[Case study] Egyptian Vulture, Cinereous Vulture, Bearded Vulture, Griffon Vulture - France

Abstract

In the 19 th and 20 th centuries, the population of all four species of vultures declined drastically in France, as a result of intentional persecution and accidental poisoning as a consequence of the use of synthetic pesticides after World War II. Other causes included food shortages due notably to the abandonment of extensive livestock farming and transhumance, and habitat loss and fragmentation. The most common threats now are electrocution and collision with power lines and wind turbines. Recovery has occurred as a result of research into the key threats followed up by the development of European and national action plans (for all four species) that have been implemented through collaboration between authorities, NGOs, livestock farmers, electricity providers and hunters, including through a number of LIFE Nature projects. Key measures to reduce mortality rates have included modification of electricity structures and experimentation with lead-free ammunition. Supplementary feeding, habitat management and the protection of nesting birds from human disturbances has increased breeding productivity. Targeted reintroduction measures have reestablished populations in isolated areas and helped to address the need to increase genetic variability