The main conservation action of the “Conservation of black and griffon vultures in Rhodope mountains”project in the Greek part of Rhodope Mountain is the establishment of a network of small-sized feeding sites for vultures that will be supplied by livestock breeders.

This year, the LIFE Vultures Team rom BSPB and Rewilding Rhodopes counted about 50 less Griffon Vultures compared to last year in the Eastern Rhodopes.

Continuing a longstanding reintroduction programme, the latest recent translocation of 91 fallow deer in the Rhodope Mountains rewilding area in Bulgaria will help to create biodiversity-rich mosaic landscapes and enhance local food chains.

This summer, the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) and Elektrorazpredelenie Yug EAD continued the provision of bird-related electrical poles in the Eastern Rhodopes. This important work is expected to continue until the end of the year, resulting in a total of 170 pillars and 150 diverters installed.

If you think the holiday season is over think twice. Vultures, like people, are taking most of their vacation time in September as a young Rhodopean black vulture pair has recently demonstrated. A young black vulture pair set on a 3-week aerial adventures journey over the Rhodope Mountains.

Disgusting yet intriguing. Endangered yet hugely important. Clumsy on land yet majestic in the air. Vultures might be paradoxical creatures, but they are nevertheless loved by wildlife enthusiasts and photographers the world over.

The recent mortality of the Griffon Vulture is the first recorded death caused by lead poisoning for the species in Bulgaria. Tests showed old lead ammunition inside the vulture’s body and proved positive for lead poisoning as there was increased lead concentration in the blood.

In June a herd of 49 fallow deer was released in the Madzharovo Natura 2000 site in the Rhodope Mountains. This is the third group released the rewilding area, now numbering more than 120 animals.

As part of ongoing LIFE Vultures project in June two juvenile Griffon Vultures from the Eastern Rhodopes were equipped with satellite transmitters providing critical data on the distribution, migration and possible threats to the birds, enhancing conservation of the species in the region.

Last week journalists from local and national media took part in 3-day media trip in Rhodope Mountains rewilding area as part of “Conservation of Black and Griffon Vultures in the Rhodope Mountains” LIFE project.