Bearded Vulture Reintroduction Welfare in the Alps and Central Europe

The bearded vulture (lammergeier) is being reintroduced to the Alps and other European mountain ranges after extinction, with welfare considerations across the challenging captive-rearing and release process.

Key Facts

Bearded vultures were extirpated from the Alps by the early 20th century through persecution
The Alpine reintroduction programme has released over 300 birds since 1986
Birds are raised in captivity using hand-rearing or foster techniques to minimise human imprinting
Lead poisoning from contaminated bone fragments is a significant mortality cause for released birds
The species has the longest juvenile dependency period of any European raptor

Welfare Considerations

Bearded vulture welfare during reintroduction begins with carefully managed captive rearing to prevent human imprinting while ensuring chick welfare. Premature release or inadequate conditioning leads to starvation and welfare compromise in the challenging Alpine environment. Lead poisoning from bone fragments ingested at carcass sites causes chronic neurological damage, weakness, and death. Supplementary feeding stations using lead-free carcasses significantly improve post-release welfare and survival. Community engagement to eliminate lead ammunition in range areas is essential for long-term population welfare.

What You Can Do

Support the Vulture Conservation Foundation with donations for bearded vulture reintroduction
Advocate for a ban on lead ammunition in bearded vulture range areas in the Alps
Use lead-free ammunition if hunting in Alpine regions where bearded vultures are establishing
Report bearded vulture sightings to national monitoring programmes in Alpine countries
Engage with supplementary feeding station schemes that provide lead-free food for released birds