Further Increase of Griffon Vultures in the Eastern Rhodopes

In 2012, Bulgaria’s vulture monitoring scheme organised by the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds reached its 25^th anniversary and once again a record number of breeding Griffon Vultures could be registered.

25 years ago, in the late 80’s, the East-Rhodopian population counted a mere 13 breeding pairs. In 2012 60 pairs with occupied nests could be observed, of which 52 started to breed early in the season. Eventually a record total of 36 young vultures fledged this summer.

The Griffon Vulture results from the Bulgarian part of the Eastern Rhodopes are good. The situationof the vulture population in neighbouring Greece and Macedonia is less positive. This year, no more than 15-20 pairs bred in the continental part of Greece and about 20 in Macedonia. In Serbia also an increase could be registered.