A weakened Cinereous Vulture was discovered by a roadside in Italy and, after a challenging rescue, was rehabilitated at a local wildlife center. The bird, traced back to Spain and a rare sight in Italy, was released with a GPS tag but sadly died soon after release, after having returned all the way to… Spain. […] The post When conservation action crosses borders: a Cinereous Vulture rescue across Italy and Spain appeared first on Vulture Conservation Foundation.| Vulture Conservation Foundation
The efforts to understand and protect Cinereous Vultures (Aegypius monachus) in Central Asia continue this year in 2025, with exciting new developments in both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This year, young vultures were tagged with GPS/GSM transmitters provided by VCF to help track their movements, providing critical data for conservation. Kazakhstan: Tagging at Karatau Mountains and […] The post Tagging Cinereous Vultures in Central Asia: Collaboration continues appeared first on Vulture Con...| Vulture Conservation Foundation
The Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest National Park in Greece celebrates a record number of 27 Cinereous Vultures fledgling, with the population reaching its highest breeding numbers in three decades. The breeding success, two years after the wildlfire that almost destroyed the colony, stands as a testament to the past and ongoing conservation efforts in the area. Twenty-seven […] The post Dadia National Park celebrates record fledging numbers appeared first on Vulture Conservation Foundation.| Vulture Conservation Foundation
Have you ever wondered how Bearded Vultures (Gypaetus barbatus) fit long bones inside their bodies? Thanks to a recent X-ray, we can now see it! At the Vallcalent Bearded Vulture Breeding Unit, our team recently captured something extraordinary — an X-ray showing a whole rabbit leg inside a Bearded Vulture’s stomach. The bird, a young […] The post An X-ray reveals how Bearded Vultures can swallow long bones appeared first on Vulture Conservation Foundation.| Vulture Conservation Foundation
The Bearded Vultures Captive Breeding Network (EEP), the Richard Faust Zentrum, and the entire Bearded Vultures community bid farewell to BG107, a beloved breeding female with a strong legacy behind her. It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of 37-years-old female Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) BG107. She passed away at the […] The post Goodbye BG107, a beloved member of the Bearded Vultures Captive Breeding Network appeared first on Vulture Conservation Foundation.| Vulture Conservation Foundation
A long recovery required three rehabilitation centres and several veterinary interventions Firstborn vulture Pousio is the first known offspring of the most recent Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus) colony in Portugal, discovered in June 2024 at Herdade do Monte da Ribeira (HMR), in Vidigueira, Southern Portugal. On 19 July of that year, it was ringed, fitted […] The post Pousio: gunshot Cinereous Vulture survived and is back in the skies of Serra do Mendro, Portugal appeared f...| Vulture Conservation Foundation
On 25 August 2025, Croatia formally adopted a Griffon Vulture Management Plan with Action Plan, representing a major milestone for the LIFE SUPport project and for vulture conservation in the region. This new strategic framework is a model for coordinated, multisectoral conservation. It provides a roadmap for safeguarding this iconic scavenger species over the next […] The post Croatia adopts a 10-year management plan to safeguard Griffon Vultures appeared first on Vulture Conservation Fo...| Vulture Conservation Foundation
A Cinereous Vulture chick was rescued, recovered and returned to the wild in the Tejo Internacional Nature Park, Portugal. One nest among more than 220 The LIFE Aegypius Return project has been monitoring Cinereous Vulture colonies in Portugal in great detail since 2023. During each breeding season – which runs from January to September – […]| Vulture Conservation Foundation
VULTURES BACK TO LIFE A Bright Future for the Cinereous Vulture – The historic reintroduction of Europe’s largest vulture to Bulgaria aaaaaaaaa Initiative period August 2015 to July 2022 Initiative area Bulgaria Target species Cinereous Vulture and Griffon Vulture The Vultures Back to LIFE conservation project aims to return the Cinereous Vulture to the skies […]| Vulture Conservation Foundation
CINEREOUS VULTURE CAPTIVE BREEDING Breeding Cinereous Vultures in captivity for conservation purposes © Antwerp ZOO / Jonas Verhulst The European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) is the most intensive type of population management for a species kept in the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) zoos. It is a captive-breeding programme that aims to conserve […]| Vulture Conservation Foundation
On 20 September 2025, in the Omurtag area of Bulgaria, a Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus) released under the Bearded Vulture LIFE reintroduction project in the Balkan Mountains was tragically shot. This individual was part of one of the three successful pairs that raised chicks this year in the Kotlenska Mountains — marking the most successful […] The post Breeding Cinereous Vulture shot in Bulgaria appeared first on Vulture Conservation Foundation.| Vulture Conservation Foundation
