35 dead condors found in Bolivia

After Bolivian government confirmed death of 35 condors, a vulnerable species and a national symbol, conservationists said Wednesday finding could be largest number of fatalities in deces. Dozens of bird carcasses were found near Leras rte in Tarija department, some 600 km (372 miles) south of capital La Paz, over weekend.

Authorities have started an investigation into cause of mass death, believing birds were poisoned after consuming tainted meat left by local ranchers to kill predators hunting ir livestock.  condor, with a wingspan as long as 120 cm (3.9 feet), is one of largest birds capable of flying in world, and conservationist groups consider m as a species "vulnerable to exctinction."