**Griffon Vultures Breed in Cyprus Again After Five-Year Gap**
In a significant development for wildlife conservation, Griffon vultures have successfully bred in Cyprus for the first time since 2021. This milestone was announced by BirdLife Cyprus and the Game and Fauna Service, who reported on Thursday that five breeding pairs have nested across various locations on the island, resulting in the birth of three confirmed chicks.
The resurgence of the Griffon vulture population comes after a challenging period marked by severe setbacks, including the loss of the last remaining breeding pairs due to poisoning incidents in 2022 and 2023. Conservationists have hailed this year's breeding success as a historic turning point for one of Cyprus's most endangered bird species.
“This year marks a historic turning point for the species,” stated the organizations in a joint announcement. The five breeding pairs are expected to play a crucial role in the recovery of the Griffon vulture population, which remains critically low in Cyprus.
Notably, four of the five breeding pairs consist of birds that were imported from Spain as part of the EU-funded Life with Vultures project. These birds were released in Cyprus in 2022 and 2023 and have now reached the breeding age, contributing to the island's vulture population.
The presence of these breeding pairs is seen as a catalyst for natural population growth, as they are expected to produce more young vultures in Cyprus. The three chicks that have been confirmed will be fitted with rings and GPS transmitters, allowing researchers to track their movements and monitor their survival after fledging.
The return of vultures to traditional nesting grounds is also a positive sign for conservationists. One of the newly occupied nesting sites had remained unused for approximately 15 years. This development highlights the importance of protecting historic breeding areas, as they can be recolonized as the population stabilizes and recovers.
Among the breeding pairs, one pair stands out due to its unique background. It consists of a 13-year-old female of Cretan origin and a male bird that was born in Cyprus in 2021. This male was transferred to the island under an earlier conservation initiative and released in 2015. BirdLife Cyprus emphasized that this pair symbolizes the ongoing conservation efforts that have spanned over a decade.
To ensure the safety of the nesting birds, authorities have implemented special protective measures around two nests located within the British bases on the island. In collaboration with the bases, protection zones have been established to minimize disturbances during the critical breeding season.
Despite these encouraging developments, conservationists remain cautious. They have warned that the Griffon vulture continues to face significant threats, primarily from the illegal use of poison baits and electrocution from electricity infrastructure. The organizations stress that safeguarding nesting areas and maintaining suitable habitats are vital for the long-term recovery of the species.
The successful breeding of five pairs and the confirmation of three chicks serve as a testament to the effectiveness of coordinated and sustained conservation efforts. “After years of uncertainty, this year offers a valid reason for optimism about the future of the Griffon vulture in Cyprus,” the organizations concluded.
As conservation initiatives continue to evolve, the hope is that the Griffon vulture population will not only stabilize but also thrive in the coming years, restoring a vital part of Cyprus's natural heritage.