Reintroduction of the Bearded Vulture and strengthening the successfully reintroduced Cinereous Vulture population in Bulgaria

Introduction

The bearded Vulture LIFE project is planned to upscale the impressive conservation results of previous LIFE projects implemented in Bulgaria. Doubtlessly, the main achievements include the reintroduction of the Griffon Vulture to the Balkan Mountains and bringing back from extinction the Cinereous Vulture.

Project Objectives

The current project brings together the same partners with the ultimate aim to re-establish the former range of Bearded and Cinereous Vultures in the Balkans through strategically reintroduced and autochthonous populations. It will thus help restore the genetic flow between Western Europe and Africa and Asia. The goal is in line with the objectives set in the respective European Species Action Plans, the Multi-species Action Plan to Conserve African-Eurasian Vultures, and the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.

Partnership

The partnership is a showcase of mainstreaming the efforts of eight partners of different character, including:

• NGOs
• A private company
• State institutions

This collaboration aims to demonstrate effective site-based conservation, covering 12 SPAs in Bulgaria, Romania, and Spain.

Conservation Methods

The project will implement state-of-the-art methods to:

1. Launch Bearded Vulture reintroduction.
2. Complete the restoration of Cinereous Vulture in the Balkan Mountains of Bulgaria through direct release of captive bred and translocated individuals in key Natura 2000 sites.

It will also strive to limit key threats by providing actions to combat:

• Poison
• Wildlife crime
• Electrocution

Food Base Enhancement

The project team will invest efforts in enhancing the food base of the two targeted vulture species through:

• Supporting extensive farming practices.
• Establishing new supplementary feeding sites.
• Reinforcing key prey species (Fallow Deer, Chamois, European Souslik, Rock Partridge, Common Tortoise, Hermann's Tortoise, etc.).

Habitat Improvement

Additionally, habitat quality will be improved by:

• Implementing vulture-friendly forest management.
• Installing artificial nesting structures.

The project will, therefore, have added value to many other raptor and vulture species.

Capacity Building and Public Awareness

Last but not least, the project will contribute to capacity building and public awareness, ensuring vulture acceptance and mutually beneficial co-existence with local people.

Demonstration Character

The project will have a demonstration character, as its experience, best practices, and results will be used to initiate similar vulture restoration and conservation actions in neighboring countries – Romania, Serbia, and North Macedonia.