II WORKSHOP ON THE ACTION PLAN FOR THE RECOVERY AND CONSERVATION OF THE VULTURES ON THE BALKAN PENINSULA AND ADJACENT REGIONS

II WORKSHOP ON THE ACTION PLAN FOR THE RECOVERY AND CONSERVATION OF THE VULTURES ON THE BALKAN PENINSULA AND ADJACENT REGIONS F C B V 27-30 June 2005, Prilep, Macedonia

SUMMARIES OF THE PRESENTATIONS

COORDINATED STEPS TOWARDS CONSERVATION OF VULTURES IN GREECE IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM Rigas Tsiakiris and Stratis Bourdakis, Hellenic Ornithological Society Although vulture populations are still decreasing in Greece, all species are showing stability or even an increase in their numbers within protected areas, where active management is implemented. Three more Griffon Vultures colonies disappeared from mainland Greece after 2000, but Egyptian Vultures show stability in their strongholds in Meteora and Thrace, while a new couple of Bearded Vulture nested successfully in Crete this year. In 2004 H.O.S. completed a project concerning the first breeding atlas of all Vulture species, but more research is needed in the remote parts of mainland Greece, to obtain thorough data of the population of Egyptian vultures. In addition H.O.S. prepared the National Action Plan for Griffon Vulture in 2003, while those for Black and Bearded Vulture were prepared by WWF Greece Dadia Project and the Natural History Museum of Crete. Two special reports have been also recently prepared by H.O.S., concerning priorities, guidelines and legalization aspects on the creation of vulture restaurants Through HOS s systematic work, nearly all the important breeding areas of vultures in Greece were included in the Special Protection Areas network since 2001. Several organizations are involved in Vulture conservation in Greece; nowadays there are three Life-Nature projects targeting Vultures, two in Thrace and one in Crete, while small projects with national funds have been successfully implemented in Central and Western Greece (Meteora- Egyptian Vulture colony and Kleisoura-Griffon Vulture colony). In 2001, the Hellenic Vulture Working Group was created under the auspices of HOS, including all people currently working with vultures. It has already succeed to coordinate annual counts of all Griffon Vulture colonies involving volunteers, to exchange information and education material and to create an e-mail group for rapid information flow. Now, top priorities for conservation seem to be a national anti-poison and educational campaign, an accurate survey near the borders of the country, and further implementation of successful management actions in all protected areas. 1

TRANS-BOUNDARY PUBLIC AWARENESS AND MONITORING ACTIONS IN GREECE AND MACEDONIA Pandelis Konstantinou and Lavrentis Sidiropoulos, Chrysaetos Environmental group of Almopia First contacts between the two teams were established in 2001, in the meeting of the Vultura program, and were continued subsequently in the following year. In 2003 both teams submitted in cooperation a first trans-boundary proposal for vulture conservation in the mountain ranges of Tzena-Pinovo (Kozuf), Koziak and Kaimaktsalan, resulting to the production of a poster and the purchase of basic optical equipment for the two teams. The program was continued in 2004, its main objectives being: Establishing contacts with local communities and especially shepherds, mapping the movements and most important areas for vultures in the area and further capacity building for the 2 teams. In 2005, the program is focused on the monitoring of the egyptian vulture in the Greek part, the functioning of the Pinovo mt feeding site and the continuation of the transborder mountain range monitoring. Public awareness is continued with the publication of the BVAP leaflet and presentations. So far, the results achieved are: Understanding the full extent of several threats in the area, especially poisoning, taking on first action and planning counter measures. The EV survey has proved the existence of 4-5 individuals and at least one breeding pair in the part of the area covered so far. Valuable information on other raptor species (e.g. black kite) has also been collected, while volunteers have been involved. Planned for the rest of the year: Covering the full area for the EV survey. Organizing simultaneous observation of the mountain ranges, on both sides of the border. Supplementary feeding in the Pinovo mt artificial feeding site. A meeting with all involved and interested regional government and NGO bodies for anti poison actions. 2

VULTURE CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES IN THE DADIA NATIONAL PARK AND TRANS-BOUNDARY ACTIVITIES WITH BULGARIA Skartsi Theodora, Javier Elorriaga and Dimitris Vasilakis, WWF Greece-Dadia project Three vultures species occur in the Dadia National Park, the Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus) and the Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) as breeding species and the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) as visitor. 3-4 pairs of Griffon Vulture nest in South part of Evros prefecture. The first efforts for the protection of vultures started in 1980 when the area was declared as protected under a ministerial decision. Since then the protection activities were promoted by several projects with funds from Greek government and NGO s like BVCF and WWF Greece. Since 1992, WWF Greece implements integrated projects for the monitoring, the management and the protection of birds of prey giving a particular emphasis to the Black Vulture population that is the only breeding population in Greece and Balkans. The Black Vulture was nearly extinct in 1979 (26 individuals and 4-5 pairs). In the following years and until 1999, the population increased to 20 active breeding pairs and a total population of 90-100 individuals, with the aid of the protection of their nesting sites and the establishment of one feeding site. It remained stable between 1999 and 2002, and decreased to 18 in 2004, according to the results of the WWF Greece annual monitoring plan of the Park. In addition, no new colonies have been observed in the adjacent regions, raising concern about the future of the population. To promote the protection and management of the Black Vulture, WWF Greece started an integrated study of the population, supported by the LIFE-Nature 1 program for the period 2002-2005. Through this study, the effect of a set of limiting factors on the population is being evaluated like the availability of nesting sites in the National Park, the mortality rate, the genetic variability, the physiological conditions, the range use in the mountainous areas of the Evros Prefecture and the long-distance movements. During this project, two new feeding sites have also been established to prevent large concentrations of both Griffon and Black vultures at only one feeding site and to examine if food sufficiency could be an additional limiting factor. Over the last decade, the nesting sites of Black Vulture have been successfully protected from human disturbance, which includes logging, forest fires, construction of roads and tourism. Despite the protection achievements in the forest management, the illegal use of poison baits remains one important limiting factor of the population size. To promote the protection of the Black Vulture in the wider region, WWF Greece collaborates with Greek and Bulgarian NGOs (EPO, BSPB, Green Balkans) implementing common activities of monitoring such as common census of feeding sites and study of the Black Vultures movements with the method of radio-telemetry. 1 The advanced study is part of the actions of WWF Greece, LIFE-Nature program «Protection of birds of prey in Dadia Forest» (LIFENAT02/GR/8497) 3

