Camiña 2005 con Boëgel y Slotta Bachmayr Action plan Griffon vulture EGVWG

ISBN 3-200-00448-7

Status report and Action plan

The Eurasian Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) in Europe and the Mediterranean

Compiled and edited by

SLOTTA-BACHMAYR L., BÖGEL R. and CAMINA CARDENAL A.

ISBN

ISBN 3-200-00448-7

1

Publishes by: EGVWG, Salzburg, Austria and Madrid, Spain

Copyright: 2004, Easteuropean/mediterranean Griffon Vulture Working Group

(EGVWG)

Reproduction of this publication for educational and other non-commercial purposes

is authorized without prior written permission from the copyright holder provided the

source is fully acknowledged.

Reproduction of this publication for resole or other commercial purposes is prohibited

without prior written permission of the copyright holder.

Citation: L. Slotta-Bachmayr, R. Bögel and Camina Cardenal A. 2005. The Eurasian

Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) in Europe and the Mediterranean. EGVWG,

Salzburg, Austria, 100 pp.

ISBN 3-200-00448-7

Cover photo: Eurasian Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) (Ralf Bögel)

Layout by: Leopold Slotta-Bachmayr

Produced by: Leopold Slotta-Bachmayr, EGVWG, Minnesheimstr. 8b, 5020

Salzburg, AUSTRIA

Available from: Easteuropean/mediterranean Griffon Vulture Working Group

Minnesheimstr. 8b, 5020 Salzburg, AUSTRIA

www.gyps.org

http://www.gyps.org

2

The Eurasian Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus ssp.)

in Europe and the Mediterranean

Status report and Action plan

compiled and edited by

SLOTTA-BACHMAYR L., BÖGEL R.

& CAMINA CARDENAL, A.

East European / Mediterranean Griffon Vulture Working Group

2004

3

Contributors

Albania

Bratislav GRUBAC

Institute for the Protection of Nature in Serbia

III Bulevar 106

11070 Novi Beograd

SERBIA and MONTENEGRO

Armenia

Mamikon GHASABIAN

Armenian Society for the Protection of Birds

Garegin Nzhedh 27/2, 10

Yerevan 375026

ARMENIA

Karen AGHABABIAN

Institute of Zoology of Armenia NAS

Laboratory of Vertebrate Animals

P. Sevak 7

Yerevan 375014

ARMENIA

Austria

Ralf BÖGEL

Leopold SLOTTA-BACHMAYR

Zoo Salzburg

5081 ANIF

AUSTRIA

4

Bulgaria

Hristo HRISTOV

Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds, BirdLife Bulgaria

Nature Information and Conservation Centre Eastern Rhodopes

Dimitar Madjarov Str.

6480 Madjarovo

BULGARIA

Croatia

Goran SUSIC

Ornithological Station Cres, Institute of Ornithology

Ede Jardasa 35

HR-51000 Rijeka

CROATIA

Cyprus

Savvas IEZEKIEL

Cyprus Ornithological Society

Forestry Department of Cyprus

Parks and Environmental Sector

Louki Akrita 1414 str.

Nicosia

CYPRUS

France

François SARRAZIN

Maître de Conférences de l'Université Pierre et Marie Curie

UMR 5173 MNHN-CNRS

Conservation des Espèces, Restauration et Suivi des Populations

61 rue Buffon

1er étage

75005 PARIS

FRANCE

5

Georgia

Alexander GAVASHELISHVILI

Georgian Center for the Conservation of Wildlife

PO Box 56

GE-380060

Tbilisi

GEORGIA;

Greece

Stratis BOURDAKIS

Hellenic Ornithological Society

Vas. Irakleiou 24

GR-10682

Athens

GREECE

Israel

Ohad HATZOFE

Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel

24 Tabenkin St.

Tel Aviv 69353

ISRAEL

Ofer BAHAT

Israel Nature & Parks Authority

24 Haoranim St.

Zichron-Yaakov 30900

ISRAEL

Italy

Fulvio GENERO

Regione Autonoma Friuli – Venezia Giulia - Riserva naturale del Lago di Cornino

33030 Forgaria nel Friuli (UD)

ITALY

6

Fabio PERCO


33030 Forgaria nel Friuli (UD)

ITALY

Jordan

Fares KHOURY

Hashemite University

Department of Biological Sciences

P.O. Box 150459

Zarqa 13115

JORDAN

Morocco Said HAJIB

Forest Engineer

Projet “AGRN/GTZ”

B.P 763

Agdal- Rabat

MOROCCO

Republic of Macedonia

Emilian STOYNOV

Wild Flora and Fauna Fund- Macedonia/ FWFF- Macedonia

2700 Blagoevgrad

PO Box 78

BULGARIA

Portugal

Alvaro CAMIÑA CARDENAL

SEO/Birdlife, Iberian Group of Raptors

Apartado de Correos 339

28220 Majadahonda

Madrid

SPAIN

7

Serbia

Bratislav GRUBAC

Institute for the Protection of Nature in Serbia

III Bulevar 106

11070 Novi Beograd

SERBIA and MONTENEGRO

Spain

Alvaro CAMIÑA CARDENAL


Apartado de Correos 339

28220 Majadahonda

Madrid

SPAIN

Turkey

Edwin W.A.M. VAASSEN

Gimat 2 Sitesi

679 Sokak, blok 10-10

06530 Çayyolu

Ankara

TURKEY

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Table of Content

1. Summary 9 2. Introduction and background information 10

2.1 Legal Status 10 2.2 Taxonomic Status 11 2.3 Distribution and Population Status 12 2.4 Life history 16 2.5 Threats 18

3. The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Europe and the Mediterranean 23 3.1 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Albania 23 3.2 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Armenia 24 3.3 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Austria 27 3.4 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Bulgaria 31 3.5 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Croatia 34 3.6 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Cyprus 39 3.7 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in France 42 3.8 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Georgia 46 3.9 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Greece 50 3.10 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Israel 58 3.11 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Italy 61 3.12 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Jordan 64 3.13 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in the Republic of Macedonia 67 3.14 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Morocco 71 3.15 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Portugal 73 3.16 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Serbia 76 3.17 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Spain 79 3.18 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Turkey 83

4. Aims and objectives 86 4.1 Aims 86 4.2 Objectives 86

4.2.1 Conservation and management 87 4.2.2 Monitoring 89 4.2.3. Research needs 90

4.3 Logistic aspects 91 5. References 95

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1. Summary

While the population of the Eurasian Griffon Vulture in the western European range

(Iberian Peninsula, France) has greatly increased during the last three decades,

populations in the eastern European and Mediterranean range must be considered

as endangered and were extinct from many parts of their former distribution.

Due to this highly worrying development, the Eastern European/Mediterranean

Griffon Vulture Working Group working group (EGVWG) was established in 2000.

Besides this, an evaluation of the current status and distribution, activities focussed

on the development of an Action Plan which is now available.

We are aware about the fact that all old vulture species are endangered in this

geographic range, and in this context we see the Eurasian Griffon Vultures as the

species which received the least attention up to now. We wanted to stress the fact

that even this species which is comparably widely distributed and more abundant

when compared with other vulture species must be considered as endangered. It is

obvious that all activities and actions which are suggested in this Action Plan are

highly beneficial for all other old world vulture species. However, we concentrate with

this Action Plan on the Eurasian Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus).

The total population size equals around 20.000 breeding pairs with only 10% of the

population outside the Iberian peninsula (Del Moral & Marti, 2001). While Spain,

Portugal and France (the latter with a high percentage of successfully reintroduced

colonies) are mainly confronted with a management problem, a severe conservation

problem is evident for the rest of the range and requires urgent actions.

Main threats for the Eurasian Griffon Vulture population are poisoning, lack of food,

changes of land use practices with decreasing numbers of domestic and wild

ungulates, electrocution, disturbance, persecution (shooting and egg robbing).

This Action Plan summarizes the status and distribution of the Griffon vulture and

describes the required actions.

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2. Introduction and background information 2.1 Legal Status

The Eurasian Griffon Vulture is protected throughout the range of countries which are

covered in this Action Plan (AP). However, according to the country considered,

national laws vary greatly, and the species may be subject of laws for nature

protection and/or hunting. In any case it is strictly protected throughout the whole

hunting season. Besides protection on a national level, there are numerous

International conventions which apply to the Eurasian Griffon Vulture and which are

signed by most of the countries listed in this Action Plan. Under international

Conventions and Directives, the Eurasian Griffon is classified as follows:

EU Bird Directive: Annex I

The species mentioned in annex 1 shall be the subject of special conservation

measures concerning their habitat in order to ensure their survival and

reproduction in their area of distribution.

Bern Convention: Annex II

The following actions will in particular be prohibited for these species:

(a) all forms of deliberate capture and keeping and deliberate killing;

(b) the deliberate damage to or destruction of breeding or resting sites;

(c) the deliberate disturbance of wild fauna, particularly during the period of

breeding, rearing and hibernation, insofar as disturbance would be significant

in relation to the objectives of this Convention;

(d) the deliberate destruction or taking of eggs from the wild or keeping these

eggs even if empty;

(e) the possession of and internal trade of these animals, alive or dead, including

stuffed animals and any readily recognisable part or derivative thereof, where

this would contribute to the effectiveness of the provisions of this article.

CITES Annex II

(a) all species which, although not necessarily now threatened with extinction may

become so unless trade in specimens of such species is subject to strict

regulation in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival; and

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(b) other species which must be subject to regulation in order that trade in

specimens of certain species referred to in sub-paragraph (a) of this

paragraph may be brought under effective control.

BirdLife International

Secure and Non SPEC: Although the species continued to decline in Turkey and the

Caucasus 1990-2000, most other populations increased or

were stable, the species is now evaluated as Secure

(BirdLife International 2004).

The Geographical Scope of this Action Plan is primarily intended to cover the

western Palearctic species range, although the lack of available information and

practical feasibility in a number of countries may make its implementation in those

areas rather difficult. The recent distribution of breeding populations in the world

comprises the following countries: Armenia, Algeria, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia,

Cyprus, France, Georgia, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Republic of Macedonia,

Morocco, Portugal, Serbia, Spain, Turkey and Albania.

Other countries where the species probably bred in the past: Germany (Glutz et al.

1971), Poland (Tomialoj´c 1976), Rumania (Bijleveld 1974, Puscariu & Filipascu

1977). Accidental observations have been recorded for Britain, Ireland, Belgium and

the Netherlands, Finland, Hungary and Tunisia.

2.2. Taxonomic Status

Gyps fulvus (Hablizl, 1783). Monotypic. Two subspecies are being distinguished:

1) Gyps f. fulvus (Hablizl, 1783) occurring in NW Africa, Iberian Peninsula and to

the E through the Balkans, Turkey, Middle East, Arabia and Iran to Pamir and

Altai.

2) Gyps fulvus fulvescens (Hume 1869) in Afghanistan, Pakistan and N India and

E to Assam.

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2.3. Distribution and Population Status

The Eurasian Griffon Vulture is distributed as a breeding bird over the western

Palearctic from India, Pamirs and Altai in the east, to Portugal and Spain in the west.

Areas in southern Europe surrounding the Mediterranean are the core-range with a

strong focus on the Iberian Peninsula. The total population comprises around 20.000

– 30.000 breeding pairs and a total population (including non-breeders) of unknown

magnitude.

Breeding populations are sedentary whereas younger birds are migrants or vagrants.

They may wander widely. Migration and wintering areas include countries in Africa

south to the 20º N in Senegambia, Mali, Chad and probably Niger. South to the

Middle East wintering grounds are in Somalia and Ethiopia. Other significant areas

concur with the breeding range as is the case on the Iberian Peninsula gathering up

to 1,000 individuals. In Asia, small numbers have been recorded wintering.

Once widespread across the continent, the species has undergone dramatic declines

leading to extinction in the Alps and the Carpathians. These declines were mainly

due to persecution by man and poisoning. The remnant populations are isolated and

in urgent need of conservation action assisted by international cooperation and

provision of expertise.

In 1986 the distribution of the Griffon Vulture was clearly distinct into two parts

(Gensbøl & Thiede 1986; Figure 1). In the western part of its range was found mainly

on the Iberian Peninsula, northern Morocco, whereas in the east the Griffon Vulture

occurred in Greece, Turkey, the Ural Mountains and certain regions of Israel and

Jordan. In between there are only a few small populations mainly on the Balkans.

To evaluate status of the population, trends and threats, a standard questionnaire

provided by BirdLife International was used. Beside parameters obviously influence

griffon habitat quality also parameters which are primarily linked to climate change

were asked for.

