Griffon vultures released from rehab centre on island of Cres

(Photo credit: JU Priroda)

ZAGREB, 19 Oct (Hina) – Eight griffon vultures, mostly young birds rescued this year, have been released from the rehabilitation centre for griffon vultures in Beli on the northern Adriatic island of Cres, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County and the Public Institution Priroda (Nature) said on Monday.

Griffon vultures are a strictly protected species and the only remaining carrion birds in Croatia. A hundred years ago, they nested throughout Croatia, from Mount Učka to Dubrovnik, and today they only nest in Kvarner.

The County said that the rehabilitation centre rescues up to a dozen griffon vultures, and the visitor centre in Beli also provides education on the rich biological diversity.

Each griffon vulture at the rehabilitation centre receives a ring and a name, although most of them are already ringed as little birds in the nest.

The Grifon association, which does the bird ringing, has registered over 1,100 griffon vultures over the past 32 years.

The Public Institution Priroda and the rehabilitation centre in Beli, with the support of the county and partners, are expanding the care of griffon vultures also with the implementation of European projects.

In early 2023, a new project called “LIFE SUPport” will be launched, with the BIOM association as the leading partner, together with the agricultural cooperative “Otok KRK”, the Vulture Conservation Foundation and the HEP ODS company.

Thanks to the efforts of a large number of people, we believe in a bright future for griffon vultures in Kvarner, especially since several pairs of griffon vultures have started to nest again on Mount Učka this year, the Public Institution Priroda said.