Record numbers for Griffon Vultures in the Murcia Region

Three young Griffon Vultures were released in Lorca as the population in Murcia hits its highest numbers ever

Good news for birds isn’t something you often hear about around Christmas, considering the star of the Christmas dinner. But in Murcia, the vultures are set to enjoy a much better Christmas. Three young griffon vultures were released at the Valdeinfierno reservoir in Lorca after being rescued and treated at the El Valle Wildlife Recovery Centre. They had been found in different parts of the Region, suffering from malnutrition and injuries.

The three birds released were found near roads, one on the A-30 in Alcantarilla, another on a bridge on the A-7 in Murcia, and the third in Águilas. At the centre, they received veterinary care, fluids, vitamins, and a diet to regain weight, now they weigh 6.7, 8.3, and 8.5 kilograms. After regaining the ability to fly, they were fitted with rings so they can be tracked in the future.

Murcia’s regional president, Fernando López Miras, was there for the release along with some other local officials. He pointed out that the region now has 319 breeding pairs of griffon vultures, the highest number ever recorded, bringing the total population to 774 birds.

“Together, we’ve achieved what we set out to do: make Murcia one of the main habitats for griffon vultures,” López Miras said.

Over the past decade, the griffon vulture population has grown quickly. From just 85 breeding pairs in 2014, the number has nearly quadrupled, with a 275% increase. In 2024, the griffon vulture population reached a record for breeding also, with more pairs than ever successfully raising chicks, with a total of 270 young counted.

Over the past eight years, El Valle Wildlife Recovery Centre has rescued 45 griffon vultures, including seven released this year. The griffon vulture is one of the Iberian Peninsula’s largest soaring birds, with a wingspan of up to 2.5 metres and a weight of up to 9 kilos. As a scavenger, it plays an important role in keeping the ecosystems balanced.

Images: Ayuntamiento de Lorca