By the end of 20th century, Europe’s vultures were nearly wiped out and their populations decimated across the continent. Today, thanks to concerted conservation efforts, these iconic carrion-eaters are making a comeback in the Alps, the Pyrenees, and other mountain ranges in Germany, France, and Spain.
A new documentary from Arte captures the story of their resurgence, showcasing the successes and the ongoing challenges faced by these birds in a changing world. This documentary is available in both French and German and offers an eye-opening look at the work that has gone into saving Europe’s vulture populations.
Return of the Bearded Vulture
The Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), known for its impressive wingspan of up to three meters, is the focal point of these restoration efforts. Once eradicated in Germany, the Bearded Vulture is returning thanks to the tireless work of dedicated biologists and conservationists. Since 2021, Toni Wegscheider, a biologist from LBV, has led the reintroduction project in the Bavarian Alps together with Berchtesgaden National Park.
Every summer, two young Bearded Vultures are released into the wild in Berchtesgaden National Park in Germany. The documentary follows the release of Vinzenz and Wiggerl in May 2024. It also follows Wegscheider as he travels to the Bearded Vulture Captive Breeding Centre Guadalentín in Andalusia, where he meets Pakillo Rodriquez, the centre’s manager from the Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF). At the centre, Toni sees the Bearded Vulture chicks hatching that are later sent to different release locations across Europe, as part of the Bearded Vulture EEP programme.
The documentary follows Wegscheider’s journey as he exchanges GPS data with his French colleague, Pascal Orabi from LPO. Orabi is leading the Bearded Vulture releases in France, as part of the LIFE GypAct project.
Each released vulture is equipped with a transmitter that sends daily updates on their movements, helping researchers track their progress. Some of these magnificent birds have embarked on incredible journeys, traveling hundreds of kilometres across national borders. Notably, a female Bearded Vulture from Germany has made her home in France, where the first pairs are now breeding in the wild again.
Vultures are coming back but are still facing many threats
The populations of other vulture species, such as the Griffon Vulture, Cinereous Vulture, and Egyptian Vulture, have also seen significant recovery, especially in Spain. From the Cévennes to the Pyrenees, these birds are reclaiming their habitats, a testament to successful cross-border conservation projects. However, as the numbers rise, the vultures face new and old threats that challenge their continued survival.
Ernesto Álvarez, president of the Spanish nature conservation organization GREFA, expresses concern about these ongoing dangers. “Vultures are the most frequent patients in our wildlife hospital,” Álvarez explains. Collisions with wind turbines and power lines, as well as the poisoning from discarded toxic substances and lead in animal carcasses, remain major threats to their safety.
Watch the documentary
For those interested in learning more about the vulture reintroduction and the challenges these birds face, the documentary is available for viewing in French and German. Witness firsthand the commitment and success stories behind the vulture conservation efforts.
Watch it now on Arte.
LIFE Gyp’Act is a 13M€ project, co-funded by the EU’s LIFE programme, that will run until 30 November 2028. Project partners are LPO – Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux as coordinator beneficiary, and the Vulture Conservation Foundation, Association Vautours en Baronnies, LPO Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, LPO Occitanie, Sorbonne Université, ENEDIS, Centre National d’Informations Toxicologiques Vétérinaires, Parc National des Cévennes and Parc Naturel Régional du Vercors as associated beneficiaries.
