Population size and breeding success of the Cinereous Vulture, Aegypius monachus, in a newly found breeding area in western Anatolia (Aves: Falconiformes)

Abstract

A total of 123 nests of the Cinereous Vulture, Aegypius monachus, was found in three different nesting areas in Middle Sakarya Region, Western Turkey, during three years. The number of breeding pairs was 32 in 2010, 46 in 2011 and 42 in 2012. This is the largest Cinereous Vulture colony in Turkey and the most important breeding area in the western part of its distribution outside Spain. Breeding success was 0.78 fledgling per occupied nest in 2010, 0.73 in 2011 and 0.54 in 2012. The most unsuccessful breeding occurred mostly between May and July, when recreational activities and various economic human activities increased in the area.

Keywords:

• Breeding success
• Cinereous Vulture
• Eurasian Black Vulture
• nesting area
• threats

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by a scientific research grant (project no: 109T217) from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK). The study was carried out under permit from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (B.18.0.DMP.0.00.02.549.03/576).