Conservation, threats and challenges of rangeland management in western Greece mountain SPA’s: The example of griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus)

Griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) used to be the most common and widespread big raptor of Greece, following transhumant activities and movements probably from the prehistoric time. Moving along riversides and ancient roads, from extensive open woodlands and lowland rangelands nearby wetlands, towards summer pastures in the picks of the Pindos mountain range, the birds followed huge flocks of moving animals transported by foot and nowadays mainly by trucks. Several breeding colonies of griffon vultures were located along the backbone of Pindos, but today only three remain active, numbering probably less than 15 pairs. These birds still disperse in the wider area searching the extensive mountain terrain for food. Several accidental observations show that this population attracts birds also from other Balkan countries. A characteristic example is a griffon vulture born in Croatia, tagged with a satellite transmitter in north Italy that settled this year in Akarnanika –Boumistos mountains, but it has been also located as far as in Agrafa, Tzoumerka and Xirovouni (Thessaly and Epirus regions), visiting or roosting in several deserted griffon vultures colonies. Most of the above areas are designated as SPA’s (Special Protected Areas within the Natura 2000 network for the conservation of birds). Although, due to the extensive use of illegal poison baits against carnivores, many SPAs have lost their breeding raptors, such us griffon, bearded, Egyptian vulture and golden eagle, which are included nowadays in the National Red Data Book. Environmental Impact Assessments of Wind Turbine Development proposals do not take into account the periodical use of mountains by species of international conservation importance. Linking SPA’s through management practices that maintain anthropogenic habitats, support traditional extensive livestock breeding practices and promoting local high quality dairy products should be a priority for maintaining mountain biodiversity and especially vultures as flagship species for conservation.