{"id":36200,"date":"2023-10-16T19:15:35","date_gmt":"2023-10-16T16:15:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/?p=36200"},"modified":"2025-05-05T15:46:47","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T12:46:47","slug":"seven-griffon-vultures-released-in-cyprus-to-boost-the-endangered-population-life-with-vultures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/es\/blog\/seven-griffon-vultures-released-in-cyprus-to-boost-the-endangered-population-life-with-vultures\/","title":{"rendered":"Seven Griffon Vultures released in Cyprus to boost the endangered population – LIFE with Vultures"},"content":{"rendered":"

Seven Griffon Vultures (Gyps fulvus<\/em><\/a>) that arrived in Cyprus in March this year have now been set free, bringing renovated hope<\/a> for the Critically Endangered Cypriot population. Originally from Spain, the birds have been in the acclimatisation aviary since their arrival on the island. Come September\u2019s end, the LIFE with Vultures<\/a> team fitted seven out of fourteen Griffon Vultures with GPS transmitters. Their cage doors are open; they can freely soar through Cypriot skies. We wish the Griffon Vultures a long and fruitful life in the wild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Griffon
Griffon Vulture in flight in Cyprus \u00a9 Raija Howard<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Seven Griffon Vultures released in Cyprus<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"Spanish
The Spanish Griffon Vultures in the specialised acclimatisation aviary in Cyprus \u00a9 LIFE with Vultures<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In March 2023, 14 Griffon Vulture juveniles arrived<\/a> in Cyprus after a long journey by plane.  The wild-hatched juvenile birds had been rescued in weakened conditions in Spain, and after being fully rehabilitated, they were donated by Junta de Extremadura<\/a>. Home to 90-95% of the Griffon Vulture population in Europe, Spain is a key player<\/a> in several restocking projects ongoing in Europe with different vulture species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Griffon Vultures were taken to the acclimatisation aviary, where they stood during the last months. The LIFE for Vultures team follows a soft-release strategy, which is proven to perform better in the long-term home range stability<\/a> and survival rate of the released birds. The first batch was set free in the last days of September, whilst the remaining seven birds will be released in the upcoming weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Securing the future of the endangered Griffon Vulture population<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Cypriot Griffon Vulture population is considered critically endangered. With less than 30 individuals in the wild and geographical isolation from other colonies (which prevents the natural expansion of conspecifics), the leading solution to boost the local guild is bringing new individuals from other regions. \u00a0Collaborative efforts to save the species<\/a>\u00a0began in 1987 and are ongoing until today, thanks to the Life with Vultures project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The LIFE for Vultures brought a first batch of fifteen Griffon Vultures<\/a>, also from Spain, in November 2021. The birds have been released in September 2022<\/a>, and four have unfortunately lost their lives. The remaining reintroduced birds are adapting well and exploring the island.\u00a0The newcomers are now expected to follow the steps of their compatriots and mingle with the local community, sharing roosting and feeding areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cypriot Griffon Vulture population on the spotlight<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The story of the endangered Cypriot Griffon Vulture population has captured the attention of numerous media outlets in Cyprus and abroad. Fostering awareness of their vulnerable state and vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems is a crucial step towards having the necessary social and political support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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