Trade in Andean Condor Vulture gryphus feathers and body parts in the city of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, Cusco region, Peru

An open and illegal trade of Andean Condor (Vulture gryphus) feathers and body parts thrives in the tourist markets of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, Peru. Researchers documented 26 establishments selling condor feathers, priced from 5 to 160 soles, with handicrafts featuring up to six feathers sold for as much as 650 soles. A whole condor was even offered for 2,500 soles. The trade, driven by demand for alternative healing, shamanic ceremonies, and souvenirs, is fueled by hunters in the Cordillera Vilcabamba and Vilcanota, with Calca serving as a hub for handicraft production. Despite existing legislation, enforcement is absent, exacerbating threats to an already endangered species. Urgent action from Peruvian authorities is needed to halt this activity under international conventions.

Williams, R., Jara, J., Matsufuiji, D., & Plenge, A. (2012). Trade in Andean Condor Vulture gryphus feathers and body parts in the city of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, Cusco region, Peru. Vulture News, 61(1). https://doi.org/10.4314/vulnew.v61i1.2