LIFE NATURE 2002 CONSERVATION ACTIONS FOR GYPAETUS BARBATUS AND BIODIVERSITY IN CRETE Ref. No.: LIFE02 NAT/GR/8492 LAYMAN S REPORT Compilers of the Report: Dr Stavros Xirouchakis, Scientific Coordinator, N.H.M.C. Dr Michalis Probonas, Public Awareness Coordinator, N.H.M.C.. NATURAL HISTORY EUROPEAN COMMISSION REGION OF CRETE MUSEUM OF CRETE DG ENVIRONMENT FORESTRY DEPARTMENT UNIVERSITY OF CRETE APRIL 2007
CONTENTS Page 1. INTRODUCTION 2 2. THE SPECIES 3 3. THE AREAS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECT 5 4. THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT 6 5. THE PROJECT S ACTIONS 7 5.1 Public awareness actions 9 6. THE RESULTS OF THE PROJECT 11 7. PROJECT INFORMATION 16 1
1. INTRODUCTION The Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) is now considered to be the rarest raptor in Greece and generally in the Balkans, since its population is located only in Crete and it comprises no more than six reproducing pairs. In 1998 the European Commission DG Environment funded a LIFE Nature project on the Conservation of the Bearded Vulture in Greece [Ref. No. B4-3200/98/444], which was implemented by the University of Crete Natural History Museum of Crete (NHMC) and the Hellenic Ornithological Society (HOS), during the period October 1998 February 2002 (project s duration: 41 months). During the implementation of this project, all important habitats for the species in Crete were recorded. In addition, urgent management measures (i.e. warding patrolling of breeding habitats, artificial feeding in selected areas etc.) and a broad public awareness campaign were implemented. Finally, the project s team elaborated Special Environmental Studies and Management Plans for the most important mountainous areas for the species in Crete, for managing to protect these areas effectively and compatible to sustainable development. In the framework of the same funding instrument of the European Commission (LIFE Nature 2002), the University of Crete Natural History Museum of Crete (NHMC), in collaboration with the Region of Crete Forestry Department and the Municipality of Inachorio, took up the implementation of a new project entitled: Conservation Actions for Gypaetus barbatus and Biodiversity in Crete [Ref. No. LIFE02 NAT/GR/8492]. The implementation of the project began in July 2002 and was completed in June 2006 (project s duration: 48 months). 2
The project implemented the most urgent conservation actions for the Bearded Vulture all over Crete, as well as selected conservation measures in two of the most important areas for the species and the biodiversity, namely Asterousia Kofinas and Agios Dikaios. 2. THE SPECIES The Bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) is one of the rarest raptors in Europe. It inhabits exclusively in high mountainous areas (500-4,000 m). It can be found usually above the tree line, in rugged areas with steep slopes and in alpine pastures. Its main food source is bones of dead animals (small- or middle-sized), for which it searches alone or in pairs. The Bearded vulture defends huge areas (territories), in which the pair feeds and breeds. The pair rarely tolerates the presence of other mature individuals of the species in their territory. The Bearded Vulture reaches 1.10 m in size (from head to tail), its wingspan is around 2.8 m and it weighs about 5-7 kg. The mature birds can be easily recognized by the long, pointed wings and the wedged tail; however, its form rather recalls a large falcon than a vulture. Its breast and underparts are usually coloured deep orange. The Bearded vulture acquires this colour by rubbing against calcareous rocks containing iron oxides. In areas where rocks lack iron oxides, the colour of the bird s underparts is usually dirty white. On the head, close to the beak, the bird has a long tuft of feathers which looks like a beard. It is this characteristic beard that gives the bird its scientific name (Gypaetus barbatus). The Bearded vulture inhabits areas of high altitude (1,500-4,000 m), but during winter when the high mountains are snow-covered, it can be seen 3
