Movements of the Griffon Vulture in Cyprus

Today’s technology helps us follow the movement of birds by tagging birds with GPS transmitters. The gathered data provide information on several aspects of each tagged bird and this information can guide conservation efforts. It is also a valuable tool to monitor the well-being of the tagged bird. For example, if body temperature drops low or the accelerometer shows no activity, there is an alert that warns scientists who can go on site and save a weakened bird. In case the bird is found dead, the team can make sure that a proper post-mortem analysis can be performed, if the carcass is found as soon as possible after the bird dies. The GPS data further helps us understand foraging areas and migration paths as well as identify dangerous power lines, poles or windmills etc. This data is especially important to inform conservationists where the biggest need for actions are or for scientists who want to study the behaviour of the tagged birds.

Click on the maps below to follow the movements of some of the GPS-tagged Griffon Vultures in Cyprus.