Population decline and species extinction can have devastating ecological consequences by disrupting key ecosystem processes such as decomposition, pollination and seed dispersal. Griffon vultures are considered "avian scavengers" and provide the important ecological service of recycling carrion biomass, thus contributing to waste removal, disease regulation and the nutrient cycle.

Unfortunately, vultures are experiencing a drastic demographic decline worldwide and are considered among the most threatened animals. The long-term conservation of the Sardinian Griffon vulture population is therefore essential not only to preserve its role in the ecosystem, but also to allow the development of a broader conservation plan to restore the presence of all vultures on the island. Sardinia is in fact one of the priority areas for the conservation of vultures throughout the Old World.

The European population is increasing significantly, mainly due to the implementation of conservation measures, in particular campaigns to minimise poisoning and provide safe food at feeding stations. The European population is estimated at 32,400-34,400 couples, with Spain alone representing about 25,000 couples. Its range has also expanded thanks to reintroduction projects in France, the Italian peninsula and the Balkans.

In Italy the Griffon vulture is still included in the Red List as a critical risk, with the last natural population persisting in Sardinia. But there have been reintroductions in Friuli, Abruzzo and Sicily.