This year’s census of Griffon Vulture at the species roosting sites in the mainland proved to be highly efficient! The two-day census took place in 18-19\/11\/2022 in the framework of the corresponding synchronized Balkan census.<\/p>\n
In the Griffon Vulture census, which is coordinated by the Hellenic Ornithological Society in the framework of the LIFE-IP 4 NATURA project and the National Action Plan for scavenger birds, a total of 173 vultures were counted in 13 roosting sites (out of 24 checked), a number 10 to 15% higher than the corresponding counts of the last 2 years. Highlights of the census included 29 Griffon Vultures in roosts within the Dadia National Park – the highest count in the region for a decade, but especially the recording of 58 Griffon Vultures in the Empesos colony (Valtos Mountains), which has been active again for a few years now and exhibits quite remarkable dynamics.<\/p>\n
Overall, Aitoloakarnania (Empesos – Valtos Mountains, Akarnanika Mountains, Kleisoura – Arakynthos) is confirmed as a “stronghold” of Vultures in the mainland; the protection of their habitats and the strengthening of conservation actions is a key priority.<\/p>\n
In addition to staff and volunteers of the Hellenic Ornithological Society, this year’s census was also supported by NECCA (Management Units of Evros Delta & Dadia National Parks, Epirus, Thessaly, National Park of Messolonghi & PAs of Western Central Greece), but also forestry services (Stavroupolis Forestry Office, Ioannina Forestry Office) and environmental organisations (WWF, Society for the Protection of Biodiversity of Thrace).<\/p>\n