The Griffon Vultures population on the Kvarner Islands in Croatia provides invaluable benefits to both nature and local communities. A recent study on the ecosystem services provided by vultures in Croatia, highlighted that these precious birds help reduce livestock carcasses disposal costs and greenhouse gas emissions, and are also key drivers of a thriving ecotourism industry that fuels the Kvarner Islands economy.
The Kvarner Islands in Croatia are home to one of Europe’s most unique Griffon Vulture populations. Here, they nest on sea cliffs – a rare behaviour not seen elsewhere in their range. Once in steep decline, these magnificent birds are making a comeback thanks to dedicated conservation work, including the ongoing LIFE SUPport project.
Vultures on the Kvarner Islands provide several ecosystem services that benefit people, and a recent study quantified their economic value. By consuming livestock carcasses, they reduce the costs and the greenhouse gas emissions associated with carcass disposal. In addition, they attract thousands of tourists every year, generating almost 7mln euros in ecotourism and touristic services only in 2024.
Griffon Vultures ecosystem services between environmental regulation and cultural significance
Ecosystem services are the many ways nature directly supports human well-being. For Griffon Vultures on the Kvarner Islands, these services fall into two main categories:
Regulating services
Griffon Vultures consume livestock carcasses, naturally removing dead animals from the environment. This reduces the financial burden on farmers and government bodies by cutting down the need for carcass collection and disposal. Moreover, this natural cleanup process reduces greenhouse gas emissions linked to carcass transportation and incineration, with an impact on climate change. According to the study, in 2024 griffon vultures saved an estimated €14,000 in disposal costs y €3,700 in greenhouse gas emissions costs.
A second regulation service provided by Griffon Vultures on the Kvarner Islands, is sanitation. The consumption of carcasses reduces the accumulation and transmission of toxins and pathogens to other animals including humans.
Cultural services
The presence of these iconic birds attracts nature lovers and bird watchers to the Islands, creating a vibrant ecotourism sector. Tourists look out for unique vulture watching experiences, including visits to the Beli Rescue Centre and boat tours around Plavnik Island to observe breeding sites. In 2024 alone, direct spending on vulture-related ecotourism reached approximately €375,000, with indirect spending on related tourist services, such as accommodation and dining, estimated at over €6.4 million. This influx of tourism revenue is a significant pillar supporting the local economy.
Preserving the Griffon Vultures of the Kvarner Islands
In 2024, the Griffon Vulture population on the Kvarner Islands was estimated at 152 breeding pairs, totaling around 399 individuals including non-breeders. This number reflects a significant recovery from 2021, when only 121 breeding pairs were recorded. Thanks to ongoing conservation measures, this population is expected to grow steadily, bolstering both biodiversity and the ecosystem services these birds provide.
La LIFE SUPport project is instrumental in protecting the Griffon Vulture population on Cres, Krk, Rab, and neighboring islands. This project tackles key threats such as nest disturbance, food scarcity, poisoning, and electrocution—ensuring safer breeding sites and better survival rates.
Key conservation actions include:
- Reducing nest disturbance and improving rescue and rehabilitation;
- Expanding the supplementary feeding stations network;
- Preventing poisoning by exploring best preventive measures to avoid the use of poisoned baits, promoting the use of lead-free ammunition and assisting enforcement agencies;
- Mitigating risks of electrocution from power lines;
- Raising awareness and engaging local communities and authorities.
Thanks to these efforts, the population is projected to increase to 175 breeding pairs by 2028 and up to 195 pairs by 2034. Without these measures, numbers could have dropped dramatically to just 60 pairs.
Wildlife conservation contributes to local communities well-being
La Griffon Vultures of the Kvarner Islands stand as a shining example of how wildlife conservation and community well-being can go hand in hand. Protected and nurtured by projects like LIFE SUPport, these birds not only ensure environmental health by cleaning up carcasses and reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions but also enrich the local economy through thriving ecotourism. Supporting their continued survival means protecting a natural legacy that benefits nature and people alike.
LIFE SUPport
La LIFE SUPport aims to strengthen Croatia’s endangered Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) population. A 5-year project co-financed by the EU’s will create better conditions for the species to thrive and recolonise its historical breeding ground on the Croatian mainland. The project aims to improve breeding and survival conditions, minimise nest disturbance, reduce nestling mortality, tackle the threat of poison, mitigate collision and electrocution risks, and increase food availability.
La LIFE SUPport is a 2.1 million project from January 2023 until December 2027. A joint effort led by BIOM with Public Institution Priroda, Otok Krk Agricultural Cooperative, HEP – Operator distribucijskog sustava d.o.o., the energy distribution company, the Vulture Conservation Foundation and the Croatian Nature Protection Directorate (Ministry of Economy) as associate partners.
