Thanks to the voluntary work of members Matteo Visceglia and Mariangela Francione,the CERM Association has managed the supplementary feeding station for birds of prey near Matera, Basilicata, for many years. Located within the Murgia Materana Regional Park and the SAC/SPA Gravine di Matera, this area is strategic for various species of birds of prey, serving Egyptian vultures born in captivity at CERM and released into the wild, wild Egyptian vultures (including a local breeding pair), and numerous black and red kites. In 2025, the feeding station was managed by the CERM Association, with financial support from Rewilding Europe. From March 1 to September 30, 2025, 84 supplies were made, distributing a total of approximately 3,600 kg of food. The Egyptian vulture pair breeding in the area has been observed occasionally visiting the site. As they often patrol the area, they likely feed in the surroundings of the feeding station, where they can find food dropped by kites, more tranquility, and less competition. A camera trap also recorded an immature Egyptian vulture. Other raptors that frequently took advantage of the food included, most notably, the black kite, red kite, and common buzzard. The camera trap installed at the feeding station allowed us to count up to 40 black kites and 30 red kites feeding simultaneously. The area was also used by western marsh harriers, particularly during spring migration.
