After a four-year hiatus, the Vulture Conservation Foundation is proud to share that Info Gipeto, the beloved bulletin documenting the international Bearded Vulture reintroduction project, has returned with its 39th issue. Co-edited by the Ente Aree Protette Alpi Marittime and the Province of Sondrio, this special edition is dedicated, with deep affection and gratitude, to one of the founding fathers of the Bearded Vulture conservation in Europe: Hans Frey.
Hans Frey: the man behind the miracle
This publication is dedicated to Hans Frey, and no dedication could be more deserved. Hans is one of the founders of the European Bearded Vulture captive-breeding programme, and a corner stone of the Vulture Conservation Foundation. The story of how he came to dedicate his life to this species is truly inspiring. He built and manages the Richard Faust Zentrum in Haringsee (Austria). The centre, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025, is the first Bearded Vulture captive-breeding centre in Europe and the heart of the captive-breeding programme.
The figures speak for themselves
InfoGipeto n.39 covers the last four years of Bearded Vulture conservation efforts in Europe. During these years, the wild Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) population in the Alpine chain reached unprecedented levels, with more than 110 breeding pairs and at least 67 fledged young vultures in 2025. The highest figure since the conservation actions started in the 1970s.
Perhaps the most symbolically significant development of all comes from Bulgaria: after 20 years of preparation, 2025 witnessed the first Bearded Vulture releases in the Balkans. This long-awaited milestone marked the species’ return to the Bulgarian skies: a milestone that opens a new chapter in reconnecting different populations across Europe.
New and old challenges on the horizon
The bulletin also addresses the challenges Bearded Vultures face in captivity. The 2025 breeding season in the captive-breeding network recorded fewer chicks than expected. In addition, the emergence of unforeseen veterinary challenges took a toll on the captive population. A parasitosis caused by the nematode Cyathostoma americana and a circovirus infection required immediate veterinary attention and the implementation of isolation protocols. Lastly, the publication also dedicates extensive attention to one of the gravest threats facing vultures and raptors across Europe: lead poisoning from hunting ammunition.
Why this publication matters
For anyone interested in vulture conservation in Europe, this bulletin is essential reading. It covers four years of progress (2022–2025) across the entire range of the Alpine and southern European Bearded Vulture population, drawing on contributions from monitoring teams in Italy, France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Bulgaria, and Spain.
Info Gipeto No. 39 is available for download via the Province of Sondrio and the Ente Aree Protette Alpi Marittime. We encourage all our vulture enthusiasts, conservationists, and partners to read it. It is more than a scientific report. It testifies to what dedication, cooperation, and genuine love for nature can achieve.
