Vultures in Lozère, by Sandrine

Where the vultures can be seen

Where the wisents from Poland can be seen

Where the wolves can be seen

Where the Przwalski horses from Mongolia can be seen

Vultures are scavenging birds, feeding mostly on the carcasses of dead animals. Vultures are found on every continent except Antarctica and Oceania.A particular characteristic of many vultures is a bald head, devoid of feathers. This is likely because a feathered head would become spattered with blood and other fluids, and thus be difficult to keep clean.A group of vultures is occasionally called a venue, and when circling in the air a group of vultures is called a kettle. (from wikipedia)

About 70 000 years ago there were vultures in Lozère.

In 1940 modern agriculture, pesticides and the poison that was used to get rid of the wolves and foxes provoked the disappearance of the vultures.

In 1970 four young vultures were brought from Spain to Lozère.

One of them was electrocuted, another one was killed by a hunter.

The other two disappeared.That was a failure.

In 1992 other species were introduced. Now there are over 30 birds in The Gorges de la Jonte.

The main cause of death is the electrical wires.

Ligue pour la protection des animaux

Bird protection league

Eurasian Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus) (vautour moine)

Black kite (Milan noir)

Red Kite (Milan royal)

Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus (vautour fauve)

Egyptian vulture (percnoptère) (Neophron percnopterus)

Big crow (Grand corbeau)