The Bearded Vulture (Gypeatus Barbatus) is one of the most remarkable birds of prey in Europe, and Corsica is one of the few places where its original population still exists.
In the ongoing efforts to protect and increase the population, the LIFE GYPRESCUE project is working hard to protect the species and mitigate threats. Two critical components of their survival are good nesting conditions and food availability.
Therefore, wool for nesting was placed close to the Bearded Vulture nesting sites and 12 mouflons were released in the wild as a natural food resource during December 2024.

Wool – A crucial nest building material
From October to November, Bearded Vultures prepare for the breeding season by building or refurbishing nests, typically in cliff caves or even by taking over old eagle nests. To create a comfortable and secure environment for their eggs, the vultures employ a meticulous process. First, they arrange branches to form a sturdy base, then add wool to insulate the nest. This wool plays a multifaceted role in the reproductive cycle of the Bearded Vulture.
During the cold winter months (January and February), wool acts as a thermal insulator, protecting the eggs from the harsh mountain climate. It also absorbs moisture, preventing the eggs from getting too damp, and cushions them against any shocks from the branches. But wool isn’t just functional—it’s also a vital component of pair bonding and reproduction. The collection and sharing of wool between partners serves as a stimulus that strengthens their bond and synchronizes their reproductive cycles, helping to trigger the onset of egg-laying.
However, the availability of wool has become a growing concern for Bearded Vultures in Corsica. As the population of wild mountain sheep and goats declines, vultures are finding it increasingly difficult to find wool from dead animals, which has traditionally been a key resource. To address this, the LIFE GYPRESCUE project team has stepped in to provide wool to the vultures in the field, ensuring that they have sufficient material for nest construction. This action plays an essential role in supporting the species’ reproduction and enhancing the likelihood of successful breeding seasons.
As you can see from the video below, placing the wool was appreciated!
Video credit: Parc naturel régional de Corse
Mouflon release: Strengthening the food chain
Food availability is another major factor in the conservation of the Bearded Vulture. Bearded Vultures are scavengers, and their diet consists primarily of carrion, including the remains of large mammals like sheep, goats, and wild ungulates. However, the decline of traditional mountain pastoralism in Corsica has led to a reduction in the number of these animals, making it harder for vultures to find food. One key species in the vulture’s diet is the mouflon, a wild sheep native to Corsica.

To address this challenge, the LIFE GYPRESCUE project is working in tandem with other conservation efforts to boost the mouflon population on the island. In December 2024, a significant conservation operation took place on the Cagna massif, where 12 mouflons—six males and six females—were released into the wild. This release, part of the broader conservation strategy for Corsican mouflons, is crucial for the survival of both the mouflon and the Bearded Vulture. The mouflon population has been critically low in the southern parts of the island, and this operation is designed to strengthen the species and expand its range.
The released mouflons are equipped with GPS collars, which will provide valuable data on their movements and health. This information will help track the progress of the mouflon population and ensure that it remains stable and sustainable, thereby offering a more reliable food source for the Bearded Vultures.
Ensuring the Bearded Vulture survival and supporting ecological balance on the island
Nesting materials and food availability play an important role in the species’ survival. By providing wool for nest construction and releasing mouflons into the wild, the project is helping to ensure that the birds have the resources they need to thrive. These efforts not only support the Bearded Vulture population but also contribute to the broader ecological balance of the island.

Led by Parc naturel régional de Corse, in collaboration with Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux, Direction des systèmes énergétiques insulaires, Fédération des Chasseurs de la Corse du Sud and us at the Vulture Conservation Foundation, the LIFE GYPRESCUE project (LIFE20 NAT/FR/001553) came to life in 2021 to prevent the extinction of the Bearded Vulture in Corsica. The project team strives to increase the population through restocking actions, improve the natural reproduction and boost the island’s nesting capacity for the species, while preventing human-related disturbance and mitigating threats to reduce mortality.
