02/12/2018
An
estimated 2,300 vultures have been poisoned across the Balkan
Peninsula during the last 20 years, according to a recent study.
The
review, published by the Balkan Vultures Poison Study, has revealed that 465
vultures have been confirmed as dying as a result of poisoning since 1998.
Given that only 20 per cent of poisoning incidents are discovered and reported,
the authors have concluded that the true number of deaths may
exceed 2,300.
The study
cross-examined poisoning incidents during the past 20 years, as well
as relevant legislation and proposals for future anti-poison actions,
concluding that low awareness of the issue from governmental institutions
and law enforcement agencies constitute the main factor preventing progress in
stamping out illegal poisoning.
Europe is
home to four different vulture species: Bearded, Cinereous, Egyptian and Griffon. In the Balkans, the former has
virtually vanished, with Egyptian declining dramatically and Griffon having
disappeared from most countries in the region. Illegal poisoning is the main
factor behind these downward trends, though other issues – including electrocution
and collision with electricity infrastructures, reduced food availability,
habitat loss and direct persecution – remain severe threats.
In order
to control species that are blamed for livestock and game losses, such as
Eurasian Wolf, Golden Jackal and feral dogs, farmers and hunters lace animal
remains with poisonous substances. Naturally, vultures are attracted to the
carrion, upon which they feed, and are consequently poisoned. Despite being
made illegal by the early 1990s, use of poison remains prevalent across
the region as it is often viewed as a quick and affordable solution
to the perceived predator problem.