THE STATUS AND CONSERVATION OF GRIFFON VULTURE (GYPS FULVUS) IN CYPRUS Savvas Iezekiel, Forestry Dpt of Cyprus, Parks and Environment Sector and Birdlife Cyprus Two vulture species were used to breed in Cyprus, the Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus) and the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus). The first one, was common resident and extinct from the island by the end of 60 s. The second one was abundant and occupied the entire island in large colonies on isolated sea cliffs and on rocky areas of Troodos and Pentadactylos mountain ranges. The last decades (after 70 s) the Griffon vulture population show a massive decline, as a result of various factors such as the poisoning, food shortage, human persecution and disturbances close to the breeding colonies and drowning. The remaining population numbers 15-20 birds with 7 breeding pairs, and the species now is considered as critically endangered in Cyprus. A project for the conservation of Griffon vulture in Cyprus was initiated in 1993 by the Cyprus Forestry Department. Deferent measures, such as establishment of feeding station, extensive monitoring of the population, radio tracking, artificial incubation, public awareness etc.., were taken. 4

VULTURE POPULATIONS IN SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO, AND BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: STATUS, EVOLUTION, THREATS; VULTURE ACTION PLAN Bratislav GRUBAČ, Institute for Protection of Nature of Serbia All four vulture species used to be widely distributed or common until late 19 th century in Serbia and Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The great decrease in population numbers and extinction on certain species or populations of vultures happened during the 20 th century in all the regions, due to poisoning and shooting. In the modern period, the status of the vultures generally remained very bad, although in some areas the situation stabilized and improved. In the present, the species Griffon Vulture is breeding only in three localities in southwestern and western Serbia. The total population numbers are estimated to 80-85 pairs in 2005 (59 youngs in 2004). The abundance in these breeding colonies very visibly increased in last several years. This species no longer breeds in Herzegovina (determined during the survey in 2004), where the last small colonies existed until the very end of 20 th century. The Egyptian Vultures is presently on verge of extinction. In Serbia, there are only 1-3 pairs (determined during the survey and monitoring in 2004-5). This species probably completely disappeared and no longer breeds in Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Black Vulture and the Bearded Vulture disappeared from the region. During the last decade, there are only some sporadic observations of these species. The last breeding pair of Bearded Vulture lived in Serbia until 1954-5. The last pairs of Black Vulture bred until 1960-70-ties in southwestern and southeastern Serbia. The main causes of disappearance and great decrease in numbers of vultures in Serbia and Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina are mostly the large-scale actions of wolf poisoning, as well as the uncontrollable shooting of birds during the 20 th century. Today, the main threats for vulture conservation are occasional or sporadic poisoning of wolves and other carnivores. Another problem is the great reduction of main food sources and sporadic illegal shooting of birds (especially pronounced in Montenegro). Laws on Nature Conservation and Hunting Laws in Serbia and Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina today administratively protect all the vulture species. Law also forbids the use of poison for destroying carnivores and other vermin since 1976. First great activities of vulture conservation in Serbia started in 1970-ties by protection of feeding sites and research on situation with Griffon Vultures in Uvac Gorge. First two feeding places for Griffon Vultures started their activities in 1989. The last two decades were also marked by development of education and awareness raising, through various lectures, articles, films, boards/posters etc. The Action Plan for the Vultures in Serbia (with the BVAP project) started in 2004, under the sponsorship by BVCF and FZS. This project was continued and intensified in 2005, with the support of LPO and Ministry for Environment and Sustainable Development of France. The following activities have been greatly intensified due to this Action Plan: 1. Survey and monitoring of all known breeding colonies and sites for nesting, resting and feeding of vultures, in order to determine and follow their status and conservation problems; 2. Regular feeding of Griffon Vultures at two feeding places throughout the year; food is brought thrice a month; it is planned that from 2005 there will be four active feeding places for vultures. The Action Plan also strives for more intensive education and awareness raising in local community, as well as the work on suppressing and preventing the negative factors (especially the illegal poisoning, shooting etc). 5

