Distribution of the species
This species is Palearctic species breeding in Southern Europe, Asia Minor, the Sinai Peninsula, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, India. In Bulgaria it is a permanent, in the past numerous species on rocky places. He returned to the Eastern Rhodopes along the Arda river between Kardzhali and Madzharovo. He wandered in southern Bulgaria and migrated along the Black Sea coast and the Sofia field.
Description of the species (biological and ecological features)
In Bulgaria, the Griffon vulture reaches a body length of 100 cm and a wingspan of 260 cm. The plumage in adults is light brown with black feathers and a tail. The head and neck are covered with a short white down. There is well visible collar at the base of the neck. The back and wings are sandy yellow and the flight feathers are black. In the juvenile individuals, the collar is longer and brown in color.
It breeds colonially (up to 10-12 pairs) in large rock complexes, periodically changing the breeding places. It lays in January 1 egg. Carrion-eating, depending on freely grazing domestic animals and on the veterinary-sanitary servicing. Tens of birds may gather at one site for feeding.
They prefer rocky areas in the valleys of large rivers, especially in the presence of populations of wolves or big game.
Conservation status
Unknown.
Conservation state
The species is listed Red Data Book of Bulgaria as “Endangered”, as well as included in Annexes 2 and 3 of the Biodiversity Act (BDA). It is also included in Annex I to Directive 2009/147 / EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds.
The Griffon vulture is also included in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) – with the category “Least Concern” (LC).
*Note: For the description of birds is used information from: Golemanski, V. & al. (eds). 2015. Red Data Book of the Republic of Bulgaria. Vol. 2. Animals. BAS & MoEW, Sofia [English ed.: ISBN 978-954-9746-22-8 (IBER – BAS), 978-954-8497-18-3 (MoEW)]; Michev T., D. Simeonov, L. Profirov. 2012. Birds of the Balkan Peninsula. Ecotan, Sofia, 300 pp; the website of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).