13

Figure 1: Distribution of the Griffon Vulture compared between 1986 (Gensbolprovi and Thiede, 1986) and 2002.

1986

2002

14

Country

1986#

1994*

exp. Pop. Trend 1994

2002

exp. Pop. Trend 2002

Range Trend

Albania ? 50-200 - < 40 birds - Austria 1 0-1 = 2-4 = = Bulgaria few pairs 2-10 + 30 + + Cyprus 20 10-20 - 6 -- ? France 80 219-261 ++ 549-599 ++ + Greece 450 400-500 - 175-192 - - Israel 150 ? 132-140 + + Italy 20-30 10-30 -- 55-60 + + Jordan ? ? 12-30 = ? Morocco 10-100 ? 0-10 -- ? Portugal few pairs 100-150 - 267-272 + + former Soviet Union 7 150 251-354 = ?

Armenia ? ? 50-60 -- = Azerbaijan 1 ? ? 50-80 Georgia 2 ? 70 53 - = Kazakhstan 3 ? ? 10-15 colonnies - Russia 4 ? ? ~ 500 birds - Ukraine 5 ? ? ~ 35 birds - Uzbekistan 6 200-300 ? 400 – 600 birds

former Yugoslavia 200 ? Croatia ? 50-100 85-94 - - FYR Macedonia ? ? 48-50 =/+ =/+ Serbia ? ? 50 + = (?)

Spain 3240 8074 ++ 17332-18080 + + Turkey 500-1000 100-1000 300-500 -- -- Total (excluding Spain) 1433-2032 1234-2584 - 1831-2163 + / - - Total (including Spain) 4673-5272 9308-10654 + 19048-20119 + +

Table 1: Population status of the Griffon Vulture in Europe and the Mediterranean.

Data 1986 (Gensbøl & Thiede, 1986), data 1994 (Tucker & Heath, 1994), 2002 current investigation. Population trend: (++) huge increase, (+) increase, (=) stable, (-) decrease, (--) huge decrease. 1 Abuladze (1997), 2 Gavashelishvili & McGrady (2002), 3 Zhatkanbaev (2003); 3 Katzner & Sklyarenko (2002), 3 Moseikin (2003), 3 Tilba (2000), 3 Tilba & Mnatsekanov (2003), 3 Galúshin (2003), 4 Appak (2000), 5 Mitropolski et al. (1987), 7 Katzner et al. (2004).

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In 2002 the distribution range is much more patchily but quite similar to the results

from 1986 according to the data collected for this Action Plan. On the Iberian

Peninsula the Griffon vulture is established quite well and doubled its population size

every 8 years (Table 1). In a lot of the countries where the species occurred 16 years

ago, the population decreased and the distribution has turned to be very scattered.

Especially in Greece and Turkey where the Griffon Vulture formerly showed a

compact distribution, only few populations in small patches can be found. This is also

true for Croatia where griffons remained only on some Adriatic islands. In contrast, in

between the eastern and the western population populations have been established

in France and Italy as a consequence of reintroduction programmes since the 1980s.

This new colonies are important as stepping stones.

If we exclude the Iberian peninsula, the populations seems stable in Europe during

the last 16 years with about 2000 pairs. Including Spain the population equals about

a magnitude of some 20.000 pairs. This means that only 10% of the population exist

on about 90 % of the species range.

Countra BirdLife (2004) EGVWG (2004) Trend Albania 10-50 <40 birds (-) Armenia 15-60 < 30 - Austria 2-4 -- = Azerbaijan (10-50) 50-80 = Bulgaria 14-30 30 + Croatia 90-100 85-94 = Cyprus 8-10 6 = France 589-639 549-599 + Georgia 60-70 53 - Greece 173-194 175-192 = Italy 37-42 55-60 + FYR Macedonia 30-50 48-50 = Portugal 267-272 167-272 (+) Russia (200-400) 500 birds (-) Serbia 55-60 50 + Spain 17.300-18.100 17.300-18.100 + Turkey 300-600 300-500 - Ukraine 8-10 35 birds - Total 19.000-21.000 19.048-20.119

Table 2: Population status of the Griffon Vulture in Europe and the Mediterranean. Comparison of data between this publication and BirdLife International (2004). Abbreviations referring to table 1.

16

According to the data of the two censuses results differ but cross numbers are similar

for both reports (Table 2). It is noteworthy the role of the Iberian Peninsula on the

conservation of the Eurasian griffon. With these data Spain holds the 86.19-91.05%

of all these population estimates (87.48- 92.45% of breeding pairs included in the

Iberian Peninsula). The EGVWG Status report also includes other countries such as

Morocco (where the species seems to be extinct as breeder) Jordan and Israel

together with other republics from the former Soviet Union (Kazakhastan,

Uzbekistan).

2.4. Life History

General Biology

The Eurasian Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus is a specialized scavenger, which inhabits

rugged and mountainous areas in southern Europe surrounding the Mediterranean.

Life History

The Griffon Vulture is generally a colonial breeder, comprising from one to more than

100 pairs (Del Moral & Martí 2001) Typically the species breeds on cliffs but

exceptionally also on trees (Spain and Portugal, Traverso 2001). Rarely the species

breeds alone. Breeding starts early in the year. Timing varies regionally but generally

occurs not later than the end of January due their long breeding cycle. In some areas

breeding may start as early as December with earliest copulation behaviour in

November in Spain (Camiña pers. obs.) but may also occur as late as April at the

northern slope of the Alps (Bögel & Mäck 1989). Breeding has not been recorded by

birds younger than 4 years old. Generally, breeding starts when reaching adult age

with 5-6 years. However, large proportions of birds with “subadult” plumage criteria

have been recorded breeding at earlier stages probably as a consequence of high

food availability (Blanco & Martinez 1996). They only lay one egg, with an incubation

period of 55 days on average. The fledging period is 110-132 days. Replacement

clutches may exists up to May. Very little is know regarding the post-fledging

dependence period. Most of the juvenile population disperse or partially migrate

(Bernis 1983, Griesinger 1996, Griesinger 1998) and only a few number may stay

with their parents year round probably related with good food supply. Juvenile ringed

vultures have been recorded as far as Gambia, Senegal, Mali, Chad and Niger.

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Breeding success varies among different areas, in accordance with food supply

(Fernández et al. 1998), intraspecific concurrence (density of breeding pairs), site

characteristics and climate, It ranges from 0,3 – 0,8 young/pair (Terrasse 1961,

Leconte 1977, Arroyo et al. 1990) The Eurasian Griffon Vulture is a long-lived, slow-

reproducing raptor, compensating for a low annual offspring production by high adult

survival. This makes the species highly sensitive to a decrease in adult survival,

whereas a decrease in juvenile survival or a temporary decrease in productivity will

have a much lower effect on population dynamics. However, a reduction in

productivity over a prolonged period will threaten the population as well.

Feeding

The Griffon Vulture almost exclusively feeds on carrion. Only very few records have

been made where Griffons approched injured and weak individuals of sheep or cattle

(Camiña et al. 1995, Camiña 2004). The diet is mainly comprised of livestock species

(sheep, goat, cattle and horses) (Fernández 1975, Camiña 1996). Wild ungulate

species (Rupicapra rupicapra, Cervus elaphus, Capreolus capreolus) is consumed in

certain areas (Pyrenees, Alps) where these species are abundant and carcasses are

accessible (open areas).

Habitat requirements

Breeding is mainly restricted to cliffs reaching from just above sea-level to heights of

up to 2,500m. On average cliffs are usually below 1,500m a.s.l. In Spain and

Portugal, nests have also been located on trees where Griffons occupy Cinereous

Vulture (Aegypius monachus) nests (Traverso 2001).

Movements

Adult individuals are largely sedentary. Partial migration occurs for juvenile and

immature birds which leave their breeding areas at the end of breeding season,

probably in order to locate better feeding resources and thereby avoiding competition

with adults (Camiña 1996). This may motivate young birds to fly as far as south of the

Sahara (Bernis 1983, Mundy et al. 1992, Griesinger 1996, Griesinger 1998).

Concentrations of migrating birds do occur during the migration periods at specific

points like Gibraltar and Suez (Bijlsma 1987). However, as the species can stay year

18

round also under very harsh climatic conditions as long as the food availability is

guaranteed (Bögel pers. obs., Bahat et al. 2001).

2.5 Threats

• Poisoning – critical

• Decline of intensive livestock farming – high

• Food shortage – generally high (for Spain: medium)

• Electrocution and collision with powerlines and overhead cables – high

• Loss and degredation of habitat – locally high

• Disturbance – locally high

• Illegal Shooting – potentially high

(Definition of criteria see table 2)

Poisoning

Despite the well established legal protection, direct persecution takes place and it is

documented for Griffon and other vulture species. However, direct persecution is a

problem of subdominant order.

The main problem for Griffon Vultures is caused by poisoning and habitat loss.

Poisoning is generally addressed towards the recently increased populations of

mammalian predators such as wolf / dogs (Canis lupus / ssp.), bear (Ursus arctos),

lynx (Lynx lynx), foxes (Vulpes vulpes), jackals (Canis aureus) and mustelids but can

also be caused by agrochemicals (for example rodenticides) which are frequently

used in many countries. They can be purchased in many countries without any

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Threats AR A BG CR CY F GE GR Crete IS I JO MA P SE SP T Total Habitat loss Overgrazing 0 2 0 2 0 1 5(6) Agriculture intensification ? 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 1 0 2 7(11) Land Abandonment 0 1 0 0 1 ? 1 0 3(8) Afforestation 0 0 0 0 3 ? 0 1 4(8) Forestation ? --(1) Drainage 0 0 0 ? 0 0 ? 0(7) Dam construction 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 4(8) Control of wild ungulates 1 1(1) Food base loss 2 2 3 3 1 2 3 2 1 2 1 1 22(12) Quarry 2 0 2(2) Persecution Hunting 0 0 0 0 0 0(5) Illegal hunting (firearms, traps) 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 2 1 2 0 0 1 10(13) Taking of eggs/nestlings 0 ? 0 0 0 0 0 ? 0 0(9) Poisoning 0 1 1 3 3 ? 3 3 1 3 0 3 1 0 2 3 27(16) Pollution Use of agricultural chemicals ? ? ? ? ? ? 3 2 3 1 2 11(11) Climate change Desertification ? 0 ? ? 0(4) Increased rainfall 0 0 ? ? 0(4) Other threats Disturbance 3 ? ? 2 5(3) Collision (wind farm, plane) ? 0 1 0(3) Electrocution 1 0 ? ? ? ? 0 0 1(8)

Table 2: Threats of the Griffon Vulture in Europe and the importance of the different factors.

3 (Critical): a factor that could lead to the extinction of the species in 20 years or less 2 (High): a factor that could lead to a decline of more than 20% of the population in 20 years or less 1 (Medium): a factor that could lead to a decline of less than 20% of the population in 20 years or less 0 (Low): a factor that only affects the species at a local level ? (Unknown): a factor that is likely to affect the species but it is unknown to what extent AR= Armenia, A = Austria, B = Bulgaria, CR = Croatia, CY = Cyprus, F = France, GE = Georgia, GR = Greece, IS = Israel. I = Italy, JO = Jordan, MA = FYR Macedonia, P = Portugal, SE = Serbia, SP = Spain, T = Turkey

20

restriction or regulation. In most cases, the target animals are not vultures, so

secondary poisoning is the dominant problem.

Frequent chemicals used are carbamates, cyanids and organophosphates; popular

products are lannate, strychnine, bromadiolon, brodifacoum, difenacoum and

flocoumafen. Lead poisoning caused by feeding on remains from shot animals was

also considered to be a problem of great concern. In this context it is important to

stress the fact that due to the species biology (see above) and etho-ecological facts

(highly efficient food searching strategies, feeding in groups, low capacity for natural

re-colonisation) Griffon vultures are extremely sensitive towards poisoning.

As with the poisoning problem vultures are secondary targets in the context of

trapping and shooting. The birds are killed by traps or baits which are not primarily to

them but mainly to large predators like wolf or bear and sometimes wild boar.

Habitat loss (breeding site and food availability)

Habitat loss is a problem which refers to both factors affecting the distribution of

raptors (Newton 1979) - food availability and breeding sites. The main food source of

Griffon Vultures in Europe and the Mediterranean comes from domestic livestock.

