Rehabilitated Saudi vultures settle in Armenia and Iraq after epic regional journey

According to the Saudi Gazette, two Eurasian Griffon vultures rehabilitated at the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve have successfully established new home ranges in Armenia and Iraq. The birds, identified as Vultures 535 and 536, were released in April 2023 as part of a regional conservation effort to monitor and support the species.

Tracking data released by the reserve indicates that the vultures spent approximately 17 months navigating a path across eight countries in the Middle East before settling into their current territories. Vulture 536 reportedly traveled through Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Iran before settling in Armenia, while Vulture 535 traversed Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq, Türkiye, and Iran to reach its home range in Iraq. Both birds are currently reported to be remaining within 100 kilometers of their established territories.

The release and subsequent tracking were highlighted to mark International Vulture Awareness Day, underscoring the success of the reserve's rehabilitation program. Conservationists note that such data provides critical insights into the migratory patterns and habitat requirements of the Eurasian Griffon, a species that faces significant environmental challenges across its range. The reserve continues to monitor the birds to ensure their ongoing adaptation to the wild.