A Giant of the Skies
The Bearded Vulture
A story of resilience and return
The Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus Barbatus), also known as the bone-breaker, is the largest bird of prey in Europe, with a wingspan reaching up to 3 meters. It’s an iconic symbol of high mountain wilderness. It’s story is one of remarkable survival – a species that came close to extinction due to human activity, and then made a spectacular return, like a Phoenix, thanks to determined conservation efforts. Today, it’s listed as « Near Threatened » on the IUCN Red List.
Prehistoric origins and wide distribution
The origins of the Bearded Vulture date back millions of years – to the Pleistocene era. Belonging to the Accipitridae family, it’s unique for it’s highly specialized diet : It feeds almost exclusively on bones and tendons. Historically, the Bearded Vulture had a wide distribution. It inhabited all the major mountain ranges of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. In Europe, it was present in the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Balkans, Crete, and the Caucasus.
Decline in the 19th and early 20th centuries : a European disappearance
The 19th and early 20th centuries were catastrophic for the Bearded Vulture in Europe. Several factors led to it’s dramatic decline and near-extinction :
Direct persecution :
Seen as the Devil’s bird due to it’s orange color (caused by bathing in iron-rich springs) and it’s red eyes ring, it was wrongly accused of attacking livestock and children. As a result, it was heavily hunted, poisoned, and it’s nests were destroyed. Bounties were even offered for it’s extermination. It disappeared from the Alps in 1913 – wiped out by ignorance.
Changes in pastoral practices :
The decline of traditional pastoralism and carcass disposal methods reduced the availability of bones – it’s primary food source.
Human development :
Expanding human activities in mountain areas (tourism, infrastructure) increasingly disturbed it’s breeding habitats.
As a result, the Bearded Vulture vanished from most European ranges. In the Alps, the last individual was killed in 1913. Only a few isolated populations survived in the Pyrenees, Corsica, Crete, the Caucasus, and parts of Asia.
The rebirth
reintroduction program of the 1970s-1980s
Faced with this critical situation, the scientific and conservation community raised the alarm. As early as the 1970s, an ambitious
international reintroduction program was launched – led primarily by the IUCN, WWF, and the Frankfurt Zoological Society.
Key steps of the program included :
Captive breeding :
Significant efforts were made to establish a healthy genetic pool using captive birds or individuals rescued from the wild. Specialized breeding centers were created.
Juvenile releases :
In 1986, the first three juveniles were released in the Austrian Alps. In 1987, the first release in natural habitat took place in Haute-Savoie, France – a landmark moment for European conservation.
Hacking technique
Young birds were released in natural areas without human presence, allowing them to imprint on the wild environment and adapt independently.
Monitoring and tracking :
Released birds were rigorously tracked with transmitters and field observations, enabling researchers to study their movements, survival, and breeding success.
Gradual return and current challenges
Thanks to these coordinated efforts, the Bearded Vulture has gradually recolonized parts of it’s former range. However, despite this remarkable comeback, it still faces serious threats :
Poisons and hunting :
The illegal use of poisoned bait (targeting wolves or foxes) remains a major threat and is the leading cause of unnatural deaths. Illegal shootings are still too frequent.
Electrocution and collisions :
Power lines, ski lift cables, and wind turbines are deadly obstacles for these large gliders.
Nest disturbance :
Human activities (climbing, aerial sports, paragliding) near nesting sites can cause breeding failures.
Resource availability :
Maintaining a sufficient supply of wild and domestic carcasses (through natural deaths or managed feeding sites) is crucial.
Low reproductive rate :
Bearded Vultures begin breeding around age 7 and raise just one chick per year. Each loss is significant. Survival during the first 7 years is critical, and first time breeders often fail.
A symbol of hope
Today, the Bearded Vulture is more than just a raptor – it’s a powerful symbol of conservation success and nature’s resilience. It’s presence in our mountains reflects the importance of protecting species and their habitats. Public awareness, anti-poisoning campaigns, and strict protection of nesting zones remain key to it’s long-term survival.
My commitment to the Bearded Vulture
I’m deeply grateful for the immense privilege of following this species throughout the year, in the heart of the mountains. Observing Bearded Vultures in their natural habitat, accompanying them discreetly during their breeding cycle – from nest – building to the fledging of the chick – is a profoundly moving experience. Every sighting, every flight, every glance exchanged, and every soaring silhouette above me – as some them now recognize me – is a powerful reminder of their strength, their fragility, and our responsibility to protect them. I’m thankful to walk beside them, with respect, humility and love, attuned to the rhythm of the mountains and the seasons.
