Author: Michelle Simon
Planning Unit: Campbell County CES
Major Program: Beef
Plan of Work: Beef Cattle Production
Outcome: Initial Outcome
The Mexican vulture, commonly referred to as the black-headed buzzard, is a species of migratory birds that are protected by federal legislation. This species of vultures are predacious and have caused detrimental loss to farmers in Kentucky by preying on newborn or weakened calves, lambs, and other types of livestock. This has presented a difficult challenge for farmers to protect their livestock from these vultures since they are protected by federal law and they cannot eliminate problem birds without proper permits. Kentucky Farm Bureau has partnered with United States Fish & Wildlife to assist farmers in obtaining permits to eliminate vultures that are preying on their livestock, but unfortunately there is a limit on how many vultures can be eliminated and in some cases the population of vultures did not decrease enough to prevent livestock losses and deaths. In response, Boone County Agriculture Extension Agent partnered with UK Forestry specialist to provide a workshop for farmers to learn about the biology of black headed buzzards, how to identify a black buzzard versus a turkey vulture, the legislation and permits pertaining to them, and also how to construct and use a fake effigy to deter them from entering and roosting on their farms. Boone County ANR Agent utilized the schematics designed by UK Forestry and taught workshop participants how to use the schematics, a rubber stall mat, and zip ties to construct a fake effigy designed to appear as a deceased buzzard. This effigy is meant to be hung from a barn or tree on the farm in a highly visible location during peak problem times (ie calving season) and moved frequently so the black headed buzzards don’t learn that isn’t a real, deceased, black buzzard. 33 farmers and community members attended this workshop, 4 have constructed a fake effigy thus far using the information provided, and 100% of participants reported an increase in knowledge regarding black buzzards and learned a solution to protect their livestock and operations by using an effigy as a deterrent on Boone County farms to protect livestock.
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