A juvenile Cinereous Vulture – a 2025 chick – was found in a weakened state in Montemor-o-Novo, southern Portugal, on August 26. After recovery at CARAS, in Évora, it was released in the Herdade da Contenda. The projeto LIFE Aegypius Return teams are now monitoring its movements thanks to a GPS/GSM transmitter.
Rescue of a weakened chick
It was in the car park of a garage in Montemor-o-Novo that a weakened Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus) sought rest. The garage workers, surprised by the presence of the huge bird, alerted the GNR (National Republican Guard), which in turn called CARAS – the Centre for the Reception and Recovery of Wild Animals, run by the LPN (League for the Protection of Nature) in Évora. The GNR officers collected the bird, which was promptly taken in and treated at CARAS.
It turned out to be a very young chick, hatched in 2025, clearly weakened and weighing only 5 kg. Veterinary examinations showed no injuries and no signs of any major health problems.
Its colony of origin was unknown. It might have fled from the major wildfires that had struck central e northern Portugal, but fortunately its respiratory system showed no signs of smoke or ash. The diagnosis was straightforward: the bird needed food, hydration, and rest.
An energetic recovery
The diagnosis proved correct. After its first meal, the Cinereous Vulture quickly gained vitality – and a dose of rebelliousness. Impatient pecks and kicks at nearby objects soon became part of the routine whenever someone approached to feed or examine it.
The turbulent moment of fitting a GPS/GSM transmitter earned it the name Brava, Portuguese for feisty.
In less than a week, Brava gained 3kg and was ready to be returned to the wild.
Back to freedom
As part of the LIFE Aegypius Return project, juvenile Cinereous Vultures of unknown origin admitted to recovery centres are generally transferred to the acclimatisation programme, with the aim of reinforcing the fragile colony of the Douro Internacional Nature Park. However, due to the severe wildfire that devastated the region, and the fact that the programme’s logistical conditions have not yet been restored (which will be shortly), Brava was released back into the wild.
The release took place on September 2nd at Herdade da Contenda, where Brava now has a vast and suitable habitat to explore with many other Cinereous Vultures. She also has access to food at the feeding station on the estate and, additionally, in the recently approved farm feeding stations when natural livestock mortality occurs.
The GPS/GSM transmitter records show that, after being released back into the wild, Brava flew to the southern area of the Herdade da Contenda, where she spent the night. The following day, she extensively explored the border region, including the breeding areas of Cinereous Vultures in both the Portuguese Contenda and the Spanish Contienda.
Brava – the 51st Cinereous Vulture to be tagged under the LIFE Aegypius Return project – will now be continuously monitored by the project teams, who remain ready to intervene should she encounter any further difficulties.
Keeping an eye out for weakened vultures
At this time of year, it is relatively common to find weakened Cinereous or Griffon vultures far from their usual habitat. After leaving the nest, some juveniles undertake long dispersal flights, during which they may fail to find food or suitable resting areas. As a result, they are often found in atypical places, such as urban or coastal areas.
If you spot a vulture in distress in Portugal, please immediately alert the GNR, through the SOS Environment and Territory hotline (808 200 520), available 24 hours a day.
Acknowledgements
The rescue, rehabilitation and release of Brava – as with all Cinereous Vulture conservation actions – was only possible thanks to cross-sectoral cooperation. The LIFE Aegypius Return partners would like to thank all the people and organisations involved: Sérgio Morgado/AM Center – Automóveis, GNR – Destacamento Territorial de Montemor-o-Novo, CARAS, LPN, Alfonso Godino (Hawk Mountain Sanctuary), Herdade da Contenda, ICNF – Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas, Municipality of Moura.
About LIFE Aegypius Return
O projeto LIFE Aegypius Return é cofinanciado pelo programa LIFE da União Europeia.O seu sucesso depende do envolvimento de todos os stakeholders relevantes, e da colaboração dos parceiros: a stakeholders, and the collaboration of the partners: the Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF)beneficiário coordenador, e os parceiros locais Palombar – Conservação da Natureza e do Património Rural, Herdade da Contenda, Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves, Liga para a Protecção da Natureza, Associação Transumância e Natureza, Fundación Naturaleza y Hombre, Guarda Nacional Republicana e Associação Nacional de Proprietários Rurais Gestão Cinegética e Biodiversidade.
