More vultures have arrived in Cyprus from Spain

Another 15 vultures were delivered last week from Spain as part of the "Life with Vultures" program to rescue the endangered Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus).

Upon arrival on the island, the birds were transferred to a special acclimatization cage of the Game and Fauna Service in the Limassol province, where they will stay for a minimum of six months. Similar to previously released vultures, these birds will be equipped with satellite transmitters to track their movements and for early rescue intervention in case any bird encounters trouble.

It is worth noting that, as part of the program to save the endangered species in Cyprus, a total of 44 vultures have been brought to the island, and 29 of them have already been released into the countryside of Cyprus.

The griffon vultures were specifically imported from Spain because 90-95% of Europe's griffon population resides in the country, with the golden griffon population numbering 30,000 pairs.

The birds selected for transport to Cyprus were hatched in Spain and ended up in the wildlife hospital AMUS due to some injury or weakness. After undergoing treatment and fully recovering, they were chosen to participate in the population increase program in Cyprus, supported by the Vulture Conservation Foundation. This foundation organized the bird transportation process and shared its experience in importing birds to boost the local population.

Out of the 29 Spanish birds released to date, four losses have been registered—two due to power lines (one from hitting power lines and one from electric shock), one from poisoning, and one from disorientation.