Reduction of the human threats affecting the Bearded Vulture

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

The bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) is one of the most threatened bird species in Europe and is, as such, rated critically endangered by the IUCN. Reintroduced into the Alps in 1986, the species suffers from population fragmentation and resulting genetic isolation. In 2011, only 50 breeding pairs were left in France and 175 in Europe. Thanks to recent reintroduction efforts, the French population of the bearded vulture has increased over the last few years. The equilibrium, however, remains fragile and increased adult mortality could rapidly reverse this trend.

OBJECTIVES

The LIFE GypHelp project aimed to preserve the bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) population in the French Alps by reducing anthropogenic mortality risks, particularly collisions with aerial power lines and ski resort infrastructure, and accidental poisoning, and to secure an increase in the population in the project area.

RESULTS

The LIFE GypHelp project contributed to the reduction of mortality risks for bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) and other bird species, especially birds of prey and galliformes (heavy-bodied ground-feeding birds) in the French Alps. This was achieved by:

Installing effective visualisation devices on 18 km of power lines (mostly medium-voltage lines), and 186 sections of ski-lift cables in 52 targeted ski resorts. The power lines covered 75% of priority sensitive areas, reducing collision risk by about 28%, while 52% of potentially dangerous ski-lift cables were equipped with bird-deterring beacons. In addition, bird-scaring rods were installed on 113 electric posts, reducing electrocution risks by 48%;

Developing a mapping tool, for aerial cables and bird occurrence, and helping managers of power lines and ski-lift cables in their mitigation actions;

Establishing links between the different eco-toxicological monitoring systems in France, highlighting the need to improve the coordination of these systems;

Updating knowledge on different sources of lead toxins for raptors, which proved that a large number of toxicity cases are linked to hunting, with the risk of exposure of bearded vulture estimated at 30% over a year;

Developing an action plan to reduce poisoning risks, in cooperation with relevant stakeholders, including the successful promotion of lead-free ammunition for hunters. This has been replicated in other regions (e.g. Cvennes within the LIFE GypConnect project) and disseminated at EU level;

Informing mountain users on the sensitive areas for bearded vultures and raising their awareness, which has contributed to the reduction in human disturbance.

Partly thanks to the project actions, the number of breeding pairs of bearded vulture increased in the project area, from 9 in 2014 to 15 in 2018. The survival rate of bearded vultures depends on area; in the heart of the Alps the survival rate is significantly higher than in peripheral areas. A recent model predicts that the core alpine population of bearded vultures will continue to increase, even if the reintroduction operations are stopped, provided that mortality does not exceed 20% (at project end it was lower). In the peripheral areas, however, the population can only increase if reintroductions continue and if mortality remains stable. Therefore, the project concluded that conservation efforts should be focused on why demographical variables(survival/reproduction rates) are lower in peripheral areas and on implementing appropriate actions.

The project contributed to the monitoring of the bearded vulture population, with updated data on genetics and bird movement. The projects demonstration value is especially related to innovative visualisation equipment for monitoring birds near ski-lift cables and power lines; the use of drones to install visualisation devices on power lines; an application for improving the monitoring of retrofitted power lines and ski-lift cables that has already been replicated in the Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes region; and exemplary cooperation, both with power line and ski resort managers, and hunters regarding lead-free ammunition. The development of a monitoring network of volunteers has fostered civil engagement and increased awareness.

Project actions concerning aerial cables were supported by large companies managing medium-voltage (ENEDIS) and high-voltage (RTE) power lines and municipalities in ski resorts, and these actions are expected to continue with increased benefits over time. The projects socio-economic study identified beneficial impacts and its contribution to ecosystem services. The project involved 86 direct jobs over 4 years, with an average of 5 full-time equivalents for the six beneficiaries with different types of positions. Indirect jobs were created at ski resorts, and at Frances electricity grid operators ENEDIS and RTE. The development of innovative materials and protocols has created opportunities for private companies, for example, novel bird beacons represented about 70 000 of sales over 5 years. About 80% of responding ski resorts considered the equipment on ski-lift cables generated economic benefits. The bird beacons also contributed to the improvement of safety conditions for paragliders and helicopters.

Bearded vultures deliver three main types of ecosystem services, which the project therefore reinforced: (i) together with other vultures, bearded vultures offer an effective system of treatment of carcasses, hence contributing to reducing rendering costs, which are especially high in remote areas, and to limiting the propagation of diseases; (ii) a cultural service based on the vultures very positive image among the local population and mountain users since its reintroduction; and (iii) a supporting service as an umbrella species, the bearded vulture helps protect other species that are less emblematic (e.g. black grouse).

Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).