Hidden cliffside nest of the world's largest flying bird discovered in Peru Andes
The team spent about six hours a day for several days in August 2024 scouring rough terrain on foot, using binoculars and spotting scopes to record sightings of the threatened species.
It took a drone, however, to discover a hidden nest with two adults and one chick on a cliff in the Junin region of Peru, according to a study published June 24 in the journal Check List.
The sighting marks not only the fourth record in the country, but the second record in the Peruvian Andes and the first record in the Paccha district, according to researchers.
The Andean condor lays an average of one egg every two years. Both parents incubate the egg for about 60 days and feed their offspring for six months, according to the study.
Researchers said the species is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red list, and given Endangered status by the Peruvian National Service of Forestry and Wildlife.
It faces threats including 'lead poisoning, collisions with electrical and telecommunications infrastructure, illegal use in folklore events, illegal wildlife trade, and competition with feral dogs.'
Andean condor nesting sites in Peru have all been recorded in the last 40 years, with the first seen in 1988, a third in 2016, and the most recent, marking the first in the Peruvian Andes, was found in 2023, according to the study.
The research team recorded 11 individual Andean condors during their expedition, not including the three at the nest, the study said.
Researchers said the areas where the nest was found and where individuals of the species were recorded for the first time should receive protection and conservation priority.
The research team included Henry Tinoco-Vega, Luis Castillo-Roque, Matt T. Herbert, John Azua and Roberto Elias-Piperis.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Archaeologists Dug up a 3,500-Year-Old Lost City from the Americas' Oldest Civilization
Here's what you'll learn when you read this story: Archaeologists just unveiled the remains of a 3,500 year old city in Peru. After eight years of research, experts have unearthed 18 structures so far, including residential homes and ceremonial temples. Experts believe the city—since named Peñico—was once a thriving urban center optimized for trade with a connection to the Americas' oldest civilization. After eight long years of excavation and research, archaeologists finally unveiled a 3,500 year old city in Peru. Located in the Lima region, the city has since been named 'Peñico,' meaning the city of social integration. Experts believe that the city's builders strategically selected the location to facilitate trade between the coast, the highlands, and the jungle. 'This urban center developed following the cultural tradition of Caral,' Ruth Shady, director of the Caral Archeological Zone (ZAC), explained in a translated press release, referencing the Caral civilization, the oldest known civilization in the Americas. 'Due to its strategic location, it connected settlements on the coast and in the Supe and Huaura mountains, as well as those living in the Andean-Amazonian territory and the high Andean region.' The city sits nearly half of a mile above sea level and is surrounded by hills. According to experts, this would have optimized its monumentality, protected against disasters like flooding and mudslides, and promoted social interaction. Researchers believe that the urban area was established around 1800 B.C., 1,200 years after the Caral civilization was established around 3000 B.C. According to the BBC, Shady noted that climate change had devastated the ancient civilization, and Peñico was likely a continuation of Caral, since the former emerged in the same area soon after the latter's decline. Aerial images of Peñico show off the stone and mud ruins of the once-prosperous city. So far, archaeologists have discovered 18 structures at the site, perhaps the most notable of which is a building known as B2. Part of the large central plaza, the section (according to the press release) stands out for its impressive structural reliefs and designs, including the depiction of 'pututus'—conch shell trumpets that were an integral part of Andean society, and were used both during rituals and to convene meetings and make announcements. The artifacts recovered from the public building were just as notable as the building itself. Jewelry, tools, figurines, and ceremonial objects were all discovered at the site, according to the press release. Evidence suggests that the B2 building would have been a center for administrative and ideological gatherings, meaning that it was likely the most important building in the city (though archeologists also uncovered other residential and ceremonial buildings). Experts believe that the prosperity of Peñico could have been thanks to locals' use of hematite—a mineral that was important to Andean society, and often used to make red pigment for activities like pottery painting. According to the release, experts at the site think that inhabitants of the ancient city may have extracted and circulated the resource, making it a key part of the trade network in the Supe Valley. The discoveries at Peñico will not only enrich scholars' understanding of the Supe Valley, but will serve as a tool for public education. At the Ministry of Culture's press conference, Shady announced that Peñico is now one of the publicly-accessible archaeological sites managed by the ZAC. The ZAC also organized the first Peñico Raymi festival, which is scheduled for July 12. There, guests will be able to wander around an arts festival, celebrate local cultural heritage, and pay tribute to Pachamama (Mother Earth). You Might Also Like The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Yahoo
