VOLUNTEERING WITH THE BVCF
The BVCF offers all people who love nature the opportunity to participate in our activities in Mallorca, as well as in other conservation projects. There are many activities to choose from, including:
Protection of Black Vulture Nesting Areas
In order to prevent disturbances to the vultures during their breeding season, volunteers monitor the passage of hill-walkers in the mountains. They inform visitors of the prohibited routes and which alternative routes are available, and they give out informational material about the conservation of the species. This activity is carried out every week during the vultures’ breeding period, from March until June.
Black Vulture Population Census:
For five consecutive days, in October, a team made up of volunteers and personnel from the BVCF, the Balearic Ministry of the Environment and the environmental group GOB, spreads throughout the Serra de Tramuntana to perform a count of the island´s vultures, following an established methodology. The only condition for participation is the desire to spend one or more days in the countryside. Those without experience are accompanied by expert volunteers who will add to their enjoyment with information on the sighting of vultures and other species.
Survey of New Nesting Areas:
During the last few years the nesting population of vultures has moved into new areas in the Serra de Tramuntana. In order to find these new locations, it is essential to observe the vultures in predetermined areas. The participation of volunteers is an important part of these excursions.
Public Awareness Programme:
Every year, we take part in different activities such as fairs, workshops, talks in schools, and conferences, to raise awareness of the vultures and our work. Volunteers assist in the preparation, and presentation of these activities or lend a hand at the information stands during, for example the Day of the Vulture in the village of Lluc.
Maintenance of the BVCF headquarters and estate:
Since 2002 the BVCF has been based in the Mediterranean Wild Life Conservation Centre, located in Son Pons, in the municipality of Campanet. Assistance from volunteers is necessary for forestry tasks and road and path maintenance to keep the property, which covers some 20 hectares, in a good state of repair. The aim is to encourage biodiversity and improve access to the property, as well as to reducing the risks of forest fires by removing old vegetation and clearing undergrowth.
Cage repair:
Many of the cages in the centre are in a very poor condition, as a result of several storms that have lashed Son Pons over the years, and it is now necessary to dismantle some of the cages as well as replace old or deteriorated components.
Cooperation with the SOS Veneno Programme (SOS Poison):
The indiscriminate use of poison to control predators has affected many species, inflicting a cruel death on any animal, including protected species such as the Black Vulture and the Red Kite, which feeds on poisoned meat. The work of volunteers consists of visiting areas where poison is suspected to have been used, and reporting possible cases of poisoning of protected or domestic animals to the authorities.
If you would like to volunteer, contact us by telephone or email, or send us this form.