Thus, traditional rearing livestock practices must be maintained in order to ensure

food provision. In many parts of Europe, traditional forms of extensive farming such

as transhumance have been changing greatly along with socio-economic

developments, generally decreasing the food supply massively. However, in some

areas, a revitalisation of such practices currently takes place. Feeding of vultures

within countries of the European Union range is closely linked with subsidies from the

Common Agricultural Policy. It is important in this context that adequate food supply

is not only a question of sufficient numbers of grazing livestock but can also be a

problem of easy access to carcasses in some regions. In many parts of the area

covered by this AP, vulture restaurants or feeding stations were established in order

to fulfil two important management issues: i) provide vultures with enough food, and

ii) to guarantee a safe food supply with the aim to reduce the risk of exposure to

poisoned baits while foraging. However, due to EU-regulation which have been

established recently along with the BSE crisis (Camiña 2001, Camiña 2004), a

severe problem of legal operation of such feeding sites was created which urgently

requires a quick solution.

21

In few occasions (for example for Turkey) natural succession and forest management

(forestation of formerly open areas) has been considered to have a negative effect on

foraging capabilities of vultures.

In this context it is important to note, that wild ungulates can play an important role

for the food supply of Griffon Vultures. However, this important food source has been

diminished to a huge extend, partly by over-harvesting (eastern and southern

Europe) and partly by doubtful management measures in order to reduce forest

damage (central Europe).

Poisoning

Food base loss

Use of agricultural chemicals

Illegal hunting (firearms, traps)

Agriculture intensification

Overgrazing

Disturbance

Afforestation

Dam construction

Land Abandonment

Quarry

Electrocution

Control of wild ungulates

Taking of eggs/nestlings

Drainage

Hunting

Desertification

Increased rainfall

Collision (wind farm, plane)

Forestation

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

value/count Figure 2: Threats of the Griffon vulture. Bars mean ranking/importance of the threats,

black points (number of countries where the factor was identified) mean distribution of the factor.

22

Electrocution and collision with powerlines and overhead cables

Electrocution is another problem whose extent on vulture populations can currently

not be accurately assessed. Some work has been developed in Spain (Alonso &

Alonso 1999) with varying experiences from other countries (comp. Hartley et al.

1996, Houston 1996). These studies showed, that losses caused by electrocution are

high and solutions, like adequate pole design, have been developed to solve the

problem (Ferrer & Janss Coord. 1999). Other types of infrastructure may have

adverse effects on Griffon populations. They can result in a highly fragmented

landscape or in the access of humans close to breeding or important feeding sites

and thus create a problem of disturbance (see below). In Europe there has been an

important development of windfarms in some countries. At least in Spain, vultures

are one of the most affected raptor species (Camiña in press). In recent years large

numbers of griffons have been collated after collisions with turbine blades. A correct

windfarm design, the avoidance of any construction close to breeding or foraging

sites and rigorous studies on the space and habitat use of the windfarm area are

urgently needed. Furthermore, losses resulting from collisions with overhead cables

such as cable cars has been documented (Bögel, pers. communication).

Tourism and other disturbances

Concerning breeding sites, this is mainly a problem of disturbances by trend sporting

activities (climbing, paragliding, etc.) and/or recreation/curiosity. Especially on the

Adriatic islands but also elsewhere this is (or it has been) a problem resulting in

drowned juveniles and (at least in one case) in an extinction of a breeding colony. In

few cases, mining activities have also been supported as a potential threat (for

example in Bulgaria).

It is important to note that threats and their relative importance vary greatly with the

geographic range which is considered. As also reflected by population dynamics

during recent years, the situation is good in the western European-Mediterranean

region (Iberian peninsula and France) mainly consisting of a management problem

while in the eastern range we face severe problems with a massive risk of extinction.

Detailed information can be found in the country-specific listing of this AP. Figure 2

summarises threats and reflects the relative importance of various threats.

23

3. The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Europe and the

Mediterranean

3.1 The Situation of the Griffon vulture in Albania

The information available for Albania is rare (B. Grubac pers. communication). The

population decreased substantially during the last decades but Griffon Vulture flocks

are regularly observed in the bordering areas to Greece, Macedonia and

Serbia/Kosovo (up to 40 birds). If breeding pairs still exist is unclear. However, one

colony with few breeding pairs is hypothized by B. Grubac.

Illegal shooting, changes in land use practices, poor food supply, and habitat loss are

the main causes for this development. Poisoning seems to be a subdominant

problem at present.

24

3.2 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Armenia Mamikon Ghasabian, Karen Aghababian

Armenian Society for the Protection of Birds (ASPB)

Institute of Zoology of Armenian NAS

Legal protection of the species:

The Griffon Vulture is protected in Armenia by the “Law on the Animal World” (2000).

The species is included in the “Red Data Book of Armenia”. In Khosrov State

Preserve, the species is protected by the legal protection status of the preserve.

Population size and trend:

Population size (individuals) Year Pop. data quality1 Pop. trend

(1990-2001) Source Pop. trend expected in the future

50-60

2002

2

at least 50% decline

ASPB Institute of Zoology

further decline probable

Range trend (1990-2001) Range data quality1 Source Range trend

expected in the future

Unchanged

2

ASPB Institute of Zoology

Extinction of some colonies probable

1 Data Quality For population size and range and for trend on population size and range size, use the following: 1 = Species poorly known, no quantitative data available 2 = Species generally well known, but only poor or incomplete quantitative data available 3 = Reliable quantitative data (atlas survey or regular monitoring data) are available for the whole period and area

Distribution:

Armenia has an area of 29800 km². The Eurasian Griffon Vulture has been

extensively studied by B.O. Geilikman (1966, 1975) between 1953 – 1990. From

1993 onward studies continued within the framework of the project “Birds of Armenia”

(1993-1995) and as part of the thesis “Some peculiarities of vertical distribution and

ecology of the birds in Meghri region of Armenia” (1996-1998). In 2002, a pilot survey

was conducted. The collected data show that Griffon Vultures breed in the Northern,

Central, Southern and South-Eastern parts of Armenia. The species inhabits habitats

from the semi- desert up to mountain forest zone (from 700 to 2000m a.s.l.) and

feeds mostly on open areas like the semi-desert, the mountain steppe and the sub-

alpine zone. The main food item of the Eurasian Griffon Vulture in Armenia are

25

Armenia

Turkey

Azerbaijan

26

livestock carcasses; however, the native food items are wild ungulates. The species

breeds on huge rocks (width: 70-200m) with many caves and niches. In total, 6

colonies of Griffon Vultures are known: 5 inside Armenia and 1 in the border region

with Nakhichevan (Western Azerbaijan enclave). The number of birds in the

remaining known colonies are as follows:

• Khosrov Preserve (central Armenia): 2 colonies with 14-20 birds

• Alaverdi region (northern Armenia): approx. 15 birds

• Meghri region (south-eastern Armenia): 8-10 birds

The total number of birds in two other colonies accounts for 13-15 birds.

During last 10 years the Griffon Vulture population has declined by at least 50%. It is

very likely that this decline is linked to local economic changes after breakdown of

the former USSR which resulted in illegal killing of wild ungulates and a decline of

livestock numbers, both remarkably decreasing the food supply.

Threats Threats Importance1 Trend Habitat loss Overgrazing Agriculture intensification unknown increasing Land Abandonment Afforestation Drainage Dam construction Other (please specify) loss of food supply high unknown Persecution Hunting Illegal hunting (firearms, traps) low unknown Taking of eggs/nestlings Poisoning low unknown Pollution Use of agricultural chemicals unknown increasing Oil spills Climate change Desertification unknown increasing Increased rainfall Other climate changes (please specify)

Other threats 1 Importance

Critical: a factor that could lead to the extinction of the species in 20 years or less High: a factor that could lead to a decline of more than 20% of the population in 20 years or less Medium: a factor that could lead to a decline of less than 20% of the population in 20 years or less Low: a factor that only affects the species at a local level Unknown: a factor that is likely to affect the species but it is unknown to what extent

27

3.3 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Austria R. Bögel & L. Slotta-Bachmayr

Salzburg Zoo


Yes, according to state hunting law (involved federal states: Salzburg, Tyrol and

Carynthia)


Population size (individuals) Year Pop. data quality1 Pop. trend


1-4

2002

2

stable

own data

stable



stable

2

own data

stable


Distribution:

The breeding population is restricted to Salzburg county with a strong focus on the

northern slope of the Austrian Alps. This breeding population originates from a

release project at Salzburg Zoo during the 1960’s. First breeding occurred during the

beginning of the 1980’s. The population size of the colony fluctuates between 10 and

20 individuals. Although some constant food supply is provided at the zoo (430 m

a.s.l.), most activities (breeding, foraging, etc.) occurs in the high Alps (> 1500 m

a.s.l.; foraging area approx. 150 km²).

Additionally, a non-breeding population exists in the Central Austrian Alps (“Hohe

Tauern” region). This consists of up to 100 individuals with a southern origin (mainly

birds from the “Kvarner Islands” / Croatia but also from “Friaul” / Italy). Those non-

breeders are migrants and use this area from May to October (foraging area approx.

500 km²). Regular interactions between the breeding population at Salzburg Zoo and

the non-breeding population occur.

28

Swiss

Austria

Italy

Slovenia Croatia

Germany

Hungary

Czech Pepublic

Slovacia

29

Threats: Threats Importance1 Trend Habitat loss Overgrazing Agriculture intensification low constant Land Abandonment Afforestation low increasing Drainage Dam construction Control of wild Ungulates medium increasing Persecution Hunting Illegal hunting (firearms) low constant Taking of eggs/nestlings Poisoning medium increasing Pollution Use of agricultural chemicals low Oil spills Climate change Desertification Increased rainfall low ? Other climate changes (please specify)

Other threats Regulation for carcass removal high decreasing

(through local management) Exodic predation at the Zoo by felids low constant Viable population size critical constant

1 Importance


30

3.4 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Bulgaria Hristo Hristov

Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds / BirdLife Bulgaria


The Griffon Vulture is legally protected on the whole territory of Bulgaria (Biodiversity

Conservation Act - article 37). It is included in the Bulgarian Red Data Book in the

category “endangered”.


Pop. size (breeding pairs) Year Pop. data quality1 Pop. trend


30

2001

3

114 % increase (14 pairs in 1993; 30 pairs in 2001)

BSPB

at least +50%


expected in the future Appr. +100%

3

BSPB

up to 50% expansion

1 Data Quality For population size and range and for trend on population size and range size, use the following: 1 = Species poorly known, no quantitative data available 2 = Species generally well known, but only poor or incomplete quantitative data available 3 = Reliable quantitative data (atlas survey or regular monitoring data) are available for the whole period and area Detailed monitoring data look as follows:

Year Number of pairs Number of fledglings Maximum number of vultures

(feeding place observation)

1993 14 9 -

1994 16 14 53

1995 16 12 34

1996 18 10 56

1997 16 12 39

1998 14 10 43

1999 26 20 53

2000 29 27 77

2001 30 20 118

2002 31 20 128

31

Distribution:

In Bulgaria this species is represented by one colony of breeding birds, which is in

the valley of the river Arda in the Eastern Rhodopes (Southern Bulgaria, near the

Greek border). There are two distinct breeding groups within the colony: one is near

the town of Madzharovo – 19 breeding pairs; the other one breeds in the area of the

Studen Kladenets dam ca. 30 km away – 11 breeding pairs (2001). The feeding area

of the colony is approximately 250 km².

Small groups of Griffon Vultures are sporadically observed in the mountains of the

Eastern Fore-Balkan, Eastern and Western Balkans, Gornotrakiiska Lowland,

Western Rhodopes and Western outlying districts. Individual birds were observed in

the Western Balkan, Strandja Mountains and the Kresna gorge.

The Eastern Rhodopes landscape is characterized by exceptionally great

compositional and structural diversity. The compositional diversity is defined by the

big number of different habitats (45 types), and the structural by mosaic patterns due

to the diverse relief and different interferences. The Eastern Rhodopes are the only

relatively compact mountain area in Bulgaria with such considerable differences in

altitude – from 45 m to 1483 m a.s.l. Besides, this part of the Rhodopes is located

close to the Aegean Sea, substantial territories being directly exposed to the impact

of this part of the Mediterranean.

The principal livelihood of the people in Eastern Rhodopes is extensive

stockbreeding and tobacco growing. Additionally, there was a well-developed mining

in the near past, but presently the mines are no longer in use.

