MES Projects - Vulture

Eleven major threats to the vultures in Macedonia have been identified, with poisoning and killing considered to be the most important ones. Formerly, nest robberies were also a very significant threat and led to a significant decrease in the Griffon and Egyptian vulture populations. Disturbances, habitat loss, food shortage and competition also pose threats for some species in particular areas.

The small population numbers and low reproductive potentials of the vultures, which are particularly evident in Macedonia with the Black and Bearded vultures, are also contributing to the negative situation.

Study: Food Availability for Vultures (Aegypiinae) in Macedonia - Natural Sources and Livestock Breeding

A reduction in available food resources for vultures is one of the main reasons for their decline. Significant reductions in the number of wild ungulates have resulted from habitat degradation, direct anthropogenic pressure and abandonment of traditional farming and live-stock breeding practices. These decreases have created severe problems for the carnivores on the highest level of the trophic pyramid in ecosystems.

This study deals with the overall number and distribution of wild animals, potential food source for vultures, the present condition of live-stock breeding in Macedonia, the number and distribution of domestic animals, historical trends and their use in the food industry.

Fund for the Wild Flora and Fauna (http://www.fwff.org/) from Kavadarci intensively works on vulture conservation in the regions of Kavadarci (Tikveš), Demir Kapija, Mariovo and Ovče Pole. BIOECO (link do ?????) prepared two additional studies, focusing on the historical distribution of vultures and on hunting activities in Macedonia.

The Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning of the Republic of Macedonia (http://www.moepp.gov.mk) provides essential legal support, takes care of the implementation for all law enforcement activities and facilitates the issuing and renewing of permits to the project partners, thus enabling proper vulture conservation in harmony with national legislation.

Action Plan for the Recovery and Conservation of Vultures on the Balkan Peninsula and Adjacent Countries

Historically, all four vulture species have been recorded in Matka Gorge. The Black, Griffon and Egyptian vultures were common breeding species in the area. A strong decline in vulture populations took place during the 20^th century, resulting in the disappearance of the Bearded and Black vultures and a drastic decline in the number of breeding pairs of Griffon and Egyptian vultures. Among the most important threats were poisoning and direct killings. Poisoning is still a serious threat which has led to a decrease in the breeding population, from at least eight pairs down to 3-4 in 1995. The population has continued to decline and, since 2001, only one breeding pair of Grifon vultures has been counted. The population of Egyptian vultures is also very small - only one pair still lives in the Gorge. Disturbances, habitat loss and decreases in food availability still present serious threats for the last vulture pairs.

To date, only a few specific measures have been taken to help the species. Matka Canyon offers great possibilities for a successful restocking/reintroduction project, and its close proximity to Skopje offers the potential for a good educational campaign and the development of eco-tourism.

In addition to these activities, MES has monitored the former breeding colonies in the gorges of Babuna, Topolka and Bregalnica rivers (all in the central parts of Macedonia) and the Griffon vulture colony at Osogovo Mt. (in eastern Macedonia) that was lost in 2004. The monitoring was undertaken in order to follow later breeding attempts of the Griffon vultures. However, as the Egyptian vultures were the only vultures found breeding, these sites are now monitored trough the Egyptian Vulture Project (since 2006).

The long-term goal of the project is to increase the colony of Griffon Vultures and Egyptian Vultures at Matka to a number of pairs which, together with diminishing the threats, will ensure further self-sustainability of these populations (minimum of 8-10 pairs of Griffon Vultures and few more pairs of Egyptian Vultures). We are attempting to achieve this goal with the realization of the following objectives and actions:

· Organization of a feeding place at Matka and monitoring Bregalnica and Babuna-Topolka gorges (2003)

The workshop took place on 17^th June 2003 in the House of the Members of the Parliament. More than 40 people participated on the workshop, including representatives from the Ministries of: Environment and Physical Planning, Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management (MoAFWM), Interior Affairs (MoIA), representatives from local governments (Saraj and Zletovo, both vulture regions), Faculties of Forestry, Agriculture and Veterinary, managers of protected regions (NP “Mavrovo” and Forest Reserve “Jasen”), Skopje Zoo, Natural History Museum of Macedonia, Macedonian Forestry company, numerous members of NGOs (FWFF Macedonia, BIOECO, MakMontana, FWFF Bulgaria, National Forum for Protection of Animals in Macedonia and Hellenic Ornithological Society), as well as numerous journalists.

