Improving the conservation status of the Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus) by implementing measures envisaged in the Species Action Plan.

The Black Vulture is listed in the Bulgarian Biodiversity Act and Directive 2009/147/EU on the Wild Birds. The major limiting factor of vulture population is the diminished natural food supply. The availability of affordable and safe food has been identified as a major objective and the most important conservation measure for reintroduction of the species population. 7 new feed sites will be built in the project activity. This will remove the major limiting factor and provide safe food for the species in the target areas. In the Action Plan, low game stocks have been identified as a threat and limiting factor for species population. Within the framework of the project, 4 biotechnical facilities will be built for breeding and relocation of fallow deer near the feeding and nesting places of the birds. This will provide a natural food supply for the vultures in the target areas. An important negative factor in declining vultures’ population is the electric shocks caused by landing of poles or collision with power lines. The project activities will isolate the 235 most dangerous poles in the target areas. The breeding conditions for bird species will be improved by placing 17 artificial nests in the target areas. Project management, information and communication activities and ancillary activities are envisaged. UHAB is the largest non-governmental organization in Bulgaria with 120 associations throughout the country. The activities will be carried out by hunting associations in the area, which will then ensure the sustainability of the project results. The main output of the project will be the conservation and reintroduction of the Black Vulture population in the territory of 9 PAs: BG0002002 "Western Balkans", BG0002044 "Kamchiyska Mountain", BG0002038 "Provadia-Royak Plateau", BG0002063 "Western Rhodopes", BG0002126 "Pirin buffer", BG0002013 "Studen kladenets", BG0002071 “Most Arda",BG0002053 “Vrachanski Balkan"and BG0002058 "Sinite kamani-Grebenets".

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