Electrocution from power lines continues to pose a significant threat to the already critically endangered Griffon Vulture population in Cyprus with repeated fatalities.
JCC: The latest victim
A two-year-old male identified by the ring code JJC is the latest victim of electrocution. He was discovered dead beneath a medium-voltage electricity pole in the Korfí area of Limassol, Cyprus. The circumstances of his death and his body showed clear signs of electrocution, including severe burns.
Authorities, including the Police and the Game and Fauna Service, are currently investigating the incident, and awaiting official necropsy results. However, the visible evidence strongly suggests electrocution as the cause of death. This is not an isolated case. Over the past few years, at least six vultures have suffered a similar fate, with estimates indicating that the electricity grid has contributed to the loss of one-third of the population in recent years.
Losing one vulture is a huge blow
The Griffon Vulture population in Cyprus is critically low, making every single loss devastating. JJC was part of a restocking effort that involved translocating birds from Spain to help stabilize and increase the population. His death represents not just the loss of an individual but also a missed opportunity for future generations of vultures. Given the species’ slow reproductive rate, each bird plays a crucial role in maintaining the fragile population. These deaths are preventable – real commitment from stakeholders to make the necessary changes are necessary to combat this threat.
Urgent Need for improved mitigation measures
The Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) has implemented some measures, such as marking power lines in transmission networks to reduce collision risks. However, efforts to insulate medium-voltage poles and prevent electrocution remain insufficient. The continued loss of vultures underlines the urgent need for more effective solutions. Conservationists stress that EAC must immediately insulate dangerous poles, replace high-risk structures with safer alternatives, and integrate wildlife considerations into future grid expansion plans.
Preventing vulture electrocutions requires strong collaboration between conservation organizations, government authorities, and electricity providers. Without swift action, more vultures will continue to fall victim to the very infrastructure that could be modified to protect them. The responsibility to prevent further deaths lies with all stakeholders.
The LIFE with Vultures project
LIFE with Vultures is a targeted conservation project for the protection of the Griffon Vulture in Cyprus. In this four-year endeavor (2019-2023), BirdLife Cyprus, the Game and Fauna Service, Terra Cypria – The Cyprus Conservation Foundation and the Vulture Conservation Foundation have joined forces to tackle the main threats facing the Griffon Vulture and prevent Cyprus’ most threatened bird of prey from going extinct. The project has a 1,375,861 Euro budget and is co-funded (60%) by the EU’s LIFE programme.
