Wildlife

Bearded Vulture Welfare: Alpine Reintroduction Programme 2026

The bearded vulture, or lammergeier, has been successfully reintroduced to the Alps after extinction and ongoing welfare monitoring of released birds is central to the programme.

Key Facts

Bearded vultures were extinct in the Alps by 1913, eliminated by persecution and lead poisoning
The Alpine reintroduction programme began in 1986 and has released over 270 birds
The Alpine population now numbers over 50 breeding pairs and is self-sustaining
Bearded vultures feed almost exclusively on bone marrow, dropping bones from height to crack them

Welfare Considerations

Reintroduced birds face welfare risks from lead poisoning via bone and carcass consumption (now mitigated by supplementary feeding stations), collision with power lines, and occasional illegal shooting. Satellite tracking reveals high juvenile mortality in the first year after release. Welfare monitoring at supplementary feeding stations is key to early intervention for injured birds.

What You Can Do

Support the Vulture Conservation Foundation working on Alpine reintroduction
Advocate for lead-free ammunition in Alpine hunting areas
Report injured or sick bearded vultures to wildlife authorities immediately
Support power line modification programmes to reduce raptor collision risk