Over the years, several episodes of vulture mortality caused by poisoning have occurred in Sardinia. From August 1997 to November 1998, 12 Griffon vultures were found death in the Bosa area, while 2 individuals were still alive and showed the symptoms of poisoning. Biological samples were sent to the competent laboratory. The analyses revealed the presence of dimethoate, a widely used organophosphate insecticide used to kill insects on contact and to prepare poisoned baits to kill livestock predators (foxes and stray dogs). In 2006, 30-35 individuals were lost, and the cause of death was investigated in 8 individuals found death in the Bosa area and brought to the Wildlife Rescue Centre of Bonassai (EFS). An acute liver necrosis was diagnosed. Samples were sent to the competent laboratory, but no specific molecule was found. In August 2008, poisoned baits determined the failure of the Bearded Vulture reintroduction project in Sardinia. Three vultures were released in May 2008 in the Supramonte di Orgosolo as part of an INTERREG Sardinia-Corsica project carried out by Nuoro Province, with the support of the Region of Sardinia and aimed at the reintroduction of the species in the island. The animals, within about three months after release, were killed with a rat poison sprinkled on the carcass of a sheep.

Location: unknown, all over the island

Impact: Over the past 20 years, poisoning has caused the death of at least 40 Griffon vultures in Sardinia.

How these problems and threats will be dealt with during the project.

• An anti-poison Dog Unit (NCA in Italian) will be formed and will operate in the project area;
• A sensitization campaign for the veterinaries, the farmers, the breeders, the hunters, and thegeneral public opinion will be carried on.