The characteristic features of the Griffon Vulture are its long neck, covered with fine down, its white ruff and bluff plumage. Its hooked bill, talons and piercing eyes show that it is a raptor. With its impressive wingspan of 2.5 – 2.8 meters, it’s one of the largest European raptors.
Despites its size it is completely harmless, and incapable of capturing a live prey. It is a necrophagous, feeding only on carrion. The griffon Vulture lives in colonies ranging in size from a few individuals to a hundred or more pairs, a lifestyle that makes finding food easier when on the move. A hundred years ago the Griffon Vulture was found throughout the Mediterranean, particularly in the medium mountain in southern France, from which it disappeared as a result of the proliferation of firearms and the poisoning of large predators (bears and wolves).
With the authorisation of the ministry of the environment, the association “Vautours en Haute Provence” and the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux delegation Alpes-Cote-d’Azur (the French representative of Birdlife International) are implementing the programme for the reintroduction of the Griffon Vulture in the Gorges du Verdon.
One hundred years after the disappearance of the species of the Haute Provence, 12 birds were released from their aviary in the commune of Rougon on 16 October 1999 after being ringed and fitted with transmitters for purposes of identification and monitoring. It took them two weeks to learn how to fly properly again. Then between 1999 and 2004 a total of 90 birds have been released in six successful operations, with a result that a colony of Griffon Vultures has been formed and is nesting in the Gorges du Verdon. A landmark: the first three birds born in the wild – Grifoun, Vooutour and Tamisié – left the nest in the late summer of 2002.
You have the unique chance to observe these birds in their new surroundings. During summer time (from mid-June to mid-September) they are guided tour 3 days a week with “Voir le Piaf” association. Please call 06 26 47 50 00 to book the visit.
During low season, contact our Tourist Information Centre 04 92 83 61 14."
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