Disruption of young griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus), that nest on Cliffs of Kvarner is recognised as one of the main threats to the last remaining species of vulture in Croatia. Out of the entire population which consists of around 125 breeding pairs of this strictly protected species, as much as 20-30% of young birds fall into the sea each year and are saved from drowning only by timely action of employees of Beli Visitor Centre and Rescue Centre for Griffon Vultures, which is found in Beli on island Cres.

“Certainly, young vultures fall out of the nests due to a lack of flying experience as that is a common occurrence across all bird species that nest in elevated positions. The specific placement of the nests of Kvarner vultures directly above the sea mean that those birds that do not complete their maiden flight successfully will fall into the sea. However, inexperience combined with loud noise is only exposing them to unnecessary stress, and it takes so little effort for this threat to be significantly reduced in Kvarner” says Ivana Ribić from Biom association, coordinator of LIFE SUPport project.

The issue of vulture nest disturbances is what LIFE SUPport project is tackling, that is led by Biom association alongside project partners. Because of this recently the most important project activity started – SUPpatrola (vulture patrol). For the next few summers Biom volunteers will patrol Kvarner islands on a little boat, and educate people, as well as any tourist they meet on the sea on the nearby presence of nesting griffon vultures. Also the volunteer team will patrol vulture colonies during the critical period from June to August, looking for any fallen fledglings aiming to increase the number of rescued ones.

The first SUPpatrol volunteers in the initial days of the patrol activity recorded a large number of tourist boats as well as small private boats. For example, just around island Plavnik where at the beginning of spring Grif hatched, SUPpatrol recorded 15 boats on Saturday 22^nd June. Luckly most were only passing by and were quiet. As for this specific location it is worth noting most fledglings that end up in the rescue centre are from Plavnik.

To remove disturbances as successfully as possible Biom association started a fundraising campaign to fund volunteers cominbg to the island, their food, as well as boat and skipper rental needed for patrolling of Kvarner cliffs. 30.000 € are needed for this. “Anyone can help save griffon vultures through donating via https://doniraj.biom.hr/prvilet/. This summer give up an ice cream scoop and help the vultures have a carefree summer” says Paula Počanić Vovk from Biom.

Translated by: Nika Vuletić