Reintroduction of Vultures in Madonie, Sicily
In 2021, a rehabilitation and acclimatization aviary for griffon vultures was built in Isnello municipality, which has its territory within the Madonie Natural Regional Park. Between September 2021 and February 2023, 31 griffon vultures were found debilitated in the wild in other areas in Sicily; these were housed and cared for exactly in Isnello aviary. After the necessary care, rehabilitation and acclimatization, 30 of such vultures were released in the vicinity of the aviary, facing the cliffs of Mt. Carbonara. Those deemed suitable as a possible nesting site, bringing back griffon vultures in the Madonie Park. Two of the released specimens were fitted with GPS devices. To support these, and previously reintroduced specimens, a supplementary feeding station has been set up, with almost daily replenishment. Meat supply is mainly from carcasses of wild boar and fallow deer that are culled, according to quotas following the control plan developed by the Madonie Natural Regional Park. All animals are shot with non-toxic lead-free bullets. In February 2023, 16 griffon vultures were brought from Spain, which are currently housed, for a period of acclimatization, in the Isnello aviary and will be released in the next months, in the same geographical area. Others griffon vultures will be released over the next few years, again from Spain by GREFA, for a total of 60 griffon vulture to be released. Some of these will carry a GPS tag.
This work has been done through the collaboration of several partners including: Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Sicily (IZS Sicily), ARDEA (Association for research, dissemination and environmental education) and Madonie Natural Regional Park.
In 2021, a rehabilitation and acclimatization aviary for griffon vultures was built in Isnello municipality, which has its territory within the Madonie Natural Regional Park. Between September 2021 and February 2023, 31 griffon vultures were found debilitated in the wild in other areas in Sicily; these were housed and cared for exactly in Isnello aviary. After the necessary care, rehabilitation and acclimatization, 30 of such vultures were released in the vicinity of the aviary, facing the cliffs of Mt. Carbonara. Those deemed suitable as a possible nesting site, bringing back griffon vultures in the Madonie Park. Two of the released specimens were fitted with GPS devices. To support these, and previously reintroduced specimens, a supplementary feeding station has been set up, with almost daily replenishment. Meat supply is mainly from carcasses of wild boar and fallow deer that are culled, according to quotas following the control plan developed by the Madonie Natural Regional Park. All animals are shot with non-toxic lead-free bullets. In February 2023, 16 griffon vultures were brought from Spain, which are currently housed, for a period of acclimatization, in the Isnello aviary and will be released in the next months, in the same geographical area. Others griffon vultures will be released over the next few years, again from Spain by GREFA, for a total of 60 griffon vulture to be released. Some of these will carry a GPS tag.
This work has been done through the collaboration of several partners including: Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Sicily (IZS Sicily), ARDEA (Association for research, dissemination and environmental education) and Madonie Natural Regional Park.