Pessonada, a Black Vulture reintroduced within the framework of the programme. © Boumort – Alinyà Team

Over the last year and a half the size of the colony was doubled, going from 14 individuals in February 2012 to the current 28. The three chicks born this year are progressing in a very successful way.

In last September, the incipient colony of black vultures (Aegypius monachus) in the Lleida Pre-Pyrenees had 28 endogenous individuals, that is, released or born within the framework of the Boumort-Alinyà reintroduction programme. If we add other 4-6 exogenous black vultures that seem to be incorporated into the colony, this will mean having now more than 30 individuals.

The three chicks born in 2013 progress in a very successful way. The blood samples taken in June have revealed that they are two males and one female. Their progression is obvious regarding both long distance flight ability and autonomous obtention of food.

On the othe hand, on 9 September the acclimatization facility of Alinyà was opened in order to allow Trasgu to exit, after 6 months of staying in it. The young male, donated by the A. C. ofAsturias, often comes to the SFP of Alinyà and stays settled around the releasing point.

Besides, Ares and a female with no rings were furthering bonds during this month of September, thus forming the first mixed pair between an individual from the programme and an exogenous individual with no identification rings.

Black Vulture from Iberian origen, with no rings and no mark at all. © Boumort – Alinyà Team

Black Vulture from French origin, with a white ring. © Boumort – Alinyà Team

 

The reintroduction project of the Black Vulture in the Pyrenees is promoted by the Departament d’Agricultura, Ramaderia, Pesca, Alimentació i Medi Natural de la Generalitat de Catalunya and by the Fundació Catalunya – La Pedrera. GREFA and Trenca are involved in the assisment and implementation of the Project, toghether with the staff of the Espai Natura Muntanya d’Alinyà and the rangers of the NHR of Boumort. The Estació Biològica del Pallars Jussà carries out several educational actions related to the project.

For further information on this project, please check the section Reintroduction of the Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus) in the Pyrenees on this website.