{"id":40701,"date":"2025-09-09T17:12:28","date_gmt":"2025-09-09T14:12:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/?p=40701"},"modified":"2025-09-09T17:12:29","modified_gmt":"2025-09-09T14:12:29","slug":"vultures-ecosystem-services-croatia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/es\/blog\/vultures-ecosystem-services-croatia\/","title":{"rendered":"Griffon Vultures boost nature and economy on Croatia\u2019s Kvarner Islands\u00a0\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Griffon Vulture release on Cres Island, Croatia – LIFE SUPPort \u00a9 BIOM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Kvarner Islands in Croatia are home to one of Europe\u2019s most unique Griffon Vulture<\/a> populations. Here, they nest on sea cliffs \u2013 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<\/a> project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Griffon Vultures ecosystem services between environmental regulation and cultural significance <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ecosystem services are the many ways nature directly supports human well-being. For Griffon Vultures<\/a> on the Kvarner Islands, these services fall into two main categories: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regulating services <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Griffon
Griffon Vultures perching on a tree \u00a9 LIFE SUPport<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Griffon Vultures<\/a> 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.<\/strong> Moreover, this natural cleanup process reduces greenhouse gas emissions<\/strong> linked to carcass transportation and incineration, with an impact on climate change. According to the study, in 2024 griffon vultures saved an estimated \u20ac14,000 in disposal costs<\/strong> y \u20ac3,700 in greenhouse gas emissions costs<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A second regulation service provided by Griffon Vultures<\/a> on the Kvarner Islands, is sanitation. The consumption of carcasses reduces the accumulation and transmission of toxins and pathogens to other animals including humans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cultural services <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The presence of these iconic birds attracts nature lovers and bird watchers to the Islands, creating a vibrant ecotourism sector<\/strong>. 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 <\/strong>reached approximately \u20ac375,000<\/strong>, with indirect spending on related tourist services<\/strong>, such as accommodation and dining, estimated at over \u20ac6.4 million<\/strong>. This influx of tourism revenue is a significant pillar supporting the local economy.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Vulture ecosystem services: linking vultures on the Kvarner Islands with ecosystem services, values and beneficiaries.\u00a0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n
Read the full study here<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preserving the Griffon Vultures of the Kvarner Islands <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Kvarner Islands, Croatia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In 2024, the Griffon Vulture<\/a> population on the Kvarner Islands was estimated at 152 breeding pairs<\/strong>, totaling around 399 individuals <\/strong>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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

La LIFE SUPport<\/a> 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\u2014ensuring safer breeding sites and better survival rates.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key conservation actions include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n