In an ambitious effort to restore the majestic Cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus) to its historic home, a collaborative reintroduction project has been launched in Spain’s Iberian Highlands. Once a common sight, this magnificent scavenger bird faced decline and extinction in the region due to shrinking forest habitats a century ago.
Organised by the Castilla-La Mancha regional government and Alto Tajo Nature Park. The initiative is a joint endeavor between Terra Naturalis association and Rewilding Spain. The project involves the reintroduction of the Cinereous vulture with seven individuals recently released after a meticulous seven-month acclimatization period in an aviary. These birds, equipped with GPS transmitters, are now becoming acquainted with their new environment.
Originating from El Campillo wildlife recovery center in Ciudad Real, where they were treated for dehydration and disease, these vultures represent a crucial step in the program that has reintroduced 10 specimens since its inception in 2020. The monitoring of their movements reveals that most individuals continue to roam the Iberian Highlands, though some have ventured across Spain.
Great expectations for the future
Jorge Layna, the biologist leading the project, explains, “We expect to release between 40 and 50 black vultures in the area with the aim of getting them to settle in this landscape. Young vultures, like those released so far, take about four years to start breeding and we hope that when they start to do so, as well as a sign of success in settlement, they will also attract other dispersing birds flying around.”
To facilitate their reintroduction, the initiative has established six feeding points and 16 nesting platforms, with some platforms featuring visual lures. These efforts cater to the Cinereous vulture’s nesting preferences, which differ from its cousin, the griffon vulture, as it prefers treetop nesting.
Watch the video about this project
Conservation is the key to a healthy landscape
The collaboration between the Cinereous vulture and the griffon vulture, which occupy different ecological niches due to their varied feeding preferences, enhances their role as nature’s custodians, preventing disease spread through scavenging. The revival of the Cinereous vulture is vital for conservation, as it’s an endangered species in both the Castilla-La Mancha region and Spain as a whole.
Pablo Schapira, Rewilding Spain Team Leader, highlights, “Having cinereous vultures and bearded vultures in the landscape will be an important step towards consolidating the role of scavengers in the food chain… and will help to boost ecotourism.”
The Iberian Highlands Rewilding project
The ambitious program, supported by the Endangered Landscapes Programme and the Cartier for Nature Foundation, forms a part of the Iberian Highlands rewilding initiative. Its success not only signifies the resurgence of a magnificent species but also underscores the pivotal role of collaboration and conservation in maintaining the intricate balance of ecosystems.
Find out more over at the Rewilding Spain website: https://rewilding-spain.com/en/news/cinereous-vulture-comeback-in-the-iberian-highlands-takes-another-step-forward/
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