Six organisations have joined forces to protect and conserve three of Cyprus' most iconic raptor species: the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus), the Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata) and the Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus).
According to a statement issued by BirdLife Cyprus, the project will officially begin in October with co-funding from the EU LIFE programme.
The initiative will be led by BirdLife Cyprus and implemented in partnership with the Game and Fauna Service, the Vulture Conservation Foundation, the State General Laboratory, the Cyprus Police and the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC).
Tackling the main threats
The project aims to secure the long-term survival of the three species by addressing the primary causes of mortality, including:
- Poisoned bait
- Electrocution
- Collisions with electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure
- Illegal shooting
- Drowning in open water reservoirs
Vulture population down to just 37 birds
The situation is particularly critical for the Griffon Vulture, whose population in Cyprus now numbers just 37 individuals.
In recent years, the illegal use of poisoned bait and electrocution have emerged as the most significant threats to the species' survival.
The Bonelli's Eagle, the only eagle species still breeding on the island, remains vulnerable to persecution, poisoning and hazards associated with energy infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Long-legged Buzzard, despite expanding its range in Cyprus over recent decades, continues to face serious threats from shooting, electrocution, collisions and drowning, highlighting the need for further research and conservation measures.
Building on previous LIFE projects
The new initiative builds on the achievements of two earlier projects, LIFE with Vultures and LIFE Bonelli's eastMed, both of which contributed significantly to strengthening protections for the Griffon Vulture and Bonelli's Eagle.
For the vulture population in particular, conservation efforts included the transfer and release of birds from Spain, helping to bolster numbers on the island.
The previous projects also strengthened cooperation between government agencies in efforts to prevent and combat the illegal use of poisoned bait.
Raptors for LIFE
The new programme, titled Raptors for LIFE, will expand conservation actions to all three species while enhancing efforts to reduce the threats they face.
Planned measures include:
- Providing scientific evidence through laboratory analysis to support prosecutions in wildlife poisoning cases.
- Improving procedures for investigating and prosecuting wildlife crimes.
- Expanding expertise in poison detection through specialised training and the acquisition of new equipment.
- Strengthening cooperation among the relevant authorities responsible for wildlife protection.
The organisations involved say the project aims to combine scientific knowledge, enforcement capabilities and conservation action to improve the prospects for some of Cyprus' most threatened birds of prey.