in areas of lower altitude (500-800 m). It nests during the winter period between mid-december and the end of January in small caves on rocky cliffs or in deep gorges with steep slopes. The female lays two eggs and she incubates them for 55-57 days. However, as with most birds of prey, only one young fledges. The young fledges in the end of June or in the beginning of July and becomes sexually mature after at least six years. The territory size is about 200-400 km 2 and therefore the distribution of the species is rather sparse. The young birds, in the first years of their life, cover large distances surveying other areas but usually return to breed in the area where they were born. On the contrary, mature birds almost never leave their territory to settle in neighbouring mountainous areas, even if these are close by. The Bearded Vulture is the only animal that feeds almost exclusively on bone (70-90%). In Crete, the shepherds call it the Bone-eater, as they have watched the bird breaking bones in a very characteristic way, since the old times. The bird throws the larger bones from a height on to rocky slopes in order to break them, and immediately descends after them in a characteristic spiral way. If the bone does not break the first time, the method is repeated many times until the bone finally breaks. The bird then eats the bone pieces starting with the bone marrow. The smaller bones are swallowed whole, as the bird s gastric fluids are so strong that they can digest bone easily. This dietary habit seems odd, but once bones have been digested, they are a nutritious and easily storable type of food; in addition, the bird faces minimal competition for this type of food. The main threats for the species include lack of food, illegal use of poisoned baits set for vermin such as wolves, foxes, jackals and crows, habitat destruction and degradation, and illegal persecution. In mainland 4
Greece, the main reasons for the decrease of the population were lack of food due to pastoral decline, use of poisoned baits for the large carnivores and habitat degradation or loss because of changes in the land use due to the creation of mines, ski centres and hotels. On the other hand, the main threats in Crete are illegal persecution and high-degree of disturbance, especially during the last years when access even to the most isolated areas became easy through the establishment of a dense network of mountain tracks. The Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) is considered to be the rarest species of raptor in Greece and the Balkans, since its population is located only in Crete, where the total breeding population is only six (6) pairs. In Europe apart from Crete it is found in the Pyrenees (Spain and France) and in the island of Corsica (France), while in the Alps the species has been reintroduced during the past last decades. 3. THE AREAS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECT The LIFE NATURE 2002 project on the Conservation Actions for Gypaetus barbatus and Biodiversity in Crete [Ref. No. LIFE02 NAT/GR/8492], was implemented in six (6) mountainous areas of Crete: 1. Meterisia Agios Dikaiος Tsounara Vitsilia Lefkon Oreon [psci: GR 4340004, SPA: GR 4340016]. 2. Ethnikos Drymos Samarias Faraggi Trypitis Psilafi Koustogerako [psci: GR 4340008, SPA: GR 43400014]. 5
3. Kourtaliotiko Faraggi Faraggi Prevelis [psci: GR 4330003, SPA: GR 4330007]. 4. Krousonas Vromonero Idis / Oros Psiloritis (Notiodytiko Tmima) [psci: GR 4310009, SPA: GR 4310009 / GR 4330009]. 5. Anatolika Asterousia Ori [psci: GR 4330005, SPA: GR 4330003]. 6. Korifi Lazaros Madara Diktis / Korifi Koupa (Dytiki Dikti) [psci: GR 4320002, SPA: GR 4320010 / GR 4310011]. 4. THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT The LIFE NATURE 2002 project on the Conservation Actions for Gypaetus barbatus and Biodiversity in Crete [Ref. No. LIFE02 NAT/GR/8492] aimed to the conservation of the current population of the Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) in Crete, as well as the conservation of the mountainous biodiversity of the island, through the support of regional and local authorities in the implementation of the most important management actions which were foreseen from the Management Plans of LIFE NATURE 1998 project in six mountainous areas of Crete. More specifically, the main objectives of the project were the following: Coordination and support of relevant authorities for the improvement of conservation status of the Bearded Vulture in Crete. Minimisation of specific human threats to wildlife (e.g. direct execution and use of poisons, low food availability, desertification of ecosystems and habitat degradation etc.). Improvement of breeding success and percentage of survival of the Bearded Vulture through the elaboration of specific conservation measures. Improvement of the habitat status in areas of foraging and nesting of the Bearded Vulture and other priority species in Crete. 6