Decathlon, Rheon Labs to bring material science to sports apparel
As part of this collaboration, Decathlon will have access to Rheon Labs' entire technology platform, which encompasses both existing and forthcoming advancements in materials that are sensitive to strain rates. This will facilitate the creation of performance-oriented sportswear that improves control, comfort, and performance during physical exertion. It is intended to meet the requirements of athletes in motion, while ensuring its accessibility to a broad consumer base. The initial product to emerge from this partnership will be a Kiprun running tight, slated for release in autumn/winter 2025. The tight is designed to channel energy and minimise muscle movement. Further innovations are being developed across various categories, including Decathlon's fitness sports brand Domyos, with the first technologies expected to debut in 2026. Decathlon textile innovation leader Aurelien Corbier said: 'Innovation truly matters when it empowers everyone. By partnering with Rheon Labs, we're taking materials designed for athletes and making them accessible to all. This aligns perfectly with our focus on providing excellent products for everyone, leading to better comfort, control, and performance.' Rheon Labs' patented 'energy-absorbing super' polymer, Rheon, is designed to be soft and flexible during normal movement but becomes dynamically stiffer under stress or impact. The company explains this smart adaptation provides customised support for enhanced comfort and performance, while ensuring freedom of movement remains unhampered. Originally conceived within a Nasa project, the technology has been refined over 15 years at Imperial College London. Rheon, which is created by Dr Daniel Plant, can be used on products to dissipate high levels of energy or give them unique responsive properties. Rheon Labs CEO Stephen Bates said: 'Decathlon's belief that innovation should serve everyone aligns perfectly with our own. Rheon started in elite sport – now, this partnership will unlock that same level of performance for millions more.' Both Decathlon and Rheon Labs are committed to co-creating a future where sports play an even more inclusive, inspiring, and indispensable role — a future where today's innovations continue to remain relevant. In October last year, Decathlon Pulse, the investment arm of global sports brand Decathlon, partnered with Unspun, a fashion-tech company known for its 3D weaving technology, Vega, to bring sustainable apparel manufacturing to Europe. "Decathlon, Rheon Labs to bring material science to sports apparel" was originally created and published by Just Style, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Miami Herald
27-06-2025
- Miami Herald
‘Rare' animal visitors — and words of warning. See latest creature encounters
The summaries below were drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All linked stories were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists. Unique creatures, odd animals and new species are being discovered across the planet. Some are found lurking in remote corners of the world, while others have been hiding right under our noses. Learn more about some recent rare animal encounters from around the world: Park employee looks up at tree — and finds 'rare' visitor staring back. See it During a routine wildlife survey at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve in the United Arab Emirates, a staff member discovered a rare long-eared owl, Asio otus, marking the first sighting of this species in the area in 22 years. The owl, with its pointy feathers and bright yellow eyes, was spotted roosting on a branch after a day of high winds and heavy rains. | Published June 20 | Read More | Family's 'close encounter' with 'world's most dangerous bird' prompts warnings In South Mission Beach, Australia, a family experienced a close encounter with a cassowary, often called the 'world's most dangerous bird,' due to its powerful legs and sharp claws. The incident, captured on a security camera, led to warnings from wildlife officials about the dangers of feeding these birds, which can become aggressive when expecting food. This encounter is one of several linked to unlawful feeding in the area. | Published June 24 | Read More | Hidden cliffside nest of the world's largest flying bird discovered in Peru Andes Researchers in the Andes Mountains of Peru discovered a hidden nest of the Andean condor, the world's largest flying bird, on a cliff in the Junin region. This marks only the fourth recorded nesting site in the country and highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect this vulnerable species. The discovery was made using a drone, which revealed two adult condors and a chick in the nest. | Published June 24 | Read More | Wild elephant keeps returning 'just to say hello' to the vets who saved his life In Kenya, a wild bull elephant has been returning to visit the veterinarians who saved his life after being shot with an arrow. This touching behavior showcases the elephant's intelligence and gratitude, as he calmly approaches the Ithumba Unit stockades to greet his rescuers. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust describes this as a remarkable example of the bond between humans and wildlife. | Published June 25 | Read More | Migrating sea creature gets 'lost' in Australia bay. Watch dolphin pod step in In Koombana Bay, Australia, a pod of dolphins helped guide a lost humpback whale back to deeper waters during its migration. The whale, initially spotted by volunteers, appeared healthy and was soon joined by the dolphins, who playfully interacted with it and led it back on course. This heartwarming encounter highlights the cooperative nature of marine life. | Published June 25 | Read More |
