Dispersal patterns of the first White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus) GPS-tracked in Iberia

Abstract

Observations of African vulture species (Gyps rueppelli and Gyps africanus) in Iberia have increased in recent years, probably anticipating a process of progressive colonization. Thus, it is fundamental to analyze the movement ecology of those species using GPS-tracking devices. Here, we tracked an immature White-backed Vulture (G.africanus) for the first time in Europe and analyze the dispersal patterns within Iberia, including wandering movements and settlement areas, seasonal differences, habitat use and spatial overlap with other Iberian vulture species.