{"id":39372,"date":"2024-12-21T19:56:44","date_gmt":"2024-12-21T17:56:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/?p=39372"},"modified":"2025-05-05T15:46:40","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T12:46:40","slug":"life-aegypius-return-project-milestones-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/pt\/blog\/life-aegypius-return-project-milestones-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"A year of progress: Milestones of the LIFE Aegypius Return project in 2024\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/pt\/life-aegypius-return\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">projeto LIFE Aegypius Return<\/a> project continues its bold mission to bring the <a href=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/pt\/life-aegypius-return\/the-cinereous-vulture\/key-facts-and-figures\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cinereous Vulture (<em>Aegypius monachus<\/em>)<\/a> back to a stable and thriving population in Portugal. As 2024 draws to a close, it\u2019s a good moment to look back and celebrate all the incredible progress made this year.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"http:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/tagging-samples-processing-VCF-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"scientists taking samples from a young Cinereous Vultures in a forest\" class=\"wp-image-39373\" srcset=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/tagging-samples-processing-VCF-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/tagging-samples-processing-VCF-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/tagging-samples-processing-VCF-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/tagging-samples-processing-VCF-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/tagging-samples-processing-VCF-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/tagging-samples-processing-VCF-18x10.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A look back: The Cinereous Vulture in Iberia&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not so long ago, the <a href=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/pt\/vultures\/cinereous-vulture\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cinereous Vulture<\/a> was a familiar sight across the Iberian Peninsula. But as the 20th century unfolded, their numbers plummeted. Habitat destruction, poisoning, and persecution drove these majestic birds to the brink. By the 1970s, Portugal\u2019s breeding population was gone, and Spain had just 200 pairs remaining.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Things began to turn around in Spain during the late 1980s, thanks to focused conservation efforts. By 2010, something amazing happened\u2014the Cinereous Vulture naturally recolonized Portugal after 40 long years. When Spanish birds begun breeding there. By 2022, the population had grown to 40 pairs, but the progress was fragile. Their small colonies and slow growth highlighted the urgent need for action. That\u2019s where LIFE Aegypius Return came in, a project with ambitious goals.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2024: A year of achievements&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This year has been nothing short of groundbreaking, with key achievements across all areas of the project:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Population growth and breeding success<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The progress has been astounding. <a href=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/pt\/blog\/cinereous-vulture-increases-to-more-than-108-nesting-pairs-in-portugal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Between 108 and 116 nesting pairs were recorded this year<\/a>\u2014a massive jump from just 40 pairs in 2022. Even more exciting, these nests produced at least 48 fledglings! And as if that wasn\u2019t enough, a brand-new <a href=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/pt\/blog\/new-cinereous-vulture-breeding-colony-discovered-in-portugal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fifth breeding colony<\/a> was discovered, proving the species is expanding its reach in Portugal.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/breeding-results-EN-1024x768.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-39374\" srcset=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/breeding-results-EN-1024x768.png 1024w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/breeding-results-EN-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/breeding-results-EN-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/breeding-results-EN-16x12.png 16w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/breeding-results-EN.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nest building and maintenance\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To help support breeding success, the team focused on improving nesting conditions. They <a href=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/pt\/blog\/safer-nests-and-new-nesting-platforms-for-cinereous-vultures-in-portugal-life-aegypius-return\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">built artificial nesting platforms<\/a> in areas with high potential, completing 22% of the project\u2019s goal. At the same time, they achieved 38% of their maintenance target for existing nests, making them safer and more stable. These efforts help attract new breeders and reduce nest failures.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"623\" src=\"http:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/1-1024x623.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-39314\" srcset=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/1-1024x623.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/1-300x183.jpg 300w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/1-768x467.jpg 768w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/1-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/1.jpg 1254w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Artificial nest in Douro International Nature Park <strong>\u00a9<\/strong>PALOMBAR<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Soft releases and tagging success\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An acclimatization aviary was built this year, enabling the <a href=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/pt\/blog\/cinereous-vultures-soft-released-to-freedom-in-douro-international-portugal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">soft release of four Cinereous Vultures<\/a>. So far, 41 vultures have been tagged\u2014this includes chicks, rehabilitated birds, soft-released individuals, and even one adult. GPS tracking is <a href=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/pt\/blog\/technology-and-monitoring-in-the-service-of-cinereous-vulture-conservation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">giving researchers critical data<\/a> on how these birds move, where they forage, and what threats they face. The ultimate goal? Tag 60 vultures.