The Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus), the largest of the Iberian vultures, is a strictly forest-dwelling bird, closely linked to the vast expanses of Mediterranean forest and scrub that cover the slopes of the western and central mountains of the peninsula and the Balearic Islands. Read on to find out about The Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus) and the LIFE Aegypius Return project in Spain
Back in 2017, the distribution of populations in the west and center of the peninsula was limited to the communities of Extremadura (964 pairs), Castilla-La Mancha (508), Castilla y León (466), and Madrid (148). In Portugal, the species became extinct as a breeder in the 1970s due to various causes: indiscriminate use of poison for predator control, human disturbance during the breeding season, habitat transformation, and the intensification of agricultural and livestock use in its range.
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)
Additionally, at the end of the 1990s, the outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) led to several changes in European health legislation. This resulted in the refusal of health authorities in member states to allow the historic practice of disposing of livestock carcasses on farms, leading to a drastic reduction in available livestock carcasses in the field. After presenting scientific data, the EU approved a moratorium in Spain. As a result, the population increased, but in Portugal, this growth has been slow and geographically limited to border areas by dispersing Spanish colonies.
The LIFE Aegypius Return project
The LIFE Aegypius Return project will run until 2027 and aims to ensure a favourable conservation status for the black vulture in Spain and Portugal in the long term by implementing actions in the Spanish-Portuguese border area. These actions focus on consolidating, reinforcing, and enhancing the natural recolonization of the species by improving its habitat and feeding conditions, limiting threats, and developing national capacities. In the short term, this project will double the breeding population in Portugal to 40 pairs in 4 colonies and at least 80 pairs in 5 areas. Thus, it aims to increase the reproductive success of the black vulture in Portugal from 0.38 to at least 0.5. Ultimately, this project will lead to lowering the species’ protection category in Portugal from Critically Endangered (CR) to Endangered (EN) by the end of the project.
The actions will focus on active habitat management to prevent forest fires in the territories where current colonies are located and improve food availability by establishing new feeding stations in Portugal. An ambitious campaign against the use of poison and lead ammunition in hunting activities will be carried out on several Portuguese estates, as well as measures to reduce and/or eliminate disturbances in the breeding colonies’ surroundings. Proven management techniques will be applied in these areas to promote the creation of new breeding colonies, thereby increasing ecological connectivity between existing ones and expanding the black vulture’s range in western Iberia.
This ambitious six-year project is coordinated by the Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF) and involves the collaboration of 8 Iberian institutions. The Fundación Naturaleza y Hombre FNYH is responsible for executing actions in Spanish territory.
The tasks they are carrying out during the course of the project
- Habitat suitability analysis to identify potential breeding habitat for the species and enhancement and creation of new breeding areas through the construction of nest platforms, as well as the adaptation of existing ones.
- Seeking custody agreements with landowners in key areas for species conservation.
- Diagnosis of the availability of food resources for the black vulture in the region, as well as the creation of new feeding sites and the management of existing ones.
- Study of the conflict between the population and the scavenger bird community, as well as the application of measures for its elimination and mitigation.
- Preparation of risk plans related to forest fires and human disturbances.
- Improvement of forest stands with black vulture nests.
- Reduction of human disturbances in breeding areas.
- Monitoring of black vulture breeding colonies.
- Dissemination of the project and environmental education activities.
The Campanarios de Azaba Biological Reserve
The Campanarios de Azaba Biological Reserve, located in western Spain, is a pioneering conservation initiative dedicated to preserving the rich biodiversity of the Iberian Peninsula. Managed by the Fundación Naturaleza y Hombre (FNYH), this reserve plays a crucial role in various wildlife conservation projects, including the LIFE Aegypius Return project.
The reserve focuses on habitat restoration, species reintroduction, and sustainable land management practices, making it a vital contributor to the conservation of endangered species such as the black vulture. Through its efforts, Campanarios de Azaba not only enhances local biodiversity but also fosters environmental education and research.
Wildlife Watching Hides
The Campanarios de Azaba Biological Reserve boasts an array of specially designed hides, making it an ideal destination for photography and animal observation. These hides are modern, well-equipped, and strategically placed to offer you the best vantage points for capturing stunning shots of the reserve’s diverse wildlife. You’ll find yourself immersed in an unrivaled viewing experience.
Vulture and Kite Attraction Areas
Within the reserve, there are dedicated areas developed to attract magnificent vultures, including Black, Griffon, and Egyptian vultures, as well as kites. Two hides of varying types and sizes provide optimal opportunities for observation and photography.
Further reading
- The website of the FNYH: https://fnyh.org/en/
- The VCF website: https://4vultures.org/life-aegypius-return/
- The Iberian Highlands re introduction project: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/black-vultures-in-spain-rewilding-spain-terra-naturalis-and-grefas-conservation-odyssey/
- Campanarios de Azaba Biological Reserve: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/campanarios-de-azaba-biological-reserve-salmanca/
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I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain.