The Griffon Vulture does not know the state borders and it is a species that very easily and often overflows with the “small” states of the Balkans. This is why international cooperation of all those who workes to protect and return vultures to the areas where once lived is crucial.
Bulgarian colleagues and our friends Emilian Stoynov and Hristo Peshev monitor multiple vultures by satellite telemetry. Because three vultures: Juanjo II (Y7), Svetislav II (BY3), WFN (Y2), caught early this year in Bulgaria and to which a satellite transmitter has been installed are in Serbia for some time, we have given access to the data, so that we can work together to protect them.
It is shown almost daily that no endangered species has such support in the Balkans as the Griffon Vulture. The desire to preserve this remarkable bird, which is at the same time at risk of extinction, has succeeded in uniting efforts in the (usually) divided Balkan countries and forcing us all to work closer together.
The recent action to rescue vulture Luka in Bosnia and Herzegovina when we, in cooperation with our colleagues, managed to save him and he is now in recovery at Blagaj’s center.
Of course, there are many other stories of good international cooperation such as the return of Dobrila from Turkey, the rescue of Sadam from Iraq, the treatment of Hadji Nike soup in Israel, cooperation with “Grifon – the Birds of Prey Protection Association” from Croatia, etc.
The Griffon Vulture is a symbol of successful protection of endangered species in the Balkans, and it is no wonder that last year’s conference on the protection of this species was called: “Vulture above the borders” ( International Vulture Awareness Day, 7-8.9.2019. Uvac… »)
We thank Emiliano and Hristo for their cooperation and we will continue for the benefit of this endangered species throughout the Balkans.
