7 new black vultures enter the population of this species in the Pyrenees

They are part of the reintroduction programme in the Pyrenees. Marking of these individuals was carried out on 20 February 2013, to allow their identification and tracking. The gates of the acclimatization facility were opened today, on 1 March 2013.

These 7 individuals, five males and two females, came from different wildlife rehabilitation centres in the Iberian Peninsula. Specifically, 3 individuals were admitted to the W. R. C. of Los Hornos (Cáceres); 1 individual, to the W. R. C. of Torreferrussa (Barcelona); 1 individual, to the W. R. C. of El Saler (Valencia); 1 individual, to the CERI (Toledo); and 1 individual, to the W. R. C. of GREFA (Madrid).

Once rehabilitated, these animals were moved to the acclimatization facility in the National Hunting Reserve of Boumort, were they remained between 6 and 12 months. During that time, they have been watching their natural environment and other black vultures that are freely living in Boumort.

On 20 February 2013, samples were taken to check their sanitary condition, different flight feathers were descolorated to allow their individual identification and satellite trasmitters (GPS) sponsored by REE (GPS) were hitched up to their back. Fort the last operation, we had the participation of the MAGRAMA, that sent its marking specialist.

The specific day of the releasing, 1 March 2013, was choosen because of the weather conditions. The acclimatization facility was opened to allow the 7 new black vultures to exit autonomously. These animals are in optimal conditions to enter the current colony, composed of approximately 20 individuals.

 

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 Alinyà Natural Site staff and the rangers of the NHR of Boumort.

You can find further information on the section reintroduction of the Black Vulture in the Pyrenees and on the section videos in this website.