The Vulture Conservation Foundation team started off the new year with the same passion and commitment to restoring Europe's vulture populations. Reflecting on the achievements of 2022, we have set our ambitious goals and already started working towards them to make 2023 yet another vulturific year. Even though it has only been a month, it's been quite an eventful one. |
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Michel Terrasse (1938-2023) |
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We were deeply saddened to learn Michel Terrasse passed away on Friday, 13 January 2023. Michel was a pioneer in vulture conservation and an inspiration to us all. He was always keen to share his expertise, experience and advice to support the comeback of vultures in different parts of Europe and further afield. We will always remember our dear friend and colleague for his significant contribution to the field but also for his cheerfulness and good heart. Our director, José Tavares, pays tribute to Michel, who also served as the VCF's president and played an instrumental role in shaping our work. Thank you for everything, Michel. |
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First illegal wildlife poisoning conviction in Cyprus |
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A major breakthrough in the fight against poisoning was achieved in Cyprus, with the first-ever conviction of illegal wildlife poisoning. The prosecuting authorities issued a €21,000 fine to the offender for poisoning and killing two Bonelli's Eagles and one Long-legged Buzzard. This conviction sets the precedent that illegal wildlife poisoning is a serious crime that can lead to serious consequences. Its outcome brings us hope that offenders will think twice before poisoning wildlife, which is the biggest threat to the critically endangered Griffon Vulture population in Cyprus. It also sets an example for other parts of Europe and beyond. The lead investigator of this case, who works at the Game and Fauna Service, participated in our Wildlife Crime Academy, which builds capacities to effectively fight wildlife crime in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. To achieve this conviction, he properly managed and investigated this serious incident, following the procedures taught during the academy's training while involving the police and other relevant stakeholders along the way. Achieving justice for wildlife is possible! |
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The first Bearded Vulture chick of 2023 has arrived |
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After nearly two months of incubating, the pair BG 108 and BG 175 welcomed their chick on 19 January 2023 at the Richard Faust Zentrum Specialised Breeding Centre in Austria. The pair is becoming known for being the first to lay a clutch and hatch a chick every captive breeding season. It's also the second most productive pair within our captive breeding network, which breeds the species for conservation purposes. Now, the two parents will be busy naturally rearing their chick over the coming months, allowing it to grow up and behave like a wild bird, which will help ensure it is suitable for release into the wild and can breed once it becomes sexually mature. |
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At the end of 2022, the VCF started to lead a new project co-funded by the European Union's LIFE Programme. LIFE Aegypius Return aims to consolidate and accelerate the return of the Cinereous Vulture in Portugal and western Spain by improving its habitat and foraging conditions, minimising threats and developing national capacities. The project team started implementing several actions and has already seen promising results! Within the scope of the project, we are also bringing back the European Vulture Conference, which will take place between 26-30 September 2023 in Cáceres, Spain. |
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Thank you for your continuous support and encouragement – it keeps us going. |
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Photos: RFZ, Hansruedi Weyrich, the Game and Fauna Service and the VCF |
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