The Vulture Conservation Foundation has announced a significant increase in the number of breeding pairs of black vultures in Portugal. The population has tripled as a result of the "The LIFE Aegypius Return" project. The initial goal of the project was to double the number of breeding pairs, but the results have exceeded expectations.
In 2022, there were only four colonies and forty breeding pairs in the country. Now, Portugal has approximately 108-116 pairs, which have produced at least 48 chicks. Additionally, scientists have discovered a new fifth colony in the western part of the country.
The black vulture in Portugal primarily inhabits protected natural areas. This species is listed as endangered. Scientists cautiously note that conservation measures for the black vulture are starting to pay off: the number of breeding pairs is increasing, as is their breeding success. At least half of the eggs laid hatch into chicks that eventually fledge.
However, colonies remain relatively small and very vulnerable. Any serious threat to one of them could endanger the entire population. The project team plans to continue working to improve nesting conditions for vultures and minimize threats to these birds.
The largest vulture colony in Portugal is located in the Tejo Natural Park. Here, there are about 64 breeding pairs that have produced approximately 25 chicks. The year before, scientists recorded only 46 pairs. Monitoring birds in these areas is a challenging task, as there are many old nests, including those occupied by other species.
The second largest colony of black vultures inhabits the south of Portugal in the Beja district. This year its population increased from 18 to 21 breeding pairs and seven chicks. The colony is transboundary. Five pairs nest in Spain. Another colony inhabits the Serra da Malcata reserve. There, 18 breeding pairs were recorded this year. They produced 12 chicks.
The most isolated colony of vultures inhabits the Douro Natural Park. It occupies a vast territory along the river of the same name, which serves as the border between Portugal and Spain. This year, the birds' habitat has expanded to cover both banks of the Douro. Monitoring the colony inhabiting this area will now be transboundary. The number of breeding pairs this year increased from three to eight. Most of these birds are likely quite young and inexperienced. Scientists came to this conclusion after finding that only five pairs laid eggs. As a result, only four chicks were born.
A new colony was discovered in Vidigueira in the Beja district in the west of the country. It was discovered only in the middle of the breeding season. Scientists did not conduct detailed monitoring to avoid disturbing the birds unnecessarily. Nevertheless, they recorded five nests and noticed one young male chick. The chick was equipped with a GPS transmitter and named Pouzio.
Monitoring is also carried out in protected areas in Spain. There, a total of 153 pairs of vultures and 90 chicks were recorded this year. Overall, cooperation between Portuguese and Spanish specialists and authorities has played an important role in ensuring the safety of birds in all areas where they breed.
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