Abstract
Although formerly an abundant species, the Eurasian Griffon (Gyps fulvus Hablizl, 1783) has undergone a dramatic decline in Herzegovina. Such an unfavorable trend may be associated with frequent poisoning incidents (consumption of poisoned baits), shortage of food and hunting. This species disappeared from its breeding habitats in Herzegovina during the last decade of the 20th century. The extinction was probably caused by military activities during the civil war. Using data that were collected over a period of long-term (1980-1991) monitoring of the breeding population, we discovered optimal environmental conditions for the nesting of the Eurasian Griffon Vulture in Herzegovina. Information on nest-site preference is valuable for conservation programs and the possible reintroduction of the Eurasian Griffon, not only in Herzegovina, but also to a much wider region. During the study period, we observed 61 nests and 252 nesting cases in four colonies of Eurasian Griffon Vulture. Most nests were located on limestone and dolomite rocks. The average altitude of nests was 378 m a.s.l.; most of nests (85%) were located below 500 m a.s.l. Also, the majority of nests were located on west-exposed sites.
Highlights
All three vulture species native to Europe (Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus Linnaeus 1758, Eurasian Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus Hablizl, 1783 and Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus Linnaeus 1758) used to inhabit eastern Herzegovina (Talsky, 1882; Reiser, 1939; Rucner, 1970; Tutman, 1952)
Due to the proximity of the Adriatic Sea, a sub-Mediterranean climate prevails in the lower part of eastern Herzegovina
The orography of the Herzegovina lowlands enables the influence of a Mediterranean climate
Summary
All three vulture species native to Europe (Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus Linnaeus 1758, Eurasian Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus Hablizl, 1783 and Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus Linnaeus 1758) used to inhabit eastern Herzegovina (Talsky, 1882; Reiser, 1939; Rucner, 1970; Tutman, 1952). Populations of Eurasian Griffon, Egyptian and Bearded Vulture were present in this region up to the beginning of the civil war in 1992. After this period, these populations disappeared from eastern Herzegovina, probably due to disturbances caused by military activities. The successful protection of vultures on the Iberian Peninsula and in France suggests that their return to historical breeding sites in Herzegovina is possible. To achieve this goal, we must elaborate and implement suitable protection and conservation measures
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