The Griffon vulture has bred successfully in Cyprus for the first time since 2021, with five breeding pairs nesting across the island this year and producing three confirmed chicks. Conservationists from BirdLife Cyprus and the Game and Fauna Service hailed the development as a historic turning point for one of the island’s most endangered bird species.

Four of the five breeding pairs include vultures released under the EU-funded Life with Vultures project, highlighting the success of reintroduction efforts. The chicks will be fitted with rings and GPS transmitters to monitor their survival, while protection zones have been established around nesting sites, including ones within British bases, to minimize disturbances.

Despite the positive signs, threats such as illegal poisoning and electrocution from electricity infrastructure remain significant challenges. Conservation groups stress the importance of protecting breeding grounds and maintaining habitats to secure the Griffon vulture's long-term recovery. This latest progress offers renewed optimism after years of setbacks for the species in Cyprus.