Egyptian vulture

(Neophron percnopterus)

Category of conservation concern (IUCN, 2020) – Endangered 

Population size: 2020: 24 pairs (2007: 30 – 40 pairs)

Distribution pattern

With fragmented patchy distribution, concentrated in the Eastern Rhodopes, the Eastern Stara Planina, the Provadiysko–Royaksko Plato, and Lomovete. In the past, the species was found in the northern part of the Iskar Gorge, and in some dry valleys in Dobrudzha, Sakar, Strandzha, Western Stara Planina and the Fore-Balkans.

Population estimation for the period 2013 – 2020:  During the period 2013-2020, the species was found in 12 squares throughout the country, most of which on the territory of the Eastern Rhodopes and in isolated single squares in Northern Bulgaria. In the past, the species was widespread and numerous throughout the country. The number of Egyptian vultures has decreased significantly from hundreds of pairs in the past to 24 in 2019, and 76% of them are located in the Eastern Rhodopes.

Population size in Special Protection Areas of Natura 2000: 20 pairs (83% of the population). The highest numbers have been registered in the Special Protection Areas “Studen Kladenets” (4 pairs) and “Madzharovo” (4 pairs).

Comparative distribution of the species compared to the first breeding birds atlas (Iankov, 2007): Breeding locality until 2007 | Breeding locality until 2007, confirmed after 2015 – | New breeding locality after 2015. – The breeding localities after 2015 are identified on a base of raw data from smartbirds.org.

Habitats

Breeds mainly on inland cliffs and exposed rocks, often – close to small settlements, especially in the Eastern Rhodopes and Lomovete.

Trends in population changes for the period 2013-2020

Threats

The use of poisons and poisonous baits in the wild, the use of pesticides in agriculture, collisions with power lines and electric shocks, poaching and taking of specimens from the wild, disturbance by tourists and by forestry activities.

Vladimir Dobrev