Filenews 5 December 2025
A vulture that was transported to Cyprus from Spain to support the local population has been free in the wild since yesterday and for six months has been under care at the Wildlife Rescue and Care Center in the occupied Mountain where it was transferred from the Varosha area where it had been detected with symptoms of severe weakening and dehydration.
According to an announcement by BirdLife Cyprus, the specific vulture (fulvus) was transported to Cyprus by BirdLife Cyprus and the Game and Fauna Service, in collaboration with the Vulture Conservation Foundation and Terra Cypria, in the framework of the project "Life with Vultures" and its natural spread throughout the island highlights the importance of close and coordinated cooperation at a pan-Cypriot level.
The reduction of threats, such as poisoning and electrocution, as well as the immediate response to any incident, regardless of region, are critical factors for the conservation and survival of the vultures of Cyprus, it is added.
This particular vulture had been released for the first time in Cyprus in July 2024, it had been fitted with a GPS transmitter, which in October 2025, showed prolonged immobility in the area of Varosha, an unusual behaviour for the species.
The monitoring team immediately notified the Wildlife Rescue and Care Center located in the occupied Mountain that found the bird in a state of severe weakening 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 in the treatment center, and after fully recovering his strength and passing all the necessary tests, including negative results for toxicological tests, lead and pathogens, the vulture was again deemed ready for release and this was done yesterday.
CNA
