Rescued vulture released in the mountains
A YOUNG griffon vulture that was found exhausted and dehydrated on February 18 was released back into the wild after receiving treatment at Murcia region’s wildlife recuperation centre in El Valle natural park.
Born in the 2021 breeding season, it had probably been exploring when it was discovered in the area of Cerro del Castillo in Alhama de Murcia, noted centre experts.
The animal was diagnosed with severe malnutrition and dehydration, weighing just 4.5 kilos when it was admitted.
It was treated with fluids and vitamin supplements until its condition had improved enough to have solid food, then taken to a facility where it could exercise its muscles to recover its ability to fly. Once it had recovered, it was released at the Sierra de Mojantes vulture feeding station in Caravaca de la Cruz.
In the last five years, Murcia
regional government has released 27 griffon vultures, which are principally threatened by power cables, motor vehicles and, to a lesser extent, wind turbines, breeding colonies being disturbed, poisoning or scarcity of food.
This one was marked with a metal ring so that its movements can be recorded if it is spotted or recovered again, and in order to improve habitats occupied by this species.
The wingspan of griffon vultures can reach up to 2.5 metres and the bird can weigh up to 9kg; they set up home in rocky terrain and their population in Murcia region has significantly increased in recent years, mostly in Lorca, Caravaca and Moratalla.
Those in Spain make up 80% of the European population.
They can fly great distances so it is not unusual to see them looking for food in areas where they do not nest.