At the beginning of 2014, Sardinia's griffon vultures were staring down extinction. Just 60 of the majestic birds remained, clinging to survival in a small colony between Bosa and Alghero on the island's west coast.
Today, more than 500 griffon vultures soar over Sardinia — making their recovery one of Italy's greatest conservation success stories.
The vultures' decline was driven by indirect poisoning. As scavengers, they fed on carcasses contaminated with pesticides, chemicals, and lead shot from hunters targeting wild boar. Some were also deliberately killed despite posing no threat to humans or livestock.
Their disappearance threatened the wider ecosystem. Griffon vultures serve as nature's clean-up crew, consuming carcasses and removing potentially dangerous bacteria that could cause infectious diseases in other animals.
The turnaround began in 2015 with 'Life Under Griffon Wings,' a European Commission-funded project focused on the Bosa area. The project increased food availability, reduced disturbances near nesting sites, and launched public awareness campaigns.
In 2021, a follow-up project called 'Life Safe for Vultures' expanded the effort with a budget of over €3 million. Partners including the University of Sassari, the Forestas Agency, and the Vulture Conservation Foundation created feeding stations called 'carnai' to ensure safe, regular food sources. They improved power line safety to prevent electrocutions and worked with hunters to promote lead-free ammunition.
A crucial element was releasing young vultures — many from rescue centres in Spain — into areas of Sardinia where the species had been absent for decades. The final 15 individuals arrived from Barcelona in January 2026 and are currently acclimatising before their release into the wild.
The latest census tells the story of success. The population now stands between 516 and 566 individuals — a 21% increase compared to 2024. Breeding is also flourishing, with 120 territorial pairs counted in 2025, up 14.3% from the previous year, and fledged young increasing by 15.5%.
While around 60% of the vultures still live near Bosa, colonies are now growing in central and southern Sardinia, expanding the species' range across the island for the first time in generations.
From 60 birds facing oblivion to over 500 soaring free — Sardinia's griffon vultures prove that when communities, scientists, and governments work together, even the most dramatic declines can be reversed. 🦅