It's got really good potential for Bearded vultures, and would be great for connectivity within a Spain. They have used decoy Bearded vulture models to attract nearby BVs, but although they hang out for a bit, but don't stay. So next step is reintroduction 😊

That's a really good size Griffon population!! Currently rehabilitated Cinereous vultures are being released.

Rewilding Spain are now introducing their project. #BeardedVultures2024 The Iberian Highlands are increasingly depopulated by humans, giving a real opportunity to restore trophic systems. That excitingly includes vultures.

It's a different ecology too, so there is some thought needed about the feeding protocol after release 😊

Possible hacking sites for release were selected partly based on what would be logistically easier for the team to manage. There is a cave nearby that is possibly the last place bearded vultures nested before going extinct - but archaeology needs to confirm!

The new project is very ambitious, hoping to do a lot within a short timescale.

Franziska is speaking on behalf of the Green Balkans team about the reintroduction of Bearded vultures in Bulgaria next year #BeardedVultures2024 The different wildlife organisations in Bulgaria have done some excellent work with other vulture species.

This might be my favourite drawing, too bad it's so small but I didn't want to make it unnaturally big. I love this angle for vultures, when you see both eyes and of course, the eyelashes. Pipo, coloured pencils on Pastelmat, A4. #lovevultures #trigonocepsoccipitalis

Overall, the findings were that there was a lot of potential for all three species, but some groundwork needed to reduce threats before reintroducing further species.

Farmers recognised griffon vultures, but did not know Bearded vultures. They also didn't acknowledge that the species used to be common in the area in the past. They felt fairly neutral towards vultures, but were very willing to collaborate.

Social feasibility studies were conducted with 376 in-person interviews with farmers and 176 online questionnaires with the public.

Sadly there are a lot of risks for vultures, currently causing mortality in Griffon vultures, mainly secondary poisoning (aimed at carnivores such as wolves and bears) and collisions with wind farms.

Rewinding Apennines are presenting their feasibility study for reintroducing Cinereous and Bearded vultures. All vultures went extinct in the 17th Century, but reintroduction of Griffon vultures since the 1990s have been very successful. #BeardedVultures2024

They also looked at flights from their first 30 days

Wing beat analysis of newly introduced juvenile Bearded vultures in Bavaria #BeardedVultures2024 Like many gym goers, they know to take rest days

Anna Terras presented the first results from #LIFEGypAct , highlighting the importance of connecting Pyrenean and Alpine Bearded Vulture populations.The project also led to the establishment of France’s first anti-poisoning dog unit, operated by the police. #BeardedVultures2024

Really exciting to see the future genome analysis plans!

Outbreeding can also be a problem!

Research into the "silky" feathers mutation present on 3 Bearded vultures

Okay, I LOVE the cute graphics!