Newsroom
A recent tragedy has underscored the fragility of the island’s critically small Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) population. A young vulture, successfully rehabilitated after falling severely ill in October, has died less than a day after being released back into the wild.
The bird, part of an EU-supported restocking initiative “LIFE with Vultures,” was originally brought to Cyprus from Spain to help bolster the endangered local population. After its release in July 2024, the vulture roamed freely and appeared healthy. However, in October 2025, GPS monitoring detected prolonged inactivity near Famagusta, prompting rapid intervention from BirdLife Cyprus and the Cyprus Wildlife Research Institute.
Veterinary teams found the vulture weakened and dehydrated. Intensive care over six weeks, including treatment, rehabilitation, and thorough health screenings, allowed the bird to regain strength. Once deemed fit for release, it was returned to nature, a moment celebrated as a triumph for conservationists.
Tragically, the vulture’s life was cut short almost immediately after its return. Covering nearly 40 kilometers in a short time, the bird attempted to rejoin its flock but landed on an 11,000-volt power pole, touching two wires and suffering fatal electrocution.
“This heartbreaking incident reminds us how precarious life is for these birds on our island,” said the team caring for the vulture. “We warned at release about the two biggest threats: poisoning and electrocution. Yet, humans remain directly responsible for both.”
Conservationists emphasize that preventing electrocution, by insulating power poles, and eliminating harmful poisons from the environment are critical steps to ensure the survival of Cyprus’s vultures.
Despite the loss, the rehabilitation effort demonstrated the power of coordinated conservation. Griffon Vultures are now mainly found in the mountainous regions of Pafos and Limassol, and as the reinforced population grows, there is hope for their return to historical ranges, such as the Kyrenia mountains.
