Nicosia, Cyprus. Six organisations have joined an EU co-funded conservation programme to protect three of Cyprus’ birds of prey from poisoning, electrocution, infrastructure collisions, illegal shooting and drowning in open reservoirs.
Species under protection
The Raptors for LIFE project will focus on the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus), Bonelli’s eagle (Aquila fasciata) and long-legged buzzard (Buteo rufinus).
The griffon vulture population in Cyprus stands at 37 birds. Poisoned bait and electrocution have emerged as the main threats to the species in recent years.
Bonelli’s eagle, the only eagle species breeding on the island, faces risks from persecution, poisoning and energy infrastructure.
The long-legged buzzard has expanded its range in Cyprus in recent decades but remains vulnerable to shooting, electrocution, collisions with infrastructure and drowning. The programme also aims to support further research into the species.
Project partners and previous work
The project will officially launch in October and is led by BirdLife Cyprus. Its partners are the Game and Fauna Service, the Vulture Conservation Foundation, the State General Laboratory, Cyprus police and the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC).
Raptors for LIFE follows the recently completed LIFE with Vultures and LIFE Bonelli’s eastMed programmes, which strengthened protection measures for griffon vultures and Bonelli’s eagles.
The previous projects helped researchers assess causes of mortality and their effects on the populations of the species. For griffon vultures, the population was reinforced through the transfer and release of birds from Spain, while cooperation between competent authorities was strengthened to prevent and combat the illegal use of poisoned bait.
Conservation objectives
The new programme aims to extend conservation work to all three species and further reduce the threats affecting them.