VULTURE POPULATIONS IN ALBANIA: STATUS, EVOLUTION AND THREATS; VULTURE SURVEY AND CONSERVATION ASSESSMENT. Ben Hallmann (BVCF), Tauland Bino (ASPBM) and Klodian Aliu (ASPBM) Scope of the BVAP Albania project is basically the improvement of the knowledge about the distribution and populations of vultures in the country, identification of possible conservation problems and of possible remedies.as well as some capacity building. Until recently, little was known about vulture presence in Albania. This was mainly due to the lack of Albanian ornithologists, the former political conditions by which the country was closed for nearly 40 years. also to foreign researchers, as well as the poor access to much of this mountainous country. Habitat conditions seemed to be favorable for the large vultures and eagles, since, theorethically, manmade changes could not have much affected habitats. So, finding vultures in the mountains and river valleys was quite possible and an interesting challenge. However, in spite of our expectations, the presence of vultures and of many other wildlife appeared quite limited. Of the large vultures, only the Griffon got recorded a few times in the border area with Macedonia and Kosovo. The Black and Bearded Vulture did not show up at all, though habitat factors appeared favorable in several regions. Reliable anecdotal evidence of recent presence was found for the Bearded Vulture at the Korab mountain on the border with Macedonia. The BVAP surveys produced reasonably good presence of the Egyptian Vulture in the South of the country, where so far14-17 territories/pairs got located, though presence of some of them could not be definitely confirmed in the 2005 surveys as yet. Reasons for the poor vulture presence are not well understood. Only little information came to light about massive poisonings of wolves and other vermin before 1990, while information about recent poison campaigns have not been heard about at all. Direct persecution has never been much of a problem, which is also indicated by a surprisingly good presence of the Golden Eagle throughout the country. Food availability must still be adequate, as pasture is the preominan form of land-use. Access to livestock carcasses, however, may have been a problem in the past Modern threats, such as habitat alterations, disturbances, nest robbery etc. cannot have much affected vultures til now. 6

VULTURE POPULATIONS: STATUS, EVOLUTION AND THREATS; INTEGRAL PROTECTION OF EURASIAN GRIFFONS IN CROATIA IN 2005. Dr. Goran Susic & Gordana Pavokovic, Eco-Center Beli Caput Insulae The Eurasian Griffon, Gyps fulvus, is the only one of four European vulture species that inhabits Croatia. At the end of nineteenth century vultures inhabited large areas of the country, particularly along the Dalmatian coast and throughout the Adriatic islands. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Croatian Griffon population greatly declined, and today they only nest on the Kvarner islands of Cres, Krk, Plavnik, Prvic, and occasionally, the island of Pag. Currently less than 90 pairs inhabit Croatia. Of this, 80% exist solely on Cres Island (approximately 65 pairs). However this colony has gone into decline. Between 1995 and 2004, a decline of 25 to 15 pairs on Prvic Island has occurred, and decreased to 9 pairs in 2005, whilst on Krk, the reduction of 24 to 3 pairs over 10 years has been recorded. The Eurasian Griffon is peculiar to the coastal area of Croatia as it breeds exclusively on the cliffs above the sea; some nests are only 8 metres above sea level. Besides this, at the end of September all juvenile birds leave the Croatian colonies and migrate. They use three main directions: North-west to the Austrian and Italian Alps, then France and Spain; South-west to the southern Italy and South-east to Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey, to Israel and as far south as Chad. There were two birds found in Poland, but it is too early to say for sure that it is regular direction. Unfortunately, illegal poisoning and the disappearance of the extensive traditional sheep farming, as well as human disturbance (as tourism or recreation), near nest sites in the costal zone of Croatia threatens their survival. The aims of our monitoring programme are to determine whether the number of breeding pairs is stable, increasing or decreasing, whether or not there is an increase in the breeding success and productivity, as well as survival rate of the four age classes (juveniles, immatures, subadults and adults). Also, we monitor regular long-distance migration of our marked/ringed birds. Estimated number of birds over years has positive trend line; the mean productivity is estimated to 60%; survival of the first four age classes (made by programme MARK (White&Burnham 1999): Parameter Estimated Standard error Confidence level Lower Upper ------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- 1:S 0.7671820 0.0606842 0.6286792 0.8651079 2:S 0.8993837 0.0412947 0.7851586 0.9562616 3:S 0.9717204 0.0188501 0.8995692 0.9924708 4:S 0.9958174 0.0033956 0.9796624 0.9991509 During first half of the year 2005 we focused our efforts to some of the greatest problems which threaten the endangered Griffon population such as Antipoisoning campaign, Campaign for removal of alien species which were brought for the purposes of hunting on the islands (alien species such as wild boar, bear, jackal, and fallow deer cause economical damage to local people who put poisons in order to get rid of them), food provision on two feeding places on the island of Cres, the running of educational programs for children and students and Eco-tourism programmes. 7

VULTURE POPULATIONS: STATUS, EVOLUTION AND THREATS IN MACEDONIA Emanuel Lisičanec and Tome Lisičanec, FWFF-Macedonia A short review of the history and the condition of the vultures in Macedonia. Presentation of the colonies of vultures and the nesting couples in them. Number of nesting couples and breeding success. Present threats and the way to get over them Action planed for the future. 8

ACTION PLAN FOR THE EXPLORATION AND CONSERVATION OF VULTURES IN CENTRAL AND SOUTH-EASTERN MACEDONIA Emanuel Lisičanec and Tome Lisičanec, FWFF-Macedonia Presentation of the FWFF project. His main aims and actions. Presentation of feeding place, their meaning and the work around them. Other action that are undertaken to increase the public awareness and help the vultures to survive 9

