Sad news yet again on efforts to raise the dwindling population of the critically endangered griffon vulture in Cyprus, as the latest addition from Spain aimed at boosting numbers, was found dead in the north, after suffering electrocution.
The vulture had undergone treatment for over six months at the Vouno Wildlife and Research Institute, after being discovered in a weakened, dehydrated state around the Varosha area.
Following rehabilitation, the male bird was released back into the wild on Friday, only for scientists to witness its death in the Morphou area.
A tracker had been placed on the griffon vulture and the device recorded unusual behaviour yesterday. Members of the institute located the tracker's transmission area and found the bird under an electricity pole, dead, with burns throughout, a clear indication of electrocution.
Having a wingspan of over three meters, it is believed that the griffon vulture came into contact with the high voltage cables either while landing or as it lifted off the ground, resulting in the tragic outcome.
The population of vultures on the island has whittled down to 20 due to poisoning, electrocution and other threats.
Conservation efforts, such as those by the LIFE with Vultures Project involve reintroducing birds from other countries, including Spain, in order to boost the local population as well as maintaining feeding stations, tackling illegal poisoning and power line electrocution.