In the "kitchen" of the Egyptian vultures

10.09.2014

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The study of the diet and the breeding biology of the Egyptian vulture is important for the planning of effective conservation measures.
 
For two years, the LIFE+ project "The return of the Neophron" has closely observed the Egyptian vultures in Bulgaria and Greece through photo traps, installed in their nests. In 2012 in Bulgaria was placed 2 photo traps and 2 in Greece; in 2013 - 3 in Bulgaria and 2 in Greece; in 2014 – 2 in Bulgaria and 2 in Greece. Over 50,000 images have been collected and they allow us to understand more about the breeding biology of the species and the behavior of the adults and the young birds in the nest. In most photos we can identify every vulture, thanks to the scar with dark pigmentation and characteristic shape, which most of the birds have on the head between the nostril and the eye.
 
Photo traps allow us to identify threats to the species, and the reasons for failure in breeding. Some photos have captured other species like Black stork, Red rumped swallow, Blue-rock trush, Kestrels, Little Owl or Jackdaw. Some of them, such as Мarten, Еagle Оwl, Raven, Peregrine Falcon, are enemies of the Egyptian vulture.

In the moment the photos are under analysis by volunteers and experts.

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