Conservation and Research Priorities

Vulture Conservation and Research

Vultures are vital to biodiversity in the environments they inhabit. These remarkable birds provide critically important ecosystem services by efficiently cleaning up carcasses and other organic waste in the environment. In essence, they are nature’s garbage collectors, and this role translates into significant economic and public health benefits.

The disappearance of vultures would be devastating. Often, the true value of these birds is only recognised after they have vanished from a particular region. Studies have shown that in areas without vultures, carcasses can take three to four times longer to decompose. This has serious implications for the spread of diseases in both wild and domestic animals, as well as elevating pathogenic risks to human populations and their livestock.

Urgent need for conservation action

Vulture populations have plummeted across their range in recent years, with some species now listed as Critically Endangered, meaning they are one step away from extinction. Unless effective conservation measures are implemented or expanded across their entire range, several vulture species face a high risk of becoming extinct in the wild in the near future.

Satellite telemetry studies have revealed that vultures travel over vast areas, often crossing international borders. Effective conservation, therefore, requires a coordinated approach across all the countries within their range. This recognition led to the development of the Multi-species Action Plan to Conserve African-Eurasian Vultures (Vulture MsAP) under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).

Vulture Multi-species Action Plan

The Multi-species Action Plan to Conserve African-Eurasian Vultures (Vulture MsAP) is the result of extensive consultation with stakeholders, conservation experts, and species specialists. The overarching goal of this comprehensive plan is to rapidly halt the current population declines of all 15 African-Eurasian vulture species across their vast range.

Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus (Europe, Asia, Africa) – Near Threatened

Cape Vulture Gyps coprotheres (Africa) – Vulnerable

Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus (Europe, Asia, Africa – occurs irregularly and in very small numbers) – Near Threatened

Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus (Europe, Asia, Africa) – Endangered

Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus (Europe, Asia, Africa) – Least Concern

Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis (Asia) – Near Threatened

Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus (Africa) – Critically Endangered

Indian Vulture Gyps indicus (Asia) – Critically Endangered

Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotos (Africa, Asia) – Endangered

Red-headed Vulture Sarcogyps calvus (Asia) – Critically Endangered

Rüppell’s Vulture Gyps rueppelli (Africa, Europe – occurs irregularly and in very small numbers) – Critically Endangered

Slender-billed Vulture Gyps tenuirostris (Asia) – Critically Endangered

White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus (Africa, Europe – occurs irregularly and in very small numbers) – Critically Endangered

White-headed Vulture Trigonoceps occipitalis (Africa) – Critically Endangered

White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis (Asia) – Critically Endangered

The Vulture MsAP covers the combined land masses of Africa and Eurasia, with a total of 128 Range States hosting populations of one or more vulture species. Range States are encouraged to use the MsAP as a guide for drafting national vulture conservation action plans tailored to their specific circumstances.

The key aims of the Vulture MsAP are:

Adopted in 2017 at the 12th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP12), the Vulture MsAP outlines a roadmap with specific objectives, results, and 124 actions covering policy, legislation, research, monitoring, education, and on-the-ground interventions.

Of these 124 actions, 17 were identified as essential for immediate implementation to address critical threats facing vultures, including:

Reducing mortality from intentional and unintentional poisoning
Mitigating the threat of toxic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Phasing out the use of lead ammunition by hunters
Halting the trade in vulture parts for belief-based use
Stopping the practice of sentinel poisoning by poachers
Reducing vulture mortality from electrocution and collisions with energy infrastructure
Ensuring the availability of safe food to sustain healthy vulture populations
Maintaining suitable habitat for vultures to nest, roost, and forage
Reducing direct persecution and disturbance of vultures by human activities
Supporting vulture conservation through actions to address knowledge gaps
Promoting the effective implementation of the Vulture MsAP

In 2023, a Mid-term Implementation Review (MTIR) was conducted to assess the progress made in the first half of the Vulture MsAP's 12-year timeframe. The key findings highlighted both successes and ongoing challenges:

Threats:

Intentional poisoning for belief-based use, bushmeat, and trade remains a severe problem, especially in West Africa
Collision and electrocution risks from the global shift to renewable energy infrastructure are increasing
Climate change and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza are emerging threats

