On September 9, 2024, another Rüppell’s Vulture (Gyps rueppelli) was GPS-tagged in Morocco with a device provided by the VCF. This tagging is part of ongoing efforts to identify the movements and conservation needs of this Critically Endangered species and to monitor its recent expansion into Europe.
Unlike the previous Rüppell’s Vulture tagged in May 2024 with a GPS tag provided by the VCF which ventured north into Spain and Portugal, this bird embarked soon after tagging on a journey south, heading towards the vast Sahara Desert.
Southward journey into the Sahara
Shortly after being tagged at the Vulture Recovery Centre (CRV Jbel Moussa) in Morocco by staff from AMPOVIS, the vulture set off on a flight towards the southern desert regions of the country. Rüppell’s Vultures are known for their incredible endurance, and they are capable of flying at altitudes of over 11,000 metres, making them the highest-flying bird species ever recorded.
Such abilities allow them to cover great distances as they search for carrion across the deserts and savannas of Africa. The signal of the GPS was lost on September 15, perhaps due to poor GSM coverage, but we are hopeful that the signal will be restored soon.
In the map below you can see the different movements of the two Rüppels Vultures released this year with GPS tags.
This southward migration is typical of Ruppel´s vultures movement patters in North Africa and emphasises how these birds have evolved to cope with the harshest of environments. Their natural range extends throughout the Sahel (Senegal, Niger and Chad) and Eastern Africa, spanning from southwestern Mauritania to Ethiopia and Tanzania.
Alarming decline of African vultures
The tagging of this Rüppell’s Vulture comes at a time when African vulture populations are experiencing an alarming decline. Due to habitat loss, poisoning, and the depletion of food sources, many vulture species in Africa, including Rüppell’s, are under severe threat. Once a bird that was highly prevalent, it is estimated that there are now only about 22,000 of Rüppell’s Vultures left. Poisoning, in particular, poses a significant risk, often stemming from the use of toxic chemicals like pesticide carbofuran.
These dramatic declines in Rüppell’s and other African vulture species threaten the ecological balance as they can’t fill their critical role of removing the carcasses of dead animals, which can help prevent the spread of diseases.
As numbers dwindle, the need for conservation efforts becomes even more pressing to ensure that these essential scavengers are protected across their native range.
Rüppell’s Vulture becoming a common sight in Europe
While Rüppell’s Vultures remain critically endangered in their native Africa, sightings in Europe have become more frequent in recent years. The vulture tagged in May 2024 flew across the Strait of Gibraltar, venturing into Spain and Portugal, where it currently is. This pattern reflects a broader trend, as Rüppell’s Vultures are increasingly observed mixing with Griffon Vultures in Europe. Climate change, food availability, and changing migration patterns may be contributing to this northward shift.
As Rüppell’s Vultures become more common in Europe, conservationists are paying close attention to how these birds adapt to different environments. This growing presence in Europe emphasises the need for cross-border collaboration to ensure their protection not only in Africa but across their expanding range.
Strengthening scientific collaboration for conservation
Recognising the importance of international cooperation, Director José Tavares and Research officer João Guilherme from the VCF visited the Jbel Moussa Vulture Recovery Center (CRV) in September 2024. During this meeting, they discussed potential collaborations with the Moroccan Association for the Protection of Vultures (AMPOVIS), which manages this site, to explore opportunities to strengthen scientific research and conservation of endangered African vultures.
Director José Tavares and Research officer João Guilherme from the VCF visiting Jbel Moussa Vulture Recovery Center
By fostering collaboration between Moroccan and European conservationists, new strategies can be developed to study and safeguard this critically endangered species in both their native and expanding ranges. The meeting highlighted the importance of international partnerships in vulture conservation. By sharing data and working together, Moroccan and European conservationists can better understand the species’ needs and develop strategies to ensure their survival in the face of habitat loss, food scarcity, and illegal poisoning.
Looking ahead
Tagging of the endangered Rüppell’s Vultures provides valuable insights into the migratory patterns and resilience of the species. Understanding their movements is key to informing future conservation strategies, as the birds navigate both human-made and natural challenges in their native habitats.
With continued efforts from organizations like VCF and AMPOVIS and with the support of global conservationists, there is hope for the future of Rüppell’s Vultures.
