In celebration of International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD) 2024, the Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF) hosted an inspiring “Expert Week” from September 10th to 15th. This unique initiative invited the public to engage directly with our team of experts by asking their most pressing questions about vulture conservation. Throughout the week, our dedicated specialists shared valuable insights along a wide range of topics from the daily challenges in captive breeding to creating a professional career in vulture conservation.
The “Expert Week” initiative is our way of connecting vulture lovers, conservationists and curious with experts in the field. We offer short, easy to digest videos based on our public most common questions. for quick and insightful learning. It is also a way to celebrate the efforts and the knowledge needed to help vultures species thrive around the world in the spirit of IVAD.
The “Expert Week” Highlights
- How to understand bird behavior from GPS data?
VCF Scientific and Conservation Coordinator Franziska Lörcher explains the critical role GPS trackers play in vulture conservation. Beyond just tracking locations, these devices allow scientists to monitor behaviors and spot when birds might need intervention. - How many bones can a Bearded Vulture actually eat?
Franziska also shares fascinating facts about the Bearded Vulture’s diet. These majestic scavengers thrive on bones—sometimes throwing large ones from great heights to break them into digestible pieces. - What’s behind the rise in conflicts between vultures and livestock breeders?
Milene Matos, LIFE Aegypius Return Project Coordinator, delves into the rising tensions between vultures and livestock breeders, offering strategies to mitigate these conflicts. - What are the biggest challenges in breeding Bearded Vultures in captivity?
Carmen Calero, Bearded Vulture Captive Breeding Assistant at Vallcalent, reveals that finding compatible breeding pairs is one of the toughest challenges. Without a good match, things can quickly turn problematic! - How can someone get professionally involved in vulture conservation?
VCF Director José Tavares outlines the variety of skills needed in vulture conservation, emphasizing the importance of research, fieldwork, and community outreach. - What is the most significant milestone reached in vulture conservation so far?
José Tavares also highlights the critical breakthroughs in vulture conservation, from the first successful reintroductions to comprehensive action plans that are shaping the future of these incredible birds.
About IVAD
International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD) is an annual global event held on the first Saturday of September, aimed at raising awareness about vultures and promoting their conservation. These birds of prey play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by efficiently recycling dead animals and preventing the spread of diseases. However, vultures face significant threats, including habitat loss, poisoning, and illegal wildlife trade, making conservation efforts increasingly urgent.
