DOCSLIB.ORG

The Decline of the Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Decline of the Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus Ardeola 48(2), 2001, 183-190 THE DECLINE OF THE BEARDED VULTURE GYPAETUS BARBATUS IN GREECE Stavros XIROUCHAKIS*, Anastasios SAKOULIS** & Giorgos ANDREOU* SUMMARY.—The decline of the Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus in Greece. The Bearded Vulture Gy- paetus barbatus is considered to be an endangered species in Greece. The latest estimate in the mid 80s gave a population of about 25 pairs distributed over an area of about 8000 km2. In an attempt to update our knowledge on the post-1980 distribution and status of the species, we gathered all bibliographical references for the period 1985-1999 and conducted a field survey (1995-2000) in almost all traditional territories. Results revealed that an 84% loss of the species’ population and a 75% shrinkage of its breeding distribution have ta- ken place during the last decade. The present population consists of four breeding pairs that are distributed over 2000 km2 in Crete or an estimated 25 individuals. Population decline has been most pronounced in the mainland (>90% loss), where only one pair seems to have been left in the borders with the former Yugosla- vian Republic of Macedonia. Poisoning and direct persecution seem to have had the most serious impact on the species’ decline. Conservation actions such as safeguarding of nesting areas and reduction of human per- secution are urgently needed for the long-term survival of the Greek population of Bearded Vultures. Key words: Distribution, disturbance, Greece, Gypaetus barbatus, illegal shooting, poisoning, population size. RESUMEN.—El declive del Quebrantahuesos Gypaetus barbatus en Grecia. El Quebrantahuesos Gypaetus barbatus es una especie en peligro de extinción en Grecia. La última estima poblacional, realizada a media- dos de los años 80, resultó en 25 parejas, distribuidas en un área de unos 8000 km2. En un intento de ampliar nuestro conocimiento sobre la distribución y estatus de la especie en los años posteriores a 1980, recopilamos todas las referencias bibliográficas del periodo 1985-1999 y realizamos un trabajo de campo (1995-2000) en casi todos sus territorios tradicionales. Los resultados revelaron que durante la última década se ha reducido la población de la especie en un 84% y que ha sufrido una pérdida del 75% en su área de distribución como reproductora. La población actual cuenta con cuatro parejas reproductoras distribuidas en un área de 2000 km2 en Creta, o una estima de 25 individuos. La reducción de la población ha sido más pronunciada en la región continental (con una pérdida de más del 90%), donde tan solo una pareja parece permanecer en los límites con la República de Macedonia. El envenenamiento y la persecución directa parecen haber tenido el impacto más grave sobre la supervivencia de la especie. Acciones de conservación, como el salvaguardar las áreas de cría o la reducción de la persecución humana, son necesarias y urgentes para asegurar la supervivencia a largo pla- zo de la población griega de Quebrantahuesos. Palabras clave: Caza ilegal, envenenamiento, Gypaetus barbatus, distribución, perturbación, Grecia, ta- maño poblacional. INTRODUCTION in Europe, Northern Africa, Asia Minor, Midd- le East and reaches up to Mongolia and China, The Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus is a and the somewhat smaller, with no black ear cliff-nesting raptor that inhabits mountain re- tufts, Gypaetus barbatus meridionalis, that oc- gions of Eurasia and Africa (Cramp & Sim- curs in East and South Africa. The Bearded mons, 1980). It has been classified in up to five Vulture feeds primarily on bones of small- and subspecies (Dementiev & Gladkov, 1966; medium-sized carcasses coming from wild ani- Brown & Amadon, 1968; Glutz von Blozheim mals or domestic ungulates in areas of extensi- et al., 1971), although Hiraldo et al. (1984) dis- ve pastoral activity (Hiraldo et al., 1979; tinguish only two on the basis of plumage pat- Cramp & Simmons, 