VULTURE CONSERVATION PROJECT IN MACEDONIA: MAINTENANCE OF THE FEEDING PLACE AT MATKA AND MONITORING OF MATKA, BABUNA-TOPOLKA, BREGALNICA AND OSOGOVO. Metodija Velevski, Mladen Pop Trajkov and Jovan Andevski, Macedonian Ecological Society Bibliographical data show that all four vulture species were historically present at Matka. However, killing, nest robbery and poisoning incident brought to disappearance of the Bearded and Black vulture and reduction of the Griffon and Egyptian vultures to one pairs. The supplementary feeding at Matka begun in August 2004, and with small stops is performed regularly until present day. In total, more than 18 T of food (mainly slaughter-house offal) have been provided on two different locations in the course of 55 turns (14 in 2003, 25 in 2004 and 16 until June 2005), on two different locations. Both the Griffon and the Egyptian vultures accepted the food and visit the feeding place regularly. Breeding success of the vultures at Matka: the Griffon vulture pair successfully reared a juvenile in 2004 and is rearing a chick in 2005. There was no breeding success in 2003. The Egyptian vulture pair did not have breeding success in 2004, while incubation is ongoing in 2005. We have no data for 2003. Monitoring of Babuna-Topolka: Historically, ca. 10 pairs of Griffon vultures and 5 pairs of Egyptian Vultures were recorded here. The finding of one incubating pair of Griffon vulture by FWFF-Bulgaria team in 2003 was not confirmed with our monitoring. Even more, all our surveys for the Griffon vultures conducted since 1998 have proved negative. Only one pair of Egyptian vultures have remained in the Babuna Gorge. Monitoring of Bregalnica: The breeding colony of the Griffon Vultures at Bregalnica was the last to disappear in Macedonia, during 2000-2001. We confirmed roosting of seven individuals of Griffon vultures and two pairs of Egyptian vultures. Monitoring of Osogovo: In 2004 FWFF team found four breeding couples of Griffon vultures at Osogovo, but neither MES team nor B. Grubac confirmed this finding latter the same year. No Griffon vultures were observed at this location in 2005 also. Further monitoring is needed to confirm the current status of this colony. One pair of Egyptian vultures also breeds on this site. 10

VULTURE CONSERVATION PROJECT IN MACEDONIA: SURVEY AND MONITORING OF THE STATUS, BREEDING SUCCESS AND THREATS TO THE EGYPTIAN VULTURE IN MACEDONIA. Bratislav Grubač (Institute for Protection of the Nature of Serbia), Metodija Velevski (Macedonian Ecological Society) and Bobi Delov (Fund for the Wild Flora and Fauna - Macedonia) During 2003, 2004 and 2005 survey and/or monitoring of 110 known or potential breeding sites of the Egyptian vulture was done. In total, presence of 28 pairs was confirmed, and more than 60 pairs have disappeared. Population estimation. On the basis of the results, the population size of the Egyptian vulture can be estimated between 28-30 (35?) pairs. Trend. During the period of the last 15 years 55-65 pairs had disappeared. This means that only 35-40% of the 1980-91 population remained. The numbers show 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). Out of 28 pairs followed in 2005, no less than 21 pairs begun the incubation. The reasons for such low reproduction rate remain unknown. Among possible reasons is food shortage in pre-breeding period, disturbance, sterility due to pollution etc. Detail study on breeding success and factors influencing the reproduction is necessity for the forthcoming period Threats and conservation problems. The poisoning is the most serious threat for the Egyptian vulture, other vulture species and necrofagous birds. Data on at least three poisoning cases were gathered, as well as new cases of poisoning of the 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. Also, supplementary feeding of 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 decreased, the killing might pose great threat in the future, if not prevented. In this direction, education and joined work with hunting organizations might give best results. Habitat degradation (construction of quarries, roads, other buildings, electrical networks) is a problem due to disturbance and breeding habitat loss. Nest robbery is probably more common than anticipated and indications of new cases emerged. Threats in the wintering areas - the extend of this threat is unknown, but at least one pair did not returned on its breeding territory in 2005. 11

VULTURE POPULATIONS IN BULGARIA: STATUS, EVOLUTION AND THREATS Nikolai Petkov and Petar Iankov, BSPB/BirdLife Bulgaria This is a review of the status and historical development of the vulture populations in Bulgaria and effects of the conservation activities of the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds carried out since 1988. Historically all four species of vultures used to breed in the country due to favorable geographical position, good habitats and suitable agricultural practices in the past. However changes in the livestock practices and activities against raptors and terrestrial predators have resulted in the lost of some species as breeders and the restriction of the formerly wide spread species to tiny populations. Alike the Griffon Vulture once widespread breeder across the country for the period 1930-1975 was considered to be extinct from Bulgaria when a thriving small population was found in the Eastern Rhodopes. Nowadays following a dedicated and focused work by the BSPB volunteers and staff on site the population has stabilized and increasing and studies for restocking/reintroduction in other parts of the country have been initiated. The efforts for sustaining and preservation of the vulture population in the Eastern Rhodopes by the BSPB/BirdLife Bulgaria has brought back the Black Vulture (considered extinct since 1970) as permanent presence of individual birds and irregular breeding as well. The first ever restoration of an extinct species in a natural way in the Nature conservation history of Bulgaria. The BSPB activities on the species have become the basis of the first cross border cooperation on vulture conservation through our coordinated activities with WWF-Dadia. The Egyptian Vulture once a common, wide spread and most numerous vulture species is now steadily decreasing. From estimated some 200 pairs in 1970s they reduced to 120 in 1980s. This negative trend inhibited by depopulation of some regions and reduction in the livestock, along with other ever increasing threats brought to the current 65-80 pairs with low breeding success rate. The conservation effect of the BSPB activities in the Eastern Rhodopes is elevated by the fact that the two feeding stations there support 75% of the Egyptian Vulture breeding population. In the recent years the species is favored by the focused efforts of BSPB bringing along cooperation with state institutions and organizations and local NGOs. The Bearded Vulture always localized in its distribution and probably the least known in terms of historical distribution became extinct in the 1970s. For decades the species remained obscure till the first observations in the mid 1990s around the feeding stations of BSPB in the Eastern Rhodopes. In the early 1990s BSPB made some attempts to initiate restoration project for the species that found no donor support, but currently a programme for reintroduction of the species is gaining speed. The threats for the vulture populations in Bulgaria are of no natural origin. All of them arise from human activities or are induced by him - poisoning and direct persecution, destruction of habitats and reduction of foraging base, disturbance. Other threats perhaps remain concealed and unknown and still need to be investigated. The BSPB has tackled all of these problems on different levels setting up the first feeding stations and declaring the breeding sites as protected, promoting the creation of Nature Park eastern Rhodopes. The first Nature Conservation Center to be focused on vultures and raptor conservation and Eastern Rhodopes biodiversity in Madgarovo brought to the flourishing vulture populations in the region thanks to all the dedicated people who contributed to this. Another level of conservation activities was the promotion of eco-tourism, the encouragement of local traditional cattle and livestock breeding - the 12

