LIFE Aegypius Return
Consolidating and expanding the Cinereous Vulture population in Portugal and Western Spain
The Cinereous Vulture in Portugal and Spain through the years
20th Century
Formerly widespread in Iberia, the Cinereous Vulture was becoming increasingly scarce in the region over the 20th Century due to habitat loss, wildlife poisoning and direct persecution.1970s
The species is in trouble. The Cinereous Vulture breeding population went extinct in Portugal, and only around 200 pairs remained in Spain in 1973.From the late 1980s onwards
Cinereous Vulture numbers start recovering in Spain following the implementation of legal protection and targeted conservation measures.2010
The Cinereous Vulture naturally recolonises Portugal four decades following its extinction when birds from nearby Spanish breeding colonies began to nest there thanks to the expansion of the population in Spain and after conservation actions improved conditions for scavenging birds in Portugal.2022
The number of Cinereous Vulture pairs increased to 40 in Portugal, but the population and breeding colonies remain fragile, and the recolonisation process is too slow and limited. Urgent action is needed.LIFE Aegypius Return launched in 2022 to consolidate, enhance and accelerate the return of Cinereous in Portugal and Western Spain using a transnational and multidisciplinary approach.
Objectives and Scope
The long-term project objective is to secure a favourable conservation status for the Cinereous Vulture in Portugal.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES

Double the breeding population in Portugal from 40 to 80 pairs

Increase breeding success

Downgrade national status from Critically Endangered to Endangered

Enhance the connectivity between colonies
Actions
The project team strives to achieve the project objectives by improving the Cinereous Vulture's habitat and foraging conditions,reinforcing the population, limiting threats and developing national capacities across ten Natura 2000 sites along almost the entire Spanish-Portuguese border.
Funder and Partners
After being rescued from the nest, Cinereous Vulture “Aquis” is back in the wild – LIFE Aegypius Return
Cinereous Vulture Aquis was still too young to fly when the LIFE …
Uncovering the challenges of Neotropical Vultures by Sergio Lambertucci
Dr. Sergio Lambertucci is a well-known figure in the field of ecology …
Is there hope for Cinereous Vulture “Esperança”?
Cinereous Vulture Esperança (which means “hope” in Portuguese) was released in 2021 …
Vultures, predators, and the stories they share with humans by Dr. Marcos Moleón
In the complex world of scavenging, humans and carnivorous animals share something …
Dr. Darcy Ogada: Unveiling the complex web of vulture poisoning in Africa and Europe
Dr. Darcy Ogada will be a Keynote Speaker at the European Vulture …
Where are Zimbro and Gerês, the Cinereous Vultures released in Portugal?
Cinereous Vultures (Aegypius monachus) Zimbro and Gerês probably never crossed paths, yet …
Cinereous Vulture “Gerês” released in Portugal after recovery from a gunshot wound
On 10 August, a Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus) was released in Portugal …
Tagging Cinereous Vultures in the nest, step by step
This breeding season in Portugal, 15 Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus) chicks hatched …
Cinereous Vulture breeding season in Portugal with promising results: 15 chicks were GPS-tagged
During July, partners of the LIFE Aegypius Return project tagged 15 Cinereous …
Training police officers in Portugal on rescuing and handling Cinereous Vultures – LIFE Aegypius Return
In Portugal, Cinereous Vultures chicks are almost ready to fledge. As this …
LIFE Aegypius Return: tagging the first wild-hatched Cinereous Vulture chicks in Portugal and the results of the second partners’ meeting
Between 20-22 June, partners of the LIFE Aegypius Return project met at …
European Vulture Conference 2023 update: New website and Abstract Submission deadline extension
We are thrilled to bring you exciting updates regarding the European Vulture …
The science of vulture conservation: What you can expect at the European Vulture Conference 2023
Join us in Cáceres (Spain) between 14 and 17 November 2023 for …
Deadline approaching: Last chance to submit abstracts for the European Vulture Conference 2023
The European Vulture Conference 2023, held in Cáceres between 14-17 November, is …
LIFE Aegypius Return: the first Cinereous Vulture chicks hatched, and one new nest was confirmed in Malcata Nature Reserve (Portugal)
Good news from the Cinereous Vulture colony (Aegypius monachus) in the Malcata …
Joining forces: The importance of academic and non-academic conservationists working together for vulture conservation
Academic and non-academic collaboration is key in addressing complex conservation challenges. The European …
Banning lead ammunition in Portugal: Conference organised by the LIFE Aegypius Return project partners at the largest hunting fair in the country
Since February 2023, national authorities all over Europe have been working on …
European Vulture Conference 2023: Spain is a key player in vulture conservation and research
Spain is home to the largest and most diverse vulture populations in …
Discover the newly launched LIFE Aegypius Return website
Introducing the newly launched LIFE Aegypius Return website – your one-stop destination for all …
European Vulture Conference 2023: Abstract Submission and Registration now open!
We are thrilled to announce that abstract submission and registration for the European …
Meet Zimbro: The first Cinereous Vulture released within the LIFE Aegypius Return project
Can you imagine a better way to welcome spring than the release …