32

Bulgaria

Turkey Greece

Romania

Serbia

FYR Macedonia

33

Threats: Threats Importance1 Trend Habitat loss Overgrazing unknown Agriculture intensification unknown Land Abandonment unknown Afforestation unknown Drainage unknown Dam construction low decreasing Other (please specify) Breeding Habitat changes or Loss low increasing Geological Research and Open pit mining low (potentially Critical) increasing Building recreation centres high increasing Road building unknown (potentially High) increasing Persecution Hunting low decreasing Illegal hunting low decreasing Taking of eggs/nestlings unknown (potentially High) Poisoning medium decreasing Pollution Use of agricultural chemicals unknown increasing Oil spills unknown Climate change Desertification unknown Increased rainfall unknown Other threats Changes in Veterinary Practices high constant Food competition low increasing Viable population size medium decreasing Forest fires unknown (potential High) Electrocution unknown (potential Medium) Disturbance critical increasing Reduction in livestock numbers critical constant Reduction in game ungulate numbers critical decreasing

1 Importance


2 likely if integration into the EU occurs

34

3.5 The Situation of the Griffon vulture in Croatia Goran Susic

Ornithological Station Cres, Institute of Ornithology / Croatian Academy of Sciences

and Arts


The species is protected according to the Nature Protection Act (new version of

1994). Almost all Croatian breeding birds, excepting hunting species, cormorant on

fishponds and starling on agricultural land (i.e. 283 bird species) are protected under

the Nature Protection Act.




85-94 2002 3 25% decline own data declining Range trend (1990-2001) Range data quality1 Source Range trend

expected in the future big decline 3 own data declining


Distribution:

At the end of 19th century Griffons lived all over the country, along the Dalmatian

coast as well as on 11 Adriatic islands, even in lowland Slavonia near Sava and

Danube River. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Croatian population of

Eurasian Griffons declined rapidly in numbers and in range. Today the Eurasian

Griffons breed only on the Kvarner islands: Cres, Krk, Plavnik, Prvic, and,

occasionally, on the island of Pag. Their survival is linked to the traditional farming

practices of leaving sheep carcasses in the field to be consumed by Griffons.

Eurasian Griffon is a kind of peculiarity for the coastal area of Croatia as it breeds

exclusively on the cliffs above the sea, some nests being located only 8m above sea

level. The recent breeding colonies are situated on the cliffs of the Northern Adriatic

islands in the Kvarner area (Cres, Krk, Prvic and Plavnik) with a total breeding

population of about 90 pairs (Suši 2002). Due to the active protection, the population

on the Cres island has grown from 25 to 70 pairs during

35

Serbia

Slovenia

Croatia

Bosnia Herzegovina

Montenegro

Hungary

36

the last 15 years, while it had decreased drastically or even disappeared on other

breeding sites (for example at Paklenica National Park). Illegal poisoning and

disappearance of traditional extensive sheep breeding in the coastal zone of Croatia

are the biggest threats to the population. Number of pairs constantly decreases on

the island of Prvic (from 25 pairs to 15 pairs during the last 5 years) and on the island

of Krk (from 12 to only 3 pairs, during the last three years).

At the end of September most of the juvenile birds leave the colony, so there are

almost no juvenile, immature and sub-adult birds over-wintering on the above

mentioned islands. When they reach sexual maturity (5 years old) they come back to

the breeding colonies. For their migration routes, they use three main directions: NW

to the Austrian and Italian Alps (those may head later on to France and Spain); SW

to the southern Italy, and SE to the Southern Balkanian peninsula, Bulgaria, Greece,

Turkey, Israel, reaching southern latitudes as far as Chad (Suši 2000, 2002a).

Threats:

The major causes of Griffon's decline in Croatia are as follows:

I) High vulture mortality which is caused by:

• decrease of sheep number, turn to intensive herding (winter feeding, lambing in

pens, keeping in stalls to minimize risk predation, etc.)

• large-scale indirect poisoning

• improvement of veterinary techniques which reduce sheep mortalities

• human persecution – illegal shooting to eliminate Griffons from hunting areas

(which could become an ornithological reserve).

• electrocution (every year at least two reported cases only on the island of Cres)

• human disturbance (tourism or recreational activities close to nest sites)

• replacement of native sheep by game animals (e.g. fallow deer and wild boars

cause damage on the pastures, selling of sheep in order to avoid looses by bears)

• hunting regulation which result in a reduced number of game animals available to

vultures because they are shot earlier before dying from natural causes

• habitat destruction by urbanization (building of roads and infrastructure)

• lack of implementation of existing laws (active protection in the field)

37

II) Low reproductive capacity

Additional to those threats listed above, the reproductive capacity of Eurasian

Griffons is very low and makes the species very vulnerable to losses (for example the

productivity on the island of Cres is 55-60 %, so – on average - a pair raises one

chick only every second year). Therefore, a long recovery period is necessary for the

population after being diminishing for example poisoning events.

Threats Importance1 Trend Habitat loss Overgrazing Agriculture intensification Land Abandonment Afforestation Drainage Dam construction Food availability critical increasing Persecution Hunting Illegal hunting low constant Taking of eggs/nestlings Poisoning (baits) critical increasing Pollution Use of agricultural chemicals Oil spills Climate change Desertification Increased rainfall Other threats Electrocution medium increasing Disturbance high increasing

1 Importance


Management Activities:

I. Past and current activities

The following conservation measures are taken by the “Eco-center Caput Insulae-

Beli (ECCIB)” as local NGO (almost without any help from the Croatian Government

with the following results:

- Establishment of a Griffon Recovery center with adequate aviary and quarantine

cages (more than 50 Griffons were brought there for rehabilitation, many of them

could be released later on to the wild)

38

- Operation of feeding stations (very intensively after 1998 and on a regular basis since 2001 with a maximum food supply of approx. 50 tons / year which directly increased hatching success)

- Building of a hide for observations and education at the vulture restaurant - Operate a scientific monitoring and research program (cooperation with the Cres

Ornithological Station of the Institute for Ornithology since 1990; 380 Eurasian Griffons have been marked with rings and wing tags since then)

- Implementation of measures for undisturbed breeding sites

- Educational program (including an exhibition about Griffons, brochures, postcards, stickers, etc.)

- Eco-tourism program in order to provide information about Eurasian Griffons, biodiversity, and to enhance involvement in protection of natural and cultural-historical heritage of the island of Cres

- Recruitment of volunteers which are actively involved in the protection, monitoring and management of Eurasian Griffons and the eco-tourism program

- Promoting a holistic approach to nature protection, local products and the preservation of the traditional methods of sheep herding to locals in order to save the food supply

II. Actions urgently needed: Activities required in order to preserve the last Croatian population of Eurasian Griffons (Sušic 2002b) should include: 1. Launch an anti-poisoning campaign with efficient measures 2. Maintain the Recovery center 3. Continuation of the Griffon monitoring program (marking, control of nest sites) 4. Telemetric monitoring of rehabilitated Griffons in order to minimize losses and

possibly identify sources of risk 5. Ensure an adequate supply of safe food through feeding sites and establish a

network of vulture restaurants 6. Minimize disturbances at the colonies by establishing “swimming fences” 7. Further sensitivity of the public (establishment of Griffon vulture-information

centers, ecotourism activities, promotion of local products and practices like extensive sheep herding)

8. Maintenance and regular cleaning of ponds as water source for sheep and Griffons

9. Modification of electricity poles in order to avoid electrocution

39

3.6 The Situation of the Griffon vulture in Cyprus Savvas Iezekiel

Forestry Department & Cyprus Ornithological Society


The Griffon Vulture is protected by the Game Law 34/1974 and according to the

International Conventions which are signed by the Cyprus government.




6

2002

3

declining

own data

stable



Stable

2

own data

declining


Distribution:

Some decades ago there is clear evidence that there were hundreds or thousands of

vultures nesting all over the island. Nowadays, the Griffon Vulture suffers a serious

extinction threat as a result of various factors, especially the use of poison. Today its

population size is only 6 breeding pairs at one nest site, whereas in 1980 there were

more than 20 known nesting sites.

40

Cyprus

41

Threats: Threats Importance1 Trend Habitat loss Overgrazing Agriculture intensification medium increasing Land Abandonment Afforestation Drainage Dam construction medium constant Loss of food supply medium increasing Persecution Hunting Illegal hunting medium constant Taking of eggs/nestlings Poisoning critical increasing Pollution Use of agricultural chemicals Oil spills Climate change Desertification Increased rainfall Other climate changes (please specify) Other threats Road construction high increasing

1 Importance


42

3.7 The Situation of the Griffon vulture in France François Sarrazin

Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris


Protected by French Law on some particular raptor species (dated 1964)

Protected by French Law on Nature Protection (dated 1976)




Pyrénées Aspe, Ossau , Arrens & Ferrière: 256

Pays Basque:

160-210

Reintroductions Gr. Causses: 100

Baronnies: 25

Verdon: 5

Vercors: 3

2001

2000

2002

2002

2002

2002

3

2

3

3

3

3

190%

increase

≈ 30% increase

200%

increase recolonised2

recolonised2

recolonised2

PNP-RNO

Saîak

PNC-LPO Vautours en Baronnies LPO PACA Parc naturel

régional du Vercors

increase

increase

increase

increase

increase

increase



increase (through new settlements in the Alps)

3

various

local increase in colony range

1 Data Quality For population size and range and for trend on population size and range size, use the following: 1 = Species poorly known, no quantitative data available 2 = Species generally well known, but only poor or incomplete quantitative data available 3 = Reliable quantitative data (atlas survey or regular monitoring data) are available for the whole period and area 2 no breeding pairs in 1990

43

France

Italy

Swiss

Germany Belgium

44

Distribution:

The distribution of the species is focused in the western part of the French Pyrenees,

the Grands Causses area (South Massif Central), in the Vercors, Baronnies and

Verdon (Southern Alps). The colonies in the Pyrenees have been naturally restored

through conservation and management measures like the establishment of feeding

stations (currently, some feeding stations are not used anymore). The four other

populations were reintroduced and also benefit from the use of feeding stations and

the high standard of bird protection. While the French Pyrenees alpine habitats

dominate, the Grands Causses area is constituted of limestone plateaus split by

several deep gorges, particularly the Jonte and Tarn canyons. The Verdon canyon

with extreme relief energy also include plateaus, and the Baronies and Verdon areas

mainly include hills of moderate altitudes. All places include huge cliffs providing a

high availability of potential nest sites.

In French Pyrenees Griffon Vultures feed on wild or livestock animals and they find

carcasses directly in the field. In the reintroduced populations, they feed mainly on

feeding places (mostly sheep). It is important to note that in the Grands Causses

area, farmers may be allowed to manage their own feeding places due to a new

veterinary legislation set up in 1998. Recently, an updated information of French

vulture populations has been published in Terrasse et al. (2004).

45

Threats: Threats Importance1 Trend Habitat loss Overgrazing Agriculture intensification Land Abandonment Afforestation Drainage Dam construction Equipment of cliffs for climbing low increasing Persecution Hunting Illegal hunting Taking of eggs/nestlings Poisoning unknown unknown Pollution Use of agricultural chemicals unknown unknown Oil spills Climate change Desertification Increased rainfall Other climate changes (please specify) Other threats Power lines low constant

1 Importance


46

3.8 The Situation of the Griffon vulture in Georgia Lexo Gavashelishvili

Georgian Center for the Conservation of Wildlife (GCCW)


Not specifically protected by law but listed as a species in the Red Data book of

Georgia.


Pop. size

(breeding pairs) Year Pop. data quality1

Pop. trend

(1990-2001) Source

Pop trend


53

2002

3

24 % decline

GCCW

?

Range trend

(1990-2001) Range data quality1 Source

Range trend


Unchanged

3

GCCW

?


Distribution: Georgia has an area of 70 000 km² with a habitat composition of 40% woodland,

30% developed areas and 30% undeveloped areas. Survey data collected over the

past 10 years in Georgia and adjoining areas in neighbouring countries showed that

Griffon Vultures (Gyps fulvus) occur only in areas that are undeveloped by humans,

but which hold supplies of livestock. The species’ year-round activity range can be

defined as an unfragmented open landscape between 1300m and 2500 m a.s.l. with

an annual rainfall of <800 mm and, alternatively, below 1000 m a.s.l. with an annual

rainfall of <400 mm. The surveys also showed that locations of nest sites and the

foraging range of breeding Griffon Vultures were significantly correlated with the

year-round ranges of livestock. Griffon Vultures are common in areas which are used

by livestock; however they are very rarely observed in the same areas during

wintertime when those habitats are abandoned by livestock. All this suggests that

Griffon Vultures in Georgia feed mainly on dead livestock. Moreover, differences in

47

the breeding success of various colonies underline the importance of livestock: In

lowland breeding grounds (at 200-800 m a.s.l.) where large numbers of wintering

livestock are present during the early nesting season (a period from hatching to

fledging) but not during the later nesting season from May through September (the

livestock graze on distant pastures then), only <50% of the Griffon Vultures are

successful in raising fledglings. In contrast, in the highland breeding grounds (at

1300-5000 m a.s.l.) where Griffon Vultures start their breeding season with only small

numbers of livestock present, the number of pairs that hatch chicks is much lower

than in the lowland breeding sites but >80% of the hatchlings fledge because food

supply greatly increases with the arrival of summering livestock in May.

