PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The black vulture (Aegypius monachus) is threatened worldwide and in the European Union its populations are ranked as vulnerable, with barely over a thousand pairs, essentially restricted to Spain. The species has fallen prey to direct attacks (shooting, poisoning) and to the degradation of its nesting sites (deforestation) as well as to the abandonment of traditional livestock grazing. The black vulture had disappeared from France, but now a project to re-introduce it is being implemented around the Gorges de la Jonte in the Causses (Massif Central), where sheep farming is very important. The first black vultures released in the Causses have raised a young for the first time, in 1996. These birds, as well as the other carrion birds found in the area (griffon vulture -Gyps vulvus-, Egyptian vulture -Neophron pectnopterus-, red kite -Milvus milvus-), are extremely dependent on the three feeding stations set up for their benefit by the project management.
OBJECTIVES
The project's purpose was to re-establish a viable black vulture population in the Causses, which would be no longer dependent on food handouts. To do this, it was planned to:
RESULTS
The reinforcement of the black vulture population has been carried out as planned. Within 49 months, 18 birds have been released (and 42 since the beginning of the reintroduction programme). During the same period, individuals initially introduced gave birth to 9 fledging youngs. At the end of the project, the size of the black vulture population was between 38 and 50 birds, which was more than expected. This success is mainly due to the possibility of reintroducing captive vultures easily and a high number of births in relation to the early stage of the reintroduction process. Concerning the reduction of mortality causes, the project was less successful. The electric power lines are responsible for 75% of the mortality cases by collision or electrocution of the birds of preys in the Causses. An agreement has been signed between the beneficiary and EDF (the French Electricity Company) for the neutralisation of the most dangerous power lines. EDF has drafted a plan for the equipment of 11.3 km of lines on 5 years, which has been judged insufficient by the beneficiary. Despite the equipment of 4500 meters of lines during the project, 17 vultures (mainly griffon vulture) were found dead by electrocution in the Causses (43 since the beginning of the reintroduction) and other bird species, such as the golden eagle, the eagle owl, the stork…have also been victims of electrocution. In order to limit disturbances near breeding sites, two footpaths have been diverted. The monitoring of a couple settling down enabled to anticipate and avoid potential problems. Moreover, panels have been installed near breeding sites, presenting the different birds species and giving advices so as to limit disturbances. Thanks to an active lobbying of the beneficiary, a decree has been adopted, which modifies the legislation regarding animal carcasses dispatching: it has thus been possible to set in place 15 feeding spots in several volunteer stock-breeders' fields to place their dead animals' carcasses. However, this was not sufficient to replace the feeding spots supplied by the LPO and this action had to be carried on. Breeders accept this system very well. It legalises a widespread practise and gives breeders more autonomy without having to appeal to knackers, except in the case of a high mortality rate. A technical document on installation procedures for feeding places has been drawn up by the veterinary services. The procedure includes the drafting of a document taking into account a description of the farm and the project that have to be instructed by veterinary services. If they express a favourable opinion, the county prefect publishes a decree authorising the feeding spot. From a touristic point of view, the return of the vultures in the region is also very positive and the birds are often used by communication materials providing information on leisure activities and accommodation. Open in June 1998, the vulture belvedere is an information centre and a museum (not funded by LIFE) visited by many tourists.