The first part of the workshop was dedicated to the organizations involved in the project, threats to vultures and ongoing activities. Studies on the historical distribution of the vultures in Macedonia, existing and potential threats, food availability and hunting legislation and potential threats/benefits from hunters, as well as the Spanish experience in an anti-poisoning campaign were all presented to the audience and were part of the workshop materials. In the second part, a discussion took place about the specific activities that need to be done. The workshop was concluded with the following decisions:

o A detailed assessment of food potentials and needs in vulture regions should be completed

o The official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the MoEPP and the NGO Consortium took place during the workshop

Preparatory activities, such as the search for a suitable location and source of food, took place from May to June. The first food disposal took place in the beginning of August and continued to occur on a regular basis, other than in October, until the beginning of December (7-11 days between each food disposal with the amount of food exceeding 200 kg). In this period, there was only one case (when dead goat was disposed) where a pair of Egyptian vultures was seen at the feeding place. No Griffon vultures were seen at the site. In the beginning of December, a decision for selection of a new locality was made; it was selected one week later. In most cases, monitoring was performed two days after the food disposal. In order to help provide conditions for undisturbed work, the MoEPP provided MES with written permission for supplementary feedings.

The vultures at Matka were closely monitored, both during the feeding/monitoring activities and during special visits which were intended to check breeding success. In 2003, the pair of Griffon vultures did not breed (or the clutch was lost early in the breeding season), as no incubation or feeding of the chick was observed. The status of the pair of the Egyptian vultures is unclear, as it was seen once in the beginning of the breeding season and only once morein the end.

The construction of the access road to the new hydro-power plant "Sveta Petka" trough the gorge and the low flights of NATO helicopters (on average at every 40 minutes, at times even more frequent) were recognized as the most serious threats to the vultures at Matka, due to the disturbance and habitat loss.

Besides the permanent monitoring at Matka, three other monitoring cycles were realized, covering the regions of Bregalnica and Babuna-Topolka. The results from the monitoring are as follows:

· Babuna: one pair of Griffon and Egyptian vultures present; no indications of successful breeding.

· Bregalnica: one pair of Egyptian vultures seen with the juvenile, and Griffon vultures observed passing through the region. The colony lost the last breeding pair of Griffon vultures, most likely as a result of the poisoning incident that took place in this region in February 2003.

· Supplementary feeding for Griffon vultures at Matka and joined monitoring of breeding colonies and former breeding sites, with the launch of an educational campaign (2004)

Supplementary feeding for the birds breeding at Matka continued in 2004. The new site is close to the villages Sveta Petka and Govrlevo and there is a regular presence of people and livestock. Regardless of these moments, both the Griffon and Egyptian vultures accepted the site and were observed feeding, more or less regularly. Slaughter-house offal was provided on the feeding place (250-300 kg per turn). The monitoring was performed in one or two days after the food supply. Monitoring position is ca. 300 m away of the feeding site and gives nice control over the area.

· Monitoring of the breeding success of the Griffon and Egyptian vultures at Matka

Monitoring of the pairs at Matka was undertaken in order to follow the breeding success of the vultures and observe possible change in numbers. The nest of the Griffon vultures could not be seen from any position, and thus only changing of the parents on the nest was noted. The centre of the Egyptian vulture territory lies further in the gorge and it is monitored from another position. The pair of Griffon vultures successfully reared a juvenile. The Egyptian vultures did not have juveniles and probably did not attempt breeding, as one of the birds in the pair was immature.

Monitoring of the gorge of Bregalnica River was realised in order to follow the two pairs of the Egyptian vultures and possible breeding of Griffon vultures. The monitoring was done through the coordination of MES and FWFF, together with B. Grubac's project on Egyptian vultures. Two pairs of Egyptian vultures were found at Bregalnica, one of them successfully fledging 2 juveniles. No Griffon vultures were found nesting, although they were seen flying over and leaving the area. The observation of two Griffon vultures in December was inconclusive, but we assume they were a pair. The food availability in the region is very good, the area is a winter pasture for sheep and the feeding site at Meckuevci is also not far.

One pair of Egyptian vultures was found breeding. There was no direct data on breeding success gathered. According to inquiry, the pair reared one juvenile. Probably a change in the nest position took place (the pair is known to have several nests). No Griffon vultures were observed, although they occasionally visit the site (inquiry data).