Karakachan dog and karakachan sheep project, the Rodope short horned cattle and antidote activities and campaigns. All these activities of the BSPB has brought to the stabilization and improvement of the stats of the vulture populations in Bulgaria. 13

CONSERVATION OF THE LARGE VULTURES IN THE EASTERN RHODOPES Stoycho Stoychev, Hristo Hristov, Dimitar Demerdzhiev and Ivailo Angelov, BSPB/BirdLife Bulgaria This project had the following objectives and activities aimed at the main threats and challenges for vulture conservation in the Eastern Rhodopes: Objective 1. To prevent future cases of poisoning of sarcophagus birds and mitigate the underlying causes for the use of poisons. Organize a public Anti-poison telephone alert system. A free anti-poisoning phone is established for the first time in Bulgaria. The National Hunting Federation asked to use the phone to report and receive advice on cases of poisoning of game by pesticides. This collaboration may have significant positive consequences on the anti-poisoning program. Monitoring and analyzing the hot areas of the man-predator conflict. The results of this activity were very important and interesting. Large part of the area was investigated. Hot areas and problems were identified. It became clear that vulture population and distribution depend to a large extent of the wolf activities. It is important this monitoring to be continued. The damages caused by wolves are a reason for illegal use of poison. Decreasing the risk of poisoning in the Hunting reserve Studen Kladenetz through involving the Hunting Union in carrying out birdwatching tourism and ensuring some incomes connected with vultures. Hunting reserve Studen Kladentez is an important stakeholder in terms of vulture conservation in the region. The staff of the Hunting reserve has significant informal influence on the hunting societies in the region and also on National level. BSPB team promoted the reserve as an area for eco tourism especially birdwatching and wolfwatching. The mutual help and good relationship between BSPB team and the staff of the reserve is good bases for successful vulture conservation. Objective 2. To guarantee sufficient food availability for the existing vultures in the Eastern Rhodopes. Provide supplementary feeding according to a coordinated scheme. Totally 18 350 kg of food were provided at three feeding places. In addition to the staff nine volunteers took part. The feeding contributed significantly to the high breeding success of the Griffon vulture colonies. Egyptian vultures breeding close to the feeding places have better breeding success in comparison to the other nesting far away from the feeding places. Enlargement of the network of food providers among the local people. Keeping good informal contacts seems to be the best way to ensure that the team will be informed in case of dead animal. People that informed us were given informational materials. About 65 % of the food provided at the feeding places was carcasses of dead farm animals from the region. Thus the cost of the feeding was reduced. This activity is important for making the feeding sustainable. Specific promotion materials about vultures and the feeding (calendar, posters), aimed at the farmers should be prepared. Objective 3. To strengthen the conservation teams in research, monitoring, planning and implementation of conservation measures locally and in a transboundary context Training of the BSPB team in capturing, ringing and tagging vultures. Seven BSPB members took part in the training. BSPB team could undertake trapping, measuring and ringing in Bulgaria. The ringing will allow monitoring in details the population dynamic. In collaboration with our Greek colleagues we should try to ring most vultures in the region in a few years and to prepare a monitoring matrix for evaluation of the population trends. Building of a vulture trap. A portable vulture trap has been constructed. First two attempts to catch vultures were made. The attempts were unsuccessful but showed some faults that were improved. 14

