Conservationists have fitted a griffon vulture chick with a GPS transmitter while it was still in its nest for the first time in Cyprus, marking a milestone in efforts to restore the island's endangered vulture population, BirdLife Cyprus said.
The chick, tagged on July 10 in Limassol district, is the first offspring produced by griffon vultures – specifically Molly and Ramon – transferred to Cyprus from Spain under a programme aimed at reinforcing the island's small and vulnerable population.
“The chick’s presence in the nest provides tangible evidence that years of dedicated conservation work can make a real difference. For one of Cyprus’ most iconic and endangered species, this is an important milestone in the recovery of the population,” said BirdLife Cyprus.
Complex operation
The operation followed months of planning and monitoring to ensure the intervention took place at the appropriate stage of the chick's development, at about 90 days old. Authorisation for the work was obtained from the British Bases administration.
The field team began work at 6am and, with the assistance of a professional climber, accessed the cliffside nest. The chick was placed in a protective bag and lowered to a team on the ground.
An officer from the Game and Fauna Service fitted the bird with a ring and GPS transmitter, while a veterinarian carried out a health examination and collected samples for genetic sex identification and toxicological analysis.
According to BirdLife Cyprus, the transmitter will provide information on the bird's movements, survival and dispersal after it leaves the nest, helping researchers improve their understanding of griffon vulture ecology on the island while supporting future conservation planning.
After the procedures were completed, the chick was returned to the nest. The entire operation lasted less than two hours to minimise disturbance, and the parents returned shortly afterwards, BirdLife Cyprus said.
The action was coordinated and funded by BirdLife Cyprus with participation from the Game and Fauna Service, a collaborating veterinarian and officials from the British Bases’ Environmental Service.
“The story of Molly and Ramon now continues through their first chick. When the time comes, its first flight will mark another important step for the future of Griffon Vultures in Cyprus,” said BirdLife Cyprus.
Source: BirdLife Cyprus
