HISTORY OF THE FOUNDATION
The Black Vulture Conservation Foundation (BVCF) was founded in 1986 in Wassenar, Holland, with the aim of contribute to the recovery of the Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus) in Europe and to reestablish the species’ historical distribution range on the continent. The Foundation is made up of experts on birds of prey and conservation from Spain, Holland, Germany and Austria, and our work is carried out with support from the Frankfurt Zoological Society and the Wassenar Wildlife Breeding Center.
With this aim the BVCF-Spain, based in Mallorca, carries out a wide range of conservation activities, with emphasis placed on: the reduction of threats to the species; the management and protection of its habitats; environmental education activities; breeding of vultures in captivity; and the liberation of vulture specimens for the reintroduction of the species, or to reinforce the small populations which exist in Europe. In addition to these activities, the BVCF has created and carries out the “Action Plan for the Recovery and Conservation of Vultures on the Balkan Peninsula and Adjacent Regions”, also known as the Balkan Vulture Action Plan (BVAP). Included in this ambitious project is an important social component, working to encourage an environmentally sustainable local economy.
The creation of the BVCF has put into motion a wider strategy for the conservation of the Black Vulture in Europe, involving the cooperation of governments, local NGOs, international organisations and the European Union.
The Foundation has recently begun to open up new avenues in its work, doing its part in the fight against poverty. Actions for the promotion of sustainability and eco-development are an important part of the foundation´s in the Balkan projects, in addition to traditional methods of conservation.
The BVCF coordinates its projects from its headquarters in Mallorca, the Mediterranean Wildlife Conservation Centre, together with the Mediterranean Wildlife Foundation (FVSM) and the Foundation for International Bird Conservation (FCIA).
PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
1986-2007. Programme of Conservation for the Black Vulture in Mallorca: This program is carried out in close cooperation with the Government of the Balearic Islands, volunteers and local representatives.
1986-2007. European Breeding in Captivity Programme for the Black Vulture: Captive breeding is an important aspect of the conservation of endangered species. There are 44 breeding stations (zoos and specialised centers) throughout Europe which participate in this programme, working within the framework of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP).
1986-2007. Monitoring the Black Vulture in Spain: With the support of local NGOs and administrations, the Foundation collects precise information about the conservation status and development of the species in Spain.
1997-2007. Actions against the illegal use of poison in Europe: Since 1997, the BVCF has put in motion a wide range of activities against the illegal use of poison in natural environments. The Antidote Programme, is a European coalition of NGOs and administrations against the threat, involving local, national and international participation.
1992-2007. Project for the reintroduction of the Black Vulture in France (Cévennes, Verdon y Baronnies): This project is carried out in collaboration with LPO/FIR, the Baronnies Vulture Association and the administration of Cévennes National Park, and counts on the collaboration of various Spanish Autonomous Communities, the Ministry of the Environment, and European zoos.
1997-2000. LIFE-NATURE project “Black Vulture Conservation in a European Network”, with five specific sub-projects carried out in Portugal, Spain, Italy, France and Greece.
2001-2005. LIFE-NATURE project “Conservation of the Black Vulture in Mallorca and other SPAs in Spain”, carried out in Andalusia, Extremadura, Castille-Leon and the Balearic Islands.
2002-2007. Action Plan for the Recovery and Conservation of Vultures on the Balkan Peninsula and Adjacent Regions, a project involving local NGOs and administrations for the recovery of the four vulture species historically present in the region: the Black Vulture, the Bearded Vulture, the Griffon Vulture and the Egyptian Vulture.
2003-2007. European Vulture Voluntary Programme: This project brings together diverse initiatives, involving the participation of volunteers supported by the European Union, the Government of the Balearic Islands, the Frankfurt Zoological Society and the VOLCAM programme.HUMAN RESOURCES, MATERIALS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Our activities are carried out from the Mediterranean Wildlife Conservation Centre in the Son Pons estate, located in the municipality of Campanet, Mallorca. The Centre spans a 20 hectare area, and includes a Holm Oak wood, an agricultural zone with carob and almond trees, watercourse and buildings. The centre's facilities include a library, a permanent exhibition room, a conference hall, a lecture room for environmental education, accommodation of temporary staff, laboratory, kitchen facilities, and installations for temporary stay of vultures to be liberated into the wild.
Our staff consists of professionals from several different fields, and volunteers from Mallorca and throughout Europe.
Our centre is open for visits from the public. Due to the variety of people interested in our activities, we have established the following days for visits, based on language.
- Wednesdays: Spanish and Catalan speakers
- Tuesdays and Thursdays: English and German Speakers
During the visit you will get to know the history of the BVCF and the work we are doing now. You can also take a stroll around our 20 hectare estate, where you will encounter a multitude of plants and birds of interest. Finally, you will come face to face with the Black Vulture we have living in the centre. The visit, including introductory talk and presentation, lasts approximately one hour.
If you are interested in visiting the centre, it is neccesary to contact us a few days beforehand to confirm the day and time you want to visit, in order to make sure that there is someone to attend to you.