Involving students from key universities in vulture conservation activities. Fourteen lectures were delivered in two Universities. About 80 students attended. A field training camp called Black vultures was held in Studen kladenetz hunting reserve. The number of the participants was about 80, about 70 of them were students. Nine of them continue to participle in the BSPB vulture conservation activities in the Eastern Rhodopes. Activities with students are important tool to involve volunteers for vulture conservation. Thanks to these activities we are able to increase the capacity of our team and to address the problems with human capacity. Objective 4. To provide regular up-to-date comprehensive information on the vulture populations in the Eastern Rhodopes for the need of planning and enforcement of adequate conservation measures Design and implementation of a monitoring program for the Griffon and the Black Vultures in coordination with WWF Greece. Monitoring at the feeding places is well organized. Breeding success of the Griffon vulture colonies is well monitored. There is ongoing process for improving collaboration with WWF- Greece and Green Balkans. Common monitoring protocols were prepared. The insufficient optics is an obstacle to monitor well the ringed birds. Only one good telescope is available. Objective 5. To create preconditions and build up partnerships and commitments for restocking of Griffon and Black Vultures in suitable habitats in the wider area. Undertake a feasibility study and asses habitats for a Black Vulture restocking project. The regions with highes dencities of domestik animals, game species and wolf kills were identified. The activity was implemented only partly. Breeding habitats were not investigated due to lack of funds. Objective 6. To improve the public appeal of vultures and their role in ecosystems and to increase the awareness among key stakeholders about vulture conservation and the importance of these birds for the region. Running of an education and PR campaign. About 1300 children were involved in educational activities. Seven articles on vulture conservation activities were published in local newspapers. Nine TV and radio broadcast were released in national and Local TV s and radios. The Vulture Center was visited by about 1500 people.the education activities with students increase significantly the public awareness on vulture and nature conservation. They attract easy the attention of the general publicc and the medias. Supporting local municipalities to develop eco tourism. BSPB team helps the municipalities of Ivailovgrad Madjarovo, Krumovgrad, Kardjali, Momchilgrad, Kirkovo and Stambolovo to develop projects for eco tourism. BSPB cooperated to the Tourist society in Ivailovgrad organized a visit in Dadia for the mayor, council members and local businessmen. BSPB team collaborated to the local municipalities to develop sustainable tourism using the high biodiversity and having special emphasis on vultures. Objective 7. Monitoring and preventing new threats Developing of disturbing tourist activities near one the Griffon vulture colony in Studen Kladentez region was prevented and alternative activities were proposed.. Hand-gliding activates near Madjarovo colony were prevented through negotiations with the members of such a club. BSPB proposed alternative sits for hand-gliding preventing disturbance of the vultures. 15

THE BEARDED VULTURE LET S RECOVER THE SYMBOL OF BULGARIAN NATURE-CONSERVATION /ACTIVITIES FOR THE RESTORATION OF THE POPULATIONS OF THE BLACK AND GRIFFON VULTURES AS THE FIRST STEP FOR THE REINTRODUCTION OF THE BEARDED VULTURE IN BULGARIA / Results of a two-year project implemented by Green Balkans for studying and identifying suitable habitats for reintroduction of the Bearded Vulture in Bulgaria Ivelin Ivanov, Green Balkans I Goals and Objectives: Studying the suitability and preparing areas for reintroduction of the Bearded Vulture in Bulgaria Activities for strengthening and increasing the populations of Griffon and Black vultures as a first step for the reintroduction of the Bearded Vulture in Bulgaria II Studies and results achieved during the period 2003-2004: 1. Studies in the Eastern Balkan Mountains (EBM), Royak-Provadiya Plateau. o presenting the area coverage of the habitat types, relating to the biology of the carrion eating birds o presenting quantity data, distribution and percentage proportion of the natural game mortality in the region o presenting quantity data, distribution and percentage proportion of the natural mortality of domestic animals in the region. o presenting the studies on the wolf distribution o identifying potentially suitable breeding habitats of the species in the region 2. Studies in the Western Rhodope Mountains: o presenting the area coverage of the habitat types, relating to the biology of the carrion eating birds o presenting quantity data, distribution and percentage proportion of the natural game mortality in the region o presenting quantity data, distribution and percentage proportion of the natural mortality of domestic animals in the region o studying the distribution and quantity measures of tortoise as food base in the region o presenting the studies on the wolf distribution o identifying potentially suitable breeding habitats of the species in the region III Activities for strengthening and increasing the existing populations of carrion eating birds in Bulgaria o Activities of the implementation of the ANTIDOT program o Feeding and monitoring o Implementing expeditions to find breeding vulture pairs o Implementing breeding programs at the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Breeding Center as preparation for the reintroduction of vultures in the suitable areas o Implementing educational activities among local stakeholders Participating in international symposia and seminars. 16

PREPARATION OF NATURA 2000 NETWORK IN BULGARIA. Simeon Marin, Green Balkans At present as potential Natura 2000 sites were identified in total more than 500 potential sites, of which: 309 area objects; 67 linear objects; 124 points objects ( caves important for bats conservation). Thus, the potential Natura 2000 network covers approximately 34 % of Bulgaria's territory. The distribution of different types of sites is: - SPAs under the Bird Directive, covering around 20 % of the territory of Bulgaria; - psci under the Habitats Directive, covering around 29 % of the territory of Bulgaria; On around 19 % of Bulgaria's territory SPA and psci overlap. In the frame of Green Balkans project, financed by Bulgarian MoEW in 2005 SDF will be completed for numerous potential Natura 2000 sites (covering 15% of Bulgaria's territory). Designation of Natura 2000 network. In the frame of financed by MoEW project it is also planned (for 2005) preparation for public hearings: - for 120 pilot sites (already inventoried potential protected zones), precise clarification of the boundaries should be performed on the scale of the cadastre maps (in scale 1: 5,000) - balance of the territory (land ownership and land use) of this 120 sites. This exercise itself is the firs technical step for designation of Natura 2000 sites in compliance with the Bulgarian legislation. Natura 2000 and vultures Around 30 sites are identified as key one for the four vulture species. 17

