The Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) is a migratory bird of prey classified as Globally Endangered by IUCN and listed in Category 1 of the CMS Raptors MoU. The species populations have been rapidly declining and especially in the Balkans where the numbers has decreased by over 80% in the last 30 years. The Eurasian population is migratory, spending the winter (from October to March) in Africa. It has been proven that each year fewer birds return to the Balkans from their wintering grounds, which is clearly related to mortality along the flyway due to various threats which include poisoning, electrocution, and direct persecution.
The project aimed to facilitate the undertaking of conservation measures for the migratory populations of Egyptian Vultures wintering in Eastern and Central Africa.
The Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB)/ BirdLife Bulgaria
Expected conservation results: • Valuable contribution to the knowledge on the wintering grounds of the Egyptian Vulture. • Evidence for the main threats of the species in the sites for concentration (including pilot information on the dimensions of bird crimes related to the Egyptian Vulture); • Preliminary data on the stakeholder’s attitudes in the hot spots for the species; • Enhanced national, regional and international cooperation; • Updated information on the status of the breeding/wintering/conservation of the Egyptian Vulture.
To facilitate the implementation of conservation measures for the migratory populations of Egyptian Vultures wintering in Eastern and Central Africa;
EU LIFE +
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Training seminar and survey in Ethiopia
Seven participants from Sudan, Chad, Ethiopia, Somalia and Djibouti were trained on how to count and map Egyptian Vultures, their nests, and how to collect baseline information for limiting factors for population. In addition, ‘Best Practice Guidelines’ and ‘Field Protocols’ for the fieldwork with Egyptian Vulture were prepared.
Supporting post-training surveys of the trainees
Trainees from Ethiopia, Sudan and Chad completed research surveys on the species. Besides collecting data, the surveys aimed to build capacity of conservationists in Ethiopia, Sudan and Chad.
Training seminar in Bulgaria
Egyptian Vulture experts from Bulgaria delivered training on vulture research techniques and as an outcome, priority knowledge gaps were identified for the population on the Balkans. Around 30 participants from Europe and Africa also had an opportunity to visit the core population of the species in the Balkans and directly see how the system is working (real ‘know how’ lessons).
Resolution 3 from the 6th World Conference on Birds of Prey and Owls, held in Budapest, Hungary, 18 - 23 May 2003
Guidelines for Preparing National or Regional Raptor Conservation and Management Strategies
UK Raptor Study - Assessment of the merits of an Instrument under the Convention on Migratory Species covering Migratory Raptors in the African-Eurasian Region
Action Plan for the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Madagascar: Sooty Falcon and Eleonora’s Falcon
The African Raptor DataBank (ARDB) is an ambitious non-profit, citizen science project. It aims to inspire birdwatchers and other observers to submit information that will reveal the conservation status of raptors and their habitats throughout Africa. It will also help develop the local expertise needed to monitor these indicator species in the future and to implement sound strategies to safeguard them. The Coordinating Unit of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia (Raptors MoU) has joined forces with ARDB to assist Signatories in Africa to better understand and conserve the raptor riches they hold.
Africa has a higher diversity of birds of prey than any other continent: some 169 species occur regularly, 69% of which are endemic to Africa or its associated islands. These various species constitute more than 75% of all raptor species worldwide. More than 60% of the migratory raptors covered by the Raptors MoU occur in Africa. Currently, a huge knowledge gap exists in the distribution and ecology during migration and in the wintering areas for many of these species. Surveys, monitoring programmes and observations are needed over much of Africa in order to establish successful conservation programmes.
In less than a year since its launch, ARDB succeeded in gathering over 55.000 records from birdwatchers and other observers throughout Africa. ARDB has been developed to handle a wide range of raptor information, such as nest records, road counts, casual observations and mortality data. The records are collected through online computer applications and in spreadsheet format. Collaboration with the Raptors MoU will allow ARDB to develop user-friendly, free-of-charge, offline applications (Apps) for mobile telephones using Android OS and Apple iOS. These Apps will record data in offline conditions which will ease the recording process, encourage greater use of the database by the general public, and enable recording in parts of Africa with incomplete internet access. The Android App will be ready for use by the end of 2013 and a similar iPhone App is planned for release in July 2014.
Habitat Info
The data on migratory raptors gathered through ARDB is particularly important for Signatory States to the Raptors MoU to assist them in developing comprehensive National or Regional Raptor Conservation Strategies. It should assist them in better appreciating the global significance of the raptor populations and habitat strongholds hosted within their boundaries. Furthermore, ARDB is actively raising awareness about raptors and the increasing threats that they are facing. Education is imperative to successfully promoting their conservation, particularly within local communities. Enlisting citizen scientists to engage with the ARDB from anywhere and everywhere in Africa represents a unique opportunity to develop interest, understanding and support for conservation actions. The possibility of future detailed analysis to better identify critically important habitats, particularly along the flyways of migratory raptors, should enable Signatories and other Range States to focus conservation and management efforts to best effect. For management of the human environment and alleviation of disaster risk, it is imperative that we are able to assess the health of ecosystems. Raptors are ideal, easily observed indicators of ecosystem health and the ARDB with the Raptors MoU wish to develop this crucial role.
- Gather data on migratory raptors in Africa; - Better understand raptor populations and their habitats; - Raise awareness about threats faced by raptors.
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Design and develop an Android App for offline recording records and observations of raptors in Africa
Habitat Info
- Effective, freely available and widely used Android App for offline recording of raptor records and observations throughout Africa;
- Significantly enhance the opportunity to engage and apply citizen science, particularly younger people, to assist in monitoring raptor populations in Africa.
Design and develop an iOS App for offline recording records and observations of raptors in Africa
Habitat Info
- Effective, freely available and widely used iOS App for offline recording of raptor records and observations throughout Africa;
- Significantly enhance the opportunity to engage and apply citizen science, particularly younger people, to assist in monitoring raptor populations in Africa.
Upon completion of the Android App. and receipt of an interim report
Upon completion of the Apple App., including Final report and financial statement
International Experts Meet in Edinburgh to Plan the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey
Upon signature of the agreement by both parties