In a remarkable tale of conservation and recovery, the Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus), once on the brink of extinction, is making a dramatic comeback in Portugal and Western Spain. Our new LIFE Aegypius Return animation video, “The Return of a Giant”, tells the story of this incredible bird’s decline and recovery, and is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
From the brink to a remarkable recovery
The Cinereous Vulture, a majestic bird with a 3-meter wingspan, was once a common sight in the skies of Europe. However, its population declined drastically in the 20th century due to habitat loss, wildlife poisoning, and direct persecution. By the 1970s, the species had become extinct in Portugal, and, in Spain, the population had dwindled to around 200 pairs.
The tide began to turn in Spain by the late 1980s, as targeted conservation efforts and legal protection sparked a remarkable recovery. The Cinereous Vulture population in Spain began to grow, and in 2010, the species naturally recolonized Portugal, with birds from nearby Spanish breeding colonies beginning to nest there and successfully hatching their chicks. By 2022, the Cinereous Vulture population in Portugal had grown to 40 pairs, but the species remained fragile, and the recolonization process was slow and limited.
The LIFE Aegypius Return project: A new chapter in conservation
To address the ongoing challenges facing the Cinereous Vulture population, the LIFE Aegypius Return project was launched in 2022. This transnational and multidisciplinary initiative aims to consolidate and expand the Cinereous Vulture population in Portugal and Western Spain. The project’s objectives are ambitious: to double the breeding population in Portugal, increase breeding success, and enhance connectivity between colonies.
Through a range of actions, including the rehabilitation and soft release of Cinereous Vultures, the construction of artificial nesting platforms, and the establishment of supplementary feeding areas, the project is working to mitigate threats and create a safe and thriving environment for the species. By engaging local communities and promoting safe land-use practices, the project is also helping to reduce human-wildlife conflict and promote coexistence with the Cinereous Vulture.
All efforts are paying off: after one year of the project, in 2023, the number of breeding pairs recorded in Portugal doubled, reaching 78–81. The 2024 results are nearly complete and will be released soon. The first soft-released birds are already flying freely around the Douro Internacional region, and 34 chicks have been sampled and tagged, providing valuable scientific information that enables more effective conservation of the species.
Join the mission
The LIFE Aegypius Return project is a testament to the power of collaboration and conservation. Co-financed by the EU’s LIFE Programme, the project brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, including local partners and national authorities, to work towards a common goal.
By joining forces, we can make a real difference for this incredible species. Will you join us? The first step can be as simple as sharing this video to help spread the word about the importance of conserving the Cinereous Vulture.
But there are many more ways to get involved. If you’re based in Portugal or Spain, you can play a crucial role in helping us combat wildlife crime. If you come across any suspicious activity, please report it to the authorities immediately. Your actions can help bring perpetrators to justice and deter these offences, making a real difference for the Cinereous Vulture population.
Together, we can create a safer future for the Cinereous Vulture. Every action counts.
About LIFE Aegypius Return
The LIFE Aegypius Return project is co-financed by the European Union’s LIFE programme. Its success depends on the involvement of all the relevant stakeholders, and on the collaboration of the partners, the Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF), the coordinating beneficiary, and the local partners Palombar – Conservation of Nature and Rural Heritage (with co-funding from Viridia – Conservation in Action and MAVA – Fondation pour la Nature), Herdade da Contenda, Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves, Liga para a Protecção da Natureza, Associação Transumância e Natureza, Fundación Naturaleza y Hombre, Guarda Nacional Republicana and Associação Nacional de Proprietários Rurais Gestão Cinegética e Biodiversidade.