In a major breakthrough for bird conservation in Mallorca, a Cinereous Vulture nest has been confirmed outside the Serra de Tramuntana for the first time ever. The nest, found in the Llevant Peninsula Natural Park near Artà, belongs to a breeding pair and marks a big step forward for the species on the island. Joan […] The post First Cinereous Vulture nest found outside Mallorca’s Serra de Tramuntana appeared first on Vulture Conservation Foundation.| Vulture Conservation Foundation
Bones, wool… but also footwear, pieces of basketry, leather, even a crossbow bolt, all collected by Bearded Vultures in their nest over (a long) time. At first glance, these items seem out of place, but they reveal a fascinating story about the history of vultures and people living side by side. What do you think […] The post Bearded vultures: your unusual (natural) history custodians appeared first on Vulture Conservation Foundation.| Vulture Conservation Foundation
Following the identification of several cases of bird mortality by electrocution in the region of Tejo Internacional, the LIFE PowerLines4Birds project took action to correct the lines and protect avifauna. Project monitors mortality associated with power lines The LIFE PowerLines4Birds project aims to reduce the impact of power lines in order to improve the conservation […] The post Two Cinereous Vultures electrocuted on power lines in Tejo Internacional, Portugal appeared first on V...| Vulture Conservation Foundation
The recovery of the Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus Barbatus) in Europe is one of the most remarkable conservation success stories of our time. Once on the brink of extinction in the Alps, the species is now slowly but steadily returning to its former range. Behind this success lies decades of cooperation, research, and monitoring – much […] The post What is IBM and why is it important? appeared first on Vulture Conservation Foundation.| Vulture Conservation Foundation
Keep supporting to protect this species from extinction and help us reach the campaign goal! The six Cinereous Vultures (Aegypius monachus) that were at the acclimatisation station in the Douro Internacional Nature Park (PNDI) when the large wildfire broke out on 15 August in this protected area have already returned to the facility. The crowdfunding […] The post Donations ensure the return of Cinereous Vultures to the acclimatisation station in Douro Internacional, Portugal appeared ...| Vulture Conservation Foundation
In June 2024, the fifth breeding colony of the Cinereous Vulture was discovered in Portugal, in the Serra do Mendro (Vidigueira/Portel). Despite its recent establishment and although it is strategic for the species’ recovery in the country, the colony is already facing several threats that undermine its viability. The LIFE Aegypius Return project warns of […]| Vulture Conservation Foundation
The Bearded Vulture population in the Alps has reached a major milestone this year, with more than 100 breeding pairs and the highest number of fledglings recorded in a single breeding season since reintroduction efforts began in the 1970s. It’s a big step forward, and one that reflects decades of conservation work and long-standing cooperation […] The post A record number of young Bearded Vultures take flight in the Alps appeared first on Vulture Conservation Foundation.| Vulture Conservation Foundation
A new report from the LIFE Aegypius Return project recommends that wind turbines be installed at least 7.7 kilometres away from Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus) nests. Even so, this distance only safeguards the core range – the area where each individual spends around half of its time – for 50% of the juveniles, highlighting the […] The post Wind energy and safety distances: new guidelines to protect the Cinereous Vulture appeared first on Vulture Conservation Foundation.| Vulture Conservation Foundation
The Griffon Vultures population on the Kvarner Islands in Croatia provides invaluable benefits to both nature and local communities. A recent study on the ecosystem services provided by vultures in Croatia, highlighted that these precious birds help reduce livestock carcasses disposal costs and greenhouse gas emissions, and are also key drivers of a thriving ecotourism […] The post Griffon Vultures boost nature and economy on Croatia’s Kvarner Islands appeared first on Vulture Conserv...| Vulture Conservation Foundation
Vultures are struggling in many parts of the world, but in Europe, they have been making a comeback — and it’s thanks in large part to one place: Extremadura. This Spanish region has become a kind of “vulture utopia,” helping species that once disappeared from whole countries find their way back. And what better time […] The post Extremadura: A lifeline for Europe’s Vultures appeared first on Vulture Conservation Foundation.| Vulture Conservation Foundation