Discrepancies in the monitoring results exist for this Griffon vulture colony. It was monitored by MES, FWFF and B. Grubac. Four pairs of Griffon vultures were observed by the FWFF team at Osogovo colony in May, three of them with juveniles. However, this observation was not confirmed with the visits in June and August. One pair of Egyptian vultures probably reared a juvenile as well.

Thanks to the grant of BirdLife International and the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality trough the PIN/MATRA funds of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (624 EUR), a leaflet on the BVAP was produced. 7000 copies in Macedonian and 1000 copies in Albanian were printed; their dissemination is already ongoing.

· Maintenance of the feeding site at Matka and monitoring of Matka, Babuna-Topolka, Bregalnica and Osogovo (2005)

Supplementary feeding for the birds breeding at Matka takes place on two localities. The first one is the same one used in 2004, and the second locality is in the vicinity of villages Patiška Reka and Jabolce. The feeding was taking place regularly. During several feedings, the food was provided on both localities. Monitoring was performed one day after the feeding, but with decreased frequency compared to 2004. Both Griffon vultures and Egyptian vultures were observed feeding at the first feeding site. The Griffon vultures were not seen at the second feeding site, although it is likely that they have also visited it.

· Monitoring of the breeding success of the Griffon and Egyptian vultures at Matka

In 2005, the Griffon vulture pair changed the position of their nest site to a few meters above their 2004 position. The incubating bird and later the hatchling/juvenile were easily visible. The search for the Egyptian vultures' nest was done by walking along the artificial lake, but the pair had changed the territory and the new nest was not located. The pair of Griffon vultures successfully reared a juvenile.

The information board was constructed and placed near the restaurant at Matka, beside the only path going to the restaurant. The board offers information on the vulture status in Macedonia, their distribution, numbers, threats and a special part regarding the vultures at Matka. Information on the BVAP is given and the undergoing and planned actions for conservation are elaborated. A short English summary is also provided.

Two pairs of Egyptian vultures were found breeding at Bregalnica, one of them successfully fledging one juvenile and the second one with two. No Griffon vultures were found nesting, although they were seen flying over and leaving the area.

One pair of Egyptian vultures was found present at Babuna gorge and the possibility of presence of second pair at Topolka River was rejected. However, the pair was observed only at the beginning of the breeding season. The visits performed in August to find out the results of the possible breeding were without success, and we believe that the pair did not raised juvenile(s) in 2005.

No Griffon vultures were observed at the "colony" at Osogovo. This means that the breeding pairs have disappeared probably in the period between 23^rd May 2004 (when FWFF team observed 4 pairs) and 25^th June 2004 (when B. Grubac, and latter the MES team did not observed any Griffon vultures). The location of the nest of the EV pair was found, and one flying juvenile was observed on the end of the breeding season.

Data collection concerning the historical presence and numbers of vultures was done. Data on the habitat and food availability in the nearest surrounding of the gorge was also gathered. Further data gathering from the wider region is needed to prepare the study for restocking Griffon vultures at Matka.

In 2006, supplementary feedings of the vultures breeding at Matka took place at two localities. The first was the same one used for the previous 2 years and the second was in Tunovo (ca. 7 km from the Griffon vulture pair), which was used several times in 2003. The feedings took place regularly until July 2006, temporarily stopped due to the unsuccessful breeding and disappearance of the Griffon vultures, and then resumed in November. In total, 21 of 30 planned feedings were carried out. A poisoning may have occurred when the feedings were interrupted, as indicated by a sharp decline in raven observations.

Monitoring was performed in the same day or one day after the feedings took place. However, due to bad weather conditions and time constraints from other project commitments, the expected monitoring frequency was not achieved. Nevertheless, the Egyptian Vultures were mostly present on the feeding places and the Griffon vultures were observed until 23.03.2006, when they were seen for the last time despite food provision continuing regularly until June.

· Monitoring of the breeding success of the Griffon and Egyptian vultures at Matka

Monitoring was performed at Matka to try and determine the breeding success of the vultures and any possible changes in numbers. A monthly visit was planned to take place over a year. However, due to locating the Egyptian vulture nest (near village Shishevo) and simultaneously losing the pair of Griffon vultures, 10 entire and 2 additional short days were spent monitoring the colony. The Griffon vultures started incubation in early March, but the clutch and/or the pair were probably lost in the beginning of April (last seen in the nest on 21.03.2006 and at the feeding site on 30.03.2006).

