needs of management and control. However, as landscapes become increasingly fragmented, the common native species that thrive in human-altered environments have greatly increased potential for conflict with humans (Garrott et al. 1993).

Black and turkey vultures are the primary vertebrate consumers of carrion throughout their range, and therefore are integral members of a healthy ecosystem. Unfortunately, because they adjust readily to human activities, vultures frequently come into conflict with humans. Increased conflict with humans is reflected in substantial increases in vulture-related complaints over the past 10 years (e.g. Lowney 1999), mostly related to their habit of roosting on buildings and other tall structures, and the resulting mess and odor (Hill and Scherer 1991, Avery et al. 2002), and damage to human property (Lowney 1999, Avery et al. 2002). This has been the focus of complaints for the Dutch Gap Black Vulture population.

There are not reliable population estimates for Black Vultures. Breeding Bird Survey (BBS; Sauer et al. 2001) and Christmas Bird Count (CBC) data for populations of C. a. atratus indicate substantial annual rates of increase (3.4% and 4.3% respectively). Most increases appear to have occurred at the northern edges of the range, although in other areas (primarily in south central Texas and central Florida) numbers have remained stable or declined. Nevertheless, there is little evidence to indicate whether these apparent population changes represent true increases in population numbers overall, or are actually reflective of shifts in population distribution over and beyond the traditional geographic range. Furthermore, there is little information available on populations numbers, trends or dispersal patterns for areas outside the United States, although limited CBC and BBS data indicate that population trends in Mexico and northern South America are positive. Vulture numbers are adequately assesses by the standard census techniques used by CBC and BBS. Furthermore, there are few detailed studies on the breeding biology of this species, because breeding sites are isolated and difficult to locate (Jackson 1982). Although vultures are apparently numerous and widespread, and appear to have benefited from human activity (Hayes 1991), even these populations may be vulnerable to severe and unexpected population declines, as witnessed by the catastrophic decline of Old World vultures in India and southern Asia.

In accordance with the mission statement of the National Audubon Society, I propose that we, the Richmond Audubon Society, in collaboration with Dominion Virginia Power, Dutch Gap Conservation Area, Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, immediately begin to implement a planning task force to examine the Black Vulture “problem” as follows:

• Goals: Reduce or eliminate human-vulture interactions at Dutch Gap Conservation Area

• Obtain preliminary data for research on mechanisms of Black Vulture distribution

• Specifics: Immediate reduction of human-vulture interactions

• Minimize complaints from bass fisherman by 50% over one year

• Reduce roost number at Dutch Gap boat landing by 75% without culling over one year

Proposal 1:

Investigate alternatives to trapping and culling, scare tactics, etc. which have proven in effective and are contrary to federal statutes for the protection of native birds.

Action plan: Set up task force consisting of representatives from Richmond Audubon Society, Dominion Virginia Power, Dutch Gap Conservation Area, Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and community members to convene regularly with goal of exploring feasible alternatives to the trap and cull program currently in place.

Example of alternatives: Set up an alternative feeding station and turn into tourist attraction.

• Canada Geese, Horicon Marsh, Wisconsin
• Winter Crow Roots, Downtown Terre Haute, Indiana
• Purple Martin, New Orleans, Louisiana
• Free-tailed Bats, Austin, Texas
• Turkey Vulture Festival, California

Identify target audience and define actions we expect visitors to take as a result.

Proposal 2:

Set up a long-term study site like that for the Prothonotary warblers, where individual/university researches, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel, Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries, and Dominion Virginia Power can collaborate to monitor populations.

Action plans (tentative): Over long-term, obtain data on populations

Help us find a solution to this problem. To get involved and make a difference contact the Richmond Audubon Society to volunteer to help with this issue.