Every year, on the first Saturday of September, people around the world take a moment to recognise a group of birds that rarely gets the appreciation it deserves: vultures. International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD) is more than a date—it’s a chance to rethink how we view these misunderstood creatures and to help protect them before […] The post Why International Vulture Awareness Day matters and how you can celebrate appeared first on Vulture Conservation Foundation.| Vulture Conservation Foundation
International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD) is almost here — Saturday, 6 September — with activities running from August through to October. Every year, people around the world come together to celebrate some of the most misunderstood — and most important — birds on Earth: vultures. These birds play a critical role in the environment by […]| Vulture Conservation Foundation
Bearded Vulture to Andalusia Bringing the Bearded Vulture back to Andalusia through reintroduction Encina © Álvaro Peral Bearded Vultures disappeared from the skies of Andalusia in 1986 due to various threats including direct persecution, illegal wildlife poisoning and human disturbance of the nesting sites. The Junta de Andalucía teamed up with the former Fundación Gypaetus, […]| Vulture Conservation Foundation
A total of 15 Bearded Vulture eggs arrived at the Bearded Vulture captive breeding centre of Guadalentín, setting a record!| Vulture Conservation Foundation
The Vulture Conservation Foundation is the leading NGO solely dedicated to protecting, conserving and restoring Europe’s vulture species.| Vulture Conservation Foundation
Europe's vulture species are making a comeback. Learn all you need to know about Bearded, Cinereous, Egyptian and Griffon Vultures.| Vulture Conservation Foundation
The Griffon Vulture is Europe's most social vulture species. Learn about its status, features, distribution and behaviour.| Vulture Conservation Foundation
The Egyptian Vulture is Europe's only long-distance migratory vulture species. Learn about its status, features, distribution and behaviour.| Vulture Conservation Foundation
The Cinereous Vulture is Europe's largest vulture and raptor species. Learn about its status, features, distribution and behaviour.| Vulture Conservation Foundation
PROJECTS Collaborating with partners to develop and deliver conservation projects that support and protect vultures and their habitats across Europe Griffon Vulture © Bogdan Boev The Vulture Conservation Foundation’s projects focus on Europe’s four species of vultures. Our conservation projects are based on our decades of experience and founded on the best available science tailored […]| Vulture Conservation Foundation
The mortality rate of the monitored birds stands at 18% and is largely caused by human factors. The 2025 breeding season – the third closely monitored by the LIFE Aegypius Return project – is nearing its end. This year, nine Cinereous Vulture chicks were tagged in the nest, and the work was featured on national […]| Vulture Conservation Foundation
Bulgaria’s endangered Egyptian Vultures have faced another tragedy this year — the second poisoning incident of 2025 has claimed the life of a breeding female and set off a race to save her only chick. Another Egyptian Vulture suspected to be poisoned. In recent days, the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) noticed […]| Vulture Conservation Foundation
By 2048, vultures could contribute more than 18 million euros to the Portuguese economy. The first study quantifying the ecosystem services provided by vultures in Portugal has just been published. Conducted within the framework of the LIFE Aegypius Return project, the study analyses the benefits that three vulture species – Cinereous, Griffon and Egyptian vultures […]| Vulture Conservation Foundation
Eight Cinereous Vulture chicks were reared in Bulgaria this year. It is the highest number recorded since the species was reintroduced there.| Vulture Conservation Foundation
Esperanza, the first Bearded Vulture wild-hatched chick in Andalusia since the reintroduction programme, built her first nest.| Vulture Conservation Foundation
The Bearded Vulture is Europe's most endangered vulture species. Learn about its status, features, distribution and behaviour.| Vulture Conservation Foundation
BEARDED VULTURE CAPTIVE BREEDING Breeding Bearded Vultures in captivity to reintroduce or restock wild populations The Vulture Conservation Foundation currently coordinates the Bearded Vulture captive breeding network on behalf of EAZA’s European Endangered Species Programme (Bearded Vulture EEP), which consists of a network of zoos, private collections and specialised breeding centres that breed Bearded Vultures […]| Vulture Conservation Foundation
WildLIFE Crime Academy A global initiative focused on improving law enforcement, international collaboration, and capacity-building to combat wildlife crime effectively Initiative period 2024-2028 Initiative area Europe, the Caucasus, and North Africa Target issues Illegal killing, Trapping, Poisoning, Poaching, and Trafficking of wildlife Target species Cinereous Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Bearded Vulture Wildlife crime is […]| Vulture Conservation Foundation