RECOVERY OF THE GRIFFON VULTURE IN VRACHANSKA PLANINA MOUNTAINS AND CENTRAL BALKANS NATIONAL PARK THROUGH REINTRODUCTION. Georgi Stoyanov and Dobromir Domuschiev, Birds of Prey Protection Society of Bulgaria Why reintroduction in Vrachanska Planina mountain and Central Balkan National Park? Where it is? About the areas. Vultures presence in both regions. What BPPS have been done? Further steps. Conclusions and recommendations 18

AGAINST- POISON ACTIVITIES AND CREATING PRECONDITIONS FOR RECOVERY OF THE VULTURES IN SOUTHWEST BULGARIA AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE MACEDONIAN AND THE EASTERN RODOPIAN VULTURE COMMUNITIES Emilian Stoynov, FWFF Blagoevgrad The Southwest Bulgaria has naturally been occupied by the four species of European vultures until the beginning of 1970s. Recently only one pair of Egyptian Vultures is known to breed in the region. Occasional observations of Griffon, Bearded and Black Vultures have also been reported recently. As known that the use of poison baits in the past led to the extinction of these species and even rarely this practice exist now too, the FWFF decided that the re-introduction of the vultures would become possible when this threat is highly minimized and under control. The predator attacks over livestock is the most common reason for use of poisoned baits and related poisoning of wildlife (e.g. vultures). To solve this problem FWFF has established a Compensation program for livestock losses caused by predators. The FWFF created its own compensation herd of sheep and goats and provides a live animals for each killed by predators to the local farmers in the target region. Until now 38 sheep and goats have been provided by the organization as compensation. FWFF is also using the program to increase the defense of the livestock and so the reduce the number of the victims. That is why also a guarding dogs (Karakachan Dogs) are also given to the shepherds. Until now 17 dogs have been provided on shepherd in the Southwest Bulgaria, as most of them showed very good results and in the bigger percentage solved the problem with predators. Simultaneously with the compensation program FWFF is running vulture feeding, poison cases investigation and vultures observations and research. In 2005 the area of the Southwest Bulgaria will be studied of the feasibility of reintroduction of the Griffon, Bearded and the Black Vultures. Another topic in the activities of the FWFF for the preparation of the southwest Bulgaria for reintroduction of the large vultures is the restoration of the traditional livestock breeding practices including the restoration of the Transhumance. 19

AGAINST POISON ACTIONS OF FWFF- SOFIA Yavor Iliev, FWFF Sofia FWFF- Sofia is working for reduction of the poisoning incidents with wildlife in Bulgaria. In 2004 we created data base for all registered poisoning incidents in the country. On the matter of against poisoning activities FWFF- Sofia created a deep relationship with the National Veterinary Institute in Sofia, as well as with the Ministry of Environment, the Plant protection service etc. Also the cooperation with all other NGOs involved in the BVAP is very well developed. All they send us samples that are toxicologically analyzed in The National Veterinary Institute in Sofia. In November 2004 in Sofia it was held an international seminar for the anatomopathological and toxicological investigations of poisoned wildlife. FWFF- Sofia is organizer of the already traditional workshops of the National Against - Poison working group. They are usually provided in the Sofia Zoo in November. This year 2005 FWFF- Sofia is working closely with Green Balkans and the other BVAP participating NGOs for editing a booklet Guide for action when poisoning incident exist. The entire practical causes and the legislative base will be presented in order to let the different actors know what to do when a poisoning incident exist in natural environment. The booklet will be printed on paper as well as an e-version will be hosted on all NGOs websites. It will be presented to all interested NGOS and Governmental institutions. The data base will be applied in GIS and it will be accessible for all BVAP involved NGOs and the Governmental Institutions. In November 2005 it will be provided the next workshop of the National Against-Poison Working Group where all participants will discus the problems and the results achieved within the year and will plan the priorities for the year 2006. 20

FWFF KOTEL S VULTURE CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES IN EASTERN (BALKAN) STARA MOUNTAIN George Kochev (FWFF- Kotel) and Emilian Stoynov (FWFF- Blagoevgrad) FWFF Kotel is a charity NGO, part of FWFF federation. Since 2004 FWFF Kotel is a member of Balkan Vulture Action Plan as it works in Eastern Stara Mountain region. In the period between 2001 and 2004 the vulture conservation activities of FWFF Kotel were part of VULTURA Program. It comprises ex-situ breeding of two Griffon Vultures in an acclimatization aviary, situated nearby Kotel settlement (3 km far away), but occupies the wild region of Urushki Skali (rocks) Protected area. Cooperating Natural- History Museum of Kotel FWFF provides plenty of public awareness and education activities in order to introduce local community and tourists with vultures conservation and recovery in the region. FWFF supports extensive livestock breeding as a potential food base for vultures population, so the organization possess a sheep and goat herd, breeding it nearby the acclimatization aviary. Preparing the region for future reintroduction of Griffon Vulture FWFF Kotel has started to build bridges with other stakeholders as conservation groups, hunters and rangers, politicians, MoEW, Zoo communities, scientific groups and universities, tourist agencies and rural communities. Meanwhile the organization closely contributes to the overall aims and objectives of Balkan Vulture Action Plan. In 2004 FWFF Kotel had a task to prepare a viability study for reintroduction of Griffon Vulture in Eastern Stara Mountain region. Some of the items in the study are: historical and recent status, threats and limited factors for the Griffon Vulture, legal protection, possibilities for reintroduction in the target area as characteristic of geographical area, abiotic and biotic factors, protected areas, etc. The study stresses on the comparison between the conditions for Griffon Vulture in Eastern Rodopi, where the only native population in Bulgaria does exist, and those in Eastern (Balkan) Stara Mountain. The NGO relies much on volunteers efforts for the conservation activities, there is no paid staff up to now. 21

