New World vultures

From an agronomic perspective, they are not pests of arable crops. However, they can become a nuisance on livestock farms. Their presence is largely associated with the proximity of carrion or vulnerable newborn animals, which they may occasionally harass, leading to secondary infections or stress in the herd.

The biology of these birds is characterized by a long lifespan and low reproductive rates. They do not build traditional nests, preferring rock crevices or hollow trees. Because they do not pose a direct threat to crop yield, their management is strictly focused on behavior modification rather than population reduction, which is often regulated by local laws.

The damage caused by Cathartidae is mainly related to property and sanitation. Large roosting groups on farm buildings cause damage to structures due to the corrosive nature of their droppings, which can degrade metal and roofing materials over time, as well as lead to contaminated feed supplies if not managed properly.

Integrated management measures include physical exclusion and sensory deterrents. To minimize negative interactions, farmers should ensure strict sanitation protocols, such as:

• proper disposal of dead livestock
• using pyrotechnic or acoustic deterrents during peak roosting hours
• installing anti-perching devices on rooftops
• securing feed storage areas to prevent attracting secondary scavenger species