1980; Brown & Plug, terns: Gypaetus barbatus barbatus, that occurs 1990; Heredia & Heredia, 1991). * Natural History Museum of Crete. University of Crete, P.O. Box 2208, Heraklion 71409 Crete, Gree- ce. e-mail: [email protected] ** Hellenic Ornithological Society. Em. Benaki 53, 10681 Athens, Greece. E-mail: [email protected] 184 XIROUCHAKIS, S., SAKOULIS, A. & ANDREOU, G. The bulk of its population is concentrated in HOS archives in the last 15 years and Central Asia and the Himalayas (del Hoyo et mapped them on 1:50000 maps acquired al., 1994) while in Europe the species is regar- at the Military Geographical Service. In ded as endangered since it has disappeared from an attempt to validate many of these ob- most Central European countries during the servations, we crossed references to the XIXth and the XXth centuries (Bijveleld, 1974). same birds mainly on the basis of the pro- The present European population consists of no ximity of their geographical location. Mo- more than 120 breeding pairs which are distri- reover, we searched in detail the Stan- buted in the Pyrenees (Spain, France), the is- dard Data Forms of the review of the lands of Corsica (France) and Crete (Greece), Important Bird Areas (IBA) inventory in and the Alps (France, Switzerland, Italy, Aus- Greece. Fieldwork for the IBA network tria), where the species has been reintroduced update took place during the years 1995- (Tucker & Heath, 1994; Frey & Llopis, 1995; 1997, and in that period almost all moun- Xirouchakis & Giannatos, 1997; Heuret & tain areas of Greece were visited. Rouillon, 1998; Fasce, 1999; Heredia & Razin, 3. Personal communications. We collected 1999; Hofbauer-Hofer, 1999). and checked all sightings of the species In Greece, the Bearded Vulture was com- reported by people active in mountain mon in the beginning of the XXth century and areas (e.g. forestry staff, nature lovers, was present in almost all continental massifs climbers, stockbreeders, birdwatchers and and mountains of Crete (Glutz et al., 1971; wildlife biologists) for the period 1990- Handrinos, 1985). It was even reported as exis- 1995. We assessed the reliability of these ting on the island of Rhodes (Salvatori & Festa, records by asking the actual observers for 1913; Tortonese & Moltoni, 1947). However, it a detailed description of the species (e.g. declined dramatically in the very last decades body shape, silhouette, plumage and (Grubac, 1991; Tucker & Heath, 1994; Han- flight behavior). drinos & Akriotis, 1997), possibly due to: (a) 4. Fieldwork. In an attempt to confirm site habitat loss and degradation; (b) disturbance at occupancies in continental Greece, we vi- nesting sites; (c) food shortage; (d) indirect poi- sited the traditional areas of the species soning from illegal use of poisoned baits; and and searched all territories that had been (e) direct persecution by man. In this paper we reported to be active at least till early review data available on its status over the last 1990s, namely the mountains of Parnas- 20 years, aiming at determining its current dis- sos, Giona, Vardousia and Olympos. We tribution and population size. Reasons for the surveyed typical Bearded Vulture habi- decline and conservation actions in need are tats such as upland pastures and the alpi- also discussed. ne zone above the treeline during the ye- ars 1998 and 1999. In addition, an average of 10 days per month was spent MATERIAL AND METHODS in the field during the years 1996-2000 in the island of Crete in all areas located Information on the population size and bree- over 400 m a.s.l. Fieldwork took place ding distribution of the species in Greece in from early morning to sunset although ef- the 1980s and 1990s was obtained from the fo- fective searching effort ranged from 3 to llowing sources: 11 hours per day. 1. Bibliographical references and unpubli- Observations were made mainly from vanta- shed reports. Although the literature on ge points with good view over the sampling the status of the species is limited, we re- areas by using 10x50 binoculars and 30-60x viewed and assessed the