The griffon or vulture (Gyps fulvus), which the GNR Environmental Protection Center in Albufeira rescued yesterday, on a street in this city, has already been delivered to the RIAS – Wildlife Recovery and Research Center. where the bird is now recovering.
The griffin, which is an internationally protected wild species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), was first delivered by the GNR to the Institute for Nature and Forest Conservation (ICNF). ), the CITES Authority in Portugal, which, in turn, took the bird to the recovery center located at Quinta de Marim, in Olhão.
Thijs Valkenburg, one of the RIAS biologists, told the Sul Informação that the griffin was "very weak and hungry" when he arrived at the center, but "did not show any injuries".
According to this specialist, although the Algarve is not a region where griffins normally occur, they pass through the region at this time of year, on their autumnal migration to Africa. «Here in the Algarve there is no food for them, dead cattle, for example, and if for any reason they are kept here, they end up very debilitated». This was the case with this vulture rescued from the streets of Albufeira.
The biologist also said that it is very difficult for the griffin to have «attacked a person who was on a terrace», as stated by the GNR in the note sent to the newsrooms. Gryphons, despite being large birds, are vultures, which do not usually attack live prey. “What could have happened is that the griffin approached it looking for food and someone got scared by its size,” he explained.
At RIAS, the bird is already regaining strength. Thijs Valkenburg said that the treatment involves "providing you with good food and flight training conditions, in our 50-meter tunnel." Later, perhaps "in a month or two", it will then be returned to nature.
The RIAS technician says that this center currently houses six griffins – one hit by the blade of a wind turbine, another electrocuted and four that were admitted there very weakened. In addition to the vultures, many eagles, which are also recovering, have also been welcomed.
The griffin is a vulture that can measure up to 1 meter in length and 2,7 meters in wingspan, and weighs from 6 to 12 kilos. In Portugal, the main colonies are located in the Douro Internacional Natural Park, in the Tejo Internacional Natural Park and in Portas de Ródão, and there are also some specimens in the Serra de São Mamede, further south.
SUPPORT THE RIAS
If you want to help RIAS – Wildlife Research and Recovery Center in its mission, you can sponsor an animal in recovery, can volunteer, help with fundraising (food, clinical, kitchen, cleaning, computer equipment) or make a donation.
Your help will be an important support for the maintenance and improvement of the functioning of the RIAS, which will be happy to keep its supporters informed about the activities carried out in the recovery center, as well as other projects in which the RIAS participates.
Help us to do the Sul Informação!
Contribute your donation so that we can continue to make your journal!
Click here to support us (Paypal)
Or use our IBAN PT50 0018 0003 38929600020 44
Comments