The 2024 International Bearded Vulture Meeting once again brought together the dedicated community of experts, researchers, and conservationists to advance the protection of this majestic, endangered bird. The meeting took place from 8–10 November 2024 in the beautiful coastal city of Ajaccio, Corsica.
With an engaging agenda and dynamic presentations, the event highlighted innovative conservation practices, addressed ongoing challenges, and provided actionable insights aimed at safeguarding the Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) for generations to come.
Population growth and future projections
The Bearded Vulture conservation programme stands as one of the most spectacular wildlife comeback stories of our times. Over the past 40 years, the European population has increased by an astounding 365%, and momentum is likely to continue, with experts predicting the Alpine population alone to double over the next decade. With a record of 85 breeding pairs in the Alps and an impressive number of fledglings this season, the demography of the Alpine population appears very healthy and robust. Data shows that breeding success increases with wild pairs over reintroduced ones, is stronger in stable pairs, and is notably higher in protected areas. While central populations in the Alps are thriving, peripheral populations, with lower breeding productivity and higher mortality rates, are vulnerable to declines. This data underscores the need for targeted conservation efforts to support peripheral areas.
Addressing anthropogenic threats
Despite the overall progress, anthropogenic mortality remains a critical threat to the Bearded Vulture, even within the Alps. Data presented at the seminar highlighted that shooting, poisoning, collisions, and lead poisoning are significant causes of death. To address these issues, the French-led “LIFE GypAct” project has made strides with a metapopulation approach, implementing innovative partnerships with judicial authorities and law enforcement to tackle illegal killings. Notably, GypAct has launched the first anti-poison dog unit to detect and deter criminal activities, which represents a substantial advancement in enforcement and protection efforts.
Regional collaboration and data sharing
One of the key highlights was the increasing need for collaboration and shared data across borders. With several populations in Spain merging and the dynamic, and the growing populations in the Alps, the conservation experts stressed the importance of joint analysis, data sharing, and standardised protocols to enhance population monitoring. The International Bearded Vulture Monitoring Network (IBM) was celebrated for creating a “treasure trove” of data that has become invaluable for research and evidence-based conservation efforts.
The role of habitat and food availability
Another critical topic was the habitat and food availability in reintroduction sites. Experts discussed the importance of assessing the carrion capacity in regions such as the Alps and Corsica to sustain a stable vulture population. In Spain, sustainable livestock practices—particularly extensive sheep farming—are showing positive effects, contributing both to the rural economy and to the vultures’ food supply, providing a model for other regions to follow.
Consistent success of the Bearded Vulture Captive-Breeding Centres
Captive breeding within the Bearded Vulture EEP programme remains central to conservation success. This year (2024), a record-breaking breeding season was celebrated, with high fertility rates and optimal conditions. The primary captive breeding centres in the EEP programme—Vallcalent and Guadalentín in Spain, and the Richard Faust Zentrum in Austria—shared insights into the conditions behind this recent success, demonstrating the impact of well-coordinated captive-breeding efforts on species resilience.
New reintroduction sites in horizon
Looking to the future, reintroduction efforts will expand to new sites. In 2025 we will for the first time release Bearded Vultures in Bulgaria, in the LIFE Bearded Vulture Bulgaria. The reintroduction efforts will continue in the Alps to increase the genetic diversity and strengthen the peripheral population (eastern and western Alps). In the future we are evaluating reintroductions in Sardinia and other regions in Spain, beside the already running projects in Andalusia and the Maestrazgo region.The success of these new projects will rely on carefully crafted release strategies and robust partnerships across regions to secure funding and maintain genetic diversity in captive populations, which is essential for their long-term stability.
New National Action Plans in Spain and France
The newly developed national action plans for the Bearded Vulture in France, Spain, and Portugal were also presented. These ten-year plans outline strategic priorities for conservation across the Iberian Peninsula and France, offering a roadmap for focused, long-term progress on behalf of the species.
Emphasis on community and collaboration
The presentations ended with a powerful message: conservation is a collective effort, and clear, positive communication with the public and stakeholders fosters support and strengthens partnerships.
The International Bearded Vulture Meeting of 2024 not only underscored the dedication of the global conservation community but also showcased the progress made towards a brighter future for the species. With new projects, stronger partnerships, and innovative conservation strategies, the future of the Bearded Vulture looks increasingly hopeful.
A fitting finale: Two Bearded Vultures spotted on the field trip
The seminar concluded with a memorable field visit to the Evisa Bearded Vulture territory in Corsica. Under spring-like conditions and against a backdrop of breathtaking mountain scenery, around 60 participants were thrilled to see two Bearded Vultures soaring—Luna and Muntagnolu, released in Corsica in 2016 and 2017. The sight of these birds in their natural habitat offered a moving reminder of the importance of this conservation work, leaving everyone with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to preserving the Bearded Vulture’s future.
Thank you and see you next time!
A heartfelt thank you to the staff of the Regional Park of Corsica for hosting the meeting, and to all who presented and participated. Your dedication and insights made this event a resounding success. We already look forward to the next meeting in 2026!
