Vulture-Cattle Interactions A Survey of Florida Ranchers

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" Vulture-Cattle Interactions A Survey of Florida Ranchers "
Milleson, Michael P.; Shwiff, Stephanie A.; Avery, Michael L.

Document Type	:	AL
Record Number	:	943500
Doc. No	:	LA7c56v4nq
Language of Document	:	English
Main Entry	:	Milleson, Michael P.; Shwiff, Stephanie A.; Avery, Michael L.
Title & Author	:	Vulture-Cattle Interactions A Survey of Florida Ranchers [Article]\ Milleson, Michael P.; Shwiff, Stephanie A.; Avery, Michael L.
Title of Periodical	:	Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference
Volume/ Issue Number	:	22
Date	:	2006
Abstract	:	Effective management of vertebrate pest populations is enhanced by greater understanding of stakeholder-pest interactions as well as stakeholder attitudes toward control of the problem species. It has long been reported that black vultures are responsible for depredation of livestock, especially newborns. To gain a better understanding of this phenomenon, we conducted a survey of 374 Florida cattle ranchers, representing roughly 2% of the total number of Florida cattle ranches. A 3-page questionnaire was used to gather information of ranch characteristics and whether or not the ranchers had experienced vulture attacks. In cases where vulture attacks were reported, respondents were asked to quantify the value of property lost to vultures and preventative measures taken to reduce vulture predation. All respondents were asked a similar set of questions regarding coyotes as well as a series of questions concerning their attitudes toward vulture control and regulations. The survey revealed that 38% of respondents had experienced vulture predation that, on average, resulted in over