Although bearded vultures are “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List, they are endangered in Europe, with less than 150 territories remaining.

In all three continents that they reside in, Africa, Asia, and Europe, the range of bearded vultures has decreased tremendously, particularly in Europe.

Bearded vultures are considered “Endangered” in Europe, with less than 150 territories remaining in the European Union in 2007, and are currently being reintroduced in the Pyrenees and the Alps. The overall population of bearded vultures is estimated to number 1,000-10,000 individuals, but in Europe the population is estimated at 580-790 pairs, which equates to 1,200-1,600 mature individuals. Within Europe, the population is estimated to be decreasing by at least 10% in 53.4 years, or three generations.

However, because of the extremely large range of these birds, they are listed as “Near Threatened,” overall, on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

Sources: (Birdlife International, 2015, 2017; Ferguson-Lees & Christie, 2001; Margalida, et al., 2009; Tenenzapf, 2011)
Image: Tambako the Jaguar