life safe for vultures
First step to the restoration of the vulture guild in Sardinia
| Project period | 1 January 2021 to 31 Dezembro 2026 |
|---|---|
| Project area | Sardinia |
| Target species | Griffon Vulture |
The Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus), a key species in the natural cycle of Sardinia, faced a significant decline in numbers, threatening its survival. Concentrated in northwest Sardinia, the population was at risk until the LIFE Under Griffon Wings project (LIFE14 NAT/IT/000484) successfully increased the population from around 100 individuals in 2015 to about 250 in 2020. Building on this success, the LIFE Safe for Vultures project (LIFE19 NAT/IT/000732) aims to ensure the long-term survival of Griffon Vultures in Sardinia.
Funded by the EU’s LIFE Programme and running until 2028, the LIFE Safe for Vultures project targets expanding the vultures' distribution range, enhancing carrying capacity, and mitigating major threats such as poisoning and interactions with energy infrastructure. By extending conservation actions to central-eastern and southern Sardinia, the project aims to restore the vulture population to its historical distribution areas, ensuring a stable and thriving population that contributes to the island's ecological balance.
LEARN ABOUT THE TARGET SPECIES
The project team not only targets immediate threats but through comprehensive conservation strategies, it also aims to create a foundation for the long-term recovery and expansion of Griffon Vultures across their historical ranges.
With funding from the European Union’s LIFE programme, the LIFE Safe for Vultures team will implement releases promoting distribution expansion, anti-poison measures, boost of food availability, promotion of lead-free ammunition, and energy infrastructure safety initiatives.
EXPANDING DISTRIBUTION AREA
The project will expand the distribution area and increase the carrying capacity of Griffon Vultures by creating a network of feeding stations in livestock farms across eastern and southern Sardinia. Additionally, a new nucleus of vultures will be established in southern Sardinia through a restocking program and the activation of a centralized feeding station. The objective is to support population growth and facilitate the recolonization of historical ranges.
CREATION OF ANTI-POISON DOG UNITS
To combat the threat of poisoning, the project will establish new anti-poison dog units trained to detect and prevent the illegal use of poison baits. These units will operate across key areas, working closely with law enforcement to prosecute offenders.
PROMOTION OF LEAD-FREE AMMUNITION
The project will promote the use of lead-free ammunition among hunters, reducing the risk of lead poisoning in Griffon Vultures and other wildlife. This will be achieved through awareness campaigns, educational programs, and collaboration with hunting associations. The goal is to minimize the ingestion of lead particles from hunted carcasses, ensuring a safer food supply for vultures and enhancing overall ecosystem health.
REDUCING INTERACTION WITH ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURES RISKS
To reduce mortality risks from interactions with energy infrastructures, the project will secure 20 km of power lines in the vultures’ distribution areas. E-Distribuzione will implement safety measures, such as insulation and visibility enhancements, to prevent collisions and electrocutions. By creating a safer environment for Griffon Vultures, the goal is to decrease fatalities linked to energy infrastructures and support population stability.
LIFE Safe for Vultures is a project co-financed by the EU’s LIFE Programme, acting as the first step to the restoration of the vulture guild in Sardinia. The University of Sassari leads the project in collaboration with Agenzia Regionale Forestas, Sardegna Corpo Forestale, E-Distribuzione and the Vulture Conservation Foundation.
For more information, visit the LIFE Safe for Vultures website.
The LIFE Safe for Vultures project (LIFE19 NAT/IT/000732) is co-financed by the LIFE programme of the European Union. The project duration is 6 years, from January 2021 to December 2026. The total budget is €3,196,851, with the European Union contributing €1,876,992.
The opinions expressed in the news are those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the grant provider can be held responsible for them.
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