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-4 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-id=\"39375\" src=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/new-colony-chick-LPN-1024x576.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-39375\" srcset=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/new-colony-chick-LPN-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/new-colony-chick-LPN-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/new-colony-chick-LPN-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/new-colony-chick-LPN-1536x864.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/new-colony-chick-LPN-18x10.jpeg 18w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/new-colony-chick-LPN.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"39377\" src=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/tagged-chick-Douro-PALOMBAR-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-39377\" srcset=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/tagged-chick-Douro-PALOMBAR-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/tagged-chick-Douro-PALOMBAR-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/tagged-chick-Douro-PALOMBAR-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/tagged-chick-Douro-PALOMBAR-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/tagged-chick-Douro-PALOMBAR-16x12.jpeg 16w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/tagged-chick-Douro-PALOMBAR.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"896\" height=\"512\" data-id=\"39376\" src=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/acclimatization-cage-3-surveillance.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-39376\" srcset=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/acclimatization-cage-3-surveillance.jpeg 896w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/acclimatization-cage-3-surveillance-300x171.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/acclimatization-cage-3-surveillance-768x439.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/acclimatization-cage-3-surveillance-18x10.jpeg 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 896px) 100vw, 896px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" data-id=\"39378\" src=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/acclimatization-cage-1-PALOMBAR-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-39378\" srcset=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/acclimatization-cage-1-PALOMBAR-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/acclimatization-cage-1-PALOMBAR-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/acclimatization-cage-1-PALOMBAR-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/acclimatization-cage-1-PALOMBAR-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/acclimatization-cage-1-PALOMBAR-2048x1361.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/acclimatization-cage-1-PALOMBAR-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Habitat and foraging improvements\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another big focus is habitat improvement. This year, a habitat suitability study and roost analysis were completed, and work on management plans is ongoing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Food availability studies demonstrate there is a shortage of feeding resources. The project will therefore implement a supplementary feeding strategy to make sure the growing population can thrive.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fighting wildlife poisoning\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Poisoning is one of the biggest threats to vultures, but proactive efforts this year made a real difference. A <a href=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/pt\/blog\/there-are-at-least-two-suspected-cases-of-wildlife-poisoning-per-month-in-portugal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reference study<\/a> was completed, and three new K9 anti-poison patrols were deployed.\u00a0 Samples from alive and dead vultures have been sent to Portuguese and Spanish reference labs, an important action to monitor this threat.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"769\" data-id=\"39380\" src=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poison-antidote-ATN-1024x769.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-39380\" srcset=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poison-antidote-ATN-1024x769.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poison-antidote-ATN-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poison-antidote-ATN-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poison-antidote-ATN-1536x1153.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poison-antidote-ATN-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poison-antidote-ATN.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Poison antidote <strong>\u00a9<\/strong>ATN<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-id=\"39379\" src=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poison-samples-PALOMBAR-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-39379\" srcset=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poison-samples-PALOMBAR-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poison-samples-PALOMBAR-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poison-samples-PALOMBAR-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poison-samples-PALOMBAR-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poison-samples-PALOMBAR-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poison-samples-PALOMBAR.jpg 2016w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Poison samples <strong>\u00a9<\/strong>PALOMBAR<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Public engagement and awareness\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Conservation doesn\u2019t happen in a bubble, and raising awareness has been a major priority in 2024. The project gained extensive media coverage and released two animation videos: one on the <a href=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/pt\/blog\/the-return-of-a-giant-life-aegypius-return-animation-video\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">return of the species in Portugal<\/a> and another <a href=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/pt\/blog\/new-animation-video-securing-the-cinereous-vultures-future-in-portugal-and-western-spain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">spotlighting the project<\/a>. These efforts are helping to inspire people and bring new supporters on board.