Increase the public awareness of local communities and reinforcement of the participation of local stakeholders in the field of management and conservation of raptors. Promotion of the environment-friendly development of rural areas, through the promotion of ecotourism and local products at specific project sites (Asterousia and Agios Dikaios). Coordination of conservation actions for the remaining population of the Bearded Vulture in Crete. 5. THE PROJECT S ACTIONS The main actions of the LIFE NATURE 2002 project on the Conservation Actions for Gypaetus barbatus and Biodiversity in Crete [Ref. No. LIFE02 NAT/GR/8492] were the following: Formulation of the Project Management Group, where all relevant authorities (Region of Crete, Forestry Services, Natural History Museum of the University of Crete) were involved, for the effective coordination of relevant initiatives and actions throughout the implementation of the project. Elaboration of Management Plans for agro-pastoral extensification at the project sites of Agios Dikaios and Asterousia. The aforementioned Management Plans were elaborated by the Forest Services of Chania and Heraklion, respectively. Intensive monitoring of the Bearded Vulture population and the population of other protected birds of prey at the mountain ranges of Crete. The monitoring was accomplished by annual censuses of the breeding pairs, observations of marked / ringed individuals, as well as tracking of radio-tagged birds. In total, the population of the Bearded Vulture in Crete is estimated to be 30 individuals, with 5-6 breeding pairs to be included. Rescue of the second Bearded Vulture chick (which never survives in the nest), which will be raised in captivity by foster parents in European Breeding Centres. The ultimate goal of this action was the 7
creation of a breeding stock and the release of its offsprings back on the island. The monitoring of breeding stages (e.g. incubation, hutching etc.) was accomplished with specific micro-cameras, which have been placed in selected nests. This action was anticipated to take place in one nest (Nest A) based on the information acquired by monitoring two nests (i.e. nest A & nest B). However, the pair of the nest A was destroyed by the start of the project and the whole operation was abandoned. On the contrary, the pair of nest B was successfully monitored during the entire project. However, the rescue of the second chick in this nest was judged as dangerous due to high predation risk by ravens. The project team assessed the timing for implementation its rescue and would have done so if more data were available by a similar project in the Spanish Pureness (where the species population does not face the same extinction risk as in Crete). Artificial feeding through the provision of supplementary food at selected mountainous areas of Crete. The objective of this action was the reinforcement of regular breeding of the Bearded Vulture and the increase of food availability of juveniles. Design and implementation of an effective warding scheme in the Wild Life Reserves of mountainous Crete from relevant Forest Services and Hunting Associations. Wardens of Crete attended relevant seminars for improving their specific knowledge on raptors biology, observation and warding. The seminars were organised by the Natural History Museum of Crete (NHMC). In addition, a filed trip was organised in Dadia s Raptor Reserve. Delivery of 1,000 special wasp-traps to beekeepers of Crete, aiming to reduce the use of poisoned baits for wasps. In general, the use of poisoned baits is considered to be an extremely detrimental action for birds of prey. Management of indigenous game species. The action included the breeding of Chukar partridge of local genetic origin and the function of adaptation aviaries, aiming at the enrichment of the natural populations of game species at the Wild Life Reserves of Crete. In total, 6,000 Chukar partridges were released in Asterousia and Agios Dikaios. 8
Restoration of degrading areas at a pilot basis (e.g. through the planting of indigenous species), construction of relevant infrastructure for the support of extensive pastoralism (e.g. waterers) and construction of small ponds for wildlife use were some of the important conservation actions which were implemented through the project s period. Promotion of ecotourism in the mountainous areas of the project, which was based to the particular value of their natural and human environment. The action included the restoration and signing of old mountainous trails, the construction of bird observatories, the establishment of Information Centres, the organisation of exhibitions and fests, and the production of relevant information material (e.g. ecotouristic guides). The website <http://www.nhmc.uoc.gr/life_gypaetus/> of the project was informed with new data and activities throughout the project s period. In addition, a website s newsgroup was formulated under the address <http://clubs.pathfinder.gr/gypaetus>. 