few existing pa- spotting telescopes. Bird sightings were also pers and relevant data in official and un- mapped on 1:50000 maps. To estimate popula- published reports. tion size we paid particular attention to recor- 2. Archives of the Hellenic Ornithological ding individuals of different ages. Classification Society (HOS). We considered all Bear- was based on plumage patterns (Forsman, ded Vulture observations listed in the 1999), and we allocated each vulture sighted Ardeola 48(2), 2001, 183-190 THE DECLINE OF THE BEARDED VULTURE GYPAETUS BARBATUS IN GREECE 185 to one of four age classes: juvenile (0 until 21- both birds were present but no breeding activity 24 months), immature (21-43 months), sub- occurred, constituted a Bearded Vulture terri- adult (43-60 months) and adult (> 60 months). tory (Heredia & Heredia, 1997). We defined as core areas of Bearded Vulture For the breeding distribution of the species, the sites of major activity (Brown, 1984), we regarded the IBAs that had supported Bear- which incorporated one or more of the follo- ded Vulture territories during the last two de- wing features: (a) nests; (b) summer and winter cades (Grimmett & Jones, 1989). Relevant si- roosts; (c) bone storage sites (e.g. old nests, zes of these areas were derived from the potholes, rock crevices) and bone dropping are- reviewed IBA inventory (Heath & Evans, as, and (d) rocky outcrops producing thermal 2000). currents suitable for soaring that were regularly used by the birds. The location of these sites were registered with the use of the Global Po- RESULTS AND DISCUSSION sitioning System (GPS) and plotted on a LAT/ LONG map by applying the DMAP program The total range of the species has contracted (Morton, 1999). Core areas that had been oc- considerably during the last two decades in all cupied by a breeding pair or a solitary adult, as mainland massifs and, to a lesser extent, in the well as traditional nesting areas where one or mountains of Crete (Fig.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Griffon Vultures &Lpar;<I>Gyps Fulvus</I>&Rpar; Ingesting Bones At
    SEPTEMBER1997 LETTERS 287 AravaipaCreek, Arizona. Almost immediatelyat leastsix Elf Owls beganvocalizing from dispersedlocations around our campsiteand at leastfour of them began making low passesat the Great Horned Owl. Before we could relocate the horned owl to a protectedenclosure, it wasstruck once in the head by an Elf Owl. Some nocturnal behaviorsmay not be well known or understood,not becausethey are rare, but becausethey are difficult to observe.This may changewith the increasedavailability of night vision equipment (P. Henson and J A Cooper 1994, Auk 111:1013-1018). Currently, observationsof nocturnal behaviorsare likely to be sporadicand anecdotal,and therefore unreported. Such information, however,may help in understandinga speciesbiology. For example, other researchershave observedgroup mobbing by Elf Owls (F.R. Gehlbach,pers. comm.; B.A. Millsap, pers. comm.), but there are no publishedreports of the behavior.Our observations,and thoseof other researchers, suggestthat Elf Owlswill join together in mobbing and that they can be physicallyaggressive when defending their nestsagainst predators. We thank A. Duerr, T.S. Estabrookand R.L. Spauldingfor assistingwith the observations.We alsothank T. Brush, ER. Gehlbach, R. Glinski, P. Hardy, B.A. Millsap, G. Proudfoot and H.A. Snyder for sharing their observational information concerning mobbing by small owls.This manuscriptbenefitted from the constructivereviews of ER. Gehlbach,C. Marti, B.A. Millsapand an anonymousreviewer.--Clint W. Boal, Brent D. Biblesand R. William Mannan, Schoolof RenewableNatural Resources,University of Arizona, Tucson,AZ 85721 U.S•. j. RaptorRes. 31 (3):287-288 ¸ 1997 The Raptor ResearchFoundation, Inc. GRIFFONVULTURES (GYPS FULVUS) INGESTING BONES AT THE OSSUARIESOF BEARDEDVULTURES ( GYPAETUSBAR•ATUS) Some African vulturesovercome the calcium deficiencyin their diets by ingestingbone fragments,and are depen- dent on the presenceof largepredators to supplythem (Mundy and Ledger 1976, S.
