This project aims to increase populations of vultures and other birds in the Velino Mountains in the Sirente Velino Regional Park.
The high alpine mountains, grasslands and valleys with the deep Celano Canyon at its centre, are home to one of the largest populations of griffon vultures in Italy. These birds play a very important role in the health of the ecosystem, yet they are threatened by collison with ski lifts, powerlines and wind turbines, disturbance when nesting by climbers, and indiscriminate poisoning which also threatens bears, wolves and other scavengers. The project will aim to increase the population of griffon vultures by 15% to 70 breeding pairs in 2023, as well as restoring populations of other birds including kites. Funding from EOCA would enable Rewilding Apennines to GPS-tag a further 20 griffon vultures on top of the 15 already tagged, and to increase their population by investigating and addressing the main threats for this species, in particular, poisoning. At least 70 tours will be created for 1200 people to spot and learn about the area’s birds and wildlife.
With many thanks to EOCA member LA SPORTIVA, which raised a large amount of funding for this project by donating 40% of its online sales over the Green Friday weekend 2021!
And thanks also go to EOCA member OSPREY for its generous donation to celebrate the launch of its new Remnants product.
Watch a short video that gives an overview of the project and its achievements so far.
