Black vulture reintroduction project hopes to establish Aude colony

For the last five years, an unusual vulture project has been planned by the senior members of the vulture team in Aude.

Black vultures (vautour moine) are the largest of the four vulture species that it is possible to see in France, with a wingspan of up to a massive 285 centimetres, but the only one of the four that does not nest here in the Aude. 

You have to be very lucky to spot one, as they are very rare and the majority are to be found in Spain. 

However, various projects for their reintroduction into France are underway, including captive breeding and release into the wild further to the east of us in the Grands Causses region, and also in the nearby Catalonia region of Spain. These released birds are often equipped with a GPS device so that their journeys after release can be monitored.

In silhouette, it is possible to distinguish them from the common griffon vulture
by their more parallel wing shape, the very long ‘fingers’ (primary feathers), and the more leisurely, slow-motion movements in flight. They will feed alongside the other vultures, and because of their powerful beaks are often the first to tear open a carcass and will take precedence in feeding. Close observation shows the paler faces and the enormous, powerful beak.

However, it was decided to attempt something here that had never been tried elsewhere on a raptor species, but which has been successful with other birds, especially highly social species like shorebirds. To obtain permission for this project was a Herculean task, with various government bodies involved, some of whom were supportive and some of whom were not, as will be seen later in the article. Raising the necessary funds for this long-term project also demanded huge effort. Some of the money has been privately donated.

In essence, the project required building an aviary to house captive birds that, for one reason or another, would never be able to be released into the wild. Ideally, there would be a pair of birds that would go through the motions of nest building, even brooding a clutch. This activity would be visible from above, where occasionally other vultures pass over, and as the species has a tendency to nest in loose colonies, with eyries of branches and twigs built in the tops of neighbouring conifer trees.

This is using a method that is known as ‘social attraction’, a term that applies to all animal species (including humans), and is used to explain behaviour that uses the presence of other conspecifics for finding food, soaring techniques and roosting together. In this case, it is hoped that it will lead to nesting of wild birds.

With the majority of permissions obtained, a first site was selected and the practical building of the aviary and surrounding fence undertaken. It had to be sufficiently remote to avoid disturbance, but also approachable by vehicle, as the captive birds would have to be fed twice a week with suitable carrion, and with suitable conifer trees nearby to provide for potential nesting.

By mid-2025, the aviary was nearly complete, but the local mayor started to be obstructive and found various reasons why the project should not go forward. It is believed that he was under the influence of local hunters, who were fearful of losing control over ‘their’ territory and who would not be able to hunt nearby. It should be said that they often object to conservation measures on principle.

An administrative battle ensued, with us, the LPO (French League for the Protection of Birds), eventually being forced to dismantle and translocate to another site about five kilometres away. We were lucky: it was possible to rescue nearly all the materials and reconstruct what is possibly a better aviary.

Throughout most of this long process, the search for suitable candidates for
the captive birds had been going on. Spain is the country in Europe that holds the largest populations of black vultures, and various opportunities have arisen, but due to the delays it was not possible to take up the offers. Finally, in late spring 2026, all was ready: a water pipe had been brought up to the site, and suitable shelters and perches had been constructed. As can be seen (photo, above), there is a net over the roof, which will stop ravens and other winged scavengers from stealing the food that will be provided. Not visible in the photo is a perimeter fence that will also give a measure of protection to the site. 

A video link has been installed, which will allow remote access to the site without undue disturbance.

Finally, word was received from two rescue centres here in France, which had been treating one of the birds since 2021, and the other since 2023, for a variety of ailments. At times, the treatment seemed to go well, but attempts to release them into the wild have always failed. Eventually, it was considered that release would never be possible, and thus they became available for the project.

Arrangements were made to go and fetch the two birds, and after a long journey they were installed in their new aviary, where they may live out their lives in security and under the care of the LPO Aude. They now have another role to play: perhaps helping to establish a colony here. Despite all the health challenges they have faced, they are magnificent birds.

Unfortunately, no DNA testing was done on these two birds while they were being treated, so it is not known which sex they are. They did arrive with their own names, Zappa and Badgoulien. 

Neither of the birds will ever be suitable for release into the wild, but the health problems they had have been stabilised and are no longer contagious. There is a possibility that a third bird may be sourced from a care centre in Spain at a later date. 

So, finally, after all the years of planning, another challenge of patience is required – the wait to see if the hoped-for result comes. This could take many more years.