Wildlife

Egyptian Vulture Welfare on Migration Between Europe and Africa

Egyptian vultures are declining rapidly across their range, facing poisoning, power line electrocution, and shooting on migration routes between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa.

Key Facts

Egyptian vultures have declined by over 50% in the past 50 years
They migrate between Mediterranean breeding grounds and sub-Saharan wintering areas
Poisoning from toxic baits and veterinary drugs causes significant mortality
They are attracted to human refuse providing both food and poisoning risk
Power line electrocution and collision are major mortality causes in their range

Welfare Considerations

Poisoning from illegal baits causes convulsive death. Power line electrocution causes immediate death or severe burns. Shooting at migration concentrations causes traumatic mortality. Refuse consumption exposes birds to toxicants in disposed medications and poisons. Sub-lethal lead exposure from consuming lead-shot carcasses causes chronic neurological impairment. The species is declining toward regional extinction in several parts of Europe.

What You Can Do

Support Egyptian Vulture New LIFE project conservation programs
Donate to organizations monitoring Egyptian vulture migration routes
Advocate for power line insulation programs in breeding and wintering areas
Support anti-poisoning campaigns in migration countries
Engage with governments in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya on wintering ground protection