Demographic trends:

Vulture populations are recovering slightly in some countries, particularly in Europe, due to conservation efforts, stakeholder engagement, and funding
Many populations are still declining dramatically, especially in Africa where data and monitoring are limited

Implementation progress:

The average implementation score across the range is only 1.61 out of 4, lower than the expected 2-2.5 at this stage
Progress with the 17 essential actions has been only marginally faster than other actions
Lack of funding is the main constraint, followed by capacity issues and lack of political will

To accelerate progress in the remaining years, the MTIR report recommends:

Strengthening political engagement and financial support from Range State governments and major donors
Building capacity to implement conservation actions, especially in terms of skilled staff and management systems
Prioritising the implementation of the 17 essential actions
Establishing the Vulture MsAP's proposed implementation framework and coordination mechanisms
Continuing to facilitate the Vulture Working Group and monitor the plan's execution
Commencing the review and update of the Vulture MsAP before its 12-year timeframe expires in 2029

How can we protect New World Vultures?

New World vultures inhabiting the Americas face similar challenges like poisoning, but conservation efforts should be tailored to their unique challenges based on species and regions.

The California Condor, once nearly extinct, has seen population increases thanks to intensive captive breeding and reintroduction programmes. However, lead poisoning remains a significant threat, and ongoing research aims to mitigate this issue by promoting the use of non-lead ammunition among hunters.

The Andean Condor is another focus of conservation efforts. These birds face threats from lead poisoning to habitat loss and hunting. Conservation actions include habitat protection, environmental education, and the implementation of captive breeding programmes to bolster wild populations.

Black Vultures and Turkey Vultures, though currently listed as Least Concern, are also monitored to ensure they remain stable. Research on their ecological roles helps highlight their importance in nutrient cycling and disease control, especially important for the Black Vulture that increasingly faces human-wildlife conflict.

Efforts to conserve the Greater Yellow-headed Vulture and the Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture focus on habitat preservation in the Amazon and other tropical regions. These species benefit from forest conservation initiatives that protect large tracts of their natural habitats from deforestation and degradation.

The King Vulture, with its striking appearance, is monitored for local population declines. Conservation actions include habitat protection and further research to fill gaps in knowledge about its population trends and ecology.

Key conservation strategies

Habitat protection:

Secure critical habitats through legal protection and conservation actions to prevent habitat loss and degradation.

Monitoring and research

Implement systematic population monitoring and conduct research on threats and habitat use to inform conservation actions.

Mitigation of threats

Address specific threats such as lead poisoning, habitat destruction, and hunting through targeted interventions and policy changes.

Public awareness and education

Educate local communities on the importance of vultures and engage them in conservation efforts to foster coexistence and support for conservation initiatives.

Policy and legislation

Advocate for and enforce policies that protect vultures and their habitats, ensuring sustainable conservation outcomes.

Sources

Progress and lessons learned

Significant progress has been made in vulture conservation, thanks to the dedicated efforts of governments, conservation organisations, and local communities. However, the threats facing vultures remain severe and challenging to address. A renewed, coordinated approach led by governments and supported by all stakeholders is required to ensure the long-term survival of these remarkable birds.

Lessons learned from successful conservation initiatives can be applied more widely, but new and creative solutions are also needed to tackle the clear and present danger that threatens to drive vultures to extinction. The many stakeholders concerned with vulture conservation must work together, driven by a shared commitment to safeguarding these vital scavengers.

Your role in vulture conservation

Participants and supporters of International Vulture Awareness Day are a key stakeholder group in achieving this goal. You can play a crucial role in vulture conservation by:

Spreading awareness about the importance of vultures and the threats they face
Participating in conservation initiatives, such as monitoring programs and habitat restoration projects
Supporting the drafting and implementation of national action plans for vulture conservation, aligned with the guidelines provided by the Vulture MsAP

By taking these actions, you can help ensure that these silent heroes of nature can thrive again for all future generations to come. The road to protect vultures starts with knowledge and action. Join us on this mission and give vultures a voice.

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