{"id":40764,"date":"2025-09-22T11:29:27","date_gmt":"2025-09-22T08:29:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/?p=40764"},"modified":"2025-09-22T11:29:28","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T08:29:28","slug":"what-is-ibm-and-why-is-it-important","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/es\/blog\/what-is-ibm-and-why-is-it-important\/","title":{"rendered":"What is IBM and why is it important?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The recovery of the Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus Barbatus<\/em>)<\/a> in Europe is one of the most remarkable conservation success stories of our time. Once on the brink of extinction in the Alps, the species is now slowly but steadily returning to its former range. Behind this success lies decades of cooperation, research, and monitoring \u2013 much of it made possible thanks to the International Bearded Vulture Monitoring Network (IBM)<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u00a9 Bruno Berthemy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A unique international collaboration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The IBM is currently coordinated by the Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF) and brings together 23 partners and four associated organisations, including national parks, nature reserves, NGOs and regional governments. What makes it special is its collaborative approach: by pooling knowledge, data, and expertise across borders, the IBM ensures that conservation actions for Bearded Vultures are based on the best possible evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monitoring Europe\u2019s Bearded Vulture population<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Monitoring is at the heart of IBM’s work. Partners across Europe continuously track the status of Bearded Vultures, sharing data that provides a clear picture of how the population is doing. Today, thanks to these efforts, we know that there are about 450 Bearded Vultures in the Alps<\/strong> with more than 100 breeding pairs<\/a>\u2013 a huge achievement since the reintroduction project began in the 1970s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u00a9 Sophie Roux <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Identifying individual birds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Every Bearded Vulture in Europe has a story, and IBM partners make sure they can be recognised. Using a combination of coloured rings with unique codes<\/strong> and a system of feather bleaching<\/strong>, researchers can identify individual birds across the continent. This enables partners to monitor their \u201cown\u201d vultures while also contributing to a continent-wide understanding of the species. Additionally, from all released and many wild-hatched birds the IBM stores a genetic fingerprint, which allows us to recognise the individual from shed feathers. This focus on individuals makes the IBM database unique and gives us insights into life stories of individuals, their parents and offsprings.The oldest individuals are followed for over 30 years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tracking movements with modern technology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Local partners equip both released and wild-hatched Bearded Vultures with GPS tags<\/strong>. These devices allow conservationists to follow the birds\u2019 movements in real time, giving valuable insights into survival, dispersal, and behaviour. Thanks to GPS tags we are able to identify birds which are in trouble or have died much quicker than without GPS tags. This allows us to save birds or at least to more likely identify the cause of death. Knowing why Bearded Vultures are dying is crucial to fight against the threats. Additionally, knowing when and where birds go helps us to improve reintroduction strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

International Observation Days (IOD)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Each year, the IBM organises International Observation Days (IOD)<\/strong><\/a>. Experts, volunteers, and bird lovers join forces to carry out simultaneous counts across the Alps and other regions. These coordinated surveys provide reliable population figures and are an excellent example of citizen science supporting professional monitoring. This year, IOD takes place on October 11.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Take part in IOD 2025<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Supporting reintroduction projects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The IBM also underpins six ongoing Bearded Vulture reintroduction and restocking projects in the Alps, Andalusia, Corsica, Maestrazgo, the French Massif-Central & Pre-Alps, and Bulgaria. By ensuring that released birds are tracked and monitored, the IBM makes sure that conservation actions are effective and adapted to real-world challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why IBM matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Without the IBM, conservation efforts for Bearded Vultures in Europe would be fragmented and less effective. Thanks to this international network:<\/p>\n\n\n\n