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Looking ahead to 2025&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As the LIFE Aegypius Return project steps into 2025, the focus is clear: build on the progress made so far and tackle the challenges that remain. This year, the priorities will include improving habitat management, stepping up fire prevention efforts, and constructing more nesting platforms in key areas. Expanding feeding zones will also be essential to provide the growing Cinereous Vulture population with the resources they need to thrive.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fight against wildlife poisoning will continue to be at the heart of the project\u2019s work. Plans are already in place to strengthen collaboration and advocacy through initiatives like the Antidote Programme, as well as to improve enforcement of anti-poisoning laws. These efforts will help protect not just vultures but entire ecosystems.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another critical goal for 2025 is to bridge gaps in understanding and foster cooperation. Studies on ecosystem services and concerns raised by livestock breeders will be wrapped up and shared, providing insights into conflicts and practical solutions. Engaging stakeholders will also take center stage, with participatory platforms and targeted outreach aimed at raising awareness about threats and how to mitigate them. Hunters will be offered training in the use of non-lead ammunition, a step that could significantly reduce risks to vultures and other wildlife.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, none of this can succeed without the dedication and close collaboration among all the project\u2019s partners and stakeholders. Conservation organizations, landowners, researchers, and government agencies play a part.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With these efforts in place, 2025 is shaping up to be another year of meaningful progress\u2014not just for the Cinereous Vulture in Portugal, but for conservation as a whole.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About LIFE Aegypius Return\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"303\" src=\"http:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/logos-1024x303.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-38020\" style=\"width:757px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/logos-1024x303.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/logos-300x89.jpg 300w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/logos-768x227.jpg 768w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/logos-1536x455.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/logos-18x5.jpg 18w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/logos.jpg 1879w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The LIFE Aegypius Return project is co-financed by the\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/cinea.ec.europa.eu\/programmes\/life_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">programa LIFE da Uni\u00e3o Europeia.<\/a>. Its success depends on the involvement of all the relevant\u202f<em>stakeholders<\/em>, and on the collaboration of the partners, the\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/pt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF)<\/a>, the coordinating beneficiary, and the local partners\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.palombar.pt\/pt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Palombar \u2013<\/a>\u202fConservation\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.palombar.pt\/pt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">of Nature and Rural Heritage<\/a>\u202f(with co-funding from Viridia \u2013 Conservation in Action),\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.herdadedacontenda.pt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Herdade da Contenda<\/a>,\u202f<a href=\"http:\/\/www.spea.pt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves<\/a>,\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lpn.pt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Liga para a Protec\u00e7\u00e3o da Natureza<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/atnatureza\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">, Associa\u00e7\u00e3o Transum\u00e2ncia e Natureza<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/fnyh.org\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">, Fundaci\u00f3n Naturaleza y Hombre<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gnr.pt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">, Guarda Nacional Republicana<\/a>\u202fand\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/anpc.pt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Associa\u00e7\u00e3o Nacional de Propriet\u00e1rios Rurais Gest\u00e3o Cineg\u00e9tica e Biodiversidade<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"241\" src=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/logos-partners-1024x241.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-39381\" srcset=\"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/logos-partners-1024x241.png 1024w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/logos-partners-300x70.png 300w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/logos-partners-768x180.png 768w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/logos-partners-18x4.png 18w, https:\/\/4vultures.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/logos-partners.png 1098w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The LIFE Aegypius Return project continues its bold mission to bring the Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus) back to a stable and thriving population in Portugal. As 2024 draws to a close, it\u2019s a good moment to look back and celebrate all the incredible progress made this year.&nbsp; A look back: The Cinereous Vulture in Iberia&nbsp; [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":39373,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[374,14,298,167],"class_list":["post-39372","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-2024-12","tag-cinereousvulture","tag-conservation","tag-lifeaegypiusreturn"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - 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