# CE; # CON

Project Title: Contribution to the Protection of the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus)

Partners: Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, City of Cres, Nature Public Institution, Association BIOM, Association Tramuntana, Faculty of Science

Project Start Year: 2001

Status: Active

Species: Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus)

IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC)

National Red List Status (Croatia): Endangered (EN)

This conservation project focuses on several key areas:

Ex situ Breeding and Population Reinforcement:
The project has successfully released two ex situ bred individuals into the wild, contributing to the strengthening of natural populations.

Griffon Vulture Visitor and Rehabilitation Centre, Beli, Cres:
The project has contributed to the development of this centre through several phases. During the opening and establishment, we shared expert knowledge in the creation and implementation of educational programs, worked with architects on the design and construction of the vulture aviary, and participated in the process of obtaining permits and registering the centre. After the centre was established, we assisted in equipping the aviary for vulture rehabilitation, conducted several DNA analyses, and are now collaborating on animal husbandry practices and veterinary care.

Support for Nature Reserve Lake Cornino:
The project provided financial support for the installation of cameras to monitor griffon vultures.

Management and Action Plan Development:
Active participation in the development of management and action plans for conservation efforts.

Conservation Education:
The project promotes awareness through educational initiatives, including the organization of “Scavenger Day” to raise public understanding of the role scavengers play in ecosystems.

Summary

The project helped strengthen natural populations by releasing ex situ bred individuals back into the wild and played a key role in establishing the Griffon Vulture Visitor and Rehabilitation Centre in Beli, Cres. It also contributed to the development of management and action plans for Griffon Vultures. Currently, the project collaborates with the centre on animal husbandry practices and veterinary care while promoting awareness through educational initiatives like “Scavenger Day.”