During a holiday at Sérignan Plage, vulture enthusiast Regan Buchmüller-Baltes discovered a dead vulture washed up on the beach and promptly reported it.
This action of reporting, though simple, is essential for conservationists, enabling them to reconstruct the bird’s life history, to identify cause of mortality and to contribute to broader conservation efforts.
The bird’s journey
The bird in question was a young Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus), a species that is still recovering across Europe thanks to dedicated conservation programmes. This particular vulture had been born and ringed earlier this year in June, in a breeding colony in the Grands Causses, France. Only a few weeks prior, it had been seen perched on a church and feeding at a designated feeding site. Unfortunately, it appears the bird attempted a perilous journey over the sea, which it did not survive, ultimately washing up on the beach.
The bird’s identity and history were traced thanks to the leg ring, allowing conservationists to reconstruct its life and movements. This information provides invaluable insight into the challenges faced by young vultures, especially during their early flights and migrations.
Why reporting matters
This story is a testament to the importance of citizen involvement in wildlife conservation. Reporting dead or injured birds can help conservationists collect crucial data. In this case, the report enabled logging the incident into VCF’s European-wide vulture mortality database.
This database plays a vital role in identifying the primary causes of vulture deaths, helping conservationists to direct their efforts more effectively. By understanding these threats, whether they be natural challenges, human interference, or environmental hazards, actions can be taken to mitigate the risks and protect these magnificent birds.
What to do if you find a dead or injured bird?
If you come across a dead or injured bird, it’s important not to touch or move the bird. Instead, report the sighting to local authorities such as the police, or national park staff.
In case of Bearded Vultures, Cinereous Vultures, Griffon Vultures and Egyptian Vultures, you can always report it to us at VCF via email info@4vultures.org. Please take a photo of the bird and mark the location of the bird as specific as possible.
Injured birds can often be rehabilitated by specialised centres, and dead birds, like the one found by Regan, are investigated to determine the cause of death.
The bigger picture: Evidence-based conservation
The story of this young cinereous vulture underscores the importance of evidence-based conservation. By collecting and analysing data from across Europe, VCF and its partners can make informed decisions that directly impact the survival of vulture species. Each reported death contributes to a broader understanding of the species’ needs and the threats they face, allowing for targeted conservation measures.
A heartfelt thank you to all citizen scientists
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Regan Buchmüller-Baltes and everyone who contributes to wildlife conservation through citizen science. Every report counts and helps protect these incredible birds. By staying vigilant and reporting what you see, you become part of a larger network of people working to conserve our natural world.
In closing, let’s remember that conservation is a collaborative effort. As demonstrated in this case, your actions, no matter how small, can make a big difference in protecting vulnerable species like the cinereous vulture.