In the whole Caucasus, including Georgia, the size and location of livestock pasture

grounds changes seasonally due to the movements of livestock. These movements

can be among settled areas (villages and towns) or they may vary because

herdsmen seek for snow-free pastures and good grazing grounds resulting in

wintering grounds in the dry lowlands and summering grounds in highlands.

Numbers of breeding pairs of Griffon Vultures have declined over the past 10 years

by 12%. It is unlikely that this decrease is linked to the mysterious disease and crash

of Griffon Vulture populations as observed in Asia (the typical symptoms as reported

from there like “head-drooping” behaviour have never been observed in Georgia);

Rather, the decline in Griffon numbers is caused by a dramatic decline in sheep

numbers as their main food supply (see Fig. 1) which can be observed since the

breakdown of the ex-USSR. In Soviet times sheep farming was well subsidized. In

contrast to sheep, other domestic animals have shown increase.

Fig. 1: Number of Griffon Vultures and sheep during the last decade in Georgia

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

100

Griffons Sheep

1990 2002

2,000,000

627,557

70%

24%

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

100

Griffons Sheep

1990 2002

2,000,000

627,557

70%

48

Georgia

Beylarus

Turkey

Armenia Azerbaijan

49

Threats: Threats Importance1 Trend Habitat loss Overgrazing Agriculture intensification Land Abandonment Afforestation Drainage Dam construction Other (please specify) Dramatic decline in sheep high constant Persecution Hunting Illegal hunting Taking of eggs/nestlings low constant Poisoning Pollution Use of agricultural chemicals unknown increasing Oil spills Climate change Desertification Increased rainfall Other threats

1 Importance


50

3.9 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Greece Stratis Bourdakis, Haralambos Alivizatos, Panos Asmanis, Ben Hallmann, Maria

Panayotopoulou, Costas Papakonstantinou, Nikos Probonas, Yannis Rousopoulos,

Dora Skartsi, Kalliopi Stara, Rigas Tsiakiris, Stavros Xirouchakis

Hellenic Ornithological Society


Griffon Vultures are legally protected under Ministerial Decision 414985/1985 and

listed as Vulnerable in the Greek Red Data Book (Handrinos 1992). 100% of the

colonies of mainland Greece and Cyclades are protected as Special Protected Areas

(SPAs), while more than 80% of the colonies of Crete are protected as SPAs. The

Greek list of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) covers 100% of the population of the

species in mainland Greece and Cyclades, and 90% of Crete. It should be noted that

the enforcement of the above legislation is extremely inadequate and in general very

few measures have been taken for the species up to now. The last couple of years

new SPAs and Wildlife Refuges are being designated, taking into consideration the

conservation needs of the Griffon Vulture.




mainland 21-34 2001 2 - 50% unpubl. data decline

Crete & Cyclades 154-158

2002 3 stable unpubl. data stable/local decline

Greece total 175-192 2001/2 2-3 - 15% unpubl. data decline


expected in the future - 60% mainland, 2-3 unpubl. data decline (critical in some regions)

stable Crete, Cyclades 3 unpubl. data stable/local decline 1 Data Quality For population size and range and for trend on population size and range size, use the following: 1 = Species poorly known, no quantitative data available 2 = Species generally well known, but only poor or incomplete quantitative data available 3 = Reliable quantitative data (atlas survey or regular monitoring data) are available for the whole period and area

51

Distribution:

Griffon Vultures are found in open, hilly and mountainous areas consisting of low hill

habitats with garrigue and open maquis to high alpine areas. They are optimal

foraging areas as long as a sufficient level of grazing by domestic ungulates is

guarantied. The species requires huge cliffs, with plenty of recesses and free from

human disturbance. It may even nest in sea cliffs and on small offshore islands.

Presently, there are 9 colonies situated at two relatively isolated areas of mainland

Greece. One in NE Greece (Thrace) closely related to the SE Bulgarian population,

and another one in W Greece (western Ipiros and Aitoloakarnania prefecture), and

an isolated colony in central Greece (Larisa prefecture). In contrast to the mainland,

the Griffon Vulture populations on the Greek islands are stable, with 34 colonies on

Crete and 2 on the central Cyclades.

At least 60% of the species range in mainland Greece has been abandoned since

1990. The species does not breed any more at the Peloponnese, Sterea Ellas

(except Aitoloakarnania prefecture), Thessaly (except Larisa prefecture), Macedonia

and Ionian islands. During this period 13-15 colonies were abandoned in mainland

Greece and Ionian islands. Presently the range of the GV is constantly shrinking in

mainland Greece, and many colonies have been deserted at the edge of the species

distribution. Unless immediate action is taken, this trend will continue especially in

central and western Greece, dramatically minimising the species' population and

range in the near future.

It seems that Griffon vultures have survived in parts of Greece where:

• less poisoned baits are dispersed, because of the absence of large predators

(wolves, jackals, foxes). This is obvious at Cyclades and Crete where foxes,

jackals and wolves are absent. Also at western Greece, GV colonies exist in

places where the wolves are mostly absent and there is obviously no intensive

use of poisoned baits for the control of foxes. Unfortunately, the recent range

expansion of wolves in several parts of mainland Greece has resulted in an

extensive use of poisoned baits with - most probably - very negative effects for

the Griffon Vulture population.

• food availability and accessibility is sufficient due to the maintenance of traditional

stock rearing practices and large numbers of domestic animals. These places

52

include the last resorts of Griffon vultures of Greece at large islands (Crete and

Naxos), Ipiros, Aitoloakarkania, and parts of Thrace.

• infrastructure is less developed (road network, etc) and human pressure is low.

This is presently valid for the mountainous area of Thrace and parts of Ipiros.

• vulture restaurant(s) are operating on a regular basis, and supported by

simultaneous and effective protective and awareness measures, applied over a

long term. This seems to be an important reason for the survival of the GV

population at the Evros prefecture and, consequently, the Thrace region. The

operation of another vulture restaurant (but not on a regular basis) at Larissa

prefecture, has been helpful for the maintenance of an isolated GV colony in

Thessaly region. However, this seems insufficient for a long-term survival of this

colony, unless further action is taken.

The present situation of the mainland population must be considered as much more

critical than some years ago and demands immediate and urgent action. The

implementation of high priority measures is handicapped by a fundamental

unwillingness and incapability of the federal authorities to protect Greece’s natural

heritage and to enforce relevant legislation. These obstacles can only be overcome

by an intensive, constant and coordinated conservation efforts of NGOs, awareness

of the local communities and relevant authorities, and an immediate funding of the

most important measures.

53

Turkey

Greece

Bulgaria

Albania

FYR Macedonia

54

Threats: Threats Importance1 Trend Importance1 Trend Mainland Greece Crete / Cyclades Habitat loss

Overgrazing low decreasing high (med. on Naxos) increasing

Agriculture intensification low constant medium constant Land Abandonment medium const.-incr. low increasing Afforestation low constant low increasing Drainage low constant low constant Dam construction low increasing low increasing Quarries high increasing low constant Collisions unknown (low?)2 increasing low constant Electrocutions unknown const.-incr. unknown Food availability / accessibility Decrease of natural prey (wild ungulates) medium-high3 constant low constant

Decrease of domestic prey (free ranging ungulates) high-critical const.-incr. low constant

Decrease of domestic prey (extensive livestock farming) high increasing low constant

Decrease of food availability due to better sanitary practices high increasing critical

(high on Naxos) increasing

Decrease of food availability due to closing of refuse tips medium increasing critical increasing

Decrease of food availability due to restricted access (infra-structure and disturbance)

high increasing high increasing

Disturbance at breeding sites Road construction high increasing high increasing Quarry operation high increasing high constant Hunting medium-high constant medium-high constant Climbing medium increasing medium increasing Outdoor activities (paragliding) medium increasing medium increasing Ecotourist development through uncontrolled promotion of the GV colonies

low increasing medium increasing

Persecution

Illegal hunting (firearms) medium-high constant medium (high on Naxos) constant

Taking of eggs/nestlings unknown low constant Indirect poisoning critical4 increasing critical4 increasing Lead shot poisoning unknown5 constant unknown ? Pollution Use of agricultural chemicals unknown (high?) incr.-const. unknown ? Oil spills Climate change Desertification Increased rainfall Other threats

Critical low numbers critical high (Thrace) increasing low constant

Lack of awareness high constant (locally decr.) medium

decreasing (increasing in

Naxos)

Drowning unknown medium high for juv. in Crete

Avian infectious diseases unknown unknown 1 Importance

55


2 possibly high after the construction of the planned windfarms 3 Wild ungulates have played a subdominant role for the GV diet for a long period. Nevertheless they are a factor of constant importance, especially when domestic ungulate carcasses become less available to GV. 4 Target species are mainly wolfs (that have extensively recolonized areas during the last decade), foxes and jackal (extinct in many places). Secondary targets are other species as stray dogs, martens, ravens, Golden eagles, Bonelli's eagles, etc. 5 possibly of great importance(by direct shooting or bullets swallowed with the food items)

Important note: a solid evaluation of certain threats was not possible in many cases due to a lack of detailed and systematic monitoring data of most colonies in mainland Greece.

Objectives - Measures that are needed to maintain and enhance Griffon vultures in

Greece Mainland Crete 1. Policy and legislation 1.1. Implement Common Agriculture Policy and EU Regulations 1257 & 1259 to

maintain traditional farming practices in mountain areas. Provide incentives to the farmers, and include the conservation of Griffon Vultures as an indicator of their assessment.

essential – High

Medium

1.2. Make provision for maintenance of the traditional system of disposal of animal carcasses, ensuring adequate sanitary control.

essential essential

1.3. Promote the elaboration of national inventory of threatened species and incorporate recovery plans into domestic legislation.

essential Medium

1.4. Ensure detailed Environmental Impact Assessment for all activities likely to affect species at critical sites (colonies, roosts, main feeding areas, etc).

High High

1.5. Set down specifications for the establishment and operation of feeding stations in Greece.

essential essential

1.6. Official enactment of the supplementary feeding of carrion eating birds in Greece.

essential – High

essential

1.7. Take into consideration the species needs in national/peripheral strategies/planning.

Medium Medium

2. Species and habitat conservation 2.1. Protect all colonies (active or recently abandoned) against habitat alteration

and human disturbance .

2.1.1 Designate as Special Protection Areas all Griffon vulture colonies in Crete. Ensure the management of SPAs adopting special conservation measures according to Council Directive 79/409/EEC.

essential Essential

2.1.2. Designate all Griffon vulture colonies as Wildlife Refuges and/or other type of strictly protected areas, according to Law 1650/86.

essential essential

2.2. Promote bilateral conservation work at cross-border populations, in the borders with Albania, FYR Macedonia, Bulgaria.

High -

2.3. Define non-intrusion zones around the colonies, on a site to site basis to be implemented in the period from 1st of December till the 1st of July.

High Medium

2.3.1. Disturbance during breeding season must be prohibited within 1 km around the colonies.

Medium Medium

2.3.2. Hunting should be prohibited within 1 km around the colonies. essential essential 2.3.3. Climbing and other outdoor sports should be prohibited at the colonies while

such activities should be prevented within 200-500 meters (on a site to site basis) to colonies, during the breeding period.

High High

2.4. Prevent the construction of damaging developments, such as roads, quarries, etc, within Griffon vulture colonies.

High High

2.5. Prevent the construction of potential dangerous (for collisions, electrocutions) developments (transmission lines, antennas, poles, wind farms, etc) within 5-10 km of the colonies, on a site to site basis. Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment should be undertaken for such developments, if they are to be

essential – High

High

56

established within a 20 km radius from the colonies or other important roosting, foraging or migrating sites.

