A record number of Griffon vultures in the Eastern Rhodopes

19.02.2013

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From 13th to 16th February 2013 the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds held the annual monitoring of the Griffon vulture colony in the Eastern Rhodopes. All nesting cliffs along the Arda River were visited. During the observation a total of 67 pairs of Griffon vultures were counted. It is 7 more than last year, when 60 pairs were found in the area. Currently 49 of the couples are incubating. The remaining pairs of vultures are still building their nests and exhibiting mating behavior. The colony of Griffon vultures near Madzharovo is one of the largest on the Balkans and is essential for the conservation of the species in the region.

Saving the nesting population of Griffon Vultures in Bulgaria is one of the great successes of BSPB. Monitoring data shows that since the late 80's, when breeding pairs were only 13 the population is gradually increasing. This year, on the 26th consecutive monitoring was recorded absolute maximum of the population. Observations will continue until the end of the breeding season in August, when the last juvenile is expected to leave the nest and head to youth wanderings in the Middle East.

Contact information:
Dobromir Dobrev
dobromir.dobrev@bspb.org

 

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