    [Show full text]
  • BEARDED VULTURE POPULATION and HABITAT VIABILITY ASSESSMENT (Gypaetus Barbatus Meridionalis)
    BEARDED VULTURE POPULATION AND HABITAT VIABILITY ASSESSMENT (Gypaetus barbatus meridionalis) Sterkfontein Dam, Harrismith, Free State Province, South Africa 6 - 10 March 2006 BEARDED VULTURE (Gypaetus barbatus meridionalis) POPULATION AND HABITAT VIABILITY ASSESSMENT IN SOUTHERN AFRICA 6 - 10 March 2006 WORKSHOP REPORT Convened by: CONSERVATION BREEDING SPECIALIST GROUP SOUTHERN AFRICA ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST EZEMVELO KWAZULU-NATAL WILDLIFE Sponsored by: Maloti Drakensberg Transfrontier Project In collaboration with THE CONSERVATION BREEDING SPECIALIST GROUP (CBSG) OF THE IUCN SPECIES SURVIVAL COMMISSION Population and Habitat Viability Assessment: Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus meridionalis) 1 © Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG-SSC / IUCN) and the Endangered Wildlife Trust. The copyright of the report serves to protect the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group workshop process from any unauthorised use. Krüger, S., Piper, S., Rushworth, I., Botha, A., Daly, B., Allan, D., Jenkins, A., Burden, D. and Friedmann, Y. (editors). 2006. Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus meridionalis) Population and Habitat Viability Assessment Workshop Report. Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (SSC / IUCN) / CBSG Southern Africa. Endangered Wildlife Trust, Johannesburg. The CBSG, SSC and IUCN encourage workshops and other fora for the consideration and analysis of issues related to conservation, and believe that reports of these meetings are most useful when broadly disseminated. The opinions and recommendations expressed in this report
    [Show full text]
  • Lappet-Faced Vultures Studies at Mahazat As Syed Protected
    Status of Vultures in the Middle East with detailed studies of Lappet-faced and Griffon Vultures in Saudi Arabia Mohammed Shobrak Biology Department, Taif University, Saudi Wildlife Authority, Saudi Arabia Content of the Presentation •Vultures in the Middle East and Arabian Peninsula • Status & Trend & • Griffon Vultures • Lappet-faced Vultures Studies in KSA •Threats •Conclusion and Recommendations Vultures Recoded in the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula ØBearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus (Rare Breeding) ØEgyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus (Breeding) ØGriffon Vulture Gyps fulvus (Breeding) ØLappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus (Breeding) ØCinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus (the majority are Migratory) ØRüppell’s Vulture Gpys rueppellii (Meinertzhagen 1945) The majority of the Middle Eastern populations are migratory (winter visitor and passing migrants), with small breeding populations in Iran and Turkey. Cinereous Vulture is a winter visitor to the Arabian Peninsula, concentrated at northern, central and eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. IUCN Red List Species Status at the Population Status Scientific Name Status International (Trend) Global / Reginal Agreement Aegypius monachus CITES II, CMS II, EU WV (Linnaeus, 1758) NT/NT WTR (A), Raptor MoU 1 Decreasing Middle Eastern populations extend from SW Iran into much of Turkey, with more isolated populations in Yemen and SW Saudi Arabia The bearded vulture was a rare resident and now probably no longer breeds in Saudi Arabia, and probably in Yemen (50 breeding pairs were
    [Show full text]
  • NE Spain): Management Implications A
    Animal Biodiversity and Conservation 30.2 (2007) 189 Factors influencing the breeding density of Bearded Vultures, Egyptian Vultures and Eurasian Griffon Vultures in Catalonia (NE Spain): management implications A. Margalida, D. García & A. Cortés–Avizanda Margalida, A., García, D. & Cortés–Avizanda, A., 2007. Factors influencing the breeding density of Bearded Vultures, Egyptian Vultures and Eurasian Griffon Vultures in Catalonia (NE Spain): management implica- tions. Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, 30.2: 189–200. Abstract Factors influencing the breeding density of Bearded Vultures, Egyptian Vultures and Eurasian Griffon Vultures in Catalonia (NE Spain): management implications.— Using multivariate analyses we examined differences in breeding density of the Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus, the Eurasian Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus and the Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus in NE Spain (Catalonia) in relation to trophic, orographic–landscape and anthropic variables. Sampling units used were regional divisions (comarques). High density of Bearded Vulture was principally linked to areas with scant vegetation and low human population density. In contrast, high densities of both the Egyptian and Eurasian Griffon Vultures were associated with availability of trophic resources (sheep and goats). Positive effects were detected in relation to low density of inhabitants (Egyptian Vulture) and altitudes between 1,000–2,000 m and landscape with low tree cover (Eurasian Griffon Vulture). The Bearded Vulture seemed to be the most selective species in relation to environmental characteristics while the Eurasian Griffon and the Egyptian Vultures displayed a higher degree of ecological plasticity. Future conservation actions should bear these results in mind in order to optimise management. Food resources from extensive livestock farming, in particular, seem fundamental for the conservation of scavenger species.