2.6. Fully enforce national legislation for the protection of the species. essential – High

High

2.6.1. Enforce prohibitions on the use of poisoned baits and shooting Griffon vulture more effectively.

essential essential

2.7. Prepare an Action Plan for the confrontation of the illegal poisoned baits in Greece. Establish a working group and promote practical anti-poisoning actions.

essential essential

2.8. Improve food availability 2.8.1 Promote the restoration of wild ungulate populations and control poaching of

them. Medium Medium

2.8.2. Ensure that livestock which dies in the field is left out for the vultures and re-establish/maintain the old tradition of dumping animal carcasses at specific places, with full agreement and co-operation of local authorities and farmers.

essential - High

essential

2.8.3 Undertake (or continue) specific supplementary feeding in all Greek populations, in co-operation with authorised raptor specialists, under the surveillance of the Ministries of Agriculture and PEHODE and HOS.

essential High

3. Monitoring and research 3.1. Promote international co-operation and exchange of experience among experts

working on the species. High

- Medium Medium

3.2. Establish national population database High High 3.3. Undertake annual national census and monitoring of all colonies. 3.3.1. Carry out baseline surveys of population status in all colonies. essential Medium 3.3.2. Carry out surveys on migrating juveniles/immatures in autumn - spring. Medium Medium 3.3.3. Carry out regular monitoring of the breeding population, including breeding

success on selected colonies across the species range. essential essential

3.3.4. Monitor attendance at feeding stations and traditionally used refuse-tips. High Medium 3.3.5. Undertake monitoring for the detection of clinical signs ("neck-drooping"

behavior). High High

3.4. Undertake research on requirements and factors influencing population trend sufficient to prepare national recovery plan

3.4.1 Carry out studies on population dynamics and age structure and complete population viability analysis on mainland where the species is decreasing.

Medium -

3.4.2. Undertake suitable tracking methods to find out causes of mortality, survival rates and dispersal patterns.

High High

3.4.3. Establish a marking and ringing scheme for juvenile birds in order to assess the mortality rate during the first years of their life.

Medium High

3.4.4. Promote research on food availability in mainland Greece, where scarcity is believed to be factor.

High -

3.4.5. Assess the impacts of the changes in veterinary practises regarding disposal of carcasses (Closing of offal dumps/slaughterhouses).

Medium Low

3.4.6. Assess the impacts of the illegal use (extend, trends) of poisoned baits for predator control in different parts of Greece.

Essential - High

Medium

3.4.7. Assess the (potential) impacts due to collisions and electrocutions at the existing colonies, roosting sites and main migrating routes.

High High

3.4.8. Examine specimens to determine cause of death/failure and levels of environmental contaminants

essential Essential

3.4.9. Undertake pathological examination of dead specimens to determine cause of death and ensure proper collection, handling and conservation of pathologic, genetic or scientific material.

essential essential

57

4. Public awareness and training 4.1. Prepare information and education materials about the Griffon vulture,

underlining the problems of poisoning, illegal shooting and habitat degradation. These materials should be targeted at livestock farmers, hunters, landowners and stake holders.

High High

4.2. Where poisoning is a problem, prepare specific information materials and undertake a campaign targeted at a) farmers, hunters and landowners, b) pupils and students.

essential essential

4.3. Highlight vulture conservation in information centers within protected areas where the species occurs.

High Medium

4.4. Motivate and increase the capacity of stake holders (forestry service, management bodies of protected areas, etc) and NGOs on vulture conservation issues.

High Medium

Criteria for Priority Essential: needed to prevent large decline which could lead to the extinction High: needed to prevent a decline of more than 20% in 20 years or less Medium: needed to prevent a decline of less than 20% in 20 years or less Low: needed to prevent local population declines

Conservation of Griffon vulture in Greece

Few NGOs and one Institute are working on the conservation of Griffons vultures.

These are: Hellenic Ornithological Society, World Wild Fund for Nature Greece –

Dadia Project that is being activated at Dadia area, Hellenic Wildlife Rehabilitation

Center and National Agricultural Research Foundation. Besides extensive research

on the species has been undertaken in Crete by Stavros Xirouchakis.

Furthermore there is a Life project including conservation measures for the protection

of Griffon vultures at Stena Nestou, undertaken by the Society for the Protection of

Nature and Ecodevelopment (EPO). Finally there is an one year project for the

monitoring and conservation of the Griffon vultures at Arakynthos mountain,

undertaken by the Immediate Intervention for the protection of Nature.

58

3.10 The Situation of the Griffon vulture in Israel Ohad Hatzofe & Ofer Bahat

Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, Israel Nature & Parks Authority


All animals and plants are fully protected by law in Israel, with no exceptions apart

from limited no. of species which are considered as pests to agriculture and human

health.




132 - 140 2002 3 increase survey increase Range trend (1990-2001) Range data quality1 Source Range trend

expected in the future increase 3 survey increase


Distribution:

Mainly in rocky landscape of the Mediterranean

zones:

At the Golan Heights, the upper Galilee and Mt.

Carmel ridge (latter following a reintroduction

program), and in the arid zones of the Judean

Desert (where the species nests bellow sea level)

and the Negev desert. In total, 28 breeding sites

are known.

Table 1: Breeding sites with the No. of colonies

and corresponding No. of breeding pairs.

colony size no. of colonies

1 9

2 3

3 4

4 4

6 2

9 2

10 1

12 1

14 1

50 1

59

Israel

Syria

Jordan Egypt

West Bank

60

Threats: Threats Importance1 Trend Habitat loss Overgrazing low constant Agriculture intensification low increasing Land Abandonment low constant Afforestation low constant Drainage low constant Dam construction low constant

Forestation and closing of maki habitat unknown (likely reducing foraging range) increasing

Persecution Hunting low decreasing

Illegal hunting high (mainly neighbouring countries) unknown

Taking of eggs/nestlings low constant Poisoning medium constant Pollution Use of agricultural chemicals unknown constant Oil spills low constant Climate change Desertification low decreasing Increased rainfall low constant Global warming unknown increasing Other threats Food quality (resulting in decalcification) medium decreasing Collision with aircrafts medium decreasing Electrocution medium decreasing

1 Importance


61

3.11 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Italy Fulvio Genero, Fabio Perco.



The species is protected by national law (157/91).


Pop. size (breeding pairs) Year Pop. data quality Pop. trend1

(1990-2001) Source Population trend expected in the future

55-60 2002 3 increasing Workshop at

Bussolengo (VR): 26th Jan. 2003

increasing (reintroductions-

restocking)



increasing (reintroductions-restocking)

3

Workshop at Bussolengo (VR):

26th Jan. 2003

increasing


Distribution:

In Italy, the last native breeding population was in the NW Sardegna. Griffons from

the Balkans (mostly from Croatia – Kvarner archipelago) spend the summer season

in the NE Alps (in an area neighbouring Austria and Slovenia). Due to reintroduction /

restocking projects, the species has been re-established has a breeding population

which presently includes NE Italy (Forgaria nel Friuli - Udine) and Central Italy (two

sites in the Abruzzo-Province L’Aquila (Allavena pers. com.; Genero in prep.).

Another reintroduction project is in progress in Sicily (S Italy), where some birds have

recently been released (Lo Valvo pers. com.) but they are presently not breeding.

Additional reintroduction projects are planned in Calabria (birds still in captivity;

Pandolfi: pers. com.) and in the Central Alps (Trento region: Genero in prep.).

62

Swiss

Slovneia

Austria

Italy

France

Bosnia Herzegovina

Croatia

Serbia

Albania

Greece

Hungary

Montenegro

Tunisia

63

Threats: Importance1 Trend Habitat loss Overgrazing Agriculture intensification low decreasing Land Abandonment medium increasing Afforestation critical increasing Drainage Dam construction Persecution Hunting low (firearms) constant Illegal hunting medium (firearms) constant Taking of eggs/nestlings low constant Poisoning critical decreasing Pollution Use of agricultural chemicals critical increasing Oil spills Climate change Desertification Increased rainfall Other climate changes (please specify)

Other threats Electrocution and collision medium constant

Human disturbance high

(airplanes, para-/hanggliders, climbers, curious naturalists)

constant

1 Importance


64

3.12 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Jordan Fares Khoury

Hashemite University, Department of Biological Sciences


According to the hunting law, all birds of prey are protected.


Pop. size (breeding pairs) Year Pop. data quality Pop. trend1


12-30 2000 1 (except Wadi Dana: 2)

unknown (probably stable)

Khoury (2000)

generally decreasing (loss of colonies) local increase at

Wadi Dana possible


expected in the future unknown 1 no data available decreasing


Distribution:

Griffon Vultures have been recorded mainly in the western parts of the country,

especially along the western edges of the mountain ranges extending in a S-N

direction along the rift margins. The only breeding colonies are currently known from

Dana Nature Reserve in the SW Jordan (up to 12 pairs). Nevertheless, birds are

often being recorded in other parts of the highlands of SW Jordan, e.g. at Petra, and

in the extreme north at Wadi Al-Yarmuk. Breeding occurs in rocky mountains with

deep gorges and/or high cliffs with ledges, in SW Jordan mainly on sandstone cliffs,

climate is arid to semi-arid Mediterranean, vegetation being mainly of steppe

character, the same habitats which are usually inhabited by Nubian Ibex and Rock

Hyrax. The habitats are subject to grazing by goats and sheep, sometimes kept by

locals in large herds of up to 100 animals each. These domestic animals are

currently believed to be important as a food source for the vultures, as the wild

animals e.g. ibex and gazelles have become extremely rare. Overgrazing may have

negative effects on the long run.

65

Israel

Syria

Jordan

Egypt

West Bank

Saudi Arabia

Iraq

66

Threats: Importance1 Trend Habitat loss Overgrazing high increasing Agriculture intensification high increasing Land Abandonment unknown Afforestation unknown Drainage unknown Dam construction low Persecution Hunting Illegal hunting high (firearms) constant Taking of eggs/nestlings low constant Poisoning low constant Pollution Use of agricultural chemicals high increasing Oil spills low constant Climate change Desertification medium increasing Increased rainfall Other climate changes (please specify) Other threats (please specify)

1 Importance


67

3.13 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in the Republic of

Macedonia Emilian Stoynov, Tome Lisicanec, Bratislav Grubac, Metodija Velevski and Ben Hallmann Wild Flora and Fauna Fund - Macedonia/ FWFF- Macedonia

Legal Protection of the species:

The species is protected by national law.




30-40 2003/04 2 stable or slight decrease

Stoynov, E., Report for

BVCF 2002, unpubl. Data Grubac and

Velevski

slight increase



stable or slight decrease 2

Stoynov, E., Report for Whitley Foundation 2000, unpubl. Data Grubac and

Velevski

slight increase


Distribution:

The Griffon Vulture is distributed in various areas of the country:

1. Demir Kapija Gorge: 18-20 breeding pairs, situated in south-eastern Macedonia

along the river of Vardar. Huge limestone cliffs with Mediterranean vegetation

(Juniperus excelsa, Juniperus oxicedris, Phylirea media, Quercus coccifera and

others). Closely, large open areas with large number of wintering sheep herds

occur. To the south is the Kozhuf Mountain range where the sheep herds graze

during summer. Additionally, the vultures of these colonies have access to the

Negotino rubbish dump where they can feed on slaughter offal.

68

FYR Macedonia

Greece Albania

Serbia

Bulgaria

69

2. Tikvesh area: 9-11 pairs breed on huge limestone cliffs. The area is situated in

the southern part of Macedonia, along the river Crna and the Tikvesh reservoir.

The vegetation is similar to the one described for Demir Kapija with additional

Black Pine forests (Pinus nigra) and single Arbutus andrachne trees. There is a

vital wolf population in the adjacent region and lot of sheep in the area of Mariovo.

In this area also Black, Bearded and Egyptian Vultures occur.

3. West Mariovo: 2-3 pairs are breeding in this wide gorge along the Crna river

(rocks of volcanic origine). Silicate cliffs with scarse tree vegetation are

characteristic for the landscape.

4. Raets Gorge: 0-2 pairs breed there irregularly. Medium sized limestone cliffs

along a small river. The vegetation is similar to Demir Kapia. 2003/04 was

breeding records.

5. Babuna Gorge: 0-2 pairs breed there irregularly. A small limestone cliff with many

caves. The gorge is situated in the lower Babuna River Valley next to the town of

Veles. The vegetation is similar to Demir Kapia. The vultures from this colony use

the Veles slaughterhouse offal dump for feeding. 2003/04 was breeding records.

6. Bogoslovets: 0-5 pairs breed there irregularly. The gorge consists of medium

sized mergillite cliffs along the Bregalnitsa river in central Macedonia. A lack of

food during the summer season due to its traditional use for winter sheep grazing

(completely flat terrain) is the likely reason for the irregular breeding in this area.

However, the vultures use the slaughterhouses of Sveti Nikole and Shtip for

foraging. 2003/04 was breeding records.

