This summer´s census of summering griffon vultures in the western Alps will take place on the 19th August – see below on how to participate.
This count has been happening since 2010, covering mainly the western Alps (France and Italy), through cooperation with national and natural parks, ornithological associations and some other partners. The census takes part in the second half of August, when summering griffons are more stabilized – before one can still observe some erratic spring dispersion, while in September the griffons start going back to their perennial ranges. Last year the survey was cancelled due to very adverse weather conditions. In 2015 more than 1700 griffon vultures were counted
Like in previous years, the area to prospect this year covers the French Alps: from the Rhone in the west to the Italian border in the east and south to the Mediterranean, and to Lake Geneva in the north (see map below). Within this vast space, counts are done at the end of day (17:00-20:00) in known roosting places, during the return of birds from their foraging trips. See map for this year´s counts.
The survey is being coordinated by Envergures Alpines. If you are available on that day, and interested in vultures, please contact christian.couloumy@gmail.com at Envergures Alpines.
Photos: Envergures Alpines, Bruno Berthémy/VCF
