{"id":20690,"date":"2021-11-19T16:52:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-19T14:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/?p=20690"},"modified":"2025-05-05T15:46:58","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T12:46:58","slug":"the-first-spanish-griffon-vultures-are-arriving-in-cyprus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/pt\/blog\/the-first-spanish-griffon-vultures-are-arriving-in-cyprus\/","title":{"rendered":"The first Spanish Griffon Vultures are arriving in Cyprus"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"The
\u00a9 Silvio A. Rusmigo<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The first Spanish Griffon Vultures are about to arrive in Cyprus to support the extremely threatened population of the species on the island. The restocking action takes place within the framework of LIFE with Vultures<\/a>, which aims to prevent the extinction of the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus<\/em>)<\/a> from the island and at the same time strengthen its population and promote long-term survival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Griffon Vultures in Cyprus are on the brink of extinction<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Today, the Cypriot Griffon Vulture population numbers around 18-20 individuals, of which only 2-3 pairs breed successfully. Due to the extremely small number of vultures that Cyprus now has, the slow reproduction of the species and the threat of illegal poisoning, the population can not recover on its own. In fact, a study predicted that the Cypriot Griffon Vulture population will disappear within the next 15 years if targeted conservation measures are not implemented, such as tackling the use of poisoned baits, which is the most serious threat to the species, and strengthening the population by importing birds from another country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saving the Cypriot Griffon Vulture population through LIFE with Vultures<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"The
\u00a9 Silvio A. Rusmigo<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Through the LIFE with Vultures project, about 25 Spanish Griffon Vultures will be released in Cyprus to restock the remaining population and help reach at least 45 birds by the end of the project in 2023. The Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF) has extensive experience and expertise in restocking vulture populations<\/a> of various species and in different regions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The project also implements actions to address key threats, especially to reduce the use of poisoned baits in the open, which is the main cause behind the depletion of the population of the species. Upon their arrival, the vultures will remain in a specially designed acclimatization aviary, built and operated by the Game and Fauna Service, for 5-6 months to get used to their new home before being released into the wild to join the local population. Ahead of their release, the LIFE with Vultures team will equip the vultures with GPS transmitters to monitor their movements and rescue birds in time if they are in need of help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spain donates young Griffon Vultures to the project<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Spain is the ideal country to donate birds as it boasts the healthiest European vulture population, hosting 90-95% of all vultures in the continent, with Griffon Vulture pairs numbering 30,000. Every year, Griffon Vultures that hatch in the wild in Extremadura, Spain, need rescuing after suffering from malnutrition and weakness. These young and inexperienced birds get a second chance at life as they are retrieved and transferred to the wildlife rehabilitation centres, where dedicated teams nurse them back to health for their eventual release into the wild. In collaboration with us at the VCF, the Junta de Extremadura<\/a> donated 15 young Griffon Vultures to the project this year, which entered the wildlife rehabilitation centre AMUS<\/a> to spend the pre-transport quarantine period in the centre’s specialised facilities and undergo some further health checks before their departure. From there, the vultures will cover more than 4,000 until they reach their new home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 15 Spanish Griffon Vultures arrived safe and sound in Cyprus<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n