7. Ratkova Skala: This colony has 3-4 breeding pairs and is situated in the north-

eastern part of Macedonia in the Osogovo mountains. The cliffs are medium sized

and consist of volcanic rocks. There Griffons use the open flat area of Ovche Pole

for winter foraging and the Osogovo Mountains during summer when the sheep

graze on the alpine pastures.

8. Matka Gorge: A small "colony" along the Treska river in Northern Macedonia

close to Skopje with 1 breeding pair on huge limestone cliffs

70

9. Shar and Korab Mountains: High mountains where Griffon Vultures are only

summer visitors because the mountains are used by sheep exclusively as

summer grazing grounds (up to 1,000,000 sheep not long ago).

Threats: Importance1 Trend Habitat loss Overgrazing Agriculture intensification medium increasing Land Abandonment Afforestation low increasing Drainage low decreasing Dam construction medium increasing Persecution Hunting low constant Illegal hunting low decreasing Taking of eggs/nestlings low decreasing Poisoning critical constant Pollution Use of agricultural chemicals critical increasing Oil spills Climate change Desertification Increased rainfall Other climate changes (please specify) Other threats disturbance by helicopter and climbing low increasing Lack of food high increasing Changes in Veterinary Practices2 high increasing

1 Importance


2 likely if integration into the EU occurs

71

3.14 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Morocco

Said Hajib

Ingénieur d’Etat Principal des Eaux et Forêts

Projet de co-operation Morocco Allemande

“Assistance à la Gestion des Ressources Naturelles”

The Gyps fulvus is on the brink of extinction in Morocco, due to the use of poison to

destroy feral dogs, poaching, disturbance and destruction of nests. Historically, this

species nested all over the rocky cliffs in Morocco mountains. Currently , its

population should not go over 10 nesting couples in the whole country. Nevertheless,

the species has been observed regularly crossing the country during winter in small

groups. Almost 1000 birds cross the Gibraltar every autumn. These birds could be

observed in Morocco from October to half of May. They are coming especially from

the expanding population inhabiting in Spain. According to Garrido et al. (in press)

the species is completely absent in Northern Morocco and only migrants from Spain

have been recorded. Groups of griffons are recorded every year between October to

December. A few recoveries of Spanish birds have been recorded.

Although, the Gyps fulvus is considered as a protected species in Morocco, no

concrete actions have been done so far to restore it. The creation of some protected

areas including the vulture nesting cliffs has been achieved, but it is not sufficient to

protected the species foraging sites. The forest department is planning to reintroduce

the Gyps fulvus in the framework of protected area management project financed by

the GEF (World Bank).

72

Morocco

Algeria

73

3.15 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Portugal Alvaro Camiña Cardenal



The species is protected according to the EU Birds Directive 79/409/CEE.




267-272 1999 3 138% increase

Del Moral & Martí (2000)

increasing

Range trend (1990-2001) Range data quality1 Source Range trend expected in the

future

small increase 3 Araujo et al. (1992) Del Moral & Martí (2000) steadily increasing


Distribution:

The species is widely distributed all over the Iberian Peninsula. However, a wide

Atlantic corridor is not suitable Griffon habitat and thus Portugal is only partly settled

by Griffon vultures. The species distribution in Portugal on the large rivers basins:

Duero (43,1% of griffon population), Tajo (56,5%) and Guadiana (0,4%) and is

connected to the population of Spain.

The Guadiana Basin was re-colonised in 1999 after more than twenty years without

vultures. In 1989 (1st census in Portugal) 62-72 breeding pairs were recorded and 7

years later the population increased to 155-159 pairs. The success of the griffon

vulture in Portugal is linked to the traditional farming practices of leaving carcasses in

the field providing a good food supply for vultures.

74

Portugal

Spain

75

Threats: Threats Importance1 Trend Habitat loss Overgrazing Agriculture intensification Land Abandonment Afforestation Drainage Dam construction Food availability medium increasing Persecution Hunting Illegal hunting Taking of eggs/nestlings Poisoning medium-high (baits) increasing Pollution Use of agricultural chemicals Oil spills Climate change Desertification Increased rainfall Other threats (please specify)

1 Importance


76

3.16 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Serbia Bratislav Grubac

Institution for Protection Nature of Serbia, New Belgrade, III Bulevar 106


The species is protected by the “Right Act” from 1993 (Law for the Protection of

Nature and for hunting of Serbia); The species is protected as rare natural heritage

since 1949.


Pop. size (breeding pairs) Year Pop. data quality1 Population trend


50-60 2001-2 2-3 80 % increase Grubac B. increasing


expected in the future unknown (possibly constant) 2 Grubac, B. increasing 1 Data Quality For population size and range and for trend on population size and range size, use the following: 1 = Species poorly known, no quantitative data available 2 = Species generally well known, but only poor or incomplete quantitative data available 3 = Reliable quantitative data (atlas survey or regular monitoring data) are available for the whole period and area

Distribution:

Three breeding colonies exist in SW Serbia: Treshnjica gorge near Ljubovija, Uvac

gorge near Nova Varos and Mileshevka gorge near Prijepolje. Additionally, non-

breeding groups exist at Mt Shara (AP Kosovo and Metohija) and (in small numbers)

at Stara planina and others areas in SW and SE Serbia. Generally, the breeding

colonies are restricted to gorges of up to 1200 m a.s.l. and the foraging range

extends over open and undeveloped areas (mainly pastures with livestock but also

other open or semi-open habitats).

77

Serbia

Croatia

Bosnia Herzegovina

Romania

Bulgaria

78

Threats: Threats Importance1 Trend Habitat loss Overgrazing low (?) decreasing (?) Agriculture intensification low constant Land Abandonment medium increasing Afforestation low constant Drainage low constant Dam construction medium-high increasing Persecution Hunting Illegal hunting low decreasing Taking of eggs/nestlings unknown Poisoning low (pesticides) decreasing Pollution Use of agricultural chemicals low to medium constant-increasing Oil spills Climate change Desertification unknown Increased rainfall unknown Other climate changes (please specify)

Other threats Trapping low decreasing

1 Importance


79

3.17 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Spain Alvaro Camiña Cardenal



Besides EU legislation (Bird Directive 79/409/CEE), the species is protected by

National Law 4/1989 for the Protection of Nature, Flora and Fauna and the Royal

Decree 439/89 on Endangered Species. A New Red Data Book is currently reviewed

for Spanish bird species.




17 337 – 18 080 1999 3 130% increase

Del Moral & Martí

(2000) Ed. increasing



small increase 3 SEO (1981)

Arroyo et al. (1990) Del Moral & Martí (2000)

slightly increasing


Distribution:

The species is widely distributed all over the Iberian Peninsula except the NW

(Galicia), a wide Atlantic band (most of the Portuguese country) and some

Mediterranean regions (south of Valencia and east of Andalusia). Most important

populations are located in the western part of the Pre-Pyrenees, NE of Castilla León

and in southern Spain (Cádiz, Extremadura and Salamanca). From Salamanca the

species range extends into Portugal through the large rivers (see Portugal).

However, 98.5% of the Iberian population lives within Spain. 80% of the population

inhabits five autonomous regions: Aragón (25,3%), Castilla & León (23,7%),

Andalusia (12,5%), Navarra (11,5%) and Castilla la Mancha (7,2%). Another 7,2% of

the population includes the following 12 provinces (listed in decreasing order):

Navarra, Burgos, Huesca, Teruel, Cádiz, Zaragoza, Segovia, Cáceres, La Rioja,

80

Portugal

Spain

Morocco

France

81

Guadalajara, Salamanca and Soria. Four provinces have been recolonised during

the last 10 years: Almería, Barcelona, León and Murcia. Recently (2000-2002), a

reintroduction project is under ways in the Alicante province (Del Moral & Martí,

2001).

The first National Census was carried out in 1979 (SEO 1981). During the years

1979-1989 (Arroyo et al. 1990) a 135% increase was detected while the increase

during the following decade was 130%.

Almost all habitats with large livestock numbers are being used. Many vultures forage

on intensively used farmland (mainly pigs). Feeding points, which are actually illegal),

are the main food supply there. However, food provision may turn out to be a major

threat in the short future due to the EU-regulations following the BSE crises

(322/2003 Decision). In this context, an European regulation on food provision for

carrion eating birds is an urgent requirement and must be approved because vultures

are largely depending on cattle and sheep (species that are considered to contain

specific risk material in the context of the BSE problem).

The other threat for vultures in Spain is poisoning. A great increase has been

detected during the past years (Hernandez 2000). Poison is used in order to reduce

predators of small game, attacks of wolves on livestock and, recently, attacks of

griffons on live livestock (Camiña et al. 1995, Camiña 2004).

82

Threats: Threats Importance1 Trend Habitat loss Overgrazing Agriculture intensification Land Abandonment Afforestation Drainage Dam construction Food availability Increasing Persecution Hunting Illegal hunting Taking of eggs/nestlings Poisoning Medium-high Increasing Pollution Use of agricultural chemicals Oil spills Climate change Desertification Increased rainfall Other threats

1 Importance


83

3.18 The Situation of the Griffon Vulture in Turkey Edwin W.A.M. Vaassen

Turkish Society for Scientific Research & Rehabilitation of Diurnal & Nocturnal Birds

of Prey


Like all other birds of prey, the species is protected by the Hunting Law (3167) of the

Turkish Republic.




300-500 2002 2 critical decline (50-60%)

Vaassen (2001),

Vaassen & Aykurt (2002)

critical decline


expected in the future critical decline

(20-40%) 2 Vaassen (2001) Vaassen & Aykurt (2002) critical decline


Distribution:

Porter (1991) described the status of the Griffon Vulture as a “Regionally Significant

Breeder” as more than 20% of the regional population or 20% of the regional range

of the eastern half of the West Palaearctic (including the whole of Iran) occurs in

Turkey. Most of the population is resident in south, south-eastern and eastern Turkey

with some remnants in western and northern Turkey, where the Griffon is less

common than the Eurasian Black Vulture Aegypius monachus (Heredia et al. 1997).

However, the species is absent along the Black Sea coast (Kasparek 1992; Bilgin &

Kasparek 1996). In 1982 Gensbøl (1987) estimated the Turkish population at

between 500–1000 pairs and referred to a decreasing trend. Both, Arroyo (1994) and

Bilgin & Kasparek (1996) estimated the Turkish population at between 100 and 1000

pairs; Arroyo (1994) further mentioned a moderate decline. However, Kasparek

(1992) indicated that the most western colonies near Izmir and the Meander Delta

84

Turkey

Romania

Bulgaria

Byelarus

Syria

Georgia

Iraq

85

were already abandoned in the first half of the 20th century. It was further suggested

that the Griffon Vulture had undergone a significant decline until the 1960s and

thereafter the population had stabilized at a low level. Recent field studies revealed

that the actual population of Griffon vultures in Turkey is not less than 300 and

probably not exceeds 500 pairs (Vaassen, 2002a; Vaassen & Aykurt, 2002).

Preference has been found for areas with marginal cultivation and, if available, only

patchy forest. The damming area (mainly Atatürk Barajc, Keban Barajc) in central-

east Turkey discontinuousness the distribution of Griffon vultures in SE and S

Turkey. Suitable cliffs or breeding habitat are found very commonly in Turkey,

however food resources and surrounding habitat are a limiting factor. Foraging areas

are threatened by overgrazing, agricultural intensification in the whole western half as

well as in south-eastern Turkey and threatened by afforestation mainly in NE Turkey.

Poisoning seems to be the main threat of griffon vultures in Turkey.

Threats: Threats Importance1 Trend Habitat loss Overgrazing medium constant Agriculture intensification high increasing Land Abandonment low decreasing Afforestation medium increasing Drainage unknown unknown Dam construction high increasing Power-lines unknown constant Persecution Hunting firearms low constant Illegal hunting firearms low-medium constant Taking of eggs/nestlings low unknown Poisoning (Strychnine/Cyanide) critical increasing Pollution Use of agricultural chemicals high increasing Oil spills unknown ? Climate change Desertification unknown increasing Increased rainfall unknown increasing Other threats Lead Shot Poisoning critical constant

1 Importance


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4. Aims and objectives

4.1 Aims The remaining populations in the eastern European / Mediterranean range suffer an

increased vulnerability due to:

• Isolated subpopulations

• Very large foraging areas (local and non-local threats)

• Very low effective population sizes

• Presumably very few genetic interactions

• Low natural reproductive rate

• Slow generation cycle

• Low potential for natural re-colonization

• Intensive philopatric behaviour

Therefore, management and conservation activities require a pan-Eurasian scale.

