The Griffon Vulture
The Griffon Vulture
The Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus is the only vulture species found in Cyprus, and the most common of the four vulture species found in Europe. With the population currently at around 20 individuals, Cyprus is host to the smallest breeding population of Griffon Vulture in Europe.
As a scavenger, the Griffon Vulture feeds on medium or large size animal carcasses, with a particular preference for the soft parts of the animal, such as the muscles, viscera and intestines.
Vultures consume large amounts of carrion derived from animal carcasses, maintaining the transfer of energy through food webs and supporting important ecosystem services such as nutrient recycling, removal of soil and water contaminants and regulating the development and spread of diseases and populations of facultative scavengers such as foxes.
Although illegal under national and EU legislation, the use of poison baits in the countryside is a widespread and insidious problem in Cyprus. Deliberate poisoning has been documented as one of the most severe factors threatening wildlife and biodiversity conservation in Europe and it is the leading cause of the rapid decrease of the Griffon Vulture population in Cyprus since the 1950s.
Natura 2000 is the largest coordinated network of protected areas in the world. It offers a haven to Europe’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats.
Today’s technology helps us follow the movement of birds by tagging birds with GPS transmitters. Follow the Griffon Vultures in Cyprus by clicking on the link below.
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