Bearded vulture conservation sees progress in Switzerland

Conservation efforts for the bearded vulture in the Alps have seen significant progress with the identification of a breeding pair in Ticino and the successful release of a rehabilitated young male.

In Ticino, researchers from Stiftung Pro Bartgeier identified a breeding pair. The male, Herculis, was thought to be missing since 2018 after being released in Italy's Alpi Marittime National Park. His partner is a wild-hatched female with Engadine ancestry. Tracking these lineages is vital for monitoring the genetic diversity and survival chances of the Alpine population.

Additionally, a young bearded vulture named Lepontino was released back into the wild near Linthal. Found in April in a weakened and flightless state, the bird was treated at the Zurich Animal Hospital and later recovered at the Goldau Nature and Zoo. While investigations showed elevated lead levels, experts suspect the bird may have suffered a traumatic brain injury, possibly from a collision.

Bearded vultures were eradicated from the Alps in the early 20th century. Since the 1980s, international reintroduction projects have helped the species recover; currently, there are 98 breeding territories in the Alps, 35 of which are located in Switzerland.