Two weekends were spent working in the field at Treska valley. The first weekend was 25-26.03.2006 to see the area, locate potential places where vultures might be found, and to question the local population. The second visit took place on 4-5.11.2006 to search for Griffon vultures in the same territories as the first visit. Kozjak (the link between Matka and the other parts of Treska valley) was visited on two occasions due to its good visibility of the valley. Through conversations with local populations and hunters, it was determined in Treska valley that there are strong hunting pressures and therefore a strong educational campaign and regulation of hunting activities is greatly needed.

· Preparation of a study on the potential restocking/reintroduction of vultures to Matka - phase 2

In early 2006, a draft o the study of the reintroduction of Griffon vultures to Matka was completed. Since then, new information has been gathered which can be used for improving the study. Useful data was gathered on biodiversity values (other important species of flora and fauna) and livestock density and a food assessment was conducted. In May, the Society for Protection of Birds of Prey, LPO and BVCF organized a workshop on reintroduction in Massif Central, France. Here, guidelines for the design and corporate identity of all studies were presented. Despite advances, the Matka study did not increase details for a location of the release cages, their design and construction or an assessment of man power and costs due to the low interest of the forest reserve "Jasen". For 2007, meetings with high representatives of the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Jasen FR, Municipalities Saraj and Sopishte, Skopje Zoo and representatives of BVAP reintroduction committee are planned.

Preparation of a Study on potentials for restocking/reintroduction of vultures at Matka – phase 2

The Egyptian vulture has faced a strong decline in Europe over the last decade. Its population decreased in all countries in the range, except France. The total European population is estimated at 3500-5600 breeding pairs, and decreases are continuing in most countries. The overall population trend is a very large decline (>50%) over three generations. A similar trend is also noticed on the Balkan Peninsula and the species is probably already extinct in Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro. The most serious threats on the Balkan Peninsula are poisoning and killing, but also disturbances, nest robberies, habitat loss and decreases in food availability.

The long-term goal of the project is to increase the number of pairs of Egyptian vultures in Macedonia and create conditions for the long-term viability of its population. Currently, the main objectives of the Egyptian Vulture Project in Macedonia are:

· Gathering data on the breeding localities, foraging and movements and searching for potentially new breeding localities.

· Gathering data on conservation problems (killing, poisoning, habitat condition and degradation, feeding etc.)

· Coordination of the conservation activities with the similar projects on the Balkan Peninsula and Europe.

During the field work on the project "Survey of the Egyptian vulture in Macedonia" in 2003, a total of 48 breeding localities/pairs were controlled, which is considered to be ca. 50% of the total number of earlier known localities/pairs, estimated at 80 (min) to 120 (max) in the period 1980-1991.

At 17 known sites, the presence of pairs was proved and one unknown territory was found which had been active for years. At 8 previously known localities, no birds were seen during short observations, but they were probably present (inquiries, presence of nests, food remains, new excrements). At 22 already known sites, no birds were seen and there are indications that the birds are not present any more.

Observations of the Egyptian vultures at feeding sites (dumping sites for livestock and slaughter-houses' offal, public dumping sites, vulture restaurants and farming regions) confirmed the low number of Egyptian vultures in 2003. These data are fully complemented with the observations from the breeding sites. Also, the number of birds is significantly smaller than in the period from 1980-1991, which is particularly obvious at the most important gathering localities for the birds (the dumping sites at Negotino and Sveti Nikole).

According to the survey in 2003 and some earlier observations during 1994-2002, the estimation of the total population size in Macedonia is now 35-40 pairs. At 14 pairs, 9 juveniles at 8 breeding localities were confirmed. Low breeding success was observed (0,6 juv/pair, or 1,1 juv/successful pair), with unknown reasons for such low success. Possible causes might be food shortages (especially in the pre-incubation period) and loss of broods (due to robbery, disturbance etc.).

With the inquiries method, the threats and negative factors for Egyptian vulture have been partially established. Four cases of illegal poisoning are known, and at least 5-6 birds were killed during the last few years (2000-2003). There are some indications of nest robberies, habitat degradation and disturbances. Presence of the birds at the dumping sites indicates that a food shortage and potential contamination at these sites is also possible.

There are no data on threats and negative influence on the Egyptian vulture during their migration and time at winter quarries in Africa.

· Survey and monitoring of the status, breeding success and threats to the Egyptian vulture in Macedonia - 2004

During 2004, surveys and/or monitoring of 89 known or potential breeding sites of Egyptian vultures was done. In total, the presence of 32 pairs was confirmed and 9 more are believed to be present. Thirty-five pairs had disappeared from their breeding localities and 13 more had probably also disappeared.

· The summary results from 2003 and 2004 show that presence of 33 pairs was proved, and 45 had disappeared.

· Population estimation: Based on the results, the Egyptian vulture population can be estimated between 38-48 pairs (most likely 40-45).

· Trend: During the last 15 years, 55-65 pairs have disappeared. This means that only 45-50% of the 1980-91 population remains. The numbers show a drastic decrease in the population of the species, especially during the last 12 years.

· Breeding success: The breeding success in 2004 was 0.4 juveniles per pair, or 1,2 juveniles per successful pair. This is similar number with 2003 results (0.6 juv./pair, 1.1 juv/successful pair). The reasons for such low reproduction rates remain unknown. In most cases (8-17 cases), the pairs did not attempt breeding, also mainly for unknown reasons. Among possible reasons is food shortages in the pre-breeding period, disturbances, sterility due to pollution, etc. A detailed study on breeding success and factors influencing reproduction is necessary for the forthcoming period.

· Threats and conservation problems: poisoning is the most serious threat to the Egyptian vulture, other vulture species and necrofagous birds. In 2004, data on at least three poisoning cases were gathered, as well as new cases of poisoning of Griffon vultures. The insecticide "Lanate" appears to be the most frequently used poison. Urgent action (education, public information, persecution) for prevention of the poisoning is necessary. Food shortage is probably another significant problem, besides the calculations of food availability. Further research on feeding potential is needed. Supplementary feeding of a few pairs is suggested in order to test the hypothesis of the food shortage. Increase in food supply must be performed on the feeding sites in the period from March to June/July (pre-breeding and flying period). Killing is also a real threat; 5-6 individuals were killed during the last few years. As the population is already decreasing, the killing might pose a greater threat in the future if it’s not prevented. In this direction, education and joined work with hunting organizations might give the best results. Habitat degradation (construction of quarries, roads, other buildings, electrical networks) is a problem due to the disturbance and loss of breeding habitat. Nest robberies are probably more common than anticipated and indications of new cases are emerging.

· Survey and monitoring of the status, breeding success and threats to the Egyptian vulture in Macedonia - 2005

· Working meeting of the people from the Balkan region working with Egyptian vultures (and/or other vultures)

The 1^st special Workshop on the Egyptian Vulture on the Balkan Peninsula took place in Kavadarci, Macedonia, from 26 to27 March 2005

o Status, threats and conservation of the Egyptian Vulture in Greece (Lavrentis , HOS)

o Status, threats and conservation of the Egyptian Vulture in Serbia-Montenegro (Bratislav Grubac, Inst. for Nat. Prot. in Serbia)

o Status, threats and conservation of the Egyptian Vulture in Bulgaria (Marin Kurtev, BSPB)

o Status, threats and conservation of the Egyptian Vulture in Vrachanska Planina, Bulgaria (Georgi, BPPS)

o Status, threats and conservation of the Egyptian Vulture in Albania (Ben Hallmann, BVCF)

o Status, threats and conservation of the Egyptian Vulture in Macedonia (Metodija Velevski, MES)

o Status, threats and conservation of the Egyptian Vulture in Spain and France (Evelyn Tewes, BVCF/FZS)

o Database of the Egyptian Vulture in Bulgaria developed in the BSPB BVAP project (Marin Kurtev, BSPB)

o 34 threats were identified in the BVAP countries with Egyptian Vulture (Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Serbia-Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina) and have been listed in an excel table by country and classified in levels of importance (not existing, low, medium, high, unknown) and distribution (local, national).

o A total of 120 different conservation measures were listed. The conservation measures, of which the most common was “Education of target groups”, were proposed for 16 of the 34 threats. “Research” has been proposed for 15 threats, although mainly for Albania. “Feeding stations” have been proposed for 12 threats, “penalties” and “protected areas” were proposed for 11 threats, etc.

o A Balkan working group on the Egyptian Vulture has been created with 2 representatives of each country and 2 representatives of the international NGOs. At least one meeting will be held per year, preferably in February. In those countries in which more people are working with the species, national working groups on the species will be created which will meet before the working group meeting to prepare and after it to discuss its outcome.

	Name	Country
1	Ben Hallmann	AL
2	Tauland Bino	AL
3	Bratislav Grubac	S&M
4	Slobodan Puzovic	S&M
5	Marin Kurtev	BG
6	Ivailo Angelov	BG
7	Emanuel Lisicanec	MK
8	Metodija Velevski	MK
9	Lavrentis Sidiropoulos	GR
10	Rigas Tsiakiris	GR
11	Evelyn Tewes	ES
12	? ("foreign" expert - to be invited)	?

o It was agreed that a database for the data on Egyptian Vulture is needed in all countries and that the database prepared by BSPB would completely fulfill this need.

o A simultaneous census has been proposed to take place in Egyptian vulture gathering places in all participating countries between the 10^th and 20^th of September, coordinated by Rigas Tsiakiris.

o It was agreed that the present workshop was only the first step of a working process with the aim to convert the negative population trend of the Egyptian Vulture in the Balkans into a positive one.

o Creation of the feeding place in Vrachanska Planina, Bulgaria. Film (Georgi Stoyanov)

o Selected Photographs of Birds of Prey in Serbia and Macedonia (Bratislav Grubac)

· Survey and monitoring of the status, breeding success and threats to the Egyptian vulture

During 2005, surveys and/or monitoring of 56 known or potential breeding sites of the Egyptian vulture was done. In total, the presence of 29 pairs was confirmed.

· Comparison with the situation in 2004 shows that 5 pairs probably disappeared.

· Population estimation: On the basis of the results, the population size of the Egyptian vulture in 2005 can be estimated between 30 and 35 pairs.

· Breeding success: The breeding success in 2005 was 0.69 juveniles per pair, or 1,2 juveniles per successful pair. This breeding success is higher than 2004 (0,4 juv/pair), and the breeding success of the successful pairs is identical (1,2 juv/suc.pair).

· Threats and conservation problems: disturbances at the breeding site were highlighted as the most serious problem in 2005. Although one of the disturbed pairs successfully reared a juvenile, a second one might have changed its territory as a result of the disturbances.

Poison has been identified as one of the main threats to vultures and Imperial eagles in Macedonia. The reported cases of poisoning obviously represent only a portion of the actual number of poisoned vultures. Therefore, priority is given to the establishment of multidisciplinary anti-poisoning working groups and national strategies against poisoning. An anti-poison group has been created and some of the proposals of the Balkan Antidote Programme that were elaborated in 2003 have been officially incorporated into the Macedonian Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (link to ????) and the nature conservation legislation. With the realization of the project "Strengthening national capacities for vulture conservation in Macedonia", financed by the DG Environment of the European Commission, the first steps towards diminishing this threat were made.

The long-term goal of the project is to stop the illegal use of poison in the environment trough public awareness campaigns and developing mechanisms for preventing and combating the illegal use of poison from the official institutions. At this stage, it is crucial to:

· Increase the number of environmental counterparts (wardens, inspectors, veterinaries, hunters, livestock farmers, etc.) and to improve skills to become more active in vulture conservation and in the fight against the use of illegal poison in the environment in Macedonia.

· Strengthen the applicant's (MES) capacity to play an active part in ensuring the implementation of national protection laws, taking the experience of the Black Vulture Conservation Foundation (BVCF) in the fight against poisoning in Spain as a reference, and to gain experience in this kind of project.

· Strengthen the cooperation between conservation NGOs and Macedonian authorities.

In order to successfully accomplish our long-term objectives, MES needs the support of a large number of volunteers and enthusiasts. If you are interested in the vulture conservation activities and think you can contribute to the realization of our goals, we welcome you to join us.

The Vulture Conservation Project Macedonia offers possibilities of gaining knowledge and experience in developing project-proposals, field surveys, data bases and data analyses, mapping and cartography and improving your communication and management skills. You will have the possibility to join field research, monitoring, supplementary feeding and marking programs, educational activities and training courses, or assist in project management activities. In addition, the project offers unique opportunities for understanding the rich natural and cultural heritage of Macedonia.

The Vulture Conservation Project Macedonia is a long-term and expensive initiative. Our activities can be supported in different ways, from direct funding to material and logistic support. If you are interested in supporting our activities, the project team can clarify to you the ways in which your donation can be the most effective and best serve its purpose.

All donations and contributions will be properly acknowledged in our public-related activities and among the many partners of the Balkan Vulture Action Plan.

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