The recovery of the Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus Barbatus) in Europe is one of the most remarkable conservation success stories of our time. Once on the brink of extinction in the Alps, the species is now slowly but steadily returning to its former range. Behind this success lies decades of cooperation, research, and monitoring – much of it made possible thanks to the International Bearded Vulture Monitoring Network (IBM).
A unique international collaboration
The IBM is currently coordinated by the Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF) and brings together 23 partners and four associated organisations, including national parks, nature reserves, NGOs and regional governments. What makes it special is its collaborative approach: by pooling knowledge, data, and expertise across borders, the IBM ensures that conservation actions for Bearded Vultures are based on the best possible evidence.
Monitoring Europe’s Bearded Vulture population
Monitoring is at the heart of IBM’s work. Partners across Europe continuously track the status of Bearded Vultures, sharing data that provides a clear picture of how the population is doing. Today, thanks to these efforts, we know that there are about 450 Bearded Vultures in the Alps with more than 100 breeding pairs– a huge achievement since the reintroduction project began in the 1970s.
Identifying individual birds
Every Bearded Vulture in Europe has a story, and IBM partners make sure they can be recognised. Using a combination of coloured rings with unique codes and a system of feather bleaching, researchers can identify individual birds across the continent. This enables partners to monitor their “own” vultures while also contributing to a continent-wide understanding of the species. Additionally, from all released and many wild-hatched birds the IBM stores a genetic fingerprint, which allows us to recognise the individual from shed feathers. This focus on individuals makes the IBM database unique and gives us insights into life stories of individuals, their parents and offsprings.The oldest individuals are followed for over 30 years.
Tracking movements with modern technology
Local partners equip both released and wild-hatched Bearded Vultures with GPS tags. These devices allow conservationists to follow the birds’ movements in real time, giving valuable insights into survival, dispersal, and behaviour. Thanks to GPS tags we are able to identify birds which are in trouble or have died much quicker than without GPS tags. This allows us to save birds or at least to more likely identify the cause of death. Knowing why Bearded Vultures are dying is crucial to fight against the threats. Additionally, knowing when and where birds go helps us to improve reintroduction strategies.
International Observation Days (IOD)
Each year, the IBM organises International Observation Days (IOD). Experts, volunteers, and bird lovers join forces to carry out simultaneous counts across the Alps and other regions. These coordinated surveys provide reliable population figures and are an excellent example of citizen science supporting professional monitoring. This year, IOD takes place on October 11.
Supporting reintroduction projects
The IBM also underpins six ongoing Bearded Vulture reintroduction and restocking projects in the Alps, Andalusia, Corsica, Maestrazgo, the French Massif-Central & Pre-Alps, and Bulgaria. By ensuring that released birds are tracked and monitored, the IBM makes sure that conservation actions are effective and adapted to real-world challenges.
Why IBM matters
Without the IBM, conservation efforts for Bearded Vultures in Europe would be fragmented and less effective. Thanks to this international network:
- Conservationists have access to shared data and insights.
- Researchers can get easy access to a well structured dataset about a long-lived avian scavenger spanning multiple generations and regions in Europe.
- Reintroduction projects are guided by scientific evidence.
- The public can contribute observations to support monitoring.
- Decision-makers can set priorities with reliable information.
The Bearded Vulture is one of Europe’s rarest raptors, but also one of its most inspiring conservation success stories. IBM ensures that this success story continues!
How can you help or get involved?
You don’t need to be a scientist to support Bearded Vulture conservation – everyone can play a role! Here’s how:
- Report your sightings: If you spot a Bearded Vulture in the Alps or other regions, let the IBM partners know. Every observation helps refine monitoring efforts. The address list is provided on the website.
- Take part in International Observation Days: Join other bird enthusiasts and experts in the annual coordinated counts. Your participation helps provide valuable data.
- Spread the awareness: Share information about IBM, Bearded Vultures and their conservation. Raising awareness is key to ensuring long-term support.
- Support conservation work: Follow the updates, and consider supporting our efforts to safeguard vultures across Europe.
- Make a donation to the IBM – by donating any amount to the IBM; we can ensure that our knowledge about Bearded Vultures can support their conservation. Simply comment “IBM” in your donation to the VCF-bank account
The International Bearded Vulture Monitoring Network (IBM) is a unique international collaboration between national & natural parks and non-governmental organisations, coordinated by the Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF), to monitor the population of the Bearded Vulture in Europe.
The IBM-network collects, shares and makes available Bearded Vulture data to everyone working for the species’ conservation. It also uses this data and discusses conservation strategies and priorities for this species worldwide. There are currently 23 partners and associated organisations part of the IBM-network.
