Marking of Griffon Vultures

The marking of Griffon Vultures is a methodology in which metal and plastic rings with unique numbers, as well as a wing marker, are placed on individual birds, so that they can be tracked and in this way know how their behavior and survival strategy are. Each marked Vulture becomes an individual who can be tracked in time and space and has a Record that is updated regularly with all the information that is known.

So far (2018. year) 286 Griffon Vultures have been marked on Uvac. The number of marked birds that were later recorded somewhere is incredible – 3145 in more then 20 countries and this number is growing almost daily. In practice, this means that every other Griffon Vulture that can be seen in the Balkans comes from Uvac. Based on this knowledge it is possible to know where they are moving, where they eat, nest, stay and often with what dangers and risks they meet. Based on this, we know how to effectively work on their protection.

Griffon Vultures on the Uvac are mostly marked at the nest at the end of May and in early June as cubs. During this period, the birds were grown enough to be marked, but still they can not fly. In this way, we are sure that we know where and when the bird is hatched and that it is “our” bird. During the marking, morphometric data is taken as well as blood samples. By analyzing blood we are able to determine gedner of the bird as well.

The marking process is quite demanding and hard-working which requires teamwork. The work is done by experts of the Foundation and the Rangers of “Reserve Uvac” and the experienced alpinistic-speleological teams of the Academic Speleological-Alpinist Club (ASAK) from Belgrade and the Speleological Club “Ponir” from Banja Luka.

Each nest is carefully analyzed and we determine the best way it is approachable, and that it is safe for both humans and birds. Often, one nest is working for more hours. Vultures are processed and returned to the nest, as quickly as possible with less stress.

During the 2018. season, we have marked 22 birds. Marking has be done in two shifts. In the albums, you can see individual scenes from this year’s campaign (click on a photo for a larger view):

SHIFT I:

[Show thumbnails]

SHIFT II:

[Show thumbnails]

The marking of Griffon Vultures is funded almost exclusively by the Birds of Prey Protection Foundation from donations, sponsorships, membership fees, etc. Unfortunately, the sources of these funds are very uncertain. If you like and you are able to support this Program and enable it to continue you can do it: Payment Instructions… EUR»
Thank you for any kind of support.

GALLERY of marked Vultures in 2018: