Populations of large raptors, especially when they reach very small sizes, are particularly sensitive to reductions in demographic rates (Pimm et al., 1993). Our data on Griffon vulture demographic parameters recorded in Sardinia during a 28 year-long period show that, while breeding success (mean value 0.68 fledglings/egg-laying pair/year) is comparable to values recorded in other populations, productivity (mean value 0.49 fledglings/territorial pair/year) is lower (see table 2). In general terms, and from the analysis of existing literature, it can be assumed that Griffon populations with higher breeding success are those expanding to new areas or experiencing high food availability; meanwhile, those exhibiting lower values are saturated, or suffer from food shortage and human pressure. However, the lower productivity experienced in Sardinia may be a product of the population’s island character (‘insular syndrome’ [Blondel 2000]).

Location: northwestern Sardinia

Impact: We calculated that would productivity have been always ≥ 0.60, the population of Griffon vulture in Sardinia would have produced 98 more fledglings in the last 28 years (3.5 more fledglings per year).

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

• Restocking program: a total of 45-60 individuals will be released over the 5 years of the project.Individuals will be obtained with the collaboration of the Vulture Conservation Foundation, that showed its commitment by signing the declaration of support. Before their release, which will be planned in 3 waves, the vultures will be kept for 2 years in the adaptation aviary located in Porto Conte – Alghero, near the supplementary feeding station within the territory of EFS.
• Specialization of the wildlife rescue centre of Bonassai in the cure and rehabilitation of vultures (EFS): the aviaries for the hospitalization and rehabilitation of large vultures will be built;
• Captive reproduction program: at the moment 2 adult males are kept in captivity at the wildliferescue centre of Bonassai (EFS). Over the years, the growth of the population, will increase the odds of having females from the local population with irrecoverable traumas. Even if it will involve few breeding pairs, in the long term the progressive release of individuals born in captivity will mimic the genetic and demographic ‘‘rescue effects’’ of immigration on population persistence.Thus, the facilities needed will be built and the personnel will be formed at this aim.