After a successful captive breeding season, with 80 eggs laid and 35 chicks surviving, many are ready to live in the wild. In 90 days, the young birds grow from weighing a few grams to 5-6 kg. At this stage, they no longer depend on their parents – they have developed feathers and can regulate their temperatures and defend themselves against predators.

 

To reintroduce them into the wild, we carefully release captive-bred nestlings to 'hacking caves' in strategic locations, replicating the natural fledging process. For about a month, they socialise with other vultures and get familiar with their new environment while preparing for their first flight.

 

This year we are releasing birds in Andalusia and Maestragzo (Spain), the Swiss Alps, the Bavarian Alps (Germany), and the Massif Central (France), working closely with our dedicated partners. Having released many in May, we are thrilled to see more vultures venture into the wild and monitor their travels! Let's hope for a promising future ahead!

The Wildlife Crime Academy's Level 3 Supreme Course on Wildlife Crime Analysis and Intelligence concluded successfully in Málaga, Spain. Forty-four motivated participants from nine European countries are now the first qualified professionals in this specialised field. Their groundbreaking training will enhance prosecution efforts, deter offenders, and save endangered species.

 

Organised by the Vulture Conservation Foundation and Junta de Andalucía, supported by EU-funded projects, the Academy's courses fill knowledge gaps and transform attitudes towards wildlife crime. Tailored to professionals working in conservation, law enforcement, and forensic science, the training equips participants with investigative and leadership skills by following international procedures and cutting-edge practices.

 

With 44 new experts in Wildlife Crime Investigation and Analysis experts leading the charge, we are optimistic about the protection and conservation of endangered species in Europe. 

 

Do you work with vultures? Join us at the European Vulture Conference 2023 in Cáceres, Spain, from 14-17 November to share your work, exchange knowledge and contribute to global vulture conservation!

 

In addition to traditional scientific research, we welcome diverse submissions on vulture biology, ecology, and conservation, including applied research and project reporting. Share case studies, monitoring methods, reintroduction evaluations, impact assessments, feeding station guidelines, and more. Publication in academic journals is not required.

 

We aim to bridge the gap between practitioners and scholars, fostering collaboration for effective information exchange that benefits both research and conservation efforts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With the new LIFE SUPport project, we are safeguarding the future of the Griffon Vultures in Croatia by bolstering the local population of the endangered species. Led by BIOM with the EU's LIFE Programme co-financing, our 5-year initiative focuses on recolonising the Griffon Vulture's historical breeding ground on Croatia's mainland by improving breeding and survival conditions and tackling the species' main threats.

 

The project team strives to reduce nestling mortality, mitigate collision and electrocution risk and increase food availability. It will also implement educational activities and raise awareness among stakeholders, collaborating with local shepherds and hunters to promote sustainable practices and mitigate risks like illegal wildlife poisoning and lead contamination. 

 

 

NEWEST VIDEOS