CONSERVATION OF BALKAN CHAMOIS (RUPICAPRA RUPICAPRA BALCANICA) AND RESTORATION OF THE SPECIES IN VITOSHA NATURE PARK Ivan Hristov (Balkani) and Toma Belev (Vitosha Nature Park) Balkan chamois is a different subspecies, which is listed in Annexes II of Directive 92/43 of EU and Annex III of Bern Convention. Balkan chamois is included in Bulgarian Red Data Book as endangered species. The basic threats for the Balkan chamois are low number in separated subpopulation, fragmentation and as a consequence depletion of the genetic pool. The main negative factor is poaching. The Balkan chamois is facing extinction but this is potential loss of biodiversity not only for the species itself. This ecological niche in Bulgarian high mountains is unoccupied. There are no animals like Alpine Ibex or Marmots and even livestock is at low number. This reflects on the large birds of prey (like vultures and eagles). The mountains Rila, Pirin, Vitosha and Stara Planina are very rarely visited by vultures and the main reason is the lack of food. Chamois is essential for vultures as a food base and especially for Lammergeier for witch a program for reintroduction is being under discussion at the moment. There is no information when Vitosha deserted from chamois but for sure in the 20 th century there were no population here. Only few single individuals have been seen which probably have migrated from Rila. Vitosha Natural Park has been chosen as a place convenient for re-acclimatization of Balkan chamois and creation of a center for reproduction of the species because of the presence of needed prerequisites as it follows: Presence of proper habitats. The chamois will take unoccupied ecological niche and will be without competition. There is a natural corridor between Vitosha and Rila mountains - Verila Mountain, which can be used for migration especially after population increase. The purposes of the project are conservation and stabilizing of Balkan Chamois by creating additional subpopulation. Its aims are research on species biology, possibilities for its conservation and gain public for the cause of conservation of Balkan chamois and support to other endangered populations with animals reproduced in Vitosha. Partners Vitosha Natural Park Directorate with the finacial support of National Trust EcoFund and National Trust EkoFund State Forestry Union "Vitoshko" This project is supported by Frankfurt Zoological Society - www.zgf.de During the year 2002 reproducing enclosure were constructed in Vitosha Nature Park at altitude 1450-1650 m.a.s.l. Within the enclosure there are well-defined southern and northwestern slopes offering proper condition during the different seasons. It was chosen the animals for reproducing herd to be provided from the Rhodopes' subpopulation due to this subpopulation increased its number and expanded its range in the recent years (Genov et al., 2003) and the habitats of chamois in the Rhodopes are similar to those in Vitosha Mountain. By February 2005 13 chamois have been brought to Vitosha NP and 7 offspring have been born. The animals will be kept in captivity in order to reduce the kids' mortality rate and to increase the possibilities of forming the herd (herds) from animals that were brought from different places. After that the herd will be released in the territory of Vitosha Nature Park. 22

CONSERVATION OF THE KARAKACHAN SHEEP, THE KARAKACHAN HORSE AND THE KARAKACHAN DOG ONE OF THE OLDEST BREEDS IN EUROPE Sider Sedefchev, Bulgarian Biodiversity Preservation Society SEMPERVIVA The conservation of old and rare forms of domestic animals is a difficult and not very popular topic. Often there is dependence between the old, traditional methods of livestock breeding and some wild species. The nature conservation organization SEMPERVIVA is a pioneer in the conservation old breeds which are threaten of extinction. The project Conservation of the Karakachan sheep, the Karakachan horse and the Karakachan dog one of the oldest breeds in Europe is a specific one. The work has connection with the conservation of birds of prey and large carnivores. The project is developing in different aspects as the main goal is to save the three breeds selected by the ancient nomad people, the Karakachans. Establishing of nucleus flocks was one of the most difficult tasks. Using our experience in this field since 1991, and through a precise searching we found and collected the last typical representatives of the three breeds. On this base we make a selection in a direction of the original type of these breeds. Another important aspect was to create and organize of conditions for breeding of the animals, which had to be closest to the traditional ones. This means that in this project the three species exist in a symbiosis as it has been since hoary antiquity. As the Karakachan people had been nomads (until 1950s) their sheep are adapted to trans-humans movements. The horses are used for transporting of all the possession of these people, but otherwise they have been bred on big free ranging groups, as wild horses. The Karakachan dogs, which have been selected for millennia for livestock guarding are following the flocks everywhere and are the only protection against carnivores. The present project has being developed in the typically alpine mountain Pirin (South-west Bulgaria). Pirin is a National Park and a UNESCO site. Through a trans-humans movement we provide the animals with year round crazing, as in the different seasons we bring them to a different altitude, from 450 to 2300 m. It is not a secret that one of the reasons for the extinction of the vulture species is the sharp decline of the livestock numbers. The mortality of the livestock in the mountains is a key factor for providing vulture species with food. Around 70 80% of the newborn foals and calves in spring and summer become victims of predators. With a big number of livestock there are enough carcasses which attract the birds of prey. The maintenance of the semi-natural open areas by the livestock is not less important for vulture conservation. 23