A vulture that had been transferred to Cyprus from Spain to strengthen the local population and had been under care for six months at the Wildlife Rescue and Care Center in occupied Vounos, where it was transferred from the Varos area where it had been found with symptoms of severe weakness and dehydration, has been free in the wild since yesterday.
According to an announcement by BirdLife Cyprus, the specific griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) was transported to Cyprus by BirdLife Cyprus and the Game and Fauna Service, in collaboration with the Vulture Conservation Foundation and Terra Cypria, as part of the "Life with Vultures" project, and its natural spread throughout the island highlights the importance of close and coordinated cooperation at a pan-Cypriot level.
Reducing threats, such as poisoning and electrocution, as well as responding immediately to any incident, regardless of region, are critical factors for the conservation and survival of Cyprus' vultures, it added.
This particular vulture was first released in Cyprus in July 2024, it was fitted with a GPS transmitter, which in October 2025, showed prolonged immobility in the Varos area, an unusual behavior for the species.
The monitoring team immediately notified the Wildlife Rescue and Care Center located in the occupied Mountain, which located the bird in a state of severe weakness and dehydration. Thanks to immediate mobilization, veterinary intervention and the care of the staff, the vulture's condition stabilized and began to improve, it is reported.
After six weeks at the care center, and after fully regaining his strength and passing all the necessary tests, including negative results for toxicological analyses, lead and pathogens, the vulture was deemed ready for release again, and this happened yesterday.
Source: KYPE
