For the 25th time bearded vultures could be released in the Alps this year. A nice jubilee which becomes even more convincing by the results of an international cooperation for the monitoring of the species.

Under the Umbrella of ALPARC and the Vulture Conservation Foundation (Vulture Conservation Foundation -VCF) numerous collaborators from Alpine protected areas and other institutions form the "International Bearded vulture Monitoring ( International Bearded vulture Monitoring -IBM). Thus they support the resettlement of the sensitive raptor species in the Alps. On that basis a total of 37 different bearded vultures could be identified (individually) last year. The oldest bird has already reached an age of 21,5 years and inhabits the French Alps. Some birds have been equipped with satellite transmitters, others can be identified, thanks to the efforts of ornithologists. In some cases almost each feather has been documented on pictures.

"It has been worth all the intensive fieldwork", says Richard Zink scientific coordinator of the Alpine monitoring network. At least 17 territories could be verified by the end of the year 2009. Nevertheless the species remains vulnarable to disturbance factors which is why no more than 9 birds could fledge finally. In total the Alpine bearded vulture population follows a positive trend. Have a look into the IBM's Annual Report and get more information about the current species status