Release into the wild

Fifty-one young Egyptian vultures born in captivity were released into the wild in Italy between 2003 and 2023, specifically in the regions of Basilicata (31), Puglia (12), Calabria (4), Sicily (2), and Tuscany (2). Most were born at CERM (44 individuals) and five were donated by European zoos (Jerez de la Frontera, Zlín, and Prague), whereas two hatched from eggs confiscated by the State Forestry Corps (originally stolen from nests in Turkey). Releases are carried out by the CERM Association with the support of various partners and numerous volunteers who collaborate in different phases of the operations, from site preparation and supplementary feeding to post-release, monitoring and recovery of individuals in difficulty. Between 2018 and 2023, the releases were organized by the CERM Association in collaboration with ISPRA (Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research) as part of the Egyptian Vulture LIFE Project, with support from the CUFA (Carabinieri Corps, Forestry, Environmental and Agricultural Units Command) for surveillance during the settling-in and migration phases.

Hacking

The hacking method involves recreating release conditions as similar as possible to natural fledging. Upon reaching 80–85 days old, captive-born juveniles are transferred to a rock cavity or nest box near cliffs, where they spend 4–5 days acclimating. During this period, they are monitored via video and fed without any contact with the operators. Release usually takes place between mid-August and early September. Using this method, 34 Egyptian vultures were released: 14 in the Gravina di Laterza (Puglia, in collaboration with LIPU), 13 in the Murgia Materana Regional Park (Basilicata), 4 in the Niffi Valley (Calabria, in collaboration with the StOrCal Association), 2 in the Rocconi Nature Reserve (Tuscany), and one in the Madonie Regional Park (Sicily, in collaboration with the International Foundation for Biodiversity of the Mediterranean). Parts of these releases were carried out in collaboration with ISPRA.

Delayed release

The delayed release method was used to introduce 16 one- and two-year-old Egyptian vultures into the wild. The juveniles spent an acclimatization period ranging from five to 23 days in an aviary (in the Lucanian Apennines National Park) and in a nest box (in the Murgia Materana Park). Due to monitoring highlighting critical issues in the birds’ adaptation to nature and a higher mortality rate compared to juveniles released in their year of birth (hacking), the delayed release method was discontinued from 2022 onwards.

Pre and post-release

Before being placed in the release aviary, the juveniles are equipped with a microchip, a metal identification ring, a coloured plastic ring, and a GPS device to identify them and monitor their movements in the wild. In the days leading up to the release, food is placed in strategic surrounding areas to attract scavenging bird species. This helps the juveniles easily identify the feeding points once they are released. In the period following release, small pools of water are also made available in these areas. The availability of food and water is essential for helping juveniles adapt to the wild, allowing a gradual familiarization with the environment and the achievement of foraging independence, while avoiding early dispersal or significant movements that would increase risks to their survival.