5.1 Public awareness actions Emphasis was given to public awareness and the dissemination of project s results. More specific, the following actions were implemented: Publicity concerning the project implementation, information of local societies and regular information of project s activities. Creation and operation of Information Centres. During the project the following Information Centres operated: Heraklion (NHMC s Exhibition), Chania (old port of the city) and Rogdia (Prefecture of Chania, Municipality of Inachorio). The latter will continue to operate after the termination of the project at a daily basis (for information: +30 28220 51510 or +30 28220 61544). Finally, a mobile exhibition visited all mountainous areas of Crete and informed local communities for the objectives and actions of the LIFE project. 9
Production of information material. More specific: Leaflet, posters and stickers. T-shirts with stamps of wildlife. Two documentaries (DVD) for Agios Dikaios and Asterousia. A 78-pages photo album for Mountainous Crete. Ornithological guides for the areas of Agios Dikaios and Asterousia. Ecotouristic guides for the areas of Agios Dikaios and Asterousia. Good Practice Guide for agriculture and conservation of biodiversity. Proceedings of the International Conference on Conservation and Management of Vulture Populations (Thessaloniki, Greece, 14-16 November 2005), which was co-organised with WWF Hellas. Organisation of Project Workshops. The following workshops were organised during the project: α) Network for the Conservation of the Bearded Vulture in the Balkans, Dadia, Prefecture of Evros, 29-31 March 2004. β) Conservation and Management of Vulture Populations, Thessaloniki, 14-16 November 2005. γ) Actions for the Conservation of the Bearded Vulture in Europe, Elos, Prefecture of Chania, 5-9 April 2006. Environmental Education Material. In the framework of the LIFE project, 10 suitcases and relevant material for the Bearded Vulture were produced. The suitcases were delivered at the Departments of the Primary and Secondary Schools of Crete (in total 8 suitcases), while 2 suitcases were left to the Educational Department of NHMC. Organization of nature festivals. Two nature festivals were organised at the sites of Agios Dikaios and Asterousia, for two consecutive years (2004 and 2005), to promote local appreciation for the biodiversity values of the two sites, inform local people and visitors for the project and its objectives, and promote environmentally friendly land use practices and products. The festivals were organized by the Forest Services of Crete, in cooperation with local authorities. 10
6. THE RESULTS OF THE PROJECT The main results of the LIFE NATURE 2002 project on the Conservation Actions for Gypaetus barbatus and Biodiversity in Crete [Ref. No. LIFE02 NAT/GR/8492] were the following: Coordination of management and conservation actions in the Special Protection Areas (SPAs) of Crete and acquisition of relative experience and know-how from relevant national, regional and local authorities. Acquisition of know-how on issues related to the management of threatened species of avifauna from competent bodies and authorities (Forest Services, local authorities, Hunting Associations etc.). Elaboration of Management Plans for agri-environmental practices in two regions of the project (Asterousia, Agios Dikaios). Construction of infrastructures for the more equitable distribution of the veterinary asset in selected regions of the program and the reduction of unfavourable effects in the environment (flora, abiotic environment), as well as for the improvement of conditions of survival of protected species. Restriction of human-induced factors of mortality of priority species, included the poaching and the use of poisoned baits. Game management for the conservation of biodiversity and accordingly guarantee of survival of the species that is found in the higher places of ecological pyramid Reorientation of existing models of not sustainable development in the mountainous regions of Crete, through the promotion of the development of small-scale ecotouristic activities. Increase the awareness of local communities and their active participation in conservation actions for priority species in Crete. Implementation of a project on Environmental Education in Crete and production of relative informative material. Production of informative material: posters, leaflets, ornithological guides, ecotouristic guides, photographic album, documentaries, T- shirts etc. 11
