Humans have time to discuss conceptual frameworks, some threatened species have not

Abstract

Programs evaluating alternative decision-making and monitoring the results are needed but they will require a lot of time to be implemented. We, humans, have time to discuss conceptual frameworks, but threatened species as vultures and condors probably not. Around 70% of the species of obligate scavengers as condors and vultures are threatened and populations are decreasing. One poisoning event built on a biased perception can kill hundreds of individuals producing catastrophic impacts on their populations. If this situation is not reversed quickly, these species are doomed to disappear in the near future. So, we must act quickly with the best scientific information we have now, meanwhile, we can obtain more tools to solve this conflict. Our study is the first to assess farmer's perceptions about the damage produced by scavenger birds, and to contrast them with the actual damage produced, providing suggestions for farmers and managers in order to reduce any economic loss. All those are rapid responses to relieve the conflict. Therefore, our results are important to start promoting positive attitudes toward scavengers based on scientific evidence.