The aim of this Action Plan is to reduce the population decrease of the Eurasian

Griffon Vulture in the Eastern European/Mediterranean Range and to inverse current

trends in population dynamics. Over the long term, a self-sustaining (meta-)

population should be achieved with a re-colonization of the former range (where

habitats is still suitable). We also expect highly beneficial effects for all other vulture

species in the geographic scope of this Action Plan.

4.2 Objectives Although certain aims and objectives may affect more than one of the following

categories, we structured them in i) conservation and management, ii) monitoring

and iii) research needs. This seems appropriate because their implementation will

involve different NGOs and governmental institutions according to their specific

competence.

87

4.2.1 Conservation and management

Conservation and management needs address the following issues:

Poisoning – essential

• Safe food supply (feeding stations)

• Effective protection of livestock against predators

• Law enforcement

• Implement political pressure on a EU-Level

• Establish a anti-poisoning working group

• Control of poisons and effective regulations

• Anti-poisoning campaign and public awareness

• Monitoring of poisoning events and food quality (identification and analyses)

• Ban of lead bullets

Poisoning is a complex problem which addresses a wide spectrum of issues. These

include the reinforcement of existing laws, control of the use of poison and

implementation of effective regulations, an anti-poisoning campaign with profound

education about the ecological consequences involved in the use of poison and the

ecological role of vultures, the ban of lead-bullets for hunting (feeding from remains)

and the protection of livestock against natural predators as an alternative to poisoned

baits (suitable guarding dogs can be an effective measure in this context).

Protection of habitat and food supply - high

• Feeding stations for enough food supply

• Law enforcement: EU-restrictions, veterinarian and biological needs

• Promotion of traditional land use / restoration of sustainable livestock

numbers

• Restoration of populations of wild ungulates

• Control of visitor flow / sporting activities

• Restriction of urbanisation and industrial exploitation

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The supply of safe and sufficient food can currently only be guaranteed by artificial

feeding sites (“vulture restaurants”) in most parts of the Eurasian range. As most

vulture species are depending on domesticated livestock anyway, it makes not such

a big difference if food supply is provided in a dispersed manner through natural

mortality causes or at specific sites which have the big advantage of a controlled

operation (and additionally for monitoring purposes). Such feeding sites are widely

accepted in other geographic regions (for example South Africa). However, within the

context of the BSE crises, it is particularly important to establish standards for an

appropriate operation of such feeding sites at an European level.

For the maintenance of natural foraging behaviour which was of special importance

for the evolution of vultures and for some conservation biologists also desirable from

an “ethical” perspective, more natural feeding habits should be aspired. Therefore,

the promotion of extensive livestock farming, especially transhumance practices, are

important and can even be interpreted as a co-evolutional result between traditional

forms of human land-use and vultures and other scavengers. For the same reason,

the restoration of wild ungulate populations is important. Those have greatly been

decimated by over-harvesting (southern and south-eastern Europe) and due to

questionable forest management policies (central Europe).

Disturbance has been documented as the cause for the extinction of some breeding

colonies and the abandonment of frequently cliffs used as roosting sites. Therefore,

the control of recreational and sporting activities close to breeding sites and other

suitable cliffs such as climbing, paragliding, curiosity and bathing/diving (on

Mediterranean islands) is an important issue. Basically, restricted access is only a

matter of local and temporal requirements. In few occasions, mining activities have

been reported to be critical in this context (for example for Bulgaria). Building of

infrastructure and urbanisation can result in a severe reduction of habitat suitability in

sensitive breeding or foraging areas.

Powerlines (electrocution and collision), overhead cables, wind turbines - high

• Modify existing electricity poles and wires with protective devices

• Implementation of safe electricity pole design

• Avoid further buildings of overhead cable structures

89

• Optimised wind turbines (design and location)

Losses caused by electrocution or collision, overhead cables and wind turbines can

be substantial. Therefore, the design of safe electricity poles is an important measure

and adequate constructions can eliminate any risk. However, precaution measures to

avoid collision with over-head cables are much more difficult and will always

represent a certain mortality risk. In this context, urbanisation of remote areas can

have adverse effects on vulture populations. The same holds true for wind turbines

which have caused huge losses at various places (for example in Spain). Efforts

focussing on an optimised design of such structures have not been very efficient in

reducing mortality rates so far.

Illegal Shooting - medium (locally high)

Public awareness in general – medium

Reintroductions / Restocking activities - currently low (potentially high)

At present, restocking and reintroduction activities do not make much sense as

mortality causes are yet not eliminated. Therefore, the EGVWG agreed on a common

decision that any reintroduction or restocking activity must be in accordance with the

corresponding IUCN guidelines. Consequently, the importance of such activities is

currently rated as “low”. However, as vultures have strong philopatric habits, a re-

colonisation of vacant habitats of their former range will be ineffective and last

comparably long. Therefore such activities can play an important role for the long-

term restoration of the Eurasian Griffon Vulture population. Concrete and actual

plans for reintroduction exist for the Carpathian basin (Hungary, Rumania, Slovakia -

Dudas & Vegvari 2002):

Taking of Eggs – low

90

4.2.2 Monitoring

• Marking Individuals

• Population trends (breeding pairs, productivity, no. fledglings, no. at feeding

sites)

• Pathological monitoring of live and dead birds (mortality causes)

• Central database

• Habitat suitability / limiting factors

Monitoring of population trends, breeding success, movements of marked birds and

mortality causes is essential and an urgent requirement in order to set (or correct) the

adequate management priorities. The corresponding objectives include standardized

and coordinated Marking Program, sampling of population trend, breeding success

and movements of marked birds, integrated Data Base (one coordinator per country,

synchronized copies for all users)

The EGVWG established basic standards for a coordinated ring-marking and wing-

tagging project on earlier meetings, and an integrated database is currently being

established to guarantee standardised data. This data-base will be handled by

national coordinators and data-integration and re-distribution will be managed

centrally by French colleagues (F. Sarrazin, French team). Local copies of the

database are provided for every group involved in monitoring to guarantee quick data

access. Due to the risk which is imposed by the population crash of Gyps vultures on

the Indian subcontinent, a special monitoring concern has to be focussed along

potential Eurasian migration routes.

4.2.3 Research needs

• Population Viability Analyses

• Space / habitat use patterns (population interactions, risk identification,

Juvenile dispersal)

• Evaluation of management priorities for present and potential habitats

• Medical and toxicological research (post mortem examinations)

• Analyses of genetic variation (Population structure, reintroductions)

• Final confirmation of causes for the crash of Gyps-populations in India

91

Currently, there are considerable gaps in our knowledge of many aspects of Griffon

Vulture biology which limit our capabilities concerning certain management aspects.

One of the most relevant aspects in this context addresses population interactions

throughout the distribution range. Various observations of marked individuals give an

idea about large scale movements, juvenile dispersal and migration routes. However,

we have currently no idea if these movements result in interactions on a population

level such as gene flow. Therefore, genetic analyses of different populations are of

great importance. They are also relevant for potential restocking and/or reintroduction

projects as the diversity of the gene pool will also have consequences for the

decision which individuals are suitable for being released to the wild in the Eastern

European/Mediterranean range. Currently there are 3 research groups working on

genetic aspects (in France, Germany and Israel).

Besides the knowledge on gene flow, a more systematic monitoring of large and

short scale movements is of high importance. Such data can be collected using

various telemetry techniques (satellite-, GPS/GSM and VHF-telemetry) and will

deliver valuable data on habitat utilisation, risks and mortality causes but will also

give a clearer pattern on juvenile dispersal and migration corridors. Currently, a

research initiative is starting (cooperation between Salzburg and Vienna Zoo, the

Friuli Griffon Vulture Reintroduction Project and the ornithological station Cres) where

4 units of GPS/GSM telemetry units will be disposed on birds trapped during juvenile

dispersal which will deliver both, accurate positions, large coverage and high

temporal resolution.

A thorough analyses of mortality causes (post-mortem examinations) and of the

ultimate cause of the Gyps vulture population crashes in Asia will also be of utmost

importance for Griffon vulture research.

4.3 Logistic aspects • Optimum information flow between groups

• Coordinated marking and tagging program

• Monitoring Network

• Feeding site management (Network needed)

• Education

92

The EGVWG as a working group has very limited logistic and financial resources. We

see our capabilities primarily in providing a functioning platform for information

exchange, expertise and know-how. Therefore this Action Plan focuses more on the

relevant objectives than on concrete actions and the appointment of responsibilities

to certain NGOs, institutions and groups. However, several EGVWG members do

have resources for efficient monitoring, research and management.

For the implementation of this Action Plan, intensive cooperation at International level

is an essential requirement. A Balkan Vulture Initiative established as a joint venture

between the Black Vulture Conservation Society (BVCF), the Frankfurt Zoological

Society (ZGF), the Foundation for the Conservation of the Bearded Vulture (FCBV),

BirdLife International, La Lige pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO) and the Royal

Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is currently under ways and can play an

important role for the implementation of this Action Plan. An agreement on

cooperation in this issue has been achieved. Numerous NGO´s exist at different

national level .are potentially willing to cooperate (in alphabetic order):

Albania: • Albanian Society for the Protection of Birds and Mammals • Preservation and Protection of Nature and Environment in Albania (PPNEA) • Zoo Tirana

Armenia: • Armenian Society for the Protection of Birds

Austria: • Foundation for the Conservation of the Bearded Vulture (FCBV) • Hohe Tauern Nationalpark • Innsbruck Zoo • Salzburg Zoo • Vienna Zoo • WWF Austria

93

Bulgaria: • Balkan Wildlife Society • Birds of prey protection society • Bulgarian Ornithological Centre • Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) • Green Balkans Federation • Le Balkan • Nature Information and Conservation Center Eastern Rhodopes (NICCER) • Semper Viva • Sofia Zoo • Wild Fauna and Flora Fund (FWFF)

Croatia: • Eco-centre Caput Insulae-Beli (ECCIB) • Ornithological station Cres

Cyprus: • Forestry Department of Cyprus

France:

• Black Vulture Conservation Foundation • Foundation for the Conservation of the Bearded Vulture (FCBV) • LPO-FIR • Université Pierre et Marie Curie / Laboratoire d'Ecologie • Parc Naturel Regional du Vercors

Georgia: • Georgian Centre for the Conservation of Wildlife (GCCW) • Bird Conservation Union of Georgia (BCUG) • Institute of Zoology of Georgian Academy of Sciences • Noah's Ark Centre for the Recovery of Endangered Species (NACRES)

Germany: • Frankfurt Zoological Society (ZGF) • Frankfurt University / Zoological department • Heidelberg University Faculty for Pharmacology & Biology • World Working Group on Birds of Prey and Owls (WWGBP)

Greece: • Hellenic Ornithological Society (HOS) • Hellenic Wildlife Rehabilitation Center • Immediate Intervention for the protection of Nature • National Agricultural Research Foundation • Natural History Museum of Crete • Society for the Protection of Nature and Ecodevelopment • Thessaloniki University of Department of Forestry and Natural Environment • WWF Greece – Dadia Project

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Hungary: • Budapest Zoological and Botanical Garden

Italy: • Abruzzo Griffon Vulture Reintroduction Project • Friuli Griffon Vulture Reintroduction Project • Parco Natura Viva • WWF

Israel: • Israel Nature Reserves and Parks Authority • Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) / Gamla Nature Reserve • Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel

Jordan: • Hashemite University / Department of Biological Sciences • The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN)

FYR of Macedonia

• Wild Fauna and Flora Fund (FWFF) • Society of Ecologists of Macedonia • Natural History Museum Skopje • BioEcco • Skopje Zoo

Serbia:

• Institute for Protection of Nature • Instiute for Nature Cosnervation of Serbia

Spain: • Black Vulture Conservation Foundation (BVCF) • SEO/Birdlife

Switzerland: • Bündner Natural History Museum • Goldau Zoo • Infodienst Wildbiologie & Oekologie • Stiftung Pro Bartgeier • Schwiss National Park • Schweizerische Vogelwarte Sempach • SWILD • University of Bern / Conservation Biology

Turkey:

• Raptor Research & Rehabilitation Center Turkey (RRRCT) • Turkish Bird Research Society (KAD)

95

United Kingdom: • Natural Research, Ltd. • Zoological Society of London / Institute of Zoology - Wildlife Epidemiology • Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) • The National Birds of Prey Centre

96

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Camiña 2005 con Boëgel y Slotta Bachmayr Action plan Griffon vulture EGVWG

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