More specifically, regarding the biology and conservation of the species, the project concluded to the following topics: The Cretan Bearded Vulture population shows signs of recovery compared to early 2000s. Three new pairs have been created by the end of the project, meanwhile juvenile survival has increased (Fig. 1). Shooting & poisoning remain the main threats according to the findings of a radio tracking study on Griffon and young Bearded Vultures (Fig. 2, 3). Radio tracking of young Bearded Vultures (Fig. 4) revealed the following: Fledging period: 15 April- 15 May Dispersal period: 15-20 August Dispersal period initiates 10-12 weeks after fledging Longest dispersal occurs between 13-15 weeks after fledging Settlement for the winter takes place 4 months after fledging (Sept-Nov) 75% of home range: ca. 2000 sq. km. Food availability & weather conditions seems crucial in the selection of settlement areas Young birds remain in an area when food is available until they consume it. Foraging radius: 4-10 km from the roosting site Low site fidelity to roosting sites Young birds often follow other avian scavengers such as Griffon Vultures that may aggregate in large numbers over food. Young birds prefer to forage in territories with low adult density. Nest monitoring by the use of microcamera (Fig. 5) revealed the following: Incubation: 53 days (2003), 55 days (2004) Hatching asynchrony: 7 days 12
Life Time of 2 nd Chick: 5 days Potential Intervention: 3 rd day Predation Risk: High (Corvus corax) Rescue of 2 nd Chick: Inappropriate for the time being Inbreeding depression could be a potential threat for the species population due to its small size. However genetic issues (sex ratio, level of heterozygosity) do not seem of significant concern for the near future. Human-induced mortality is by far the most serious negative factor. Artificial feeding is the most effective and cheap management tool for the species conservation and other raptor populations. Seven feeding stations have been functioning during the project where 6 tons of food was deposited per year (Fig. 6). Figure 1. Population trends of the Bearded Vulture in Crete 2006 (Red: Egg-laying pairs, yellow: territorial pairs, white: deserted territories, scaled: solitary territorial adults). 13
Figure 2. Bearded Vulture mortality cases in Crete. Year Cause Altitude (m) Age Season 1991 Shooting 600 Adult Summer 1992 Shooting 900 Adult Summer 1993 Taxidermy 900 Immature Autumn 1997 Taxidermy 1100 Immature Autumn 1998 Taxidermy 500 Immature Autumn 1998 Shooting 1800 Adult Spring 2000 Shooting 1200 Adult Spring 2000 Poisoning 650 Adult Summer 2006 Shooting 850 Immature Autumn Figure 3. Mortality causes of raptors examined during 2003-04. Species / Cause Unknown Poison Injury Shot Total Circus aeroginosus - 1 - - 1 Buteo buteo 1 1-1 3 Gyps fulvus 3 3 2 3 11 Milvus migrans 1 - - - 1 Falco tinnunculus - - - 1 1 Total 5 5 2 5 17 14
Figure 4. Radiolocations of a Juvenile Bearded Vulture in its post-fledging dispersal during 2005 (data from a VHF/ UHF transmitter with GPS). Figure 5. Bearded Vulture chick nest monitored by a micro-camera. 15
Figure 6. Feeding stations & Bearded Vulture territories in Crete. PROJECT INFORMATION Following the conclusion of the project, all information regarding the project, as well as all deliverables will be available to the public. The main source for access to this information will be the project s website <http://www.nhmc.uoc.gr/life_gypaetus/>, where access to information material, reports and fundamental scientific deliverables can be reached to all interested scientists and public. Since some of the project s scientific reports contain sensitive information (primary data collected, maps of nesting sites, etc.) these shall not be available through the website. However, anyone interested in these reports should directly contact the Natural History Museum of the University of Crete [Address: University of Crete Natural History Museum of Crete (N.H.M.C.), P.O. Box 2208, GR-71409 Heraklion, Crete, Greece, Tel. +30 2810 393265, Fax. +30 2810 324366, E-mail: mprobonas@nhmc.uoc.gr]. 16
Bird Observatory in Mt. Asterousia. 17
Bearded Vulture monitoring in mountainous areas of Crete. 18
Wardening and patrolling of project s implementation areas. 19
Public awareness and dissemination of results. 20
Public awareness and dissemination of results. 21
Public awareness and dissemination of results. 22
Public awareness and dissemination of results. 23
Public awareness and dissemination of results. 24
Public awareness and dissemination of results. 25
Footpath at Bird Observatory in Mt. Asterousia. Nature trail in Mt. Asterousia. 26