    [Show full text]
  • Mapping Treeline Ecotone Dynamics Along a Latitudinal Gradient Using Fine Scale Resolution Imagery RESOLUTION IMAGERY
    Mapping Treeline Ecotone Dynamics along a Latitudinal Gradient using Fine Scale Resolution Imagery MAX KIPKEMOI KORIR February 2019 SUPERVISOR S: Dr. Panagiotis. Nyktas Dr. Ir. Thomas. A. Groen Mapping Treeline Ecotone Dynamics along a Latitudinal Gradient using Fine Scale Resolution Imagery RESOLUTION IMAGERY MAX KIPKEMOI KORIR Enschede, The Netherlands, February 2019 Thesis submitted to the Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation of the University of Twente in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation. Specialization: Natural Resources Management SUPERVISORS: Dr. Panagiotis. Nyktas Dr. Ir. Thomas. A. Groen THESIS ASSESSMENT BOARD: Professor Andrew Skidmore (Chair) Dr. Harald Pauli (External Examiner, Austrian Academy of Sciences & University of Natural Resources and Life, Austria) i DISCLAIMER This document describes work undertaken as part of a programme of study at the Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation of the University of Twente. All views and opinions expressed therein remain the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Faculty. ii ABSTRACT Treeline ecotone metamorphosis over time has been a commonplace observation globally. This ecosystem has significant ecological values and acts as a vital signal for climate change. It is thus necessary to understand its dynamics. Applications of fine-scale resolution imagery covering the historical and the contemporary eons are imperative for the mapping and quantification of treeline ecotone changes. These products were used for treeline ecotones studies in Lefka Ori, Olympus, Rodnei and Tatra mountains located along the European sub-continent latitudinal gradient. The investigation suggests that the treeline positions are determined by the latitudes, continentality and the mass elevation effect.
    [Show full text]
  • Greek Tourism 2009 the National Herald, September 26, 2009
    The National Herald a b September 26, 2009 www.thenationalherald.com 2 GREEK TOURISM 2009 THE NATIONAL HERALD, SEPTEMBER 26, 2009 RELIGIOUS TOURISM Discover The Other Face of Greece God. In the early 11th century the spring, a little way beyond, were Agios Nikolaos of Philanthropenoi. first anachorites living in the caves considered to be his sacred fount It is situated on the island of Lake in Meteora wanted to find a place (hagiasma). Pamvotis in Ioannina. It was found- to pray, to communicate with God Thessalonica: The city was ed at the end of the 13th c by the and devote to him. In the 14th cen- founded by Cassander in 315 B.C. Philanthropenoi, a noble Constan- tury, Athanassios the Meteorite and named after his wife, Thessa- tinople family. The church's fres- founded the Great Meteora. Since lonike, sister of Alexander the coes dated to the 16th c. are excel- then, and for more than 600 years, Great. Paul the Apostle reached the lent samples of post-Byzantine hundreds of monks and thousands city in autumn of 49 A.D. painting. Visitors should not miss in of believers have travelled to this Splendid Early Christian and the northern outer narthex the fa- holy site in order to pray. Byzantine Temples of very impor- mous fresco depicting the great The monks faced enormous tant historical value, such as the Greek philosophers and symboliz- problems due to the 400 meter Acheiropoietos (5th century A.D.) ing the union between the ancient height of the Holy Rocks. They built and the Church of the Holy Wisdom Greek spirit and Christianity.
    [Show full text]
  • Raptors in the East African Tropics and Western Indian Ocean Islands: State of Ecological Knowledge and Conservation Status
    j. RaptorRes. 32(1):28-39 ¸ 1998 The Raptor ResearchFoundation, Inc. RAPTORS IN THE EAST AFRICAN TROPICS AND WESTERN INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS: STATE OF ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE AND CONSERVATION STATUS MUNIR VIRANI 1 AND RICHARD T. WATSON ThePeregrine Fund, Inc., 566 WestFlying Hawk Lane, Boise,1D 83709 U.S.A. ABSTRACT.--Fromour reviewof articlespublished on diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey occurringin Africa and the western Indian Ocean islands,we found most of the information on their breeding biology comesfrom subtropicalsouthern Africa. The number of published papers from the eastAfrican tropics declined after 1980 while those from subtropicalsouthern Africa increased.Based on our KnoM- edge Rating Scale (KRS), only 6.3% of breeding raptorsin the eastAfrican tropicsand 13.6% of the raptorsof the Indian Ocean islandscan be consideredWell Known,while the majority,60.8% in main- land east Africa and 72.7% in the Indian Ocean islands, are rated Unknown. Human-caused habitat alteration resultingfrom overgrazingby livestockand impactsof cultivationare the main threatsfacing raptors in the east African tropics, while clearing of foreststhrough slash-and-burnmethods is most important in the Indian Ocean islands.We describeconservation recommendations, list priorityspecies for study,and list areasof ecologicalunderstanding that need to be improved. I•y WORDS: Conservation;east Africa; ecology; western Indian Ocean;islands; priorities; raptors; research. Aves rapacesen los tropicos del este de Africa yen islasal oeste del Oc•ano Indico: estado del cono- cimiento eco16gicoy de su conservacitn RESUMEN.--Denuestra recopilacitn de articulospublicados sobre aves rapaces diurnas y nocturnasque se encuentran en Africa yen las islasal oeste del Octano Indico, encontramosque la mayoriade la informaci6n sobre aves rapacesresidentes se origina en la regi6n subtropical del sur de Africa.
    [Show full text]
  • Mid-Holocene Changes in the Geochemical and Biotic Conditions of an Aquatic Ecosystem, in Eastern Mediterranean
    Ann. Limnol. - Int. J. Lim. 2018, 54, 21 Available online at: © EDP Sciences, 2018 www.limnology-journal.org https://doi.org/10.1051/limn/2018013 RESEARCH ARTICLE Mid-Holocene changes in the geochemical and biotic conditions of an aquatic ecosystem, in Eastern Mediterranean Michael Styllas1, Elias Dimitriou1,*, Kostas Gritzalis2, Maria Koutsodimou2, Ioannis Karaouzas2, Nikolaos Skoulikidis2 and Alexandra Gogou2 1 Geoservice ltd, Eirinis 15 street, 55236, Panorama, Thessaloniki, Greece 2 Hellenic Centre for Marine Research. Athens-Sounio Avenue (46.7 km), P.O. Box712, P.C. 19013 Anavyssos, Attiki, Greece Received: 3 October 2017; Accepted: 30 March 2018 Abstract – Mediterranean Temporary Ponds (MTPs) are unique and sensitive aquatic ecosystems that due to their hydrological characteristics constitute an ideal setting for the study of past environmental dynamics. A 176 cm core was retrieved from the littoral zone of Omalos MTP in Lefka Ori massif, to provide a general view of the processes that drove its Lateglacial and Holocene evolution. The sedimentary sequence is partitioned in two major units: (i) Unit II (∼17–4.7 ka BP), characterized by the catchment-derived transport, allogenic deposition of fine, Al2O3-rich, sediments and endogenic deposition of clays, under overall anoxic and dry climatic conditions, and (ii) Unit I (∼4.7 ka to present), characterized by increasing wetness, establishment of watershed, aquatic and herbaceous vegetation and by SiO2 dominated sedimentation under overall oxic conditions. The enrichment of SiO2 in the littoral sediments since the mid-Holocene, can be of clastic, aeolian and biogenic origin, but the undertaken analyses did not permit such distinction. The overall dryness of Unit II was interrupted between ∼14.7 and 13 ka BP by wet conditions, evidenced by the establishment of littoral vegetation.
    [Show full text]
  • Biodiversity Management Plan for the BEARDED VULTURE (Gypaetus Barbatus Meridionalis) for Southern Africa
    Biodiversity Management Plan for the BEARDED VULTURE (Gypaetus barbatus meridionalis) for Southern Africa Photo: Sonja Krüger Date: Final version submitted 16th September 2013 Edited by: Sonja Krüger i Executive Summary The Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus meridionalis is an endangered species inhabiting the Maluti Drakensberg mountains of southern Africa including Lesotho and the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. The population is an isolated one whose numbers are continually declining as a result of numerous threats to the species. In recognition of the need for conservation action, South Africa has developed the requisite legal framework that caters for the protection of this important species. The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) and the Threatened or Protected Species (ToPS) Regulations provide for the compilation of Biodiversity Management Plans for Species (BMP-S). The Bearded Vulture Task Force (BVTF) of the Birds of Prey Programme (BoPP) of the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) therefore initiated a workshop to develop a BMP for the species to improve the conservation status of the species. The workshop was initiated as a review of the action plan developed as part of a Population Habitat and Viability Analysis (PHVA) workshop that was undertaken for the species in 2006. The BVTF invited a number of key role-players to the initial workshop to review the PHVA document and develop a draft BMP. This draft document was then taken to targeted stakeholder workshops in both South Africa and Lesotho. The BMP process included key role players and produced a document that included much of the information generated in the PHVA workshop held in 2006 and proceedings of targeted role player engagements.
