Mallorca is the only Mediterranean island where these amazing and unusual birds are found. And with numbers under 200 there is a desperate need to protect them.
Due to the joint work of the BVCF (Foundation for the Black Vulture's Conservation) and the Wildlife of the Mediterranean Foundation over the past 30 years, there are now some 160 vultures living in the Tramuntana mountain range.
“In 2014, 17 baby vultures were seen flying around the area, but we also had three pairs which left their nests as they felt threatened by humans,” said head of the foundations, Juanjo Sanchez.
Something as simple as a loud noise is enough to force a mother to leave her nest and her chicks in order to try to find a safer place to live. Chicks left on their own will not survive. Being born weighing around 200 grams, they must reach a weight of 8kg before they become independent and can fend for themselves. Staying with their mother during this period is crucial.
Around 70 volunteers have been given the task of educating visitors to the island and the Tramuntana mountain range about the negative impact that their presence can have on nesting vultures. The volunteers will be able to make hikers, bikers and other visitors aware of the location of nests and advise them on alternative routes so that the mothers and babies are not disturbed.
Other measures already in place to tackle these issues are "vulture restaurants" scattered throughout the mountains. Juan Jose, founder of the BVCF tirelessly lobbies landowners to be more wildlife-friendly but he also wants people to come and experience the birds in their environment and as a result he has striven to unite local enterprises in order to develop rural tourism. He has built up a network of various hotels and farmstays in the area and works with them to offer their guests the chance to take a guided hike to catch a glimpse of these spectacular raptors.
Even if birds aren't really your thing, its hard not to be impressed by these imposing birds soaring above you!
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For more information on bird watching in Mallorca have a look at our Activity Reviews and Bird Watching Information.
