Early this week Tugia was released in Andalucía – the 6th bearded vulture to be released in southern Spain this year, and the 14th bearded vulture to be released this year across Europe in the VCF programme to restore the species across the continent.
The event was attended by 400 school children, and several regional government officials. Tugia is also the name of a local monument from ancient times that exists in the village of Peal de Becerro in Cazorla.
In a few weeks’ time Tugia will be flying in the same skies as Tono & Blimunda, the adult pair that bred successfully last year in Andalucía, the first time the species nested in southern Spain for more than 30 years – a fantastic milestone in a project that only started 10 years ago. This year Tono & Blimunda prepared the nest, but unfortunately they did not lay any eggs.
The Andalusia Bearded Vulture Reintroduction Project is funded by the Andalusia Government. So far 43 birds have been released there. The project is managed by the Fundación Gypaetus and the VCF collaborates as partner. This project is included in the European conservation strategy for the species.
Photos: Junta de Andalucía