    [Show full text]
  • The Geological Heritage of Psiloritis
    The Geological Heritage of Psiloritis By Dr C. Fassoulas Psiloritis Natural Park INTRODUCTION TO THE GEOLOGY OF CRETE Crete is a mosaic of characteristic features which make it unique and special throughout the Mediterranean. It is very well known for its antiquities, its civilization and its biodiversity; it also has however a hidden treasure, its outstanding geological wealth. A polymorphic relief has been formed as a result of the physical processes which have been bringing Europe and Africa closer together for millions of years. These two lithosphere plates are like boats swimming in the molten lava of the interior of the earth which destroy everything in their passing. Natural processes, often violent and extreme such as the catastrophic earthquakes, have shaped the mountains and the seas, shaping the land of the Aegean and of Crete. Crete, just like all the Greek mountain ranges, is just one link in of a great chain of mountains which were created millions of years ago along with the alpine orogenesis, the process which built the mountains from the Pyrenees until the Himalayas The geological structure of Crete is characterized by the existence of rocks formed before, during and after the Alpine orogenesis. Most of these are the remains of the sediments which fell into the Tethys Ocean, a most ancient sea which is now limited to the present day Mediterranean. Some others were islands in the ocean or submarine volcanoes which were frozen at the great depths. The closure and the catastrophe of Tethys, which in the eastern Mediterranean began about 100 million years ago, forged the sediments into hard rocks, it smashed them and cracked them to such an extent that one began to go up and to climb on top of the other.
    [Show full text]
  • Predators in Flight in This Program, We Explore the Majestic World of Birds of Prey, Including Eagles, Falcons, Vultures, Ospreys, Hawks, and More
    Men’s Programs Predators in Flight In this program, we explore the majestic world of birds of prey, including eagles, falcons, vultures, ospreys, hawks, and more. Birds of prey are also called raptors. Together, we learn more about these fierce, predatory birds from their habits to their habitats, as well as their role in legends, folklore, history, and superstition. Preparation & How-To’s • This is a copy of the complete activity. • Print photos of birds of prey for participants to view or display them on a TV screen. • Print a large-print copy of this discussion activity for participants to follow along and take with them for further study. • Read the article aloud and encourage participants to ask questions. • Use Discussion Starters to encourage conversation about this topic. • Read the Birds of Prey Trivia Q & A and solicit answers from participants. • Check out the Additional Activity for more information about this topic. Predators in Flight Introduction Birds of prey, also known as raptors, include many species of avian predators that rule the skies. Found on every continent on Earth except Antarctica, these powerful birds possess enhanced senses and phenomenal speed. Raptor and human history have been intertwined for centuries, with some birds of prey considered evil or magical, while others are thought of as pests. In contrast, they have also been celebrated as sacred or served as human hunting partners. What Makes a Raptor Most birds of prey are members of the order Accipitriformes, which is made up of 250 species. The birds are divided into diurnal and nocturnal raptors.
    [Show full text]
  • Commission Implementing Decision of 16 November 2012 Adopting A
    26.1.2013 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 24/647 COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION of 16 November 2012 adopting a sixth updated list of sites of Community importance for the Mediterranean biogeographical region (notified under document C(2012) 8233) (2013/29/EU) THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, (4) In the context of a dynamic adaptation of the Natura 2000 network, the lists of sites of Community importance are reviewed. An update of the list of sites Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European of Community importance for the Mediterranean biogeo­ Union, graphical region is therefore necessary. Having regard to Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and (5) On the one hand, the update of the list of sites of flora ( 1), and in particular the third subparagraph of Article 4(2) Community importance for the Mediterranean biogeo­ thereof, graphical region is necessary in order to include additional sites that have been proposed since 2010 by Whereas: Member States as sites of Community importance for the Mediterranean biogeographical region within the meaning of Article 1 of Directive 92/43/EEC. For these (1) The Mediterranean biogeographical region referred to in additional sites, the obligations resulting from Articles Article 1(c)(iii) of Directive 92/43/EEC comprises the 4(4) and 6(1) of Directive 92/43/EEC should apply as Union territories of Greece, Cyprus, in accordance with soon as possible and within six years at most from the Article 1 of Protocol No 10 of the 2003 Act of Acces­ adoption of this Decision.
    [Show full text]