YayVultures

Great news - all the sessions are being recorded, and will be available to view online (free for attendees, with a small charge for those not here)
#Vultures2023

(2/2)
Some great progress in finding alternative options, and further research in Tanzania.
Still a lot of challenges though, and practioners feel it's unfair that sustainable harvest of other endangered animals is allowed for other reasons, but not in this case. #vultures2023

Fadzai Matsvimbo talked strategies for dealing with belief-based use as a threat to vultures.
It's grounded on the close connection people feel with birds and evidence shows it's not just African traditional religion, or older people.
There's a big overlap between healers and traders. (1/2)

(2/2)
Monitoring from aircraft showing nests in protected areas.
Threats from trade/belief-based use. #Vultures2023

This afternoon, we've had Cloé Pourchier talking about vultures in Niger and Chad. Currently, tracking relies on tags from migratory birds, but hoping to start tagging local lappet-faced and rüppell's. (1/2)

AMAZING talk on New World vultures by Sergio Lambertucci, including:
2200 condor nest 🤯
Research gaps, especially in Central America
Perceptions do not reflect reality - very little evidence of predation
Vultures sometimes catch prey, but so do cows.
Change in perception =/= behaviour change.

María Jesús Pelacios of Junta de Extremadura talked about the importance of the region, the monitoring and conservation activities, and the local visitors and populations of vulture species. #vultures2023

Wind farms are a large emerging threats in Spain, with an estimated 1000 Griffon vulture deaths per year.
After the difficulty of mad cow disease, now carcasses can be left, food availability is on the rise. This led to a decrease in reported conflicts, and recognition of the benefits of vultures.

First up, an introduction to vulture conservation in Spain from Rubén Moreno-Opo. Spain has incredibly important populations of all of the European Species. Illegal poisoning and other toxins are still threats to vultures. #Vultures2023

The 2nd European Vulture Conference has begun! Introductions from Jose Tavares, Hans Pohlmann, and Representatives from Cáceres, Extremadura, and the Spanish ministry of Ecological Transition. #Vultures2023

#addBirder

The stage of the main auditorium at the European Vulture Conference, with models of Egyptian and Cinereous vultures.

Are you ready?
#Vultures2023

A magnificent bearded vulture swooping past blue mountains, over text that said "European Vulture Conference". The font is similar to the VCF logo.

This week, I'm at